Morocco’s 15 most beautiful places to see and visit
15 most beautiful places: Morocco is a must-see destination for all those wishing to discover North Africa, with their family for example. From the mysterious alleyways of the medinas to the endless expanses of the Sahara, from the majestic peaks of the Atlas Mountains to the waves of the Atlantic, this country captivates travelers with its rich culture and diverse landscapes. You’ll discover bustling souks, sumptuous palaces, verdant oases and picturesque riads. Other highlights of a stay in Morocco include gastronomic delights, the warm welcome of Moroccans and the wonder of traditional craftsmanship. This article invites you on a captivating journey to the heart of this land of contrasts, where authenticity and modernity live side by side in perfect symbiosis. Here are the 15 most beautiful places to visit in the Land of a Thousand and One Nights.
1. Marrakech, the “red city
Marrakech is a favorite destination for travelers wishing to discover Morocco, and it’s also one of the top 10 places to go with a baby! The medina is home to some of the city’s finest monuments, including the Bahia Palace and the Koutoubia Mosque. Numerous rooftops overlook the historic part of the city. To soak up the atmosphere of Marrakech, there’s nothing like strolling through its souks, sitting down at a restaurant table and strolling through the mythical Jemaa el-Fna square. You can also relax in the heart of the city, on a camel ride through the palm grove, or discover the incredible Jardin Majorelle. Inspired by Moroccan oases and Islamic gardens, this is a festival of colors dominated by blue.
2. Dades Gorge, a journey into the bowels of the earth
The Dades Gorge is a geological wonder in central Morocco. A true natural curiosity, the river flows along ochre and red walls reminiscent of the Grand Canyon in the USA. In some places, troglodytic houses are waiting to be explored. Elsewhere, arid landscapes give way to oases of fig, date and almond trees. Hiking is on the agenda, of course, and the area is one of the 10 hikes to do in Morocco, but climbing and rafting are also available. Nomads are a common sight in the Dades Gorge. They travel with their herds on donkeys or camels.
3. Aït-Ben-Haddou, an architectural treasure trove in Morocco
Located in the province of Ouarzazate, Aït-Ben-Haddou is a fortified village unlike any other in the Maghreb. It is one of the country’s best-preserved ksars. Its hillside location, the terracotta and ochre colors of its dwellings and defensive walls, how could you not want to photograph it from every angle? Discover this jewel of southern Morocco along its winding streets, where some locals invite you into their stores. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aït-Ben-Haddou has also been the location for films and TV series such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia and Game of Thrones.
4. Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon
15 most beautiful places: Stretching between the High Atlas to the north and Jebel Saghro to the south, the Todra valley invites you to explore its impressive, warmly-colored limestone cliffs. It is one of the ideal destinations for magnificent hikes. Once you’ve reached the Todra Gorge, marvel at the scenery and take the time to cool off with a dip in the Oued Todra. A hike in this fascinating part of Morocco is an opportunity to admire kasbahs and stop off at oases. Here and there, a few rock-climbing enthusiasts attempt to scale rock faces that can reach 300 m in height.
5. Fez, the fascinating
Fez is often referred to as the cultural capital of Morocco. has nothing but pleasant surprises in store for visitors. Its medina is home to sites dating back to the 13th and 15th centuries, as well as the oldest university in the Muslim world. Later, take time to visit the leather tanners’ workshops, before finding a large number of craftsmen in the souk. Fès is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts. The medina gates are magnificent, as are the medersas, the fondouk and the royal palace. Want to take home a souvenir? Head for Place Seffarine, where stalls sell teapots, perfume burners and other containers. Fès is ideal for a couple or a group of friends. We recommend booking this guided tour of Fès, which will take you through the labyrinth of streets in the medina, the tanneries, the Bou Inania medersa, the Nejjarine museum and much more.
6. Merzouga, gateway to the Sahara
Many tourists who visit Morocco take the opportunity to tread the sands of the Sahara Desert. Merzouga, a small village in south-eastern Morocco, is famous for the high dunes of Erg Chebbi, which stretch along its edge. Once you’re there, you can enjoy a multitude of activities. Walk in the desert, camel ride or take part in a quad bike excursion.
One of the most authentic ways to immerse yourself in the Sahara is to sleep in a Berber tent or under the stars in the company of the Saharouis. For those who wish to climb the great dune, its summit reveals a breathtaking spectacle: a view of white storks and pink flamingos enjoying the water on Lake Dayet Srij. Tempted by the experience? This 3-day excursion from Marrakech to Merzouga will introduce you to the real Moroccan Sahara desert, with its sand dunes, oases, kasbahs and rocky landscapes. You’ll also spend a night in a camp under the stars.
7. The Ouzoud waterfalls, a natural paradise in Morocco
When visiting Marrakech, it’s essential to explore the surrounding area. After passing the Atlas mountain ranges, you’ll come across natural wonders like the Ouzoud waterfalls. These 110 m-high waterfalls cascade down three levels of red sandstone rock. Once there, it’s hard to resist the urge to get as close as possible, on foot or aboard a boat. You can also enjoy a cup of tea or a tagine overlooking this breathtaking environment. Would you like to visit the Ouzoud waterfalls from Marrakech? Book this guided tour and enjoy a boat ride to admire the falls up close!
8. Paradise Valley, an enchanted escape
15 most beautiful places: Paradise Valley lies at the heart of the mountain range overlooking Agadir. It reveals an idyllic setting, with waterfalls, natural pools, streams, ochre-colored earthworks and touches of vegetation. A sumptuous oasis that offers a little coolness when temperatures soar in the region. There are a number of hikes to be enjoyed in Paradise Valley, some long, some shorter. In all cases, you’ll be rewarded with a swim in the turquoise waters of the natural pools.
