The 5 most beautiful places in Morocco

I recently visited Morocco on a two-week trip around the country. After much deliberation and help from my friend, we have selected the top 5 most beautiful places that you absolutely have to see on your trip to Morocco.

The Sand dunes of merzouga

I think the Sahara desert is on everyone's bucket list and probably one of the reasons most people visit Morocco. What you probably didn't know is that although part of the Sahara is very close to Marrakesh, the part that you see in movies and have dreamed of visiting is about an 8-hour drive away. The sand dunes of Merzouga are the highest in Morocco, some can reach up to 150 meters. The beautiful golden sand and immense dunes are completely worth the detour. Many companies offer guided tours to Merzouga and you can book last minute in Marrakesh or Fes. I recommend booking a private tour so you can stop along the way and really see the beauty of Morocco. 

The medina in chefchaouen

The city of Chefchaouen is quickly becoming a favorite for tourists from around the globe and it's easy to see why. The blue painted walls of the medina really sets it appart from other cities in Morocco and even though legions of tourist swarm the city every day, it is easy to find a quiet spot. We spent a whole day wandering around the small alleys and finding streets more beautiful each turn. The hike to the Spanish mosque is a must if you want to get a good panoramic view of the city.

the bahia palace in marrakech

The Bahia Palace is an ancient palace form the 19th century. The walls, floors and cellings are decorated with ceramics and sculptures that transform the estate into a wonderful piece of art. There are also multiple fountains and interior gardens to explore. The ensemble makes for a nice representation of islamic art and deserves to be explored in details. The entrance costs about 10 CA$ and is well worth it.

Ait ben haddou

Ait Ben Haddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site preserved for it's history and beauty. The village made out of clay was prosper because of it's perfect location along the caravan routes. Four families still live in traditional Kasbahs in the village that is now mostly used as a movie set.

The Dades gorges

The Dades Gorges are truly in the middle of nowhere, but the high walls of the gorge and the clear water of the river made it a spot that I definitely recommend hitting while on the way to Merzouga. You will pass plenty of beautiful oasis along the valley on the way to the gorge and get a chance to see what life really looks like for Moroccans.

I was astounded by the natural beauty of Morocco as I had mostly seen pictures of it's cities before my trip. Now that I've seen it with my own eyes, I can say I loved the little villages and wilderness more than the big cities. Did one of these Moroccan beauties find a place on your bucket list?

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