Hidden deep within Morocco’s Atlas Mountains lie two of the country's most awe-inspiring natural wonders - the Todra and Dades gorges. Over countless millennia, the waters of the Todra and Dades Rivers have slowly but steadily carved their way through ancient layers of red sandstone and limestone, sculpting the narrow cliffs and winding canyons seen today.
While both gorges feature dramatic landscapes, each has its own distinct personality and charm. Todra Gorge is renowned for its sheer, vertical cliffs measuring over 300 metres high in places while Dades Gorge dazzles with its curving rock formations striped in shades of pink and orange. Despite their differences, both offer fantastic opportunities for scenic hikes, taking in lush palm groves and traditional Amazigh villages where life beats at a sleepy pace.
To me, Todra and Dades represent Morocco at its finest - they’re not yet overrun with tourists but still offer superb scenery and authentic cultural experiences. Dotted throughout the gorges are plenty of charming auberges and guesthouses where you can spend a night or two while being treated to warm Moroccan hospitality and delicious cuisine.
Read on to discover some of the best places to stay in Dades Gorge, as well as my top picks for accommodation in Todra Gorge.
For more information about visiting this spectacular part of Morocco, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Todra, Dades and Skoura.
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Best places to stay in Dades Gorge
Best luxury hotel in Dades Gorge
Boasting spectacular views across the ochre-hued mountains, this five-star hotel is most definitely one of the best places to stay in Dades Gorge. It combines stunning kasbah architecture with impeccable interior design - each of the rooms is beautifully appointed with an aesthetic that exudes a really luxurious vibe. In addition to multiple terraces for relaxing in between sightseeing excursions, there’s an infinity pool where you can soak up the ever-changing colours of the surrounding landscape.
The culinary delights at Eden Boutique Hotel are equally impressive, with a daily-changing five-course menu that showcases a fusion of modern Moroccan and Western cuisine. Every aspect of the hotel has been thoughtfully designed and executed with meticulous attention to detail, reflecting the passion and care poured into its creation. The cosy fireplace creates an inviting ambiance, while the hammam offers a blissful escape for those seeking ultimate relaxation. The friendly and attentive staff go above and beyond to ensure that every guest's needs are met, making the experience truly unforgettable.
“An incredible piece of architecture, landscaping and interior design. This has to be one of Morocco’s most beautiful hotels.” - Kimberley (read more reviews here)
Best luxury hotel in Dades Valley
Views from one of the luxurious suites at Eden Boutique Hotel in Dades Gorge (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best hotel in Dades Gorge with a mountain guide
Dar Jnane Tioura Dades is an enchanting kasbah hotel nestled in the heart of the Dades Valley and makes a perfect base for exploring the area. It features six spacious rooms, as well as six luxurious suites, each thoughtfully appointed with comfortable beds, cosy seating areas and beautifully crafted tadelakt bathrooms. Under the gracious care of Mustapha and his attentive staff, guests are treated to unparalleled hospitality, including made-from-scratch meals that showcase traditional Moroccan cuisine.
The numerous terraces and patios of this highly rated Dades hotel provide the perfect vantage point to take in the awe-inspiring vistas, whether it's the rugged peaks of the High Atlas Mountains or the agricultural gardens nestled in the valley below. The inviting living room is made even more warm and welcoming by the crackling fireplace, where you can connect with other guests in the evenings. Mustapha, a highly knowledgeable and experienced mountain guide, is on hand to help you plan your itinerary, no matter where your adventures take you.
“The entire experience at Dar Jnan Tiouria was amazing and felt like home!” - Dilpreet (read more reviews here)
Best luxury hotels in Dades Gorge
A family suite at Eden Boutique Hotel - a luxury accommodation in Dades Gorge (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best hotel in Dades Gorge with a pool
With its distinctly Moroccan architecture (think arched doorways, tiled walls and carved wooden accents), this Dades hotel seamlessly blends modern comfort with traditional North African style. La Perle du Dades occupies a historic kasbah carefully restored by skilled craftsmen who intimately understood how to shape this architectural gem into something special.
