22 Most Beautiful Places in Morocco

Planning a trip and searching for the most beautiful places in Morocco? If so then you’ve come to the right place.

I have lived here since 2023 and have visited some of the prettiest places in Morocco. In fact, I have gone to some spots multiple times because I enjoyed my time there so much.

So, in this article, I am going to share all my local tips about the best places to go in Morocco. I’ll give you my honest opinion and tell you what to do and what to expect from the best tourist destinations in Morocco.

Because, as you probably already guessed, there are some places in Morocco that I just didn’t like. However, just because I didn’t like them doesn’t mean you’ll feel the same way. And that’s why I included them on this mega list.

Therefore, have a look at this guide to the most beautiful cities in Morocco and use it to help you plan the best trip possiible.

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Best Places to Visit in Morocco: The Quick Guide

Planning a trip but not exactly sure where to go in Morocco? If so then this mega epic guide offers a quick rundown of the Morocco tourist places that you need to see.

You know, places in Morocco that are actually worth your time and not totally overrated glorified tourist traps. You can use this cheat sheet to plan the perfect Morocco itinerary.

Or, book a consultation with me and I’ll help you plan the trip of a lifetime since I am a local who has traveled all over Morocco since I moved here in January of 2023.

• High Atlas Mountains – Hike up the tallest Mountain in North Africa, Mount Toubkal
• Asilah – Great Beaches
• Essaouira – Cutest Beach Town Ever. Great Weather and I live here for a reason people!
• Chefchaouen – Great Hiking and Beautiful Blue City
• Meknes – See the Grand Mosque of Meknes (I found it kind of boring and overrated)
• Sahara Desert (Merzouga) – Glance Sunset Over Dunes
• Rabat – Capital City and I Never Run Out of Things to Do
• Casablanca – Arab League Park and Hassan II Mosque (I find Casablanca Overrated too)
• Ouarzazate – Desert Paradise
• Marrakech – Explore the Old Medina
• Tinghir/Todra Gorge – Amazing Mountains and Gorges
• Agadir – Amazing Beach and Chic Resorts
• Fes – See the Amazing Tanneries
• Ouzoud Waterfalls – Giant Waterfalls
• Tangier – European-feeling City in the North
• Dades Valley – Stunning Views and Natural Landscapes
• Aït Ben Haddou – Magnificent Ruins
• Rose Valley – Flowers Everywhere
• Dakhla – Great for Kitesurfing and Chilling by the Beach
• Taghazout – Surf Capital and Mecca for Backpackers
• Volubulis – Incredible Ancient Ruins
• Ifrane – Switzerland of Morocco

1. Marrakech

If you only visit one city in Morocco, Marrakech is probably it. That’s partly because of cheap Ryan Air flights from Europe and partly because Marrakech is home to some of the most famous attractions in the country.

Either way, Marrakech is easily one of the prettiest places in Morocco. It’s home to a vibrant, UNESCO-protected medina that is filled with vibrant souks, red walls, arched gateways, intricate doors, and stunning tile mosaics.

In particular, the Saadian Tombs, Bacha Coffee, El Badi Palace, Jardin Secret, Koutoubia Mosque, and Jardin Majorelle are all beautiful and worth visiting if you want to enjoy some of the top attractions in Marrakech.

Bahia Palace is also exceptional and one of the nicest palaces in Marrakech. Visit the Grand Riad and see marvelous examples of traditional Moroccan architecture through tile mosaics, stained glass windows, muqarnas, carved wood, etc.

You can also shop for cool Marrakech souvenirs in the souks before digging into delicious cuisine at some of the coolest restaurants in Marrakech. Also, be sure to stay at some of the best luxury riads in Marrakech since they are stunning.

Beyond the city, embark on a tour of the Agafay Desert and try camel riding, quad biking, and horseback riding. It’s a great place and one of my tips for visiting Morocco is to be sure to visit.

Just don’t forget to get the best Marrakech SIM card so that you can stay connected with everyone back at home. You can also try to visit Marrakech in April since the weather is perfect.

2. Essaouira

Honestly, Essaouira is easily one of the most beautiful places in Morocco. It’s this charming little seaside town where the people are nice, the weather is cool, and you can see little blue boats bobbing up and down in the water.

Feel free to spend the day in Essaouira strolling through the quaint blue and white medina as you stop at Driss Patisserie for some traditional sweets or grab a traditional Moroccan breakfast in Essaouira at Al Jazira.

You can also visit some of the city’s cool local shops and pick up nice souvenirs from Morocco while you’re here.

