Morocco is not only famous for its wonderful cities and markets but also for its natural attractions. Here are the 15 most beautiful places in the country!
Located in the northwestern part of Africa, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Its land neighbours are Spain to the north (Ceuta, Melilla), Algeria to the east and Western Sahara to the south, which is occupied by Morocco.
Morocco boasts a rich culture and ancient civilization, shaped by multiple nations throughout its history. This has also contributed to making it a favorite destination for tourists.
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The most beautiful places in Morocco
Marrakech
Situated at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is Morocco’s fourth largest city. Known as the „Red City”, it is one of the country’s most visited tourist destinations.
The city hosts numerous markets employing thousands in pottery, copperware, leather, and other crafts. It is home to Morocco and all of Africa’s largest traditional market, Jemaa el-Fna.
The market’s landscape includes the Koutoubia Mosque. Built during the Almohad dynasty, it is especially famous for its tall minaret, which at nearly 70 meters tall, is the city’s highest point.
Marrakech is also known for its beautiful gardens, such as the Majorelle Garden, created by the former French painter, Jacques Majorelle. Fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent also often visited here. Its botanical collection, along with its distinctive blue buildings, is wonderful.
Aït Benhaddou
This fortified village (ksar) lies along the Ounila River and once controlled the Marrakesh-Timbuktu caravan route. It has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1987.
The village mainly consists of houses built using the traditional pisé (rammed earth) technique, situated on a steep hillside. The kasbahs’ labyrinthine streets and narrow alleys have remained unchanged for centuries.
The surrounding landscape is also breathtaking, with dry riverbeds, palm groves, and the distant Atlas Mountains making for a great destination. The village allows for an exploration of traditional Berber architectural styles and Moroccan rural life.
Thanks to its atmosphere, it has often served as a filming location for famous movies and TV shows such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
Rabat
The historical attractions of Morocco’s capital are part of UNESCO World Heritage.
Among its attractions is the Oudayas Kasbah, a fortified quarter built in the 12th century. It still retains its medieval ambiance with narrow, winding streets, whitewashed and blue-painted houses, and its distinctive Arab-Andalusian architecture.
The Hassan Tower is one of the most emblematic monuments. It began construction in the 12th century as part of a massive mosque, but was never completed.
The city also hosts the Royal Palace, the main residence of Morocco’s royal family. Though the palace itself is not open to visitors, the surrounding areas and gates are definitely worth a visit.
Fez
For centuries the country’s spiritual, cultural, and religious center, it was the capital of the kingdom until 1912.
The city is divided into three parts: Fès el-Bali, the ancient medina; Fès el-Jdid, where the royal palace is located; and Ville Nouvelle, built during French colonial times.
Fès el-Bali, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, features labyrinthine streets and over 9000 alleys, making it one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world.
The Al Attarine Madrasa and the Bou Inania Madrasa are wonderful examples of Moroccan and Islamic architecture, known for their intricate carvings and detailed tile work.
Craft traditions are still preserved, among which leather production stands out. The ancient method is widely practiced.
Chefchaouen
Located in the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco.
It became known for its blue-painted streets and houses, earning it the nickname „The Blue City”. The blue color is said to ward off summer heat as well as having spiritual significance, evoking the color of the sky.
The city has significant religious heritage: about 20 mosques and prayer halls, 11 zaouïas (buildings linked to the Sufis), and many mausoleums, earning it the name of the Holy City.
Another major attraction is the kasbah, a fortified area. Today it serves as a museum where the city and the region’s history can be explored.
Tangier
Located at the southern entrance of the Mediterranean Sea, the city’s position makes it a significant place. It’s becoming increasingly popular due to its famous casino and lively nightlife.
Its center is the bustling Grand Socco market, where life goes on day and night. On the opposite side stands the Sidi Bou Abid Mosque, with its faience-decorated minaret.
Next to the Grand Socco starts the old city, dominated by the kasbah (fortress). This includes the Dar-el-Makhzen, the sultan’s palace. Its residential quarters have been turned into a Moroccan art museum, featuring art objects from different regions of the country.
Walking along the palm-lined promenade of Avenue d’Espagne, close to the seafront, its restaurants, hotel cafes, and international life evoke the atmosphere of Nice.
Erg Chebbi
In the southeastern part of Morocco, one can see some of the Sahara’s most spectacular dunes.
The massive, orange sand dunes can reach up to 150 meters in height. The colors of the dunes change continuously throughout the day, from the golden light of dawn to the deep orange of sunset.
