Berkane

Berkane is a city in northeastern Morocco, near the Mediterranean coast and close to the Algerian border. It is known as the “Orange City” because of its vast citrus farms and high-quality oranges exported across Morocco and abroad. The city has a population of about 120,000 people.

Berkane lies in the Triffa plain in the Oriental region of Morocco. The population is predominantly Amazigh (Berber) and Arab, and Moroccan Arabic (Darija) and Tarifit are widely spoken.

The modern city developed during the French Protectorate (1912–1956), when large-scale agriculture, especially citrus farming, expanded in the region. After Morocco gained independence in 1956, Berkane continued to grow as an agricultural and commercial center.

Today, Berkane is famous not only for agriculture but also for football. The local club, Renaissance Sportive de Berkane (RSB), has won national and continental titles and brought international attention to the city.

The climate is Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot, dry summers.

The nearest major airport is in Oujda.

34.78715-1.923991 Oujda Angads Airport (About 45 km east of Berkane, near Oujda). The main airport serving northeastern Morocco, with domestic and international flights.  (updated Feb 2026)

From the airport, taxis and buses are available to Berkane.

Berkane is connected by rail to major Moroccan cities.

ONCF trains run from Oujda and Nador. Travelers from Casablanca, Rabat or Fes usually change trains in Oujda.

CTM and other bus companies operate routes from Oujda, Nador, Fes, Rabat and Casablanca. Travel time from Oujda is about 1 hour.

Map of Berkane

Petit taxis are the easiest way to get around the city. The city center is compact and can also be explored on foot.

• Medina of Berkane (City center). The traditional market area with local shops, cafés and everyday Moroccan life. (updated Feb 2026)

• Municipal Stadium of Berkane. Match days. Home stadium of Renaissance Sportive de Berkane. (updated Feb 2026)

• 35.0817-2.22861 Saïdia – a popular Mediterranean beach resort about 25 km north.
• 34.6814-1.90862MISSING WIKILINK Oujda – the largest city in the Oriental region.
• 34.89-2.363 Zegzel Valley – known for caves, green landscapes and hiking.

• Visit local orange farms during harvest season (winter and spring).
• Watch a football match if RS Berkane is playing at home.
• Take a day trip to Saïdia beach.
• Explore the countryside and nearby mountains.

Berkane is famous for citrus fruits, especially oranges and clementines. Local markets sell fresh produce at good prices. Olive oil and regional honey are also popular products.

Local restaurants serve traditional Moroccan dishes such as tagine, couscous and grilled meats. Fresh orange juice is widely available and highly recommended.

Coffee shops are common in the city center. Fresh fruit juices, especially orange juice, are a specialty.

Berkane has small hotels and guesthouses in the city center. More resort-style accommodation can be found in nearby Saïdia.

Mobile coverage is good throughout the city. Internet cafés and Wi-Fi are available in many cafés and hotels.

• Head north to Saïdia for beaches.
• Travel east to Oujda for shopping and regional transport connections.
• Explore Nador and the Rif region.