Mirleft Castle: Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated on 25th July 2025 by Jessie

Curious about Mirleft Castle? This quick guide shares how to visit the town’s most iconic ruin—plus tips on views, timing, and what makes it so special.

Mirleft Castle, or Tidli Fort, was erected by the French military during their colonial rule of Morocco. The fortress now lies in ruins, but the site remains a prominent historic landmark, carrying the reminder of Morocco’s fairly recent battle for independence. Located on a hill overlooking the village, the short walk up to the ruins makes for a great afternoon sojourn. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Mirleft Castle.

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History of Mirleft Castle

Now I’m no history buff, I’m just a mediocre writer sharing my unsolicited travel advice, but here’s what I’ve pieced together about Mirleft Castle.

The castle ruins, more accurately known as Fort Tidli or the Agadir of Mirleft (Agadir meaning ‘fortified granary’, not the city), are a hangover from the French Protectorate in the region.

There are conflicting reports about whether the fortress belonged to the French or the Spanish. Historical records strongly indicate that Mirleft lay within the geographical area controlled by the Spanish. However, all locals that I have spoken to claim that Fort Tidli was built by the French.

From what I’ve pieced together, Spain’s Protectorate from 1912 to 1956 over northern Morocco and the southern Saharan region, coincided with France’s ruling of central and southern Morocco. With the two states of power simultaneously trotting around the place on their high horses, the lines of control were pretty fluid. It’s possible that whilst Mirleft was formally controlled by the Spanish, Fort Tidli may have been commissioned as part of a French military campaign.

Either way, it’s tomatoes-tomAHtoes to the Moroccan population who bore the brunt of it and had their land dispossessed from them. And as a social worker by trade, I’m predisposed to honouring the victims’ narrative.

So, echoing the local telling of the tale – in 1935, the French military recruited Berber slaves to construct the fortress from natural stone and concrete. The fortress has not been well maintained, thus only the structure remains. However, you can still clearly see the guard towers, horse stables, a cistern, and the jail cells.

Here I was walking around the castle ruins eager to know where the ballroom once stood and in which room the queen would powder her nose. But alas, it’s not that kind of castle.

The location of Mirleft castle atop the mountain not only served as a military vantage point, but also to emphasise France’s (or Spain’s) dominium over the region. King of the castle kind of mentality.

Morocco regained its independence in 1956, allowing Mirleft to return to the quaint fishing village it is today. However, with the number of times I’m met with ‘Ça va?’ when I walk down the street, it’s pretty clear that the French have left their mark. Likewise with the Spanish architectural influence on the neighbouring village of Sidi Ifni. See how to get from Mirleft to Sidi Ifni.

For additional, more interesting and more accurate information about Mirleft castle, please do yourself a favour and ask a local.

Visiting Mirleft Castle

Entry to the Mirleft castle ruins is free. You are welcome to wander around and peruse at your leisure. There is no signage or information at the ruins. Probably why there’s a fair bit of ‘he said, she said’.

There is, however, a self-appointed tour guide posted at the fortress most of the time. His name is Youssef, and he is an absolute legend. He will walk you around the ruins, explain what each area used to be, and share the history of the castle and Morocco’s battle for territory in far greater accuracy than I have here.

Youssef mostly speaks French (and of course Arabic), but will patiently repeat himself over and over, with many a hand gesture. So even with my kindergarten-level French, I could get the gist of most of it.

Often Youssef will offer you mint tea, and perhaps a ride or his donkey – Asgan. He won’t ask for any money in return, but you should definitely tip him nonetheless.

The trek up to the castle ruins can be a bit much in the heat of day. I advise visiting at sunrise or sunset to capitalise on the incredible mountaintop views. Castle ruins aside, it’s great for a gentle hike with rewarding views of Mirleft village.

How to Get to Mirleft Castle

Perched up on a hill overlooking the village, you can see the Mirleft castle ruins from the town. If you walk, it takes about 20 minutes in total to get to Mirleft Castle from the centre of the village. Simply follow the main road (that splits the village in half) up the hill, then turn left at the sign for ‘Les 3 Chameaux’.

It is then about 10 minutes further up the gravel road. The gradient isn’t too steep, so it’s fairly accessible for most people.

You can also reach Mirleft Castle by car. Park outside the hotel ‘Les 3 Chameaux’ and then walk 5 minutes further up the gravel road to the castle.

For more Mirleft travel tips, check out my village guides.

More tips:

• Mirleft Souk
• Best Surf Camps in Mirleft
• Aftas Beach House Review
• Top 10 Things to Do in Mirleft
• Cafes and Restaurants in Mirleft

For more Maroc info and a little less of my own opinions, I’ve created a travel wisdom-sharing hub over on Facebook. Join the group here.