20 Best Places To Visit In South Morocco
The South of Morocco is undoubtedly an exceptional place to visit. From the vibrant Atlantic coastal cities to the enchanting villages eroded by time, the dry hills overlooking lush oasis riverbeds or the arid deserts, the Southern side of the Atlas mountains offer contrasting landscapes that will please any traveller’s tastes.
Here is a list of the best 20 places to visit in South Morocco.
20 Best Places to Visit in South Morocco
1. Aït Ben Haddou
The Ksar Aït Ben Haddou, near Ouarzazate is an old berbere village made of adobe houses built on a hillside. Mostly abandoned, it has been left to tourists and souvenirs shops. However, the Ksar is one of the most beautiful places you will have the chance to see in south Morocco. As you enter the village, it immediately feels like you have stepped into an old peplum. No surprises then when you know that more than 40 movies have taken place in or around Aït Ben Haddou. Gladiator is the most known of all.
Visit on your own or hire a guide in the village to show you around. The famous “café view” is taken from the inside of the ksar but is often closed in the morning. If you hire a guide, ask him to take you there, he will more than likely know the owner and will let you in.
These are some of the best tours that go to Aït Ben Haddou from Marrakech or Ouarzazate:
- Ait Benhaddou and Atlas Mountains Day Trip from Marrakech
- Ouarzazate & Kasbahs Full-Day Guided Tour from Marrakech
2. The film studios of Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is recognised around the world as one of the most important locations for film sets in Africa. In the countryside, along the road leading towards Merzouga, a few companies have opened huge film studios and kept most of the legendary sets to visitors. At the Atlas Corporation Studios, for example, you will have the chance to see the props from the movies The Mummy, Prince of Persia and Lawrence of Arabia, among many others.
Opening Time: 08:15 am – 05:15 pm (6:45 pm from March to September)
Entrance Fee: 50 Dh
Link to their website
Check out these tours from Marrakech to Ouarzazate and the Oasis Fint
- Shared group day tour to Ouarzazate and Kasbahs from Marrakech
- Ouarzazate: Private Full-Day Tour and Oasis Fint
3. The palaces of Marrakech
If there was one city to not miss in South Morocco it is of course Marrakech. The Palaces of Bahia and El Badi are two unmissable buildings, both located in the Jewish neighbourhood of Marrakech. Bahia, built during the 18th century, is a great example of Moroccan architecture, wood carving and ceramic work.
With over 150 astonishingly decorated rooms and sets of gardens, the Palace of Bahia is like an oasis in the heart of Marrakech. While each room displays a different pattern of mosaic tiles, the gardens are conducive to relaxation and quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the nearby souks.
RELATED: THE HIGHLIGHTS OF MARRAKECH, TWO DAYS TO VISIT THE RED CITY
On the other side, the 16th-century Palace El Badi, which was once the most spectacular building in south Morocco, hasn’t kept its freshness and grandiosity. However, the ruins are an exceptional display of the best Saadian period’s architecture and one of the most visited edifices in Marrakech.
You enter the palace through an opened courtyard dotted with large pools and orange orchards before getting lost within secret underground passages and prisoners’ cells. Make sure not to miss the beautiful ceramic tiles and to look up to see storks nests.
Tip: These days everyone knows to go early to avoid tours groups. So going early isn’t as good as it used to be. We would actually recommend to go during lunch time and take your time there. Tours come and go and rarely visit the further parts of the palace. So make sure to look around and follow all of the open doors.
Visit and learn about these places with a guide:
- Marrakech City Tour Hop On – Hop Off bus
- Marrakech: Private Half-Day Walking Tour
- Marrakech: Private Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour
- Marrakech City Center Private Airport Transfer
4. Dadès Valley, a unique place in south morocco
The Dades Valley and its gorges were carved for centuries by the river holding the same name. Located a few kilometres from Boulmane Dades, the valley is easily reachable and the orange cliff can in some parts reach up to 500 m in height.