Located near Merzouga, a small Berber village, it often serves as a starting point for desert tours. The dunes can be explored in various ways: by camel, by four-wheel drive, or even on foot.
Meknes
One of Morocco’s four royal cities. Often referred to as the country’s „forgotten” royal city because it is less known than Marrakech, Fès, or Rabat, it thus does not experience the same crowds as the other three cities.
Meknes reached its height in the 17th century when Sultan Moulay Ismail made it the capital and embarked on massive construction projects. The most spectacular example is the vast Heri es-Souani, the sultan’s stables and granaries, which could accommodate up to 12,000 horses at a time.
The Moulay Ismail mausoleum, the sultan’s resting place, is also popular among tourists. Although the burial site is only open to Muslims, the mausoleum’s courtyards are open to everyone.
The magnificent Bab Mansour gate, the entrance to Meknes, is considered Morocco’s most beautiful gate, with its ornate tiles and arched design.
Todra Valley
The valley is famous for the Todra Gorge, a stunning section of the Todra River surrounded by over 300-meter-high cliffs. At its narrowest points, the distance between the cliffs is 10 meters.
It is a favored location not just for hikers and nature enthusiasts, but also for rock climbers. The cliffs offer routes of various difficulty levels, attracting adventurers from around the world.
Casablanca
The country’s largest city and economic center brilliantly combines modernism with traditional Moroccan culture.
Its most beautiful attraction is the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest buildings of its kind in the world. It is one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors. A wonderful architectural masterpiece: its minaret is the tallest in the world, at over 200 meters. Its significance is underscored by the use of materials such as marble, gold, and onyx in its construction.
Among its modern parts, the Maârif district and Anfa stand out, where elegant shops, cafes, and restaurants can be found.
Naturally, its coastline must also be mentioned. Along the shore runs the Corniche promenade, a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Essaouira
The ancient city located on the Atlantic Ocean coast is said to have been founded in 814 BC, according to legends. Its other name is Szavíra.
In the 18th century, a French architect, Théodore Cornut, designed a military port and a small town here on the orders of one of the sultans. The sultan highly praised the architect, giving the new city the name as-Szavíra, which literally means well-designed.
Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a mix of Moroccan and European architectural styles. Many consider it the most beautiful medina in Morocco. A fortified city wall surrounds this part, which is one of the city’s main attractions.
In the sixties and seventies, it was also discovered by hippies. After the memorable visit of Jimi Hendrix, many came from Western Europe and the United States. Its impact is still felt and seen in the city today.
Dades Valley
Located in the Atlas Mountains, it’s also called the Valley of Roses.
The valley is a canyon formed by the Dades River, which carves its winding path through rocky landscapes and steep cliffs.
Its most well-known attraction is the rock formation known as Monkey Fingers, as well as numerous canyons and gorges, including the famous Dades Gorge. The area is popular among hikers and motorcyclists. Traveling the serpentine road is a great experience, offering views of various rock formations.
Tetouan
Close to the Mediterranean Sea, the city is part of UNESCO’s cultural world heritage.
Often referred to as the White City because of the characteristic white color of its streets and buildings. Tetouan experienced its golden age during the Spanish protectorate in the early 20th century. This strongly influenced its architectural style and cultural heritage, making the city a unique blend of Andalusian, Berber, and Spanish influences.
Besides the royal palace, it is famous for about 130 sacred buildings and monuments in the old town. The medina’s character was shaped in the 16th century by Andalusian Moors who fled here and immigrant Jews.
Volubilis
This is a partially excavated Roman site near Meknès. It has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1997.
Originally a Carthaginian settlement, it was ruled by the Romans for centuries, then occupied by Berber tribes at the end of the 3rd century. The Idrisid dynasty, which founded Morocco, started from here in the 8th century. By the 11th century, the city was deserted and fell into ruin.
Archaeological excavations began in the mid-19th century, and it has since become a tourist attraction. The bustling commercial life of the city is evident from the identification of more than 120 business premises, from bakeries to bronze workshops.
About half of it has been excavated so far, primarily the city center and the Roman main street, and the most important public buildings have been reconstructed. The most significant part is the Arch of Caracalla, erected in honor of the Roman emperor and his mother.
Agadir
The city on the oceanfront has recently become a popular holiday destination.
It was almost completely destroyed by a severe earthquake in 1960, so modern architecture reflects most of today’s Agadir, differing from Morocco’s other cities rich in traditions. This has turned it into a developed tourist center.
Its biggest attraction is the long, sandy beach, which often appears in pictures. The city’s climate is pleasant all year round, with a high number of sunny hours and moderate temperatures, making Agadir an ideal holiday destination.
