Morocco's Hidden Gems: 12 Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations

Ninety percent of first-time travelers to Morocco see the same four cities. That is a shame, because the country hides some of the most beautiful villages, coastlines and oases in North Africa an hour or two off the tourist trail. Here are twelve destinations we send friends to — with practical notes on how to get there, when to go, and what to actually do.

1 · Moulay Idriss Zerhoun

Morocco's holiest town, tumbling white and green over two hills 30 minutes from Meknes. Non-Muslims were not permitted to sleep here until 2005, so it still feels like a secret. Climb to the round minaret at dawn, walk to the Roman ruins of Volubilis in the afternoon, and stay in one of the small family riads for under €60 a night.

2 · Imlil & the Toubkal Valley

The base camp for North Africa's highest peak (4,167 m) and the friendliest introduction to Berber life. Even without climbing Toubkal, day-hike to Aroumd, sleep in a stone gîte, and share tagine with the family that runs it. Ninety minutes from Marrakech by grand taxi.

3 · Aït Bouguemez — the Happy Valley

A wide, fertile valley in the central High Atlas that most guidebooks skip because the road is long. That is the point. Terraced fields, mud-brick villages, hikes to the Igoudamene plateau and a monastic silence at night. Two days minimum.

4 · Mirleft

A cliff-top surf and paragliding village between Agadir and Sidi Ifni. Empty beaches, a laid-back main street of cafés and yoga studios, and some of Morocco's best sunsets. The perfect three-day antidote to the medina.

5 · Sidi Ifni

Spanish Art-Deco meets Atlantic surf town. The Spanish only handed the enclave back to Morocco in 1969, so the architecture is unlike anywhere else in the country. Legzira Beach and its collapsed arch are a 20-minute drive north.

6 · Akchour Waterfalls

A 45-minute drive from Chefchaouen into Talassemtane National Park brings you to turquoise river pools, a natural stone bridge (God's Bridge) and a moderate 3-hour hike to the Grande Cascade. Bring lunch; stay for a swim.

7 · Tafraoute & the Painted Rocks

Deep in the Anti-Atlas, Tafraoute sits in a bowl of pink granite boulders that turn crimson at sunset. Rent a bike, ride to the almond-blossom villages of the Ameln Valley in February, and find the surrealist Painted Rocks a few kilometers out of town.

8 · The Draa Valley Oases

The road from Ouarzazate to Zagora follows 200 km of continuous palm groves and mud-brick ksour. Skip the tour buses and sleep in Agdz or Tamnougalt — the oasis walks at sunrise are otherworldly.

9 · Taroudant — the Little Marrakech

A walled ochre city 90 minutes east of Agadir with two beautiful souks, no tour groups and a horse-drawn calèche tradition. Base yourself here for the Souss valley and the Argan cooperatives.

10 · Asilah

A whitewashed Atlantic medina an hour south of Tangier, famous for its annual mural festival. The ramparts at sunset, a plate of grilled sardines and a mint tea on the sea wall — this is Morocco at its most relaxed.

11 · Talassemtane Cedar Forests

The greenest corner of Morocco. Barbary macaques, cedar forests and traditional Jbala villages, all within day-trip distance of Chefchaouen for hikers who want to leave the crowds behind.

12 · Ouzoud Falls (arrive at dawn)

Ouzoud is on the map — but almost nobody sleeps there. Book a night in one of the small riads at the top, wake up before the tour buses, and have Morocco's tallest waterfall to yourself for two hours.

Planning your hidden-gems trip

Most of these places pair naturally: Moulay Idriss with Fez, Imlil and Aït Bouguemez with Marrakech, Mirleft and Sidi Ifni with a coastal loop from Agadir, Akchour with Chefchaouen. Ten days is enough for four of them; two weeks lets you slow down and enjoy them.

Ready to build the trip? Start with our Trip Planner, browse riads and boutique hotels in the region, or compare flights to Morocco.