The elegant rooms at this luxury Dades hotel open onto private terraces overlooking the inviting swimming pool, which is set amidst palm trees and landscaped gardens. With plush beds, locally made carpets and Moroccan-inspired furnishings, the rooms marry contemporary amenities with traditional charm.
"To experience the real Morocco this is the place to stay." - Sara (read more reviews here)
Best places to stay in Dades Gorge
Best kasbah hotel in Dades Gorge
Inspired by kasbah architecture, La Porte du Dades is one of the best-rated hotels in Dades. At the heart of this beautiful Dades riad is a central courtyard open to the sky above, allowing sunlight to filter down. Arched doorways line the courtyard, each leading to tastefully decorated guest rooms featuring four-poster beds draped in embroidered linens.
Come evening, twinkling lanterns illuminate the courtyard as the tantalising aromas of Moroccan spices waft from the kitchen. The exceptional staff at La Porte du Dades caters to each guest's every need, offering recommendations on sights to see, as well as arranging excursions around Dades and beyond.
“Incredible hospitality and food on the way to the Sahara!” - Claire (read more reviews here)
Best hotels in Dades Gorge
Enchanting kasbah architecture at Eden Boutique Hotel in Dades Gorge (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best hotel in Dades Gorge for families
Dar Essalama Dades is a recently renovated country house in the quiet village of Akhendachou nʼAït Ouffi and offers an authentic Moroccan experience. It features an array of well-appointed accommodations, including double, triple and quadruple rooms (ideal for families), each thoughtfully designed with classic Moroccan decor and impeccably clean. I particularly love the winter lounge with its cosy fireplace where you can relax with a book on cooler evenings.
Not only does Dar Essalama offer delicious breakfasts but dinners are also available, with most dishes on the menu highlighting regional specialties. Plus, you can order a packed lunch if you’re heading out hiking for the day. The attentive and hospitable staff, led by the gracious host Moha, go above and beyond to ensure you feel completely at home, attending to every detail from keeping the fireplace well-stocked to providing hot water bottles for a comfortable night's rest.
“This was, by far, our best stay in Morocco! Everything about our experience was perfect.” - Janan (read more reviews here)
Best places to stay in Dades Gorge
Best eco hotel in Dades Gorge
This charming Dades eco-lodge is the perfect oasis for budget-conscious travellers seeking an authentic local experience. Run by an Amazigh family who has called the valley home for generations, the atmosphere is undeniably cosy and will immediately put you at ease. While the facilities at this affordable Dades hotel are simple, the rooms are impeccably clean and spacious, with handcrafted furnishings and colourful rugs scattered atop the tile floors.
The true highlight of Ecolodge Miss Rose, however, is the remarkable hospitality of the family themselves who go out of their way to make each guest feel like a member of their household. With its unbeatable service, charming setting and wonderful home-style feasts, this little lodge is a hidden gem for travellers craving an authentic and budget-friendly stay in Dades Gorge.
"Incredibly kind, friendly and hospitable people who run the ecolodge. Delicious food and a great place for site seeing." - Deahna (read more reviews here)
Best places to stay in Todra Gorge
Best places to stay in Todra Gorge
Riad Lalla $$
Best hotel in Todra Gorge with views
This intimate, family-run guesthouse boasts panoramic views of the ochre-hued cliffs and winding palm groves that have made Todra Gorge famous. Upon arriving at Riad Lalla, guests are warmly welcomed into an earth-toned courtyard filled with the soothing sounds of a trickling fountain.
Upstairs, the atmospheric rooms feature handcrafted Amazigh furnishings and private balconies where you can sit back and soak in the majestic mountain vistas. For those eager to explore, the resident guide leads scenic hikes through the surrounding palm forests and narrow canyons, imparting his deep cultural knowledge of the area. At the end of each day, you can unwind over a home-cooked Moroccan meal on the rooftop terrace.
