The story of Talassemtane National Park

The mountains around you belong to Talassemtane National Park, in the Rif region of northern Morocco. It was created in October 2004 to protect the last of Morocco's threatened fir forests, and in its heart, under the highest level of protection, grow the only Spanish firs native to Morocco. The park covers 589.5 square kilometres, at elevations between 350 and 1,050 metres, and is part of the Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean.

Because it lies so close to Chefchaouen, it is a popular place for hikers; its attractions include the Bridge of God, a natural bridge, and the villages of El Kalaá and Akchour. More than 1380 plant species have been recorded here, 47 of them found only in Morocco, and the endangered Atlas cedar grows here too. Keep an eye on the sky: the bearded vulture and over 100 other birds have been observed in the park.

Other residents include Barbary macaques and Greek tortoises.