Tiznit

Tiznit is the silver jewelry capital of Morocco and the gateway to the Anti-Atlas mountains and Saharan coast. Its compact walled medina is far less pressured than the imperial cities, and the silversmiths' souk — where craftsmen still work by hand — is one of the most authentic craft markets in the country.

Tiznit was founded relatively recently (1882) by Sultan Hassan I as a military base to control the restive Sous region and resist colonial encroachment. The surrounding Anti-Atlas region was the last in Morocco to submit to French authority — the resistance leader El Hiba launched his jihad against French forces from Tiznit in 1912.

Silver jewelry — particularly heavy Berber pieces with geometric patterns, enameling, and semi-precious stones — is the city's defining craft. The weekly Thursday market draws Berber women from surrounding villages to sell and buy. Traditional Amazigh tattooing patterns (now more commonly painted with henna) are preserved in the jewelry designs.

• ✓Come on a Thursday for the weekly souk.
• ✓The silver jewelry is excellent quality — a good place to buy authentic Berber pieces.
• ✓Combine with Sidi Ifni (56km) on the Atlantic coast for a beautiful circuit.
• ✓Anti-Atlas mountain driving from Tiznit toward Tafraout is spectacular.

CTM buses from Agadir (2h) and Marrakech (5h). Grand taxis link to surrounding towns. No train or airport.