"Everything was perfect. This was our best stay in Morocco!" - Mathias (read more reviews here)
Best hotels in Todra Gorge
One of the cave rooms at Auberge Le Festival - an eco-friendly hotel in Todra Gorge (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best eco-friendly hotel in Todra Gorge
Designed and operated according to sustainable principles, Auberge Le Festival is one of the leading eco-friendly hotels in Todra Gorge. It seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern amenities, with each of its seven ensuite rooms designed to immerse guests in the beauty of the High Atlas mountains. Five of the rooms are ingeniously crafted "cave homes," carved into the hillside and naturally air-conditioned. The remaining two tower rooms perch above the gorge, offering panoramic vistas that are sure to impress.
Le Festival's commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of its operations, from the organic garden that supplies fresh herbs and vegetables to the property's innovative water management system. Solar panels generate electricity (with a backup generator on standby) and heat the water, reducing the lodge's carbon footprint. The heart-shaped bio-pool invites you to unwind and soak up the serenity of this eco-conscious oasis.
“Beautiful modern castle in the heart of Todra Gorges.” - Arturo (read more reviews here)
Best places to stay in Todra Gorge
Best budget hotel in Todra Gorge
Run by the hospitable brothers Rachid and Jouad, this traditional mudbrick home has been lovingly converted into an affordable guesthouse in Todra. The brothers extend their heartfelt hospitality through delicious homemade meals served up at breakfast and dinner, as well as a genuinely warm welcome.
All of the guest rooms exude rustic charm with handwoven rugs and local furnishings, creating a comfortable retreat after a long day of exploring. Trails lead directly from the front door into the adjacent palmeraie, with the option to continue hiking through the soaring canyon walls of Todra Gorge. Back at the Palmeraie Guest House, visitors can relax on the terrace with a glass of sweet mint tea and enjoy quiet moments soaking up the serenity.
"Perfect mountain stay!" - Emily (read more reviews here)
Best hotels in Todra Gorge
The impressive central patio of Riad Dar Bab Todra (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best hotel in Todra Gorge with a swimming pool
Riad Dar Bab Todra is a welcoming riad located on the outskirts of Tinghir, which serves as the gateway town to Todra Gorge. Opened in April 2017 by Mohamed Moussaoui, this wonderful property is locally run and offers guests an immersive Moroccan experience. There are just seven comfortable and well-appointed guest rooms, each tastefully decorated and equipped with an ensuite bathroom, plus a sunny terrace for soaking up the rays.
Riad Dar Bab Todra makes an excellent base for exploring the region's natural wonders and cultural attractions. Whether you want to embark on a guided excursion by 4x4, try your hand at rock climbing or go trekking through the majestic mountains and desert landscapes, Mohamed and his team can help make it happen. When you’re not out exploring, you can refresh in the sparkling swimming pool and feast on delicious Moroccan cuisine at the onsite restaurant.
“The place is far better than in the pictures.” - Santiago (read more reviews here)
Best places to stay in Todra Gorge
Best hostel in Todra Gorge
Eclectically decorated, this affordable hostel in Tinghir is perfect for those visiting Morocco on a budget. As you enter, your eyes are immediately drawn upwards to take in the colourful mosaic tiles and swirling patterns that adorn the high ceilings. Vintage furnishings and embroidered pillows fill the common areas, giving the hostel a bohemian vibe.
When booking at this Todra hostel, you can opt to stay in one of the four or six-bed dormitories, furnished with sturdy wooden bunk beds draped in brightly patterned linens. Or for more privacy, book one of the simple but comfortable private rooms, each decorated in its own style. Aside from its communal kitchen, the real jewel of this Todra Gorge hostel is the rooftop terrace, which provides jaw-dropping views over the surrounding ksar - a fortified Moroccan village built into the rocky cliffs.
"A fantastic and well balanced breakfast on the most stunning rooftop we’ve seen so far in Morocco." - Pierre-anne (read more reviews here)
I still remember the first time we drove through Dades and Todra and being completely overwhelmed by their beauty. After the hectic pace of Marrakech, this region was the Morocco I was craving - enchanting, laid-back and incredibly hospitable. I hope this list of the best places to stay in Dades Gorge and Todra Gorge helps you plan an unforgettable stay - I guarantee the owners will go above and beyond to make it happen!
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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.