If you’ve explored the souks of Marrakech, photographed the blue-hued city of Chefchaouen and climbed Jebel Toubkal, you might be wondering what else Morocco has to offer. Getting off-the-beaten-track in this North African country offers some incredible experiences, without the tourist crowds.
As Morocco’s popularity increases as a holiday destination, seeking out these hidden gems becomes more appealing than ever. It's in some of these destinations that I've had my favourite experiences in Morocco - discovering the street art of Asilah and staying in one of Skoura's kasbahs are two that come immediately to mind!
Whether you want to delve into the local history, explore natural wilderness areas or just experience the “real” Morocco, I have you covered with 8 off-the-beaten-path Morocco destinations. I’ll explain what each offers and who it will appeal to, as well as include accommodation recommendations to help you plan your trip.
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Make a pilgrimage to Moulay Idriss
Moulay Idriss is a Moroccan town steeped in tradition and revered as one of the most sacred places in the country. Most famously, it’s home to the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss, the city's founder and a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. But despite its significance to locals, it remains relatively undiscovered by many foreign visitors.
Perched on the rugged slopes of Jebel Zerhoune (a stone's throw from Meknes), Moulay Idriss is akin to an Andalusian “White Town”, with sugar-cube houses stacked gracefully atop one another. For unrivalled vistas overlooking the mausoleum, make sure to visit Khiber, a charming hillside neighbourhood named after the ruler of Morocco's first independent kingdom.
Once you've explored the mausoleum, take the time to wander aimlessly through the town and embrace its peaceful ambiance. A visit to Moulay Idriss is an experience to be savoured and an opportunity to connect with Morocco's rich cultural heritage and profound spiritual traditions.
For more information about exploring this off-the-beaten-track destination, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Moulay Idriss or 7 Incredible Things to Do in Meknes.
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Off-the-beaten-path Morocco destinations
Admire Sidi Ifni’s Art Deco architecture
Located closer to the Canary Islands than Marrakech is the former Spanish enclave of Sidi Ifni, an atmospheric coastal town located 2.5 hours’ drive south of Agadir. Sidi Ifni's unique charm lies in its striking Art Deco architecture, reminiscent of the famous city of Casablanca but in a far more laid-back setting.
The colonial buildings of Sidi Ifni impress with their sun-bleached appearance, adorned in pastel-blue stripes and delightful floral motifs. Even the mosque in the town showcases an Art Deco style, adding to its eclectic atmosphere. Sidi Ifni is a wonderful spot to wander and feast on freshly caught seafood, with delicious fried squid served from the hole-in-the-wall fish stands near the port.
If you’re venturing as far as Sidi Ifni, don’t miss a visit to nearby Mirleft, famed for its wild beaches backed by red-hued cliffs. The most photogenic of these is Legzira with its awe-inspiring rock arch coloured in burnt oranges. Surfers should head to Plage Sauvage to find uncrowded waves - it’s a world away from Taghazout!
For more information about visiting this off-the-beaten-path Morocco destination, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Mirleft and Sidi Ifni.
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Discover the bird-filled oasis of Skoura
Tucked away in the Atlas Mountains, Skoura is a lush oasis famed for its date palm groves and historic kasbahs. It offers a peaceful natural environment for travellers seeking a tranquil escape off-the-beaten-tourist track while still being within an easy drive of Ouarzazate.
Skoura was once a bustling trading post where caravans from the desert transferred their goods to mule trains bound for the imperial city of Fes. Although it has been overshadowed by nearby Ouarzazate as the region's commercial hub, Skoura still maintains its medieval charm and boasts beautiful kasbahs where you can spend a night or two.
During your visit, be sure to explore the Palmeraie de Skoura, a hidden gem protected by UNESCO and irrigated for centuries. This oasis provides habitat for more than 100 bird species and features an underground canal system that harnesses water in the desert. Also not to miss are Kasbah Amridil, a fascinating living history museum, and Musee Memoire de Ouarzazate, which provides a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of southern Morocco's indigenous people.
For more information about visiting this off-the-beaten-track Morocco destination, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Todra Gorge + Dades Gorge + Skoura.
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Relax in the riverside city of Azemmour
Azemmour is a hidden gem to the north of El Jadida that often gets overlooked by foreign visitors. This picturesque city lies at the confluence of the Oum Er-Rbia River and the Atlantic Ocean and can be easily explored during a day trip from Casablanca.
Before the 15th century, Azemmour was under the rule of the King of Fes until it was conquered by the Portuguese. Notably, the renowned explorer Ferdinand Magellan (who led the first circumnavigation of the Earth) participated in the Battle of Azemmour. Although the Portuguese reign was short-lived due to economic challenges, remnants of their influence can still be found in the city’s impressive walls and towers.
