On the scale from Scandinavian neutrals to colorful India, I’d say Morocco doesn’t trail behind India by too much. From the textiles to the tiles, mosaics, and fountains, to the buildings, the food and the spices, and even the cities, Morocco’s artistry is on full view anywhere you go. From exploring the northern coast to deep inland to the sprawling desert, I found it so fascinating how each region and city seemed to have its own color palette. You’ve got the blues in Chefchaouen, red and pinks in Marrakech, tans in Fez, whites in Tanger, and of course not to mention the orange dunes of the Sahara. Each place is incredibly unique and undeniably gorgeous. There is a reason why Morocco has such an allure.. It’s exoticness.. It almost seems unreal, like a fantasy land.. and it continuously makes the top of bucket list destinations. The whole country deserves our appreciation as if each place was an exhibit in a fine museum. So don’t cheat yourself of the chance to be awed by each different region and be sure not to miss these 4 most beautiful places in Morocco!
Chefchaouen
Driving the windy roads up the Atlas mountains and peeking at this pastely blue city for the first time, you immediately understand why it would be one the most beautiful places in Morocco. This town is just enchanting. The only other place that comes to mind for its blue colors is Greece, but Chefchaouen is so unique in that seriously the whole town is dressed in this dreamy blue color and it lives up to its nickname the “Blue Pearl”. From the bottom of the streets to the stairs, walls, hallways, and buildings, you are engulfed in a soft powdery blue. And then to just top it off- it’s perfectly accented with draping vines and flowers, oranges, and artisan goods. (BTW – Moroccan oranges are a delicacy!! Get as much juice as you can or order them the Moroccan way- sliced and topped in cinnamon… just mmmmmmmm)
I have gotten mixed reports as to how this town originally adopted its blue color- I have heard it was done by the Jewish population and others have said that the blue color keeps mosquitos and other bugs away. Whatever the origin story, it stuck and Chefchauen is coated in its blue color several times a year.
With its windy alleys and streets, Chefchaouen is very pedestrian friendly and you don’t come across too many vehicles and traffic – but watch your step for all the kitties scurrying the streets!! This gives the town a more relaxed and quieter feel. And being that it is a little harder to get to, I found it way less touristy than other parts of the country. It has an authentic feel, but this however means that it is more conservative than other areas and the female traveler should take note.
There really is no other place like Chefchauen. The setting and mood just transport you to a simpler, more whimsical place. How is it possible to even think of the outside world when in such a dreamy spot? The feeling of tranquility and as if you’ve been transported to a dreamscape is just a natural byproduct of the city. Not only is it one of the most beautiful places in Morocco, but it has got to be one of the most unique cities in the world. It was one of the highlight moments of my trip and though a bit out of the way, worth the extra time to travel out to experience it.
Fez
When I think of medieval times, it’s the castles, cathedrals, and ancient abbeys of Europe that quickly come to mind, however, Fez is the royal city preserved in Moroccan medieval times. And once I found myself within it, I felt like I was just transported into the movie Aladin. Beyond just being one of the most beautiful places in Morocco, it is also one of the most historic. Fez itself dates back to the 8th and 9th centuries and there are walls from around that time still standing in the city. And because the medina is one the largest car free zones in the world, you really start to lose your sense of modern times. Walking through alleyways tucked between towering ancient buildings that lead into the souks lined with assortments of artisan booths, metal workings, and food stalls gives you an authentic glimpse into the past that has been lost to much of the outside world.
Probably what comes to most people’s mind when it comes to Fez, is the famous tanneries. And though they may not smell the most beautiful, they produce some of the finest leather goods that has Fez rivaling cities like Milan. And all while maintaining the traditional leather working practices artisans have used to prepare leather for hundreds of years. I brought home some one of a kind leather jackets that will forever be a treasure of my closet.
But my favorite part about Fez is how secretive it is. It is incredibly easy to get lost, especially within the Medina with its towering walls and winding alleyways. But it’s like a treasure hunt, with a beautiful surprise waiting behind any corner. So many times an unassuming door opens up into the most gorgeous raids with stunning courtyards, and arched columns, covered in mosaics, fountains, and plants. You would never know from the street outside that there is a palace just on the other side of the wall. The mysterious riads Dar Seffarine, Riad Fes Maya, or even Fez’s ancient college Al-Attarine Madrasa could easily on their own be one of the most beautiful places in Morocco. Staying in one of these riads is an experience not to be missed!
