Morocco is famous for its historic imperial cities filled with architectural jewels and cultural sites aplenty, beautiful beaches along both the Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean Sea, picturesque and rugged dunes in the mighty Sahara Desert, and the soaring Atlas and Rif mountain ranges.
What about if you want to head away from the tourist crowds and experiences places that are a little (or a lot) less visited?
Fear not—Morocco has more than its fair share of hidden gems and off the beaten track treasures. Here are some of the best.
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El Jadida
A historic colonial city along the Atlantic coast El Jadida may be a popular summertime retreat for Moroccan families, but many international tourists know nothing of its charms.
While the beaches are ideal for days of sunbathing, swimming, and relaxation, the old Portuguese city offers terrific sightseeing too.
Stroll through the historic streets of the medina and you’ll find that the appearance and atmosphere is quite unlike other places in the country.
Head up onto the ramparts of the star-shaped fortress, the Fortress of Mazagan, for splendid views of the ocean, harbour, and city.
There are several old disused churches that are still splendid to see from the outside, a mosque that has a disused lighthouse as its minaret, and an old synagogue.
The water cisterns are one of the area’s most unusual and atmospheric attractions; go underground into the former warehouse that was turned into a water storage facility and, in the gloom, see the striking arches and sturdy columns reflected in a shallow layer of water on the stone floor.
Azemmour
Another old Portuguese settlement close to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Azemmour’s medina is made more colourful and interesting by beautiful street art that adorns many of its walls. Some images may be fading, cracked, and showing signs of age, but that simply adds to the area’s charms and character. Perched on the cliff tops, the medina also provides nice views over the water.
The façade of the old fortress is impressive, with large gateways leading into the depths of the fortifications. Rusty cannons still line the walls and there’s a large tower that was once used to store gunpowder.
You can see the remains of the old mosque and prison, as well as walking through the former Jewish quarter, known as the mellah. There are also two sacred sites, the tombs of Lalla Aicha Bahria and Moulay Bouchaib Erradad.
Taroudant
Fairly close to Agadir and sometimes referred to as a mini Marrakech, Taroudant has spectacular red-brick walls around the old city, a relaxed way of life, few tourists, and splendid views of the mountains.
A traditional Berber settlement lies within the imposing walls, which are complete with looming gateways and towers. Walk, bike, or ride in a calleche (horse-drawn carriage) to explore.
The local mosque is painted in a soothing peach hue and the souk sells an assortment of traditional Moroccan goods.
Demnate
One of the oldest cities in the southern part of Morocco, Demnate can be found in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Traditionally home to a Berber community, the small town has a fairly typical medina with local souks and homes.
It’s the nearby natural attractions, however, that really make a visit to Demnate worthwhile. The natural stone bridge of Imi n’Ifri is a beautiful sight. It’s also a protected area for birdlife. Nearby, there are prehistoric dinosaur footprints in the red rocky ground in the mountains.
Khenifra
Situated in northern Morocco, Khenifra sits between the soaring peaks of the Atlas Mountains. The medina is fairly typical but the natural surroundings are nothing short of sublime.
Khenifra National Park is one of the most stunning national parks in all of Morocco, a place where Barbary macaques still swing through the cedar trees and native flora and fauna flourish.
There are pristine lakes to admire and a trip to the cascades at the source of the Oum Rbia River is a must. A number of hiking trails let you immerse yourself in glorious nature and fully appreciate the area’s splendour.
Bhalil
Close to the small town of Sefrou and within easy reach of the popular tourist destination of Fes, Bhalil is a quaint village where you can fully experience local Moroccan life and enjoy an unhurried pace of life away from the tourist masses.
Multi-colored homes cling to the mountain sides and narrow maze-like streets wind their way through the photogenic village. You may also come across cave homes set into the slopes.
The village is known for its button-making crafts, and groups of women are often hard at work outside their homes, making buttons to be sewn on djellabas.
Taza
The city of Taza has medieval-era buildings and old fortifications, a bastion from the 16th century, and a mosque that dates back to the 12th century, among other sights.