Afterward, admire the panoramic views from atop the Skala de Port or catch a beautiful sunset from the Old Skala. In fact, you’ll probably recognize both of these spots since they were featured in the hit series, Game of Thrones.

You can also head to Moga Surf to try kite surfing in Essaouira or surfing in Essaouira since the winds that come off of the Atlantic Ocean make this one of the best places to kitesurf in Morocco.

For the best and most comprehensive experience possible, try doing a surf camp in Essaouira.

Local Tip: If you want to see where Jimi Hendrix used to hang out then head to the Jimi Hendrix Cafe in Diabat.

It’s a fun place and is about a 45-minute walk away from the medina in Essaouira and is where a lot of the best horseback riding tours in Essaouira depart from as well as many quad bike tours in Essaouira.

You can also attend the Gnaoua World Music Festival at the end of June. However, you will need to book your hotel in Essaouira at least two months in advance since this is a popular time to visit Essaouira.

You also don’t need to worry too much about crime since this is one of the safest Moroccan cities of them all. It’a also an easy place to visit since you can take the bus in between Marrakech and Essaouira.

3. Chefchaouen

This beautiful blue city is easily one of the prettiest places in Morocco. The real highlight of any visit is exploring the vibrant blue medina. It’s very compact, walkable, and is the perfect place to take lots of amazing photos.

If you can, visit during the week and walk through the Medina before 10:00 am. This way you can avoid the crowds and enjoy a bit of solitude as you try out some of the best activities in Chefchaouen.

If you have time, head to the Kasbah and explore the Andalusian garden before climbing to the top of the on-site tower for excellent views of the city. Afterward, walk up to the Spanish Mosque and watch the sunset over the city.

If you want to do some hiking in Chefchaouen, try visiting Akchour Waterfall and God’s Bridge. Both hikes aren’t too difficult and allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding Riff Mountains.

Just don’t leave Chefchaoeun without having dinner at Sofia’s. It’s one of the best places to eat in Chefchaouen and their vegetable tajine/vegan soup is the best thing I’ve had in Morocco (shh, don’t tell my partner’s mom that).

Local Tip: You can do a day trip to Chefchaoeun from Tangier and a day trip to Chefchaoeun from Fes. However, I recommend at least spending the night since Chefchaoeun has a lot to offer.

4. The Sahara Desert/Merzouga

Many people come to Morocco because they dream of riding camels through the vast dunes of the Sahara Desert.

Real talk? This experience is just as magical in person as it is in your imagination. Just be sure to bring a scarf and sunglasses since strong winds can blow a lot of sand into your face.

Also, camels lean forward as they try to stand up. So, it’s a good idea to lean back as your camel gets up. Yeah, I may or may not have fallen off as my camel was trying to stand up the first time (whoops).

Anyway, your trip to the Sahara begins at Merzouga. It is a tiny town near the Algerian border and is where you’ll find the Erg Chebbi sand dunes.

Just meet your Berber guide, hop on a camel, and ride into the dunes. After about an hour and a half, you’ll get to your desert camp and can watch the sunset. You can even try sand boarding down the dunes too.

Afterward, enjoy a gourmet dinner and listen to the rhythmic beats of drums and traditional Berber songs around the campfire.

Later, stargaze before retiring for the night inside a cosy tent equipped with a comfy bed, electricity, WIFI, running water, and a full bathroom at more luxurious sites.

Local Tip: It takes between 8 and 10 hours to get here from Fes or Marrakech. So, I highly recommend doing a 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes to break up the trip or planning a Morocco road trip itinerary instead.

5. High Atlas Mountains

What you might not know is that the High Atlas Mountains are actually the tallest mountain range in all of North Africa.

Therefore, it is a playground for hiking enthusiasts who want to get out there and traverse across ancient paths that have been used by local Berber villages for centuries.

However, even if you are not a big hiker you can always check out the shops and restaurants at Imlil before taking im impressive views from the Tizi n’Test Pass.

I stopped at this pass during my 3 day Marrakech to Fes desert tour and the views were truly astounding. However, you can also visit the Atlas Mountains as part of an epic day tour from Marrakech.

But, the real highlight of any trip to the High Atlas Mountains is a trek to Mount Toubkal. It is the single tallest mountain in North Africa at 4,167 meters (13,671 feet) tall and is a great place to enjoy stunning panoramas of Morocco.

The hike is challenging, but not technically difficult. I personally would do it in the warmer months when there isn’t snow all over the ground. You can also opt for either a 2 or 3-day climb.

Just be aware that many facilities and guest houses were damaged during the earthquake. Therefore, I would suggest opting for the 2-day climb instead.