Driving through the canyon and up the beautiful winding roads is an amazing experience that one wouldn’t imagine exists in South Morocco. If you can, take your time and actually walk the famous zigzag road from Dadès village at sunset. The view from the hilltop hotel car park is gorgeous and it is a great reward to watch the last rays of the sun kissing the cliffs.
The Dadès Valley is usually included in the Marrakech or Fez to Merzouga trips.
5. Rose Valley
The Rose Valley is about 40km away from the Dadès Valley, back towards Boulmane Dadès. It is an exceptional place to go hiking for a few days and discover its flourishing landscape.
In fact, the valley holds its name from the Rose flowers that bloom all around the area during the month of May. It is one of the most remarkable parts of South Morocco.
Tip: To get the best out of the blooming season, visit El Kelaa M’Gouna during the Festival of the Roses.
6. Ourika Valley
The Ourika Valley lies about 60km south of Marrakech. It is one of the closest places from Marrakech to see waterfalls, Argan oil cooperatives, Berber villages and lush green valleys.
Visiting the Ourika valley is an excellent day trip to see the Moroccan countryside and walk at the feet of the High Atlas mountains.
Tip: We would recommend hiking to the seven waterfalls of Setti Fatma, and looking for Berber Bridges made of rope. The perfect opportunity for Indiana Jones-like photos!
7. The route of a thousand kasbahs
The Route of the Thousands Kasbahs is a very long loop leaving Marrakech to Merzouga and passing through Ouarzazate and Assoul. It is the main circuit that is taken during the 3-day tour from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert.
For us, the most beautiful part is the one between Boulmane Dades and the entrance of the Dades Valley. This gorgeous road follows the river Dadès and its oasis. From the road, you will find astonishing viewpoints to stop and see old berbere hillside towns. Here, the contrast between the dryness of the rocks against the greens of the palm trees is just incredible.
8. Essaouira, south morocco’s windy city
Essaouira is a fishing port on the Moroccan Atlantic Coast known for its importance in the Games of Thrones Series, but also for its laid-back and artistic atmosphere. Essaouira is an incredible place to find peace, fresh fish and craft souvenirs.
But amongst all of its positive features, Essaouira is an exceptional place to visit for its impressive Skala du Port and De La Ville but also its lively medina and buzzing fishing harbour. It is Morocco’s most charming coastal town and shouldn’t be missed.
RELATED: THE PERFECT WEEKEND IN ESSAOUIRA: WHAT TO DO AND SEE
Planning a trip to Essaouira? Check these tours:
- Traditional cooking class
- 3 Hours Quad Trip in Essaouira
- Beginner surf lesson
- Day Trip to Essaouira from Marrakech
- 3-Hour Horseback Ride
9. Dakhla
Dakhla peninsula (also called Laguna Dakhla) is a small piece of land entering the Atlantic Ocean, in the southwest of Morocco. It is a paradise for surfers and kitesurfers who come to practice all year long. You can also go sailing on the lagoon or take kitesurfing classes.
Here, the wind is constant, the water shallow and the landscapes astonishing. Spa and Yoga retreats are organised by the many kitesurfing hostels along the beach. A great way to chill and unwind from our buzzing Westernised lifestyle.
Tip: If you cannot fly to Dakhla and wish to surf or kitesurf while travelling south of Marrakech, make sure to check the beaches of Taghazout and Legzira near Agadir.
10. Atlas Mountains & Tichka Pass
Also called Tizi n’Tichka, the Tichka Pass cannot be missed. As you head to South Morocco, towards Ouarzazate, Tichka pass lies at 2,260 m and is the main way to cross the Atlas mountains into the south, from Marrakech. To get there, you will need to drive along National Route 9 which will turn into a succession of steep bends before reaching the pass.
Tip: On the side of the road, you will find a car park to stop and take a minute to look at the gorgeous view of the windy road and the dry landscape.