Head out into the surrounding area and you’ll find North Africa’s biggest subterranean cave network: the immense and impressive Friouato Caves. Inside, there are tiny passageways, caverns big and small, interesting rock formations, underground lakes, and cave-dwelling creatures. Jebel Tazzeka National Park is a perfect spot for fans of the great outdoors.
Safi
An under-visited Moroccan city with a Portuguese past, Safi is located along the Atlantic coast. The beaches are perfect for sun-lovers, while the waves and winds create the ideal conditions for surfing.
Old Safi has many shops selling the locally produced pottery, and you can visit a ceramic-making area (Collines des Potiers) in the mountains for greater insights into Safi’s pottery industry.
Step back in time and explore the city’s two old fortresses of the Kechla and Dar al Bahar, and don’t miss seeing the world’s biggest tagine pot.
Larache
Another settlement on the Atlantic coast, Larache has a Spanish colonial past. The beach is within easy reach of the city and the white-washed medina offers great views of the coast.
The city boasts an abundance of street art, with attractive and interesting scenes adorning the walls along a long stretch of busy road. Jardin de Lions is a pleasant spot to unwind and mingle with locals, and there are a couple of old cannons and fearsome-looking lion statues for great pictures.
Amezrou
A desert community in the Draa Valley, Amezrou sits on a former busy Saharan trading route. The area has a long Jewish-Berber heritage, which is reflected in the local traditions, ways of life, crafts, silverwork, and cuisine.
The lush oasis provides a fascinating window into life in harsh desert conditions, and a visit is sure to inspire a deep respect for the hardy souls who have inhabited this area over the years.
Ouezzane
An offbeat destination in northern Morocco, Ouezzane was commonly referred to as Morocco’s spiritual heartland in times gone by.
There are several Sufi shrines and Jewish tombs around the city, and people of different faiths come here on pilgrimage and to pay their respects.
Moulay Adbullah Sharif Mosque is a beautiful landmark; do note that non-Muslims aren’t allowed inside the mosque.
Stroll around the Jewish quarter of Ouezzane and admire the ornate tiling that covers many of the buildings and has an appearance rather like Andalusia.
Dakhla
Located in Western Sahara, the coastal city of Dakhla is home to a large and stunning lagoon. Windsurfing, kitesurfing, and surfing are available in the area, and visitors can also laze in the sunshine on the sandy beaches.
Spot an array of birds and other creatures close to the lagoon and indulge in the local oysters and fresh seafood.
Tin Mal
Today a small village in the Atlas Mountains, Tin Mal was once at the heart of a mighty empire that covered lands from Tunisia to Mali, incorporating parts of Spain too. The fortress was all but destroyed, with just the mosque left standing.
Unlike many of Morocco’s mosques, it is open to visitors of all faiths. Believed to have been the inspiration for the striking Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, Tin Mal Mosque features grand arches and pillars and is a very photogenic and atmospheric site.
Tafraoute
A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, Tafraoute is a fabulous base for adventures in the Anti Atlas Mountains.
The rugged and rocky terrain is scattered with small Berber villages, and the main town is surrounded by craggy red rock mountains.
Venture into the argan-growing areas and you may even spot goats climbing in the trees.
Other Awesome Destinations in Morocco
Asilah, known for its lovely street art and home to an eerie abandoned Jewish cemetery, is popular with Spanish tourists but sees relatively few visitors of other nationalities.
Oujda, close to the Algerian border, is an attractive city and the home of Moroccan rai music.
The moon-like Agafay Desert, close to Marrakech, is often overlooked by people visiting the Red City, and few visitors stop by Settat, an inland city with a long history, huge market, and horse-racing heritage.
El Jebha and Al Hoceima offer fascinating glimpses into Berber life between the nation’s northern coast and the Rif Mountains. The solitary Kasbah Boulaouane sits in the hills close to Azemmour and presents an interesting sight, and Mouley Idriss is a significant pilgrimage site with a glorious mausoleum and mosque with an unusual round minaret.
There are many morocco off the beaten track wonders to discover in Morocco; be sure to include some offbeat gems in your travel plans for a diverse, magical, and memorable trip.