9. Agadir, a must-see seaside resort
Agadir has a more modern face than many other Moroccan cities. Rebuilt after the 1960 earthquake, it is now a popular seaside resort, with year-round mild temperatures. We start by taking a trip back in time to discover the Kasbah, the ruins of its ancient ramparts. Then it’s on to the beach. Agadir’s bay offers sandy beaches, the Atlantic Ocean, swimming and a wide range of water sports. There’s something for everyone in the city, with museums devoted to the city’s art and history, wide flower-filled avenues with boutiques and European-style cafés where you can share a drink in the sunshine. Agadir is ideal for family vacations.
10. The Fint oasis, a haven of peace
The origin of “Fint” is believed to be n’fint, meaning “hidden” in Berber. The Fint oasis lies to the south of Ouarzazate. It’s a verdant world set amidst rocky outcrops. The reddish walls contrast with the lush palm grove. Along the river banks, dwellings shelter members of the Amazigh community, who live mainly from farming activities. The beauty of raw nature, the hospitality of the locals, the walks offering magnificent views over the oasis and the chance to rest in the shade of a palm tree are all reasons to spend a long time here.
11. Chefchaouen, the blue pearl
Nicknamed the “blue city”, Chefchaouen is one of Morocco’s most photogenic towns. Here, everything is blue, albeit with a few nuances: the facades of houses, doors, staircases and arches. There’s a good reason for this: like white, blue keeps the houses cool. In the streets, you’ll find a wide range of handicrafts, including clothes, blankets, jewelry and leather goods. In Chefchaouen, gastronomy is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Jban cheese, fresh, tasty, creamy and spread on traditional bread, is a must-try.
We recommend you book this guided tour, which will introduce you to the famous blue city of Chefchaouen, its must-see sites, its culture and its history, with commentary from your driver.
12. Dakhla, between Atlantic and Sahara
15 most beautiful places: Dakhla is a peninsula in southern Morocco. It is home to a town of the same name. Where desert meets ocean, the scenery is magnificent, with wild beaches, crystal-clear waters, white dunes and, in places, almost lunar landscapes. Dakhla Bay is a water sports lover’s dream come true. Especially for kitesurfers. If you’re in the area, you’ll want to make a point of visiting Dragon Island. Situated right in the middle of the bay, it’s the perfect place to soak up the sun, swim and soak in the white clay.
13. Essaouira, an authentic port city
Another beautiful seaside getaway in Morocco. The trip begins with a stroll through the narrow streets of the medina. Souks, handicrafts, a mint tea break and a tasting of specialties in a restaurant – the typical Moroccan atmosphere is here. After a stroll along the ramparts, head for the beach, where surfers try their best to tame the waves. The port is also worth a visit, if only to witness the fishermen’s ball on their way back to port. For architecture buffs, a tour of the Mellah district is recommended. This is Essaouira’s old Jewish quarter and is home to nuggets such as the Simon Attias synagogue.
Want to explore the charming coastal town of Essaouira? We recommend booking this guided day tour from Marrakech. You’ll take a guided tour of the port and visit a women’s cooperative producing the wonderful argan oil.
14. Talassemtane National Park, another radiant landscape
Proof that Morocco offers a wide variety of landscapes, you can also hike through rolling countryside covered in lush green forests. A walk in the Talassemtane National Park is a good way to follow a stopover in Chefchaouen. Here you’ll find wide valleys, waterfalls, caves, gorges and a wealth of wildlife. The park is home to over 50 mammals, including the magot monkey, genet, otter and golden eagle. A visit to the park is a must on any vacation in the northern part of the country.
15. Rabat, a rich historical and cultural heritage
15 most beautiful places: Morocco’s capital is not the most popular with travelers. But it’s well worth the detour! A good place to start is the Kasbah des Oudayas, a former military camp that is now a city within a city. These narrow streets lined with blue-and-white-walled houses are steeped in history, and the Andalusian influence is immediately apparent. Rabat’s heritage is remarkable. The Tour Hassan, Mohammed V Mausoleum, El Chellah, a 13th-century necropolis, and Saint-Pierre Cathedral are all must-sees. As in many other Moroccan cities, a visit to the Moroccan capital includes long strolls through the souk. But you can also escape the hustle and bustle for a few moments, and discover the many species of plants native to Morocco and other parts of Africa in Rabat’s botanical testing garden.
Which city should you visit first in Morocco?
Marrakech is a must-see destination in Morocco. Its medina is magnificent. Discovering the bustling Jamaa el-Fna square is a truly special experience. The city is also home to beautiful heritage sites, rejuvenating green spaces such as the Palmeraie and Jardin Majorelle, and what can we say about its gastronomy? Numerous addresses showcase the emblematic dishes of Moroccan cuisine, renowned the world over.
What’s the most beautiful part of Morocco?
150 km from Marrakech, the Ouzoud waterfalls are an island of freshness not to be missed. The setting is just perfect, with ochre cliffs, sublime and impressive waterfalls and vegetation. There are plenty of footpaths to explore. And it’s always a pleasure to take a dip, approach the waterfalls by boat and sample the local flavours in the gargotes. All under the watchful eyes of mischievous monkeys.
When is the best time to visit Morocco?
15 most beautiful places: The best times to visit Morocco are April-May and September-October. Temperatures are mild and conditions ideal for visiting cities and going on nature expeditions. In the southernmost parts of the country, temperatures are pleasant all year round. On the other hand, summer is very hot in Morocco. At this time of year, it’s best to head for the coast, to enjoy the beaches along the Atlantic Ocean.
