In this visual guide, you will find a complete overview of the best places to visit in Morocco, including the most iconic landscapes, the richest natural settings, and the most lively streets for photography. Morocco is a country that has pleasantly surprised me in many ways, because it offers so much more than the desert, the camel rides, and the beautifully tiled courtyards you usually see on Instagram. Furthermore, whether you are a landscape enthusiast, a nature lover, or a street photographer, this country rewards every single lens with colour, texture, and light.
Moreover, the variety is almost unbelievable: you can shoot golden dunes at sunrise, climb snow‑capped peaks by midday, and wander through a blue‑washed town by the evening. In addition, to help you plan smarter, you can cross‑check opening hours and travel advice on the official portal Visit Morocco, while for guided, photo‑friendly itineraries I recommend exploring Morocco Best Tours. As a result, the rest of this article walks you through seventeen unforgettable locations, one by one.
1. Marrakech – One of the Best Places to Visit in Morocco
To begin with, Marrakech is arguably the most photographed city in the country, and for good reason. Jemaa el‑Fnaa square transforms into a theatrical stage of musicians, storytellers, and food stalls, while the surrounding medina offers endless alleys, tanneries, and riad courtyards. Specifically, the warm ochre walls of the Koutoubia and the Bahia Palace make this a paradise for street and architectural photography.
In particular, the magic hour here is unmatched, when the light turns the clay buildings into glowing amber. Therefore, I always arrive before dawn to capture the square empty and quiet, then return at sunset for the crowds. Likewise, don’t forget to climb the Menara gardens for a wide‑angle view of the whole red skyline.
2. Fes – The Ancient Soul
Fes is, without a doubt, the oldest and most authentic medina you will ever walk through. Its labyrinthine alleys, the Fes el‑Bali quarter, and the famous Chouara tanneries create a sensory overload that photographers simply cannot resist. For instance, the tanneries viewed from the rooftop terraces deliver one of the most striking overhead compositions in all of North Africa.
However, the maze can be confusing, so hiring a local guide is highly advisable. Consequently, you will discover hidden squares, zellige fountains, and artisan workshops that most tourists never see. Above all, the blue‑and‑white ceramic souks provide a brilliant contrast against the earthy tones of the old city.
3. Chefchaouen – The Blue Pearl
Next, we head to the Rif Mountains for Chefchaouen, the famous blue city. Every wall, door, and staircase is washed in shades of indigo, cobalt, and white, which makes it a dream for both casual and professional photographers. In other words, you never need to look hard for a perfect frame; the colour does the work for you.
Meanwhile, the old kasbah on the hill offers panoramic views over the blue rooftops and the green valley beyond. As a result, early morning is the best time to shoot, when the light is soft and the streets are nearly empty. Similarly, the small alleyways near the Place Outa el‑Hammam are perfect for intimate, atmospheric portraits.
4. Essaouira – Windy Coastal Charm
Essaouira is a laid‑back port town where the Atlantic breeze meets whitewashed houses and a bustling fishing harbour. The ramparts, the old medina, and the colourful boats make it an ideal spot for coastal and street photography. For example, the harbour at sunrise, with fishermen mending their nets, is a scene full of authentic character.
Furthermore, the town’s Gnaoua music heritage adds a human element to your images. Therefore, if you visit during the annual festival, you will capture energy and rhythm in every frame. In short, Essaouira balances sea, culture, and colour in a way few places can match.
5. Aït Benhaddou – The Ksar of a Thousand and One Nights
Aït Benhaddou is a UNESCO‑listed ksar, an earthen fortress‑village that looks straight out of a film. Its tower‑like houses, carved doors, and narrow lanes have hosted countless movies, which is exactly why it photographs so dramatically. Specifically, the warm sandstone tones against a clear blue sky create a naturally cinematic palette.
On the other hand, the village can get crowded, so timing matters. Consequently, I recommend arriving at opening time or staying for the last light of the day. Additionally, the view from the opposite bank of the Ounila river gives you the classic postcard composition with the palm grove in the foreground.
6. Merzouga & Erg Chebbi – The Great Dunes
Merzouga is the gateway to Erg Chebbi, one of the largest sand‑sea formations in the world. The towering dunes shift colour from pale gold to deep orange as the sun moves, making them a top destination for landscape photography. In particular, the long shadows at sunset stretch across the ripples and add incredible depth to your shots.
Moreover, the night sky here is one of the darkest in the country, perfect for astrophotography. As a result, a camp stay is not just comfortable but essential for capturing the Milky Way. Likewise, a camel ride at dawn gives you a unique, low‑angle perspective over the undulating sands.