11. Draa Valley
The Draa is the longest river in Morocco. It flows from the Atlas Mountains towards the Sahara desert via Tagounit before turning right, reaching Mhamid and making its way to the Atlantic ocean.
The Draa valley is becoming more and more touristy as it offers beautiful sceneries of the lush oasis, old Berber Kasbahs and leads to one of the closest places to visit the Sahara Desert from Marrakech, Zagora. The Draa Valley is also known for being the “date basket” of Morocco and for its agricultural terraces.
An excellent way to take time and really visit the Draa Valley is to join a trekking tour.
12. Boulmane Dadès & Tinghir
Boulmane Dadès and Tinghir are respectively the entrances of the Dadès Valley and the Todra Gorges. They are two very photogenic towns nestled in between both arid and lush landscapes.
In Boulmanes Dades, the houses are built on top of each other, creating a very interesting mess stuck into the blue sky and the uniform green of the palm trees.
The road to Tinghir is surprisingly cutting through a vast and dry plain, but as you arrive in the town, you are immediately brought back to a lush oasis and a few old villages eroded by time. Tinghir is a great place to stay to explore Southern Morocco countryside.
An exceptional region of contrasts that will leave you speechless.
There are a few multi-day hiking trips that leave from Tinghir.
13. Todra Gorge
The Todra Gorge is a narrow valley in which the vertical orange limestone cliffs can reach up to 300 m high on both sides.
It is a paradise for climbers who will have the choice between the via Codarta and the path of Nomads or the path of Vertigo with rappelling.
But it is also an excellent place for hikers looking for quiet time and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
For the others, the Todra Gorge is accessible by car from Tinghir. All tours to Merzouga stop here.
Tip: Look for the mountain goats. They will either be refreshing themselves in the river or climbing the side of the cliffs
14. Jbel Toubkal ¦ south morocco
Mount Toubkal is the highest peak of the Atlas Mountain chain, with an elevation of 4,167 m. The best way to really embrace the Jbel Toubkal is through an overnight hike to the top!
Despite not being technically difficult, the trek, however, requires a good level of fitness and motivation. The trail starts in Imlil but for the most enthusiastic and trekking lovers, it is possible to turn this 2-day hike into a 6 to 8-day trip!
Although you can also take a day trip to Toubkal National Park Day Trip from Marrakech.
15. Merzouga and Sahara desert
Merzouga is known in Morocco as the entrance to the Sahara Desert. Most visitors travel here to hop on a camel and go for an hour ride into the gorgeous Saharan dunes before spending a memorable night in a berbere tent. One of the most incredible moments in the desert is the sunset itself.
There is nothing quite like watching the sun dropping behind the dunes and noticing the sand changing colours from bright orange to faded pink. Add to this enchanting moment, a huge berbere dinner and a private music show under the stars. No doubt this should be going straight onto anyone’s bucket list.
We have done this 3-day tour from Marrakech, so make sure to read our dedicated article!
Marrakech to Merzouga – What to expect from a private Sahara desert tour
16. Kasbah Taourirt
Kasbah Taourit is one of the main buildings in the city of Ouarzazate. It is a beautiful monument made of adobe that looks like a sandcastle. From the outside, you will notice the typical Moroccan geometrical ornaments on the walls, which is probably the most interesting part.
If you wish to visit you must pay a small fee at the entrance gate. Inside, the rooms are unfortunately empty but it can be worth walking around to admire the decorative work of the walls and learn about the ancestral Moroccan architecture.
17. Zagora or Agafay deserts
Zagora desert, also known as Erg Chegaga and the Agafay deserts are two good alternatives to the Sahara desert which can take a long time to get to.
If you don’t have enough days to go to Merzouga and back, the Agafay desert which is only a couple of hours from Marrakech offers visitors to spend the night in Berber tents. Not as picturesque as a sand dune landscape, the Agafay desert will, however, be a good introduction to the Berbers life and will allow you to stargaze away from the city lights.