Azemmour’s charming medina is adorned with street art, making it a wonderful place for photographers to explore. You’ll find a variety of regional handicrafts for sale in its market stalls and you can enjoy a boat cruise along the Oum Er-Rbia for a different perspective. Just a stone’s throw from the medina is Azemmour’s beach, which is popular with surfers year-round.
For more information about things to see and do in Azemmour, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Azemmour.
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Explore the art-filled medina of Asilah
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in northern Morocco, Asilah is a picturesque coastal town known for its whitewashed buildings and lively street art scene. It’s an ideal off-the-beaten-path Morocco destination for travellers seeking a mix of beach relaxation and cultural immersion, all within a short drive of Tangier.
With a history dating back to 1500 BC as the Phoenician settlement of Zili, Asilah's allure is further enhanced by the 15th-century Portuguese ramparts that encircle the town. After the hectic pace of Casablanca and nearby Tangier, Asilah’s laid-back medina is a pleasure to explore, with art galleries, cultural centres and historic palaces dotting the streets.
Although it's possible to see the main attractions of Asilah in a day, the town's beauty and coastal charm make it worth staying a night or two. This will also give you a chance to enjoy the breathtaking sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean from the ramparts and experience some of the impressive accommodation popping up along the coastline.
For more information about visiting this off-the-beaten-track Morocco destination, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Asilah.
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Wander through the “Mini Marrakech” of Taroudant
If you want to see what Marrakech might have felt like before the tourism explosion, head south to Taroudant, which lies a short drive inland from Agadir. This historic trading town is surrounded by honey-coloured ramparts and set against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. While it doesn’t have lots of big-ticket attractions, the relaxed pace, tranquil souks and absence of crowds make it a wonderful destination to experience the “real” Morocco.
Aside from visiting the ancient kasbah and wandering through the former pasha's residence of Hotel Palais Salam, I’d recommend soaking up the sights, sounds and smells at one of Taroudant’s markets. The city also has its own tanneries to explore, although they aren’t quite as large (or touristy) as those in Fes.
If you’re an art enthusiast, don’t miss the Palais Musee Claudio Bravo, which showcases the eclectic collection of the Chilean artist within gorgeous grounds. Also near Taroudant is the Tioute Oasis, where a lush palm grove thrives amidst ancient irrigation systems and the remnants of a historic kasbah.
For more information about visiting this off-the-beaten-track Morocco destination, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Taroudant.
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Climb the Anti-Atlas summit of Jebel Sirwa
Rising to 3,305 metres in height, Jebel Sirwa is a prominent volcanic peak in the Anti Atlas Mountains and offers a unique trekking experience away from the crowds of Jebel Toubkal. The most popular way to experience it is on a six-day trek that takes in fields of wildflowers, rural communities and the extinct stratovolcano.
Taliouine is the main gateway to the region and is renowned for being the primary saffron-growing area in Morocco. If possible, coincide your trek with the harvest period at the end of October/start of November to witness this unique event in action. In addition to seeing families harvesting the stamens at dawn, you’ll likely pass by shepherds tending their flocks.
For more information about visiting this off-the-beaten-track Morocco destination, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Taliouine.
Best place to stay in Taliouine
Off-the-beaten-path Morocco destinations
Camel trek through the dunes of Erg Chigaga
Reached via the gateway town of M'Hamid, Erg Chigaga is not just a single dune but an expansive stretch of golden sand that resembles a sea. It is the largest sand sea in Morocco but still remains less-visited for camel treks than the more popular Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. Spending a night out in the dunes is an unforgettable experience, with the views of the Milky Way simply breathtaking.
In the past, M’Hamid served as an important oasis for caravans, with cameleers replenishing their water supply here before heading towards Timbuktu. Today, it is the launchpad for camel treks to Erg Chigaga, although the sand sea can also be reached by off-road vehicles and motorbikes. While there are fewer desert camps here than in Erg Chebbi, there are some incredible luxury options for those seeking a romantic stay.
Want to visit Erg Chigaga on a self-guided itinerary? Check out this one-week itinerary from Marrakech to Agadir.
For more information on the difference between Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga, check out this article on Planning a Sahara Desert camp experience in Morocco.
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Morocco’s more well-known tourist destinations, like Marrakech, Fes and Essaouira, are popular for a reason and shouldn’t be overlooked. But I’d highly recommend including some of these off-the-beaten-track places to your itinerary. They offer a different perspective on Morocco and allow you to immerse yourself a little deeper in the country’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.