Brikcha: Nature and protected areas in the Rif

Protected areas in the Rif and the Mediterranean

Brikcha is associated with protected areas in several ways. The area is part of the national network of protected areas of biological and economic interest, and is also among the protected areas of the Rif region. Nature is therefore a defining aspect of this destination. If you are looking for more than individual activities for your holiday and value the landscape and its protected-area character as a theme, Brikcha offers a clear reason to explore.

Brikcha is also one of the seven protected areas of the Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean. The reserve extends between northern Morocco and Andalusia in Spain, and was officially recognised by UNESCO on 25 October 2005. The number seven refers to the protected areas within this reserve; Brikcha is one of them. For trip planning, this context opens up a view of a wider area without severing Brikcha’s ties to the Rif region.

Its place in the national network and its connection to the Rif region establish a regional scale; the Biosphere Reserve extends further, between northern Morocco and Andalusia. These different levels situate Brikcha in different ways and help you see the local travel idea within a broader natural-geographic context. The activities, in turn, are linked to specific visitor opportunities in the municipality. You can first consider the protected-area theme as a reason for choosing the destination, then look at the activities on offer.

Nature activities in the municipality

The Eco-centre Bellota is located in Douar Bellota, in the municipality of Brikcha, Ouezzane. From there, the Coopérative Menzah Izaren pour le Tourisme Rural organises visits, stays, activities and themed tours for guests who want to experience authenticity and the everyday lives of local people.

The eco-centre in Bellota offers hikes in the SIBE area in the Brickcha forest or along the river. Visitors can also discover medicinal plants, wildlife and plant life. There is a choice of both hikes and several specific nature-focused topics.

The activities cater to different interests: a hike in the forest or along the river draws attention to the surroundings, while discoveries of medicinal plants, wildlife and plant life focus on specific nature-related topics. Themed tours add an insight into the everyday lives of local people. If you are travelling together, you can decide whether exercise, learning about plants and animals, or a themed insight should shape your stay.

When choosing a holiday rental, it may help to distinguish between two priorities: is the protected-area character the main focus of your trip, or would you rather plan specific activities in the municipality? If visits to the Eco-centre are part of your plans, take the location of Douar Bellota into account when considering where to stay. If you plan to take part in a particular activity, check its current availability directly with the Coopérative.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: El Jebha, Derdara, Stehat, Amsa, Martil, Taferka, Tétouan, M'diq.

For the broader travel overview: Tangier-Tétouan.