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The forest vocation and historical and cultural heritage
offered by the city of Chefchaouen make this province
a great tourist spot with extremely bright prospects for
the future.
With its Mediterranean climate, arts and crafts, water
resources, thick forests and history, the province of
Chefchaouen has a first-rate tourist vocation.
Varied natural resources The province of Chefchaouen is basically mountainous.
The main summits rarely rise above 2000 meters but
include splendid points of view. The lie of the land
means countless opportunities for hiking and walks,
from the steep slopes to vast only slightly inclined flat
areas. Arcs, natural bridges, peaks and cliffs offer
numerous possibilities for a wide variety of activities
and sports, such as climbing, mountaineering and
paragliding.
From north to south in succession one finds low-lying
shale mountains, a limestone backbone and primary
land area. The limestone backbone offers a
particularly attractive landscape. Its prolongation
inside the province passes through impressive rise to a large
hydrographic network.
There are beautiful gorges for canyon runs and a great
number of cavities explored by seasoned cavers. The
rivers and streams are places where many tourist
activities take place. These genuine arteries of the
landscape are great for rafting, canoeing, kayaks and
fishing.
Water is also present as can be detected by the mantel
of greenery visible everywhere. Apart from
Mediterranean flora the mountain is the home of
Africa's only fir forest. Its protection led to the creation
of the natural park of Talassemtane. Outings can be
organized there for observing the botany, flora and
fauna for the dual purpose of relaxation and learning.
The coastal area of Chefchaouen spreads over 120 km
between the mouth of Oued Laou and the fishermen's'
area alongside El Jabha. The mountains sloping
suddenly down into the sea give rise to great coastal
diversity. But true this region's true character is
attributable to its natural, wild appearance.
There are beaches of gray sand formed by the
palaeozoic land running along the coast.
Often they
are covered by polished pebbles rubbed by the steady
movement of the waves. Humans have lived there from
time immemorial. Several remainders of the medieval
period are still visible.
The history of the Chefchaouen region is intimately
connected to that of the Ghomera which deeply
marked the region.
Several religious or social
moussems are organized throughout the year. Every
week suks (markets) are held all over this provincial
territory. They offer just so many opportunities for
becoming acquainted with the output of agricultural
products of crafts such as weaving and Ghomera
pottery.
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