Beautiful Places in Morocco: 25 Most Photogenic Destinations

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There are hundreds of beautiful places in Morocco to visit. The landscape, the cities, the food, the culture, and the people all contribute to making a trip to Morocco one you’ll never forget. 

From cities rich in history and the dunes of the Sahara desert to the coastal views over the Atlantic Ocean and the famous Blue City of Chefchaouen, there’s no lack of beautiful places to visit in Morocco. 

Come with us as we explore Morocco’s most beautiful places and some lesser-known hidden gems, all of them perfect for taking knockout photos to share of your adventure.

Tips About Photography in Morocco

Morocco is unlike back home; it’s a Muslim country with a different culture. When you’re planning a Morocco itinerary, there are a couple of things to be aware of:

Morocco’s culture is extremely unique. While it’s easy to snap photos of everything and everyone, many people are very private and don’t actually want their photos taken. Always ask before taking a direct photo of someone, especially direct pictures of people’s faces. 

If you’re in a busy souk or market square, taking a photo of the scene, rather than individual people, is generally accepted. But, do be aware that there will be some who will see this as an opportunity. When we visited Morocco, we were accused of taking photos of someone’s donkey, even though we didn’t. The man tried to take our camera out of our hands… thankfully we used a camera strap so it didn’t drop and break, but these scenarios are not uncommon.

There are many times in Morocco when people pose, or a display is set up perfectly for a photo opportunity – think snake charmers or camel herders. It is normal for a payment to be requested if you want to take a photo of these picture-perfect displays. 

Drones are not allowed in Morocco, and the border force diligently checks when you fly or drive into the country – they even x-ray vehicles looking for drones! If you’re caught with a drone, it will be confiscated, and the likelihood of it being returned when you leave is slim to nil.

Always play it safe rather than sorry when taking photos. 

Beautiful Places in Marrakech 

Marrakech is an incredible city to visit. But because it’s a touristy place, there are many scams in Marrakech. Make sure you’re aware, but don’t let it spoil your visit to Morocco’s Red City.

Marrakech Night Market

Jemaa El-Fnaa is the main market or medina in Marrakech. During the day, there are opportunities for henna tattoos and watching snakes dance before your eyes. 

At night, Jemaa El-Fnaa transforms into a beautifully lit night market full of delicious food stalls, outdoor tables, and hundreds of people. 

If you can, head up to one of the rooftop restaurants that line the square for views of Jemaa El-Fnaa from above. It’s truly a sight to see! 

Doors of Marrakech 

The architecture in Marrakech is unmatched. Many doors and doorways are hand-carved and full of intricate details. 

As you walk through the Medina, peek down alleyways and side streets to see the most incredible designs. 

Likewise, the doorways leading between buildings are often decorated and colorful. Beauty is hidden around every corner in Marrakech, even in the most unexpected places.

The Saadian Tombs

The Saadian Tombs date back to 1578–1603. They are in immaculate condition and will literally take your breath away. 

The intricate tiles and plasterwork lining the walls, floors, and ceilings and the marble columns are spectacular and symbolize a period in Marrakech’s history when the city was at its peak in terms of culture, sophistication, and power.

Hiring a guide to walk through the tombs isn’t necessary if you’re on a budget, but they do help you understand their history. 

Souks of Marrakech

The souks in Marrakech are full of traditional clothing, house decor, spices, leather shoes, and yummy food. While the smells can change instantly from lovely to the complete opposite, that’s just part of the experience!

Wander through the souks of Marrakech, getting lost in the beauty of the small and overflowing shops. Just be sure not to look lost – never a good thing in Morocco! 

In addition to Souk Semmarine, a busy market selling a diverse range of products, there are also specialized souks for carpets, leather, gold, ironwork, and fabric. The latter, Souk des Teinturiers, is one of the most picturesque, with lines of brightly colored fabrics and skeins of material lining the walls of the souk.

We also love the spice souk with its colorful and perfectly formed spice piles. The effort and detail behind the piling of the different spices, the contrasting colors, and the perfect piles at all times of the day is a beautiful site to see.

At the beginning of this post, we touched on the idea of taking photos of things without people’s approval. This is a good time for another reminder of that. If hoping to photograph a souk or shop, ask for permission first. 

