Sefrou: Cherry Town & Little Jerusalem

For centuries Sefrou was home to one of Morocco’s largest Jewish communities, which earned the town the nickname “Little Jerusalem”. Almost all of the community has since emigrated, but the narrow alleys and balconied courtyard houses of the mellah still recall a town where Jewish and Muslim neighbours shared festivals and trade.

Ask in the nearby shops for someone who knows the quarter’s history; a local guide brings it to life.

The Oued Aggai river runs through Sefrou, and bridges cross it between the two halves of the old town. Unlike the medinas of Fes and Marrakech, Sefrou’s is compact, easy to find your way around and free of hustle. The riverside walk is the highlight, and the medina is small enough to explore without a guide.

A spring near the town that local tradition holds can cure madness. Visit with respect: it is a place of belief, not a sight.

Sefrou’s small waterfall is walkable from the medina. It flows best in spring and drops to a trickle in summer. Bring a picnic.

Caves in the hills above Sefrou that hold ancient tombs; tradition claims one as the tomb of the prophet Daniel. The walk up is steep: wear sturdy shoes and bring a torch. There is no visitor infrastructure, so tell someone where you are going.

Sefrou sits in a fertile valley of olive groves and cherry orchards. Follow the Oued Aggai out of the medina into the groves, a rural landscape minutes from town. In cherry season, roadside sellers offer fresh fruit.

A colourful hillside village known for its troglodyte houses: homes carved into the rock that are still lived in. Combine it with Sefrou for a full day from Fes, and ask in the main square for a local guide.