10 Best Villages and Towns in Morocco

Set in the majestic Rif Mountains, eye-catching Chefchaouen is famed for its azure-coloured buildings and age-old serpentine alleys. Wander the cobbled medina and discover artisan workshops run by leather craftsmen, blacksmiths and carpet weavers before stopping by a local café to enjoy traditional Moroccan coffee.

At the heart of Chefchaouen’s old quarter, you’ll find the 15th-century Kasbah which boasts a lush Andalusian-inspired garden and a dazzling array of towers and ramparts. For hikers, nothing beats an afternoon in the glorious surrounding foothills where you’ll discover tiny Berber villages, meandering turquoise rivers and pretty cascading waterfalls.

A historic resort city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Essaouira is renowned for its dramatic sea breezes, making it a paradise for windsurfers. Off the beach, you’ll find protection from the weather within its walled UNESCO Heritage old town where you can shop traditional handicrafts and produce along its charismatic alleyways.

A trip to Essaouira is never complete without a taste of the local seafood. The city has made a name for itself with its scenic port and fishing industry. Just outside the medina, the bustling fish market grills freshly caught fan lobsters, crabs and snapper at simple, outdoor cafes, served with delicious homemade salads and traditional breads.

Situated in the breath-taking High Atlas, the tiny settlement of Imlil is popular with hikers looking to climb Jebel Toubkal: North Africa’s highest mountain. This fascinating Berber enclave boasts a rich cultural legacy that can still be felt in its humble streets, artisan shops and characterful kasbahs.

Imlil is where you come when you want an authentic Moroccan experience, whether that’s a cooking class with a local family, an afternoon trek through a picturesque valley or an aromatic North African feast at one of the local eateries. Book a table at Chez les Berbères, a restaurant boasting incredible views of the Atlas Mountains, and enjoy hearty stews and homemade tagines.

Once a pitstop on the ancient caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh, Aït Benhaddou is a bona fide blast from the past. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is instantly recognisable thanks to its spectacular desert landscapes, earthen clay buildings and sudden bursts of greenery including olive groves and date palms.

It comes as no surprise that Hollywood reveres this North African enclave thanks to its visually compelling setting that dazzles on the screen. Films that have been filmed here include Martin Scorsese’s The Last Temptation of Christ, Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Babel and Ridley Scott’s Oscar-winning epic Gladiator.

Teetering on the edge of Morocco’s dramatic Atlantic coastline, Asilah is an ancient, fortified town dating back to 1500 B.C. (when the Phoenicians ruled the region). Visitors travel here to enjoy its sweeping beaches, white-washed houses, visionary sunsets and centuries-old ochre walls which offer panoramic views of the sea and the city.

Enter the souk and discover a wealth of authentic Moroccan handicrafts including hand-thrown ceramics, tooled leather handbags, embroidered slippers and silver jewellery. Every year in summer, Asilah hosts the Cultural Moussem Arts Festival, where artists take to the street to paint brightly coloured murals.

Right in the middle of the Atlas Mountains you’ll find Ifrane: a Moroccan resort town that’s celebrated for its epic alpine scenery, chalet-style architecture, unspoiled forests and ski slopes. Its unofficial mascot is the stone lion statue near Parc la Prairie, carved by a German soldier during WWII.

During the colder months, snow lovers will have a blast skiing, boarding and sledding across Ifrane’s mighty landscapes, while warmer seasons offer visitors the opportunity to hike the national park and spot endangered Barbary macaques. In town, enjoy traditional mint tea on an al fresco roof terrace or indulge in French and Moroccan dishes at a number of cosy restaurants.   

Recognised for its Jewish silversmithing history, the tiny village of Amezrou is a hotbed of traditional crafts, especially in its mellah (the mud-brick Jewish quarter). Spend an afternoon here wandering an atmospheric warren of old-world alleys where you’ll encounter extraordinary relics like a rammed-earth synagogue.

Amezrou is situated not far from the provincial town of Zagora: the sun-baked gateway to the Sahara and its awe-inspiring sand dunes. From either of these points, you can take day trips through the desert to see the remains of the Almoravid fortress and the picturesque Draa Valley with its lush green palm groves.

El Jadida is an energetic port city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast and a lesser known holiday spot that’s just waiting to be discovered. Situated between Casablanca and Essaouira, it boasts beautiful golden beaches, outstanding windsurfing experiences and camel rides amongst the dunes.

A former Portuguese colony, El Jadida charms with its distinct European feel and wealth of historic architecture including its UNESCO-listed citadel, the 16th century Fortress of Mazagan and an underground cistern with a stunning pillared vault. Foodies will have a field day sampling freshly prepared seafood at one of the city’s many eateries like Poisson Chez Kiki or the Tchikito Fish Restaurant.

Affectionately called “the door of the desert”, Ouarzazate is a city in the High Atlas Mountains that’s renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage site: the Taourirt Kasbah. This fortified beaty dazzles with its labyrinth of rooms that boast ornate adornments such as colourful Zellige tiles and shell-shaped window flourishes.

Hollywood has a home here, in the aptly titled Atlas Studios, where over 200 productions have been made including Ben Hur, Black Hawk Down and the television smash-hit Game of Thrones. Film buffs can take a tour to explore the backstage areas and captivating sets (you might even get an autograph from a famous actor in costume).

Set in the Fès-Meknès region of northern Morocco, Moulay Idriss dates back to the 8th century and is home to the tomb of Idris I (the former Islamic ruler). Nestled between verdant green hills, this secluded village is encircled with olive groves and exotic cacti and is widely considered a pilgrimage destination and the country’s spiritual capital.

History buffs with an interest in architecture can take a trip to Idriss Medersa, the 14th-century Koranic school with its cylindrical prayer-call minaret and green and white tiled inscriptions of the 114 suras of the Koran. Alternatively, venture to Volubilis to see the ancient Roman ruins which showcase sky-sweeping columns, marble and bronze statues, mosaic flooring and the Arch of Caracalla.