Some people will be glad to have you photograph their display, and others may ask for a payment. If they say no or you don’t want to pay, keep walking and take a photo of a different one that allows it! 

Moroccan Mint Tea 

Rich in history, extremely tasty, and presented most invitingly, having authentic Moroccan mint tea is an experience, not just a drink. 

When served traditionally, Moroccan mint tea, or ‘Berber whisky,’ is poured in front of you from a steaming pot. As the tea is poured, the server will lift their pouring arm to a great height, creating a distance between the kettle and the cup. 

This helps cool the tea so it’s ready to drink when given to the guest. It’s also just another one of those hidden beauties in Morocco’s culture that make a trip there so special. 

Traditional Food

Food in Morocco is absolutely drool-worthy, both in taste and presentation. Even if you’re not a food photographer, capture the dishes before you! It’s both a representation of Moroccan culture and a fun memory upon returning home. 

Tasty, colorful, and a traditional dish – yes, please! Tagine is cooked slowly in a distinctive conical-shaped earthenware pot and usually includes meat and a blend of delicious sweet and savory flavors. The joy and pride of the locals when serving a tagine is an experience in itself. 

Couscous is another great dish to photograph. The grains are piled up and topped with meat, and the dish is served surrounded by vertically arranged colorful vegetables.

When tourists eat and enjoy traditional food like the locals do and can appreciate the little details and pride behind dishes, it’s a beauty not just seen but felt on the inside.

Beauty in the Blue City of Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen, also known as the Blue City of Morocco, is located in the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco. It’s really in the middle of nowhere, and it takes quite a while to get there. However, once there, it’s a place unlike anywhere else.

All the blue photos floating around the internet are true representations of the Blue City. It really is that blue!

Chefchaouen Medina

Similar to Marrakech, Chefchaouen is full of beautiful design. The only difference is that nearly everything in Chefchaouen is some shade of blue! 

Obviously, there are some color variations here and there, but for the most part, everything from steps to benches and doors to walls is blue! 

When visiting the Blue City, be sure to walk the streets outside of the main tourist area and Medina. In the side alleys and streets, more romance and beauty can be found.

Stopping and soaking in the little moments in Chefchaouen is where visitors can escape the touristy gimmicks of this Blue City. 

Built on a hillside, the Medina has many stairs crisscrossing it. The narrow aspect and high walls create dramatic images, especially when the steps are adorned with colorful flowers and plants and the walls with fabrics, shoes, and hats.

There are a couple of famous spots (El Haoubi House and Sidi Bouchouka are the most recognizable), but if you walk a little further or climb up a little more, you’ll find a place that’s a bit more unique for your Instagram shot.

Chefchaouen from Above

Using a drone is illegal in Morocco, which saddens us because Morocco is perfect for drone photography, with huge landscapes and dramatic features.

However, because Chefchaouen is built on a hill, it’s possible to get up high for a sweeping image of all the blueness! Either walk from the Medina up to Ras el Mar Park or Park Sidi Abdelhamid or take a petit taxi to one of the viewpoints above the town.

Coastal Photo Opportunities

Morocco’s coastline is not always pretty, but there are some spectacular spots you won’t want to miss.

Oualidia

Bordered by the mighty Atlantic Ocean on one side and a saltwater lagoon on the other, Oualidia is a gorgeous coastal location known for pink flamingos, white-washed houses, and oysters.

The town spreads around the crescent-shaped lagoon, protected from the wild surf by a rocky breakwater. The wild sea contrasts with the tranquil lagoon. There are often colorful fishing and tourist boats on the beaches, and you can take a trip deep into the lagoon to spot birds and other wildlife.

Legzira Beach Arch

160 km south of Agadir, the huge Legzira Beach is unspoiled by mass tourism. However, plenty of people do make the journey here to be awed by the magnificent rock arch. There were two arches, but one collapsed in 2016, leaving a vast pile of rocks.

The arch makes for great photographs, with the wild sea crashing against it and anyone walking under it being dwarfed – giving your photos great perspective. You may also see the odd camel in the distance, not for tourist rides but for transporting goods between Mirleft and Sidi Ifni.

