The mountains around Tafraoute are the main attraction. They seem to avoid gravitation, as if they were held up by their sparkling colours alone. Situated 3,608 feet high deep in the heart of the Anti Atlas, the town is surrounded by rock formations, a riot of huge granite rocks scattered over the grandiose landscape. It is an extraordinarily scenic setting to be found no place else in Morocco.
The facades of the small houses are often painted with unusual designs of ochre or white and very picturesque; they give the homes a look of well-being. Erected by men who left the town to seek their fortunes elsewhere, these houses are some of the most prosperous-looking rural structures to be found in Morocco. Most of the men are grocers in large Moroccan cities or immigrants in Europe and return, usually once a year, to see their families. With them, they bring money to build these abodes and generally introduce prosperity to this small town of about 6,000 inhabitants.
Stop a while in the center of town to explore a rug market. It’s the usual tourist trap for guided tours, but you can really make a great deal for a beautiful carpet!