6. Fes

Ahh, good old Fes. Founded in the 9th century, this city is one of the most beautiful places in Morocco.

After all, you can explore the charming Medina and admire stunning aerial views of the Chouara Tannery from some of the surrounding buildings.

It’s awesome to see all the colorful dyes sitting in different pools as locals create leather goods the same way they did hundreds of years ago.

Other cool things to see in Fes include Dar el Makhzen, the Royal Palace of Fes (you can’t go inside), and the University of al-Qarawiyyin. Believe it or not, this is considered the oldest university in the world since it was established in 859 AD.

With its unique ambiance and small-town feel, Fes stands out as one of the prettiest cities in Marrakech.

Just stop by rainbow street or Bab Bou Jeloud (it was built by the French and one side is blue for Fes and the other side is green for Islam) and you’ll quickly see why Fes is worth visiting.

Also, take time to explore the narrow alleys and quaint shops of the Medina. You’ll see intricate mosaic walls and beautiful Moroccan doors that make this a fun place to explore during your 24 hours in Fes, Morocco.

Local Tip: Don’t leave Fes without getting some leather shoes, belts, purses, etc. since this city has some of the best leather goods in the county.

7. Tangier

Tangier stands out as one of the most gorgeous tourist destinations in Morocco. This amazing city sits right across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain and has a very European feel due to its close proximity to Europe.

Tangier also significantly contributed to Morocco’s literary heritage throughout the 20th century and inspired Paul Bowles’ “The Sheltering Sky” and William Burroughs’ “Naked Lunch.”

During your visit, explore the Medina and the beautiful Kasbah. Sit at a table outside Cinema Rif and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Sacco while sitting at one of the best restaurants in Tangier.

Afterward, visit the American Legation Museum and hang out by the beautiful, yet windy, beach.

If you have time, take a trip to Cap Spartel and take in impressive views of the lighthouse along the coast before heading to Cafe Hafa for a mint tea, harira, and more stunning views.

You could easily spend a day in Tangier or more if you have the time.

8. Asilah

Tucked away on Morocco’s North Atlantic coast, this Moroccan beach town is a favorite summer destination among tourists and locals who want to hang out at Paradise Beach since it’s one of the coolest beaches in Morocco.

After all, Asilah is renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches and the amazing art murals that line the city walls. In fact, both things make it one of the prettiest places to go in Morocco.

If you visit in August, be sure to check out their annual Arts Festival, a highlight for many travelers. Personally, I would stay in Tangier and visit from there since Asilah is only about a 50-minute drive from Tangier.

Plus, it’s a fairly small town. So, all of the hotels there fill up pretty quickly, especially during the festival.

Afterward, explore the souks, check out the art at Aplanos gallery, and grab lunch at Oceano Casa Pepe.

9. Ouzoud Falls

I can personally attest to the fact that Ouzoud Falls is one of the most beautiful places in Morocco.

I first visited as part of a day trip from Marrakech and really enjoyed my tour. Yes, the drive is a bit long at just under three hours each way.

However, you get to meet local monkeys, learn a bit more about Berber culture, and can enjoy sweeping views of the falls. You’ll also get to hike down to the base of the falls and do a fun little traditional boat ride.

Sure, it’s a bit touristy, but I thought it was a nice way to get an up-close view of the falls. Afterward, my group stopped for a traditional Moroccan lunch overlooking the falls before returning to the parking lot.

TBH, the food was actually good and I enjoyed my Berber Omelet, even if it took a while for them to cook it for me.

All in all, I would highly recommend doing a day trip to Ouzoud Falls from Marrakech. The falls are beautiful and stand at 110 meters (330 feet) tall, making this the tallest waterfall in Morocco.

10. Todra Gorge/Tinghir

Todra Valley and Todra Gorge sit about an hour east of Dades Valley. It is easily one of the country’s most popular hiking destinations since you can walk through narrow canyons divided by local rivers and surrounded by lush palm trees.

While most people walk along the paved path by the river (you’ll find it at the entrance to the gorge), you can get off the beaten path and explore some of the trails that take you through one of the most beautiful places in Morocco.

Rock climbing is also an option and some of the area’s more challenging hikes will take you to secluded parts of the gorge that offer sweeping views of the area.

Just be sure to stop at small Berber villages along the way and visit the stunning Tinghir oasis.

11. Aït Ben Haddou

Ait Ben Haddou is this magical, fortified town (or ksar) that sits high atop a hill. It exudes old-world charm with narrow streets and homes made out of mud/straw bricks.

