Once an important trading post where caravans from the Sahara Desert would transfer their wares to mule trains headed for Fes, Skoura has a storied history that is palpable in its atmospheric kasbahs. While the nearby city of Ouarzazate later eclipsed Skoura as the region's commercial centre, this picturesque town has retained much of its historic character and is a wonderful place to stay.
We always stop in Skoura for a night or two when we’re travelling to Dades Gorge, the Valley of Roses or the Sahara, mainly because I love staying its its incredible kasbah hotels. Each is a little different - some are restored from historic buildings while others newly constructed - but they all offer a glimpse into the Skoura of years gone by.
You could simply overnight in Skoura to break up the journey from Marrakech to Merzouga or M'Hamid but I would encourage you to stay a day or two to explore the area. Not to miss is Kasbah Amridil, a living museum that offers an insight into traditional Moroccan life, as well as the Musée Mémoire de Ouarzazate. Highlights of this cultural institution include a marriage contract penned in saffron and architectural drawings of kasbah fortresses.
By staying a couple of nights in Skoura, you’ll also have time to wander through the palmeraie and enjoy all the facilities at your kasbah hotel. These include refreshing swimming pools and gorgeous gardens where organic produce is grown for the onsite restaurants. For me, staying in Skoura is slow travel at its finest - an opportunity to relax and recharge before continuing on your Moroccan itinerary.
Read on to discover 7 of the best places to stay in Skoura, from luxury kasbah hotels to an eco-friendly farm stay.
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Best places to stay in Skoura
Best eco-friendly hotel in Skoura
Set in the heart of the palmeraie is this eco-friendly Skoura hotel, which has been carefully designed to limit its impact on the environment. It was constructed in a traditional architectural style using materials collected on site, including clay, straw, reeds and palm fronds. In addition, LED lights are used throughout the property to reduce energy consumption.
The beautifully appointed rooms and suites at this luxury Skoura hotel are decorated with traditional textiles and overlook the gardens where seasonal flowers bloom. Aside from a saltwater swimming pool, there’s also a hammam and massages are available using rose oil harvested nearby. Meals are prepared using seasonal vegetables and fruits picked from the surrounding gardens, all grown without the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
“Amazing little oasis in the middle of nowhere.” - Paulo (read more reviews here)
Best luxury hotel in Skoura
So many guests who have stayed at this luxury Skoura hotel say they didn’t want to leave - I think praise doesn’t get any higher than that! Translating from Arabic as “water”, L’Ma Lodge was the passion project of Vanessa and Xavier who spent six years transforming an abandoned football field into a lush garden and upmarket Skoura guesthouse.
Each of the four rooms and three suites is located in the riad (which is located 100 metres from the main house) and enjoy views across the orchard and palm grove. From the rooftop terrace, there are 360-degree panoramas stretching all the way to the snow-capped Atlas Mountains in the distance. Aside from the heated swimming pool, there’s a petanque court, a children’s play area and a restaurant serving Moroccan-Mediterranean cuisine.
"Magical property in Skoura!” - Daphne (read more reviews here)
Best places to stay in Skoura, Morocco
Best mid-range hotel in Skoura
Nestled within its own gardens, Auberge Kasbah Tiriguioute is an enchanting, family-run hotel in the heart of Skoura. It exudes an atmosphere of tranquility and old-world charm, with an orchard of pomegranate and citrus trees to wander through. The sparkling swimming pool offers a refreshing respite from the desert heat while the host, Kamil, is a wealth of local knowledge.
The rooms at this highly-rated Skoura hotel are overflowing with character, adorned with beautiful tile work and traditional Moroccan furnishings that complement the kasbah architecture. A highlight in the winter months is the cosy fireside lounge, where you can curl up with a good book while sipping mint tea. It really is a special place to stay!
“A great way to experience an intimate look at everyday life in Skoura in an absolutely beautiful and authentic setting.” - Deborah (read more reviews here)
Best budget hotel in Skoura
Situated on the edge of the palmeraie, this budget Skoura hotel is the perfect place to stay for eco-conscious travellers. You’ll receive an incredible welcome from the gracious brother-owners who pour their hearts into providing exceptional hospitality. After a day of exploring the palmeraie (they offer guided tours too), you can settle in by the roaring fireplace where a homemade feast awaits.
The talented chef, Hicham, crafts mouthwatering Moroccan dishes using only the freshest ingredients harvested from the property's bountiful gardens. While the bungalows are simple, they are well-appointed and you’ll fall asleep to the sounds of palm fronds swaying in the wind. With its captivating natural setting and commitment to sustainability, Eco-Ferme Tamalait is one of the best affordable hotels in Skoura.
“This place is paradise. Super friendly hosts and an authentic experience that we can’t recommend enough.” - Alexia (read more reviews here)
Best places to stay in Skoura, Morocco
Elevated views of Skoura Lodge, surrounded by the palmeraie and backed by the Atlas Mountains (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best Skoura hotel with a spa
Ksar El Kabbaba is a luxury kasbah hotel in Skoura, surrounded by flourishing gardens and century-old olive trees. Its architecture is particularly impressive, with intricate carvings along the exterior walls. All of the rooms and suites are generous in size, with many boasting separate sitting areas and fireplaces for use on chilly desert nights.
At the heart of the property is a large swimming pool where you can lounge on comfortable sun chairs while taking in the picturesque views of the swaying palms. The on-site wellness centre, Hamam Ino, offers not only a hammam but also soothing massages and nourishing body scrubs. Meals at this high-end Skoura hotel are made using organic, seasonal produce and you can dine in a different location throughout the grounds each day.
"Beautiful oasis in between Marrakech and the Sahara…consider two nights to enjoy all the amenities.” - Vaughan (read more reviews here)
Best affordable hotel in Skoura
If you love seeing fruits and vegetables being freshly picked, just moments before they are served up on a plate, then this affordable riad in Skoura is for you! It’s run by an amazing host, Momo, and his family, who really go above an beyond to make it a special experience. The meals they prepare are nothing short of incredible - several guests say they had the best tagine of their Morocco trip at Riad Aman Skoura.
The rooms are spacious and elegantly appointed while the swimming pool is a welcoming addition and beautifully illuminated at night. If you’re looking for an affordable stay in Skoura with comfortable accommodations and exceptional hospitality, you can’t go past Riad Aman Skoura.
“What an incredible place! It is the most authentic and best value for money place we have stayed in Morocco. A hidden gem.” - Joanna (read more reviews here)
Best places to stay in Skoura, Morocco
Round houses beside the sun-drenched gardens of Skoura Lodge (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best Skoura hotel for families
Constructed using sun-dried adobe bricks, this family-friendly Skoura lodge seamlessly blends classic North African design elements with modern comforts and amenities. The independent round kasbahs house a variety of accommodation options, from cosy single rooms to spacious quadruples, perfect for families or groups of friends. All rooms are outfitted with air conditioning and hot showers, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Fresh, organic ingredients harvested from the property’s vegetable garden are served at the onsite restaurant and traditional Moroccan cooking classes are available on request. The team at Skoura Lodge can also arrange camel trekking adventures through the Skoura Oasis, as well as guided hiking and cycling excursions to explore the region's natural landscapes.
"Beautiful accommodation in a quiet location with a peaceful garden.” - Eliška (read more reviews here)
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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.