7. Todra Gorge & Dades Valley
The Todra Gorge is a narrow canyon whose sheer limestone walls rise hundreds of metres on either side. The play of light and shadow inside the gorge, combined with the tiny human figures below, creates a powerful sense of scale. For instance, midday light beams down onto the riverbed and illuminates the rock faces in dramatic ways.
In addition, just nearby the Dades Valley unfolds with its terraced fields, palm oases, and the famous “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Therefore, this stretch is a road‑trip photographer’s goldmine. Similarly, the viewpoint over the valley at golden hour delivers layered, postcard‑perfect panoramas.
8. Ouarzazate – The Hollywood of Africa
Ouarzazate is the film capital of Africa, home to the massive Atlas Studios and the ancient kasbah of Taourirt. The city sits at the foot of the High Atlas, so you get a blend of desert, mountain, and human history in a single location. Specifically, the kasbah’s honey‑coloured towers against the snow‑dusted peaks make a striking composition.
However, the studio sets are the real highlight for many visitors. Consequently, you can shoot replicas of entire villages and palaces that have appeared in blockbusters. In other words, Ouarzazate offers a unique mix of real heritage and cinematic fantasy under one sky.
9. The High Atlas – Imlil & Mouna
The High Atlas mountains provide some of the most dramatic alpine scenery in North Africa. Villages such as Imlil and Mouna, with their stone houses and terraced slopes, are perfect for both landscape and cultural photography. For example, the path to Toubkal, the highest peak in the region, is lined with walnut groves and Berber hamlets.
Furthermore, the contrast between the arid valley floor and the green, water‑rich slopes is visually stunning. Therefore, spring is the ideal season, when wildflowers bloom and the streams are full. Likewise, the evening light on the mountain faces turns the rock into shades of rose and violet.
10. Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley is a hidden gem near Midelt, a natural pool surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs. The turquoise water, the lush vegetation, and the rock walls make it feel like a tropical oasis in the middle of the desert. In particular, the reflections of the cliffs on the calm water create a symmetrical, mirror‑like effect.
Meanwhile, the area is also great for adventure photography, with climbing routes and hiking trails. As a result, you can capture action shots of people swimming or scaling the rocks. Above all, the peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for slow, contemplative landscape work.
11. Agafay Desert
The Agafay Desert is a rocky, lunar‑like plain just outside Marrakech, and it offers a completely different desert experience from the sandy dunes. Its grey stones, sparse acacia trees, and endless horizon make it a favourite for minimalist and fine‑art photography. Specifically, the stark, almost alien landscape is perfect for bold, graphic compositions.
On the other hand, the proximity to the city means you can shoot it in a single day trip. Consequently, the sunset here, with the Atlas mountains glowing in the background, is a must‑capture moment. Similarly, the equestrian camps provide a classic desert‑and‑horse image that never goes out of style.
12. Ouzoud Waterfalls
The Ouzoud Waterfalls are a series of cascades that plunge into deep gorges, forming one of the most spectacular water features in the country. The mist, the green forest, and the jumping monkeys create a dynamic, lively scene for nature photography. For instance, the upper falls are best viewed from the cliff‑side paths, where you can get a wide, dramatic angle.
In addition, you can take a boat to the base of the falls for a low, intimate perspective. Therefore, bringing a splash‑proof cover for your camera is highly recommended. Likewise, the surrounding forest in autumn adds warm tones that complement the cool blue of the water.
13. Skoura Oasis
Skoura is a palm oasis famous for its ksar, its old tanneries, and its vast groves of date palms. The geometric patterns of the palm trees, especially when shot from above, create a natural, repeating texture that is highly satisfying to photograph. In particular, the contrast between the green palms and the dry, ochre landscape is striking.
Moreover, the ksar of Skoura offers a more relaxed alternative to Aït Benhaddou, with fewer crowds. As a result, you can explore its alleys and terraces at your own pace. In short, Skoura is a quiet, photogenic stop that rewards the patient observer.
14. Volubilis – The Roman Ruins
Volubilis is a remarkably well‑preserved Roman city and one of the best places to visit in Morocco, with mosaic floors, colonnades, and temple ruins set against the backdrop of the Middle Atlas. The intricate mosaics are a treasure trove for detail and pattern photography, confirming why Volubilis ranks among the best places to visit in Morocco. Specifically, the light filtering through the broken columns creates long, rhythmic shadows that are a joy to frame, making it one of the best places to visit in Morocco for architectural and historical photography.