If you don’t want to spend the night in the desert, you can still visit the Agafay desert from Marrakech and partake in a few activities such as Quad in the dunes or Sunset horseback ride!
On another hand, if you absolutely want to go camel riding in sand dunes, you can choose to visit Zagora and the desert of Erg Chegaga. The experience is mostly the same as the one in Merzouga but has the additional merit of being quickly reachable and cheaper. Most tours will also stop at Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate and the Draa Valley.
18. The Market of Rissani
The town of Rissani isn’t one of the main stops in Morocco. However, it would be a shame to not stop for a couple of hours and visit its typical Souk and its famous livestock market. In the streets, you won’t find any tourists but only locals coming from the entire region to buy donkeys, cows, goats and other animals for their farms. The Rissani market is held every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Tip: Do not miss the Berbere Pizza that can only be found in Rissani! It is a sort of calzone pie filled with minced meat, tomatoes and a lot of Moroccan spices. Delicious.
19. Ouzoud waterfalls
Cutting through the reddish cliffs of the Middle Atlas Mountain Range, the Ouzoud waterfalls are a perfect excuse for a full-day trip from Marrakech. Only a couple of hours away from the red city, the Tissakht river drops by 110 m over 3 different levels, creating a spectacular landscape in this, particularly arid region.
The falls are accessible from the small town of Tanaghmeilt where cars and tours park. From there a loop trail will take you to the bottom of the falls where you can take a boat to the feet of the waterfall. Keep your valuables away, it can get very wet! To return to the car park, the trail continues through a little forest, home to the Macaque monkey. You will more than likely see a few messing around. At the top of the waterfall the view over the drop is incredible, but watch out, it’s slippery, so stay behind the fences.
Tip: Avoid visiting on the weekend. Ouzoud waterfalls are very popular with locals who like to come for a fresh weekend picnic and a boat excursion.
Visit the Ouzoud waterfalls as part of a day trip from Marrakech:
20. Monkey Fingers
The Monkey fingers is a very unusual rock formation found on the road to the Dadès Valley. Here, the rocks have been eroded by strong elements, leaving strangely shaped boulders and conic stones attached to the cliffs. The rock is so round that as per locals, looks like Monkey fingers. even if it is a quick stop, it is one of the top places to visit in South Morocco
Are you planning a trip to Morocco?
We have a lot of articles about travelling in Morocco and add new ones every so often. Check out our latest guides below to prepare for your trip…
- Highlights Of Marrakech: What To Do In Two Days
- The Best Riads in Marrakech – From Budget To Luxury Stays
- Marrakech To Merzouga – Sahara Desert Tour: What to Expect
- The Perfect Weekend in Essaouira: What to Do and See
- 20 Best Places To Visit In South Morocco
- Beautiful Places to Stay in Morocco
- 2-week itinerary in Morocco
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jen – Owner, writer & photographer – has lived for the past 10 years across Oceania and Ireland while also travelling long-term in Latin America, North America and Europe. She has visited more than 60 countries and set foot on every continent in the world!
>> Favourite countries: New Zealand, Bolivia, Iceland.
>> Wishlist: Svalbard, Japan, Botswana, Alaska.
>> Philosophy: “We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.
Jen is a coffee nerd, passionate about photography, wildlife and outdoor activities. Her organisation and curiosity make her a great travel companion always looking for DIY and off-the-grid adventures. For more info, check out the About page.
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I’ll need a long vacation to be able to visit all these cities. thank you for your selections.
Morocco is really a fairy-tale land; heaven you will never forget. I am going on my 3rd holiday and I can’t get there fast enough.
Jenny this is one of the best blogs I’ve read on Morocco, thank you for your detail. We are heading there for a month in our RV in February and this has been so helpful in our planning. Going to love blogging and photographing this area.
Thank you so much Karen. RVing around Morocco sounds incredible. I hope you’ll enjoy your trip.