Hidden Gems of Morocco: Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations

Morocco is a place of rich history, diverse landscapes and vibrant colors. Even though cities like Marrakech, Casablanca and Fes pull in their millions of tourists, the country has so many undiscovered treasures hidden away behind its lush palm oasis. Populated with gorgeous coastal towns and impressive mountain retreats, hidden gems of Morocco’s overlooked destinations are a fantastic chance to see the country in its untouched form.

If you’re going on Morocco tour, it pays to be adventurous, there are things to explore that will make your trip more amazing other than the places you can easily go to. Visiting some of these off the beaten path locations enable you to appreciate the real Moroccan culture, authentic natural landscape, and local traditions which have remained unchanged for hundreds of years. Hardly any part of the world can be more highly compressed into pocket size than this, and you’ll find that these hidden gems promise adventure, serenity, or cultural immersion every step of the way.

Here are some hidden gems of Morocco that are off the beaten path

1. Chefchaouen 

Located in the Rif Mountains, the town of Chefchaouen is a charming town with its mesmerizing blue painted streets. This picturesque village is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty or photography, it is also a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The narrow alleyways can be explored, souvenirs bought, or hiked to the Spanish Mosque for views of the town and mountains.

2. Legzira Beach 

Legzira Beach is on Morocco’s southern coast and is famous for its iconic red rock arches that shoot dramatically out of the sea. Being a ‘hidden paradise’ for beach lovers and photographers, it has golden sands, peaceful ambiance, and striking cliffs. If you’re down on a couch, listen to the waves crashing on the beach, or walk alone with a sunset, this is a wonderful spot to get away from the crowds.

3. Ouzoud Waterfalls 

Ouzoud falls over 100 meters down into a lush green valley from one of Morocco’s most spectacular waterfalls. Being a nature lover’s paradise, scenic hiking trails, boat rides and refreshing natural pools are scattered throughout the area. Playful Barbary macaques also live in the trees and visitors can spot them too, making this a peaceful retreat. The roaring falls with the greenery around it is a sight not to be forgotten.

4. Sidi Ifni 

Sidi Ifni, a small coastal town with Spanish colonial influences, offers a unique blend of Moroccan and European architecture. Pretty beaches, Art Deco buildings in color and fresh seafood give this one a relaxing escape from more hectic cities. The town is situated in a area away from the hectic side of life, along with the brilliant ocean views, making it a pretty place to go for a quiet vacation, allowing people to fully absorb the local tradition and history.

5. Dades Valley 

Dades Valley is a scenic route with rock formations, ancient kasbahs and lush green oases. This area is rich in history, but more importantly one that is known as the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, each of which opens up to view breathtaking landscapes. Culture lovers will find the dramatic fortresses, which once acted as strongholds of local tribes and adventure seekers can hike through the best rock gorges.

6. Tafraoute 

Tafraoute is a beautiful Berber village with striking pink granite rock formations deep in the Anti-Atlas Mountains. The Painted Rocks are well known for its breathtaking landscapes, including an outdoor art installation, Painted Rocks that lend a surreal touch to the scenery. Tafraoute is a place of peace, beautiful Berber culture and beautiful surroundings that make it the perfect destination for travelers looking for an authentic Moroccan experience.

7. Merzouga 

Merzouga, a small desert village on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, offers an unforgettable Sahara experience. Some excursions include camel treks through the golden sands, sandboarding and one night staying undercover in a traditional desert camp. The dunes of Merzouga are magical and ever changing colors of the dunes at sunrise and sunset make Merzouga a must see adventure destination.

8. Akchour 

Waterfalls, emerald pools, lush landscapes are the calling cards of a nature lover’s paradise of a place known as Akchour, hidden in the northern part of Morocco. God’s Bridge, a natural rock arch over the river, is a highlight of the area, but there is a hike to it. Serenity of the nearby mountains and crystal clear waters can be enjoyed by the visitors and they can swim therein or not swim. For those who want to flee city life and seek a peaceful retreat, this is simply perfect.

9. Ait Ben Haddou 

Ait Ben Haddou is an ancient mud-brick village that looks like a scene from a movie and is a UNESCO listed Kasbah. In fact, it has been used in films such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. It is a historic site along an old caravan route and shows Morocco’s architectural heritage. A very immersive experience is to explore the narrow alleys and climb to the top for the panoramic views of the desert landscape.

10. Ifrane 

Ifrane is unlike the traditional Moroccan scenery, it has Swiss style architecture and cool climate, like a European alpine town. And notably notorious for cedar forests, scenic hiking trails, and winter ski resorts a located in the Middle Atlas Mountains. Ifrane is a place to go if you want to break away from the country’s hot and arid regions and whether you’re visiting in summer to enjoy nature or in winter for skiing.

Conclusion

Morocco’s famous cities and buzzing souks are impressive, there is far more to the country surprises around every corner. Some of these hidden gems share with us the very unique, beautiful and colorful aspect of the country in its many facets of beauty and rich cultural heritage. Visiting these less touristy destinations, enables travelers to experience a side of Morocco that has not been touched, and remains authentic.

Stepping off the beaten path will help you understand the charm of the country if you are planning a Morocco tour package. Generally, the places to visit in Morocco appeal to different people at some level, and each and every one of them will make your Moroccan adventure unequalled.