Taghazout

Between Legzira and Essaouira is Taghazout, probably Morocco’s prettiest beach resort. Beyond the beach, Taghazout’s charm extends into its village, where traditional Moroccan architecture, narrow streets, local markets, and surf shops provide colorful and contrasting photographic opportunities.

Panorama Beach is known for its wide expanse, surf action, and beautiful sunsets. The seafront has colorful fishing boats, pastel-painted houses, and vibrant planting, offering perfect golden hour photo opportunities.

The Sahara Desert at Erg Chebbi

The Dunes

The huge rose-gold dunes at Erg Chebbi are not the Sahara Desert proper but the start of the Sahara region.

Nonetheless, the drama of the Sahara can be found here. Get away from the crowds and take a camel trek or 4×4 drive into the dunes. I love the sharp ridges made by the wind that beckon as they disappear into the distance and the odd tuft of greenery giving perspective to the vast landscape.

The desert at dusk is also beautiful, especially if you’re at the top of a dune and have an amazing view over the sand sea or if you’re staying in a desert camp away from the light pollution of Merzouga, the nearest town.

Camel Treks

While there’s a bit of an internal battle about animal tourism as I watch the camel treks go into the desert day in and day, there’s no question of the beauty of these creatures. 

For the best images, follow camel tracks in the sand and find a dune facing the the sunset. Grab a sandy seat and watch the camels walk by with the sun setting in the background for the perfect shot.

Historic Buildings in Morocco

Morocco is not really known for its architecture, but there are plenty of traditional mud brick buildings that are evocative of times gone by, such as when camel caravans crossed the Sahara to Timbuktu and beyond.

Ait Ben Haddou

Ait Benhaddou is an ancient kasbah and traditional Berber village south of the Atlas Mountains in the beautiful Ounilla Valley. A protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was once a stop for nomadic trading caravans.

You’ll probably recognize photogenic Ait Benhaddou from the movies, as it’s been an Atlas Film Studios filming location for Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones. Inside the kasbah, there are lots of red brick walls, small artisan producers selling their wares, and a few cafes to stop for a powerful coffee or mint tea.

If you want a less perfect kasbah, drive 6km north to the slowly disintegrating Tamdaght kasbah, untouched by mass tourism. You can walk freely around this kasbah, but be aware that there may be debris and falling masonry that add to the authenticity!

Fez Medina 

Fez is both dilapidated and beautiful, full of culture, spectacle, and history. The footprint of the ancient Fes el-Bali Medina, home to over 100,000 people, has remained unchanged for over a thousand years.

The UNESCO Medina is the world’s oldest and largest car-free urban area and evokes strong feelings in most visitors. It can feel dark and chaotic, yet alive and colorful, and it’s this contrast that is most beguiling, especially for photographers.

One of the most popular spots is the Chouara Tannery. The best way to see the action is to head for one of the viewing platforms surrounding the tannery, usually above leather shops. Head for 10 Derb Chaouwara and pay a few dirhams for a sprig of mint before climbing the stairs to the open viewing platform.  

Volubilis

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Volubilis is a well-preserved ancient Roman city in rolling hills and fertile plains near Meknes – not really where you’d expect to find Roman ruins!

Dating from the the 3rd century BC, the Mauritanian capital, Volubilis, was an important outpost for the Roman Empire, whose occupation meant that many beautiful buildings were built in the city. 

Many remains from the Roman settlement are present, including remarkably preserved mosaics. The towering basilica and the impressive triumphal arch are striking against the (usually) vivid blue Moroccan sky, and the panoramic views from the site are breathtaking, with the lush countryside stretching out in every direction.

Hassan II Mosque

Arguably one of the prettiest mosques in Morocco, the Hassan II Mosque is located right on the Atlantic Ocean in Casablanca and is a gorgeous mosque both inside and out. It is the biggest mosque in Morocco and the third-biggest mosque in the world.

The mosque’s sheer size, intricate and detailed decorations, which must have taken many thousands of man-hours, and the sea lapping at its feet all add to its sheer majesty.

When visiting the Hassan II Mosque, be respectful of Muslim culture. Women should cover their hair, shoulders, and legs, and men should also cover their legs. Keep in mind that you’ll likely have to remove your shoes to visit this mosque. 