In fact, a stroll through place transports you back to the 11th century when this place was first built.

Initially, it was designed as a trading post for salt and gold. Travelers liked to stop here and rest before continuing through the Sahara to Timbuktu.

The caravans traveling along this treacherous route attracted many thieves and bandits. So, this tiny town needed to sit high on a hill and have extra fortifications.

At its peak, over 100 families lived in this ancient city. Today, though only a few remain, with most of the population currently living in a settlement across the river.

Visitors can explore the town, walk along the narrow streets, visit the granary, explore the synagogue, and enjoy the impressive views from the top.

It’s also worth noting that Ait Ben Haddou is a popular filming location for famous movies and TV shows like Game of Thrones, Ben Hur, Gladiator, The Mummy, Prince of Persia, etc.

Therefore, it is easily one of the top tourist attractions in Morocco.

Local Tip: Personally, I would not do a day trip here from Marrakech since the drive is 3+ hours each way. Yeah, you’ll just be spending most of the day in the car. I visited as part of a 3-day Marrakech to Fes Desert tour and really enjoyed it.

12. Dades Valley

Hidden away in central Morocco, Dades Valley sits right in between Ait Ben Haddou and Merzouga. It is a super beautiful place in the High Atlas Mountains that is well worth exploring if you have the time.

Here, the majestic Dadès River flows through the valley and it creates an oaiss of beautiful greenery that sits next to unique pink-and-red terrain.

In fact, one of the best things to do in Morocco is to drive along the winding Zik-Zak Road, which spans over 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) and takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the canyon.

So, get ready to explore charming villages and admire sweeping panoramas from stellar viewpoints. You can even go for a beautiful hike along the Monkey Fingers Trail.

It’s an amazing trek that takes you through a narrow slot canyon and up into these incredible rock formations that look like fingers.

13. Ifrane

Famously known as the “Switzerland of Morocco”, Ifrane is a city in Morocco that looks like it belongs in Switzerland.

It is filled with these cute little chalets and receives a fair amount of snow annually due to its location in the Middle Atlas Mountains.

On average, the town receives around 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) of snow annually. So, contrary to popular belief, all of Morocco isn’t a giant desert.

So, if you like skiing then be sure to visit Ifrane in January since this is the best time to go skiing at Michlifen Ski Station.

Beyond skiing, Ifrane National Park is worth exploring since visitors can enjoy mountain vistas, stroll through cedar forests, and see the macaque monkeys who call these forests home.

Yup, Ifrane is a small, sleepy town that is a great place to stop as you make your way from Merzouga to Fes.

I know we stopped at the park in the center of town and even sad hello to the mischievous macaque monkeys duuring our 3 day Desert tour from Marrakech to Fes. It was a great experience and I cannot wait to go back.

14. Meknes

Full disclosure? I found Meknes super boring and do not recommend wasting your time here. That said, I visited in February of 2023 and the entire town was under construction.

No, really. Everywhere we went things were closed because they were being renovated.

Thankfully, I only visited as part of a day trip from Fes to Meknes and Volubilis. Volubilis was awesome, but Meknes was pretty bland to say the least.

The only thing we could do was visit the Grand Mosque. Yes it’s pretty, but I don’t think it justifies an entire trip to Meknes. You also don’t need to bring a scarf since they will provide women with one before they enter the mosque.

However, hopefully, everything has been rebuilt and there are now a ton of cool things to do in Meknes. I personally, though, have no desire to go back.

if you do decide to visit, be sure to explore the historic Medina from the 9th century. You can also explore the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, Dar Jamai Museum, Bab Mansour, and do a day trip to Moulay Idriss.

15. Volubilis

Unlike Meknes, Volubilis is well worth visiting. It’s super close to Fes (even though it’s closer to Meknes) and makes an excellent day trip from the city.

Plus, there’s hardly anyone here. So, get here early enough in the day and you’ll probably have this place all to yourself as you walk along the ruins and enjoy epic views of the surrounding landscape.

It’s also one of the most beautiful places to visit in Morocco for history lovers since the ruins of this ancient Berber-Roman city date back to the 3rd century BC.

I love that they are super well-preserved and that the entire area is protected by UNESCO.

So, stop by and see the basilica, Capitoline Temple, the Triumphal Arch, and the Roman mosaics that line the floors of several homes.

Just avoid visiting in the middle of the day since there is no shade and the area can get very hot very quickly.

16. Taghazout

This sleepy beach town is just a 30-minute drive away from Agadir. It’s a beautiful, but small place where you can find lots of backpackers relaxing ont he beach and surfing the day away.