Furthermore, the surrounding olive groves and the distant mountains add depth and context to your images, adding another reason why Volubilis is one of the best places to visit in Morocco. Therefore, early morning is the best time to visit, when the light is low and the ruins are bathed in gold. Similarly, the site is quiet enough to let you experiment with long exposures and creative angles, which is precisely what makes Volubilis one of the best places to visit in Morocco for fine-art photography.
Any serious photographer exploring the best places to visit in Morocco will find Volubilis an unmissable stop, where ancient history and extraordinary light combine to create images that are truly timeless. Without a doubt, Volubilis deserves its place among the best places to visit in Morocco.
15. Asilah – The White Coastal Town
Asilah is a charming fishing town on the Atlantic coast and one of the best places to visit in Morocco, known for its white walls, blue‑accented doors, and annual art festival. The blend of Portuguese and Moroccan architecture gives the old medina a unique, painterly quality. For example, the ramparts at sunset, with the sea glittering beyond, are a classic and timeless subject that reminds you why Asilah is among the best places to visit in Morocco.
In addition, the town’s street artists and murals add a contemporary, colourful layer to your street photography, making it one of the best places to visit in Morocco for creative and urban imagery. Consequently, Asilah is a great place to mix traditional and modern visual stories. Above all, the relaxed pace makes it easy to linger and wait for the perfect light, which is exactly what makes Asilah one of the best places to visit in Morocco for patient, atmospheric photography. Whether you are a seasoned photographer or a first-time visitor, Asilah stands out as one of the best places to visit in Morocco for its rare combination of coastal beauty, artistic spirit, and timeless charm.
16. Rabat – The Elegant Capital
Rabat, the capital, is often overlooked by tourists, yet it is one of the most photogenic cities in the country and one of the best places to visit in Morocco. The Kasbah of the Udayas, with its blue‑and‑white houses and views over the Atlantic, is a standout location. In particular, the Hassan Tower and the ancient Roman arch of the Mausoleum of Mohammed V offer strong architectural lines that make Rabat one of the best places to visit in Morocco for architectural photography.
Moreover, the city’s blend of modern boulevards and old medina creates a fascinating visual dialogue, confirming why Rabat ranks among the best places to visit in Morocco. As a result, you can shoot both contemporary urban scenes and historic textures in a single day. Likewise, the Oued Bou Regreg river at dusk provides a calm, reflective foreground for skyline shots, making it one of the best places to visit in Morocco for landscape and cityscape photography alike. For any photographer seeking the best places to visit in Morocco, Rabat is a destination that should never be skipped.
17. Tinghir & the Drâa Valley
Finally, the Drâa Valley, with Tinghir as its gateway, is a long, green ribbon of palm oases stretching into the deep south. The valley’s kasbahs, the turquoise Drâa river, and the surrounding desert mountains make it a rich landscape destination. For instance, the view from the Tinghir bridge over the palm grove is one of the most iconic in the region.
In addition, the valley is a great base for exploring the nearby Tizi n’Tichka pass and its sweeping mountain views. Therefore, it combines desert, oasis, and highland scenery in a single, coherent route. Ultimately, this makes the Drâa a perfect finale to any photography journey through the country.
Final Thoughts – Plan Your Morocco Photo Trip
In conclusion, the best places to visit in Morocco are as diverse as they are beautiful, offering something for every kind of photographer. Furthermore, by combining the desert, the coast, the mountains, and the medinas, you can craft a single trip that covers the full spectrum of the country’s visual identity. Therefore, the key is to plan your route around the light, the seasons, and the locations that match your personal style. From the golden dunes of Merzouga to the blue alleys of Chefchaouen, the best places to visit in Morocco never fail to surprise and inspire.
In short, Morocco is a land that rewards curiosity, patience, and a good eye. So, whether you travel independently or join a guided photo tour, you will leave with a memory card full of images you will cherish for a lifetime. Above all, start with this list, pick the best places to visit in Morocco that speak to you, and let the light of Morocco do the rest. Every photographer who has explored the best places to visit in Morocco knows that each location tells a different story, and that no single journey can capture them all.
The best places to visit in Morocco offer a unique blend of ancient culture, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant street life that is simply unmatched anywhere else in the world. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning to discover more, the best places to visit in Morocco will always reveal something new, something unexpected, and something worth capturing.
That is why the best places to visit in Morocco remain at the top of every serious travel photographer’s bucket list, year after year. Plan your journey today, explore the best places to visit in Morocco, and let every frame tell the story of a country that is truly unlike any other. The best places to visit in Morocco are waiting for you, and the light is already perfect.