MARRAKECH
Marrakech is the shoppers, designers, and diners dream destination. With its unique combination of French flair set in a traditional Moroccan setting, Marrakech eloquently combines European chic and boho desert to create one of the most beautiful places in Morocco. Just try to imagine Paris in the desert and you’ll have an idea of Marrakech. Walking around the different stalls, you’ve arrived at design headquarters, with all the trendy chic rugs, blankets, and different textiles. Walking through the market, infinite combinations of colors and patterns literally surround you- blankets and rugs hang from the walls and ceilings and the options seem endless. Lucky for you, you are in a buyer’s market and unlike trying to buy these pieces at home, here you’ll be escaping the premium prices you would see for the same goods, and scoring an absolute deal, basically coming away with wholesale prices. (So let this be your warning – be prepared to shop and either make sure you keep extra space in your bag or buy another one to send home all your finds) But where Fez and Chefchaouen are mostly walking towns, here be ready to clear the market streets for all sorts of traffic, from small trucks and cars to mopeds and bikes and also quite common- carts with donkeys. No doubt this may be one of the most unique and memorable shopping sprees of your life!
After perusing all the shopping stalls of different rugs, blankets, lanterns, spices, foods, clothes, and on and on… you will be able to find yourself stylish cafes and restaurants with modern European influences that create delicious Moroccan, French, and Spanish cuisine in stunning atmospheres from rooftop hangouts to beautiful mosaic courtyards. Two of my favorite spots include Nomad and Le Jardin.
And when the town has worn you out and you are ready to find sanctuary from the buzz, be sure to save time to explore Marrakech’s other high end, high fashion, luxury abodes. I found after having an exhausting day, spending an afternoon being pampered in the palatial spa at La Mamounia to be the perfect medicine. After receiving the most delightful hammam, sprawl out next to the most iconic, glamorous, and Instagram famous pool with a mint tea. This setting could also take top spots for being one of the most beautiful places in Morocco, and it truly does live up to the hype. Another outrageously luxurious experience is either staying or dining at the Royal Mansour. This royal estate is made up of several riads and as you wander through the complex each fountain and mosaic laid courtyard is more charming and enchanting than the next. The whole complex feels like a work of art. It’s easy to understand why this hotel continuously makes it on the list of top hotels in the world. I opted for a high tea experience there and I felt I had just stepped into my Princess Jasmine fantasy life. Another must for any fashionista is to pay homage to the legendary Yves Saint Laurent home, Majorelle Garden, in Marrakech. Explore the stunning blue estate and lavish gardens that allows you to get a personal and in depth glance at a day in the life of this master designer at his couture villa oasis.
Sahara Desert
There is a very surreal moment that happens in the desert that I have not experienced anywhere else in the world.. It’s a feeling of complete stillness, emptiness, aloneness, and just expansive space. The barren landscape that goes into the horizon in each direction can not only convince you that you are the only human on this earth, but it could even make you believe you are no longer even on this earth. The landscape of the Sahara Desert is not only one of the most beautiful places in Morocco, but one of the most unique and dramatic landscapes in the world. With a constantly changing scenery depending on the time of day, the patterned dunes and shadow play happening along the sand will have you constantly experiencing something new and amazing each time you go out for a wander in this orange land. Though at times incredibly eerie and disorienting, I find these types of landscapes the most alluring, its beauty is so unique and different from any other.
So if you are ready to disconnect from the rest of the world, I haven’t found a better way than letting yourself escape into the desert and let nature work her magic on you. But we don’t need to make this a man vs desert survival camping adventure.. Instead, I prefer staying in one of the luxury camps Morocco has to offer all around the area of Merzouga. From staying in beautifully adorned, Berber style luxury tents (with air conditioning), pools to wait out the afternoon sun in, entertainment ranging from sand boarding, camel rides, and dune 4 wheeling, and late night campfires under some of the most dramatic blankets of stars, a dreamy oasis exists. Here the outside world really couldn’t feel farther away. The quietness and expansiveness of the raw scenery all come together to create an intoxicating retreat that allows you to come away with a new sense of perspective. Remembering how little and amazed I felt in the vastness of the desert is a lovely reminder to hold onto coming back into the crazed, crowded, busyness of everyday life. Though each Moroccan city I visited absolutely charmed me, nothing impacted me quite as the desert did.
From my own experience, Morocco lives up to the exotic dreamland people imagine it to be, and it was an absolute privilege to get to come and experience such a magical country. Beyond just visiting the most beautiful places in Morocco, the whole experience of being in a culture so different than our own, hearing the call to prayer, admiring how devoted and kind its people are, and leaving behind our way of life to participate in another’s version of “normal” will leave a lasting impact on you. And one everyone should go out and have. Morocco will shake you up, move you out of your comfort zone, amaze you, and leave you full of gratitude. So be sure not to miss the most beautiful places in Morocco but also, get ready for a life enriching journey that returns you a different person than the one who left. There is magic in the land, from its colorful and historic cities to the dramatic and expansive desert, you will be sure to find it. For more inspiration for your next trip and an in depth look at my experience, be sure to head over to my Instagram and see my posts, stories, and recommendations there!