The vibe here is just amazing and it’s a great place to chill or go for a swim. If you want, you can even visit as part of a day trip from Essaouira before heading to Agadir. The main highlight here is just hanging out by the beach and surfing.

All in all, I really like the chill, hippie vibe of this beautiful town in Morocco. But, it’s not a big place and the wind isn’t as strong as in Essaouira.So, don’t spend too much time here unless you want to sleep til noon and beach bum it up.

17. Agadir

Like Essaouira, Agadir is a charming coastal city that is famous for its beautiful beaches. However, most of the city was destroyed by a horrific earthquake in the 1960s. So, Agadir is bigger and more modern than Essaouira.

But, you can easily visit both since travel between Agadir and Essaouira is a breeze.

Therefore, you’ll find lots of big beach resorts here where you can sit on the beach. However, you could also do a day trip to Paradise Valley, ride the cable car, take in the views from Agadir Oufella, or visit Crocopark (Crocodile Park).

Just be sure to visit the Medina too since the souk here is the larget in the country. Souk El Had is also laid out like a grid, so you won’t have to worry as much about getting lost.

Like I mentioned earlier, I also highly recommend visiting Taghazout since it’s a small beach town that is only about 30-minutes away.

18. Rabat

Rabat is known for being the capital of Morocco. I also feel like it is an incredibly underrated city. Sadly, many people skip over this city on their way from Casablanca to Tangier.

That’s a real shame since this vibrant city is home to a cool Medina, incredible Andalusian gardens, charming beaches, fun museums, and a beautiful Oudaias Kasbah with stunning ocean views.

In my opinion, it’s a must-visit location in Morocco since you can walk along the river, explore the old city walls, and visit the many columns of Mohammed V Mausoleum.

You can even try surfing at the local beach, although I wouldn’t recommend it since the waves are quite small. Additionally, Rabat is super easy to get to since you can take a high-speed train to Rabat Ville from Tangier or Casablanca.

19. Casablanca

Personally, I don’t like Casablanca. I think it’s dirty and unsafe. Yeah, the last time we were here locals were continually warning us to put our phones away because thieves on motorbikes might steal them.

Casablanca is also super big and very hard to get around. However, if you do visit Casablanca then you need to go to Hassan II Mosque.

It sits right on the ocean and is the biggest, most beautiful mosque in the country. In fact, it’s actually the seventh-largest mosque in the world. It is also one of the few mosques in Morocco that is open to non-Muslims.

So, step inside and enjoy amazing hand-carved stucco, beautiful cedar arches, and amazing water features. Afterward, walk along the city’s long boulevards and admire the French Colonial-style buildings all around you.

You even check out the king’s palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Arab League Park, and the lovely Musée Abderrahman Slaoui.

20. Ouarzazate

If you’ve always been captivated by gorgeous desert scenes in Hollywood films then you’ll love visiting Ouarzazate.

It’s home to the Atlas Film Studios and is where movies like Cleopatra and Kingdom of Heaven were all filmed. In fact, the studio has been welcoming Hollywood directors since the 1960s.

However, avid photographers will also love visiting one of the most beautiful places in Morocco since stunning desert landscapes form the backdrop for gorgeous photos.

The best part? This city is well-connected to other parts of the country via CTM buses that arrive daily from other major cities.

So, stop by and take a tour of the Atlas Film Studios or explore the Cinema Museum. Afterward, visit the Main Square and explore Ait Ben Haddou since it is located nearby.

21. Rose Valley

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Morocco then you can’t beat the Rose Valley. As the name suggests, the area is filled with stunning pink roses that bloom to life between April and mid-May.

Visit at this time of year and you’ll see them spring up between stone walls, all along farmer’s fields, and in between bushes.

In total, the region produces roughly 3000 to 4000 tonnes of roses annually, So, spend the day outside exploring the beautiful natural landscape of the area. You could even time your visit for the annual Festival of the Roses in May.

22. Dahkla

Located at the southern end of the country, Dahkla is becoming one of the best tourist destinations in Morocco.

It was founded by the Spanish in 1844 and stretches out across 40 kilometers of sandy beaches that sit along the Tropic of Cancer.

As a result, impressive desert scenery is an iconic part of this Moroccan city, as are beautiful beaches like Puerto Rico Beach.

During your visit, try fun sports like kitesurfing and surfing. You can also explore Imlili Desert or go shopping at the Dahkla Souk.

Map of the Most Beautiful Places in Morocco

That wraps up this guide to the most beautiful places in Morocco. Did your picks for the prettiest cities in Morocco make the list? If not then let me know.

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