Kasbah des Oudayas

The Kasbah des Oudayas, located in the capital city of Rabat is a captivating fortress perched on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Bou Regreg River. The historic kasbah has stunning panoramic views of the water, the city, and the surrounding landscape.

Built in the 12th century, the kasbah has imposing stone walls, grand gateways, and intricate designs that reflect the craftsmanship of the period. The main gate, Bab Oudaia, is particularly impressive with its detailed archways and ornamental carvings, perfect for capturing the grandeur of Islamic architecture.

Inside the kasbah, the narrow, winding streets are lined with whitewashed houses adorned with blue accents, reminiscent of the famous blue city of Chefchaouen. The color palette, combined with the vibrant deep pink bougainvillea, creates a pretty-as-a-picture setting.

Morocco’s Natural Wonders

I think I’ve left the best ’til last! Morocco’s landscape and natural wonders are many and varied.

Todra Gorge

Not quite on the tourist map yet, the Todra Gorge is a canyon visitors can drive right up into or hike through to see the towering canyon walls. 

The road runs alongside the Todra River and leads you into the seemingly impenetrable Todra Gorge, full of palms and banked by dramatic vertical rock walls. Get here before the crowds and for the brief moments when the gorge is lit up by the glorious morning sun, or wait it out until sunset, when the canyon walls glow orange.

Ziz Valley

On the main route south from Fez is the seemingly endless Ziz Valley, with its dramatic gorges, date palms and iconic oasis towns.

A deep slash in the rock created by the Ziz River creates a twisting oasis of palm trees, which sometimes stretch from the canyon wall to the canyon wall. From above, this is a river of palm trees!

Venture into the canyon for traditional Berber villages, locally grown and picked dates, and a shady escape from the barren landscape.

Dades Gorge

The Dades Gorge is a wild landscape in the heart of the Atlas Mountains. The monkey fingers are especially photogenic, with large knobbles of rock formed over millennia by weather showcasing what is so special here.

The road that winds through the Dades Valley and ascends into the mountains is not for the faint-hearted, but you’ll get spectacular views and some Instagram-worthy photo opportunities to prove you’ve driven a road that is considered one of the most dangerous in the world!

Gara Medouar

Gara Medouar nicknamed the ‘Portuguese Prison,’ is an erosion cirque used as a filming location in the James Bond Spectre movie and recent Landrover ads. It is also a great spot to explore and hunt for local fossils.

The Cirque is just a short drive of 3.8km from the N12 road along a dirt road (don’t attempt this if it’s been raining). Once there, the huge cirque stands proud of the stony desert, just begging to be photographed.

Iminifri Natural Bridge

This off-the-beaten-path limestone bridge at the southern gateway to the Atlas near Demnate is a real Marmite destination!

Formed over thousands of years by the constant flow of the Tisslit River, this natural limestone bridge, with its massive overhanging rock formations, creates a cavernous space beneath that is awe-inspiring and picturesque. Sunlight filtering through the opening casts ethereal beams and shadows across the interior, making it a perfect spot for capturing striking light and shadow play.

Surrounding the bridge is a lush environment with waterfalls in the spring. However, when we visited, the whole site was a rubbish dump. The river was dry and had left mounds of garbage and even a dead cat in its wake. To admire the natural wonder, we had to pick our way through man-made plastic, which somewhat marred the experience.

The Draa River

The Draa River, one of Morocco’s longest rivers, winds through some of the country’s most dramatic and varied landscapes before disappearing into the desert sands near the Algerian border.

Along its journey, the river nourishes lush oases, verdant palm groves, ancient kasbahs, and fertile valleys, creating striking contrasts against the arid and rugged surroundings.

Painted Rocks

The painted rocks of Tafraoute, deep in Morocco’s Anti-Atlas Mountains, were first painted by Belgian artist Jean Verame in 1984. He used a whopping 18 tons of paint to cover the large cluster of rocks. They are re-painted periodically and other clusters nearby have been painted too.

The ancient granite boulders make a fascinating canvas for the brights blues and yellows, which mingle with softer pinks and greys. After being a bit surpised on our first viewing, we now love the painted rocks. They are rarely busy and provide a focal point in the landscape, and are a great place to practice bouldering!

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