Morocco has a lot of hidden gems that are off the beaten track, and here are some places that you may want to consider:

1. Chefchaouen: This small town is known for its blue-painted buildings and is tucked away in the Rif Mountains. It’s a great place to relax, wander the narrow streets, and take in the stunning scenery. You can walk to cafes, restaurants and even to the small Ras El Maa waterfall. This will give you plenty of photo opportunities without even needing to take a car or taxi.

When is the best time to go to Chefchaouen?

As Chefchaouen is located at altitude, it is definitely cooler than the rest of Morocco. In summer it is hot in the day, reaching 86°F (30°C), but it gets cooler at night. At the end of autumn and throughout winter the temperatures dip and you will need a coat in the evening.

How to get to Chefchaouen?

The closest airport to Chefchaouen is the Tangier airport, ‘Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport’. Tangier, along the Mediterranean coast is where the ferries come in from Spain and the drive from Tangier to Chefchaouen is a hilly 2-3 hours.

The best way is to arrive by road, whether in a taxi, car or bus. Fes is further south and has a handful of buses available a day, we recommend buying your ticket in advance to secure your seat if on a time limit on your trip. It is a bumpy ride but nothing to strenuous, 4 hrs later you will arrive in Chefchaouen.

How Many Days?

Chefchaouen is the perfect size for a day trip. There is enough to see and do. But equally, after a day, you feel like you’ve seen enough to do it justice in a day. However, many people come here to relax in one of the hammams or hike in the nearby mountains, so you may want to allow yourself some extra days.

How do I get from Spain to Chefchaouen?

How to get to Chefchaouen from Spain for 1 day. To spend a day in Chefchaouen, your best option is to travel by ferry from Algeciras to Tanger Med and then get to Chefchaouen in 2 hours by car or taxi. The ferry ride to the Tanger Med port lasts only 30 minutes if you go with a high-speed ferry.

Beaches?

In Chefchaouen, there is no beach! But next to it, towards the east, there are beautiful and breathtaking beaches. During your stay in Chefchaouen, you can always make a jump to one of these beaches which extends on a coast of more than 120 km.

Fun Fact?

Chefchaouen, or chaouen, was built in the 15th century (early 1400s), but it wasn’t until the the 1900s that it was painted blue. During that time Morocco saw a large influx of Jews as the Second World War started. For the Jews, the color blue represents the sky, which reminded people of heaven and God.

Things to Do?

1) Get lost in the maze of streets.

2) Visit the Souk (market)

3) Shop at one of the many little bazaars.

4) Learn about Chefchaouen’s history at the Kasbah museum.

5) Enjoy the panoramic view from the Spanish mosque.

6) Get a good scrub at a local hammam.

7) Enjoy the nightlife of Chefchaouen.

8) Smoke hashish and chill.

2. Essaouira:

A laid-back coastal town that’s perfect for a beach vacation. It has a charming old town, a picturesque harbor, and a thriving arts scene.

Why should I visit Essaouira?

The beach is the perfect place to unwind and soak in the sun. In addition to its laid-back atmosphere, Essaouira is also known for its spiritual energy. The city has a long history of mysticism and spirituality that dates back to the 18th century when Sufi masters established their brotherhoods in the city.

What is the best month to visit Essaouira?

If your not to bothered about the wind (indeed, this is very much part of what makes Essaouira) then April to June is also a good time as the main beach and medina is much quieter.

Why did Jews leave Essaouira?

During the French Protectorate, Essaouira ceased being a major trading post, forcing many families to migrate to bigger cities. After the founding of Israel, the Mellah lost around 98 percent of its population, and after 1980s, the Jewish community abandoned the area after centuries of occupation.

Getting there from Marrakesh?

Marrakech is the main tourist hub and just under a 3hour drive away. You can either hire a private transfer (your accommodation host will be able to help you with this), grand taxi, or travel by bus from Marrakech to Essaouira (which is the cheapest option, especially for single or couple travellers)

Vibes?

Marrakech is an incredible city to experience, but it’s also utterly exhausting.

Essaouira is very, very different to Marrakech and laid back vibes radiate throughout the medina and along the beach. The shop sellers enjoy a good chin-wag and are rarely pushy, no haggling is required with the petits taxis as it’s a flat fare of DH7, the medina is traffic free, and the sandy beach provides a place of natural calm, even on a windy day.

Essaouira offers a much slower and easy-going pace, and can make for a relaxing destination.

Food?

Being a fishing port, it will come as no surprise that Essaouira is haven for seafood lovers. You can even buy food directly from the fishmongers at the port and take it to a local restaurant at the port for them to cook for you.

But the French history of the town also means that there are also some fantastic patisseries and creperies dotted around the medina. Indeed around Moulay Hassan Square, there’s a distinct European vibe with restaurants spilling out onto the pavement and street musicians entertaining passers-by.

How many days?

For those visitors to Morocco who are travelling around and trying to see as much of the country as possible on their visit, two days in Essaouira is a good amount of time to get a feel of the town.

3.Dades Valley:

A remote and rugged valley in the High Atlas Mountains, known for its stunning landscapes and traditional Berber villages. It’s a great place for hiking, trekking, and exploring the local culture.

In the Dades Valley (AKA Dades Wadi), gorges and canyons follow one another along the Dades River, between the High Atlas Mountain range and the Gebel Saghro summit. This area has evolved over the centuries, giving its rocks their present-day appearance. Be sure to hike this arid region and explore its red rocky ravines.

Loving trekking?

Try hiking the paths that line the cliffs of Tamlalt, nicknamed “the Monkey Fingers.” Take in the unparalleled landscape as you walk among rounded ocher rocks. Travelers who enjoy both culture and adventure can journey through the region’s Berber villages. Traditional houses sometimes merge with the rock in these green oases in the middle of the rocky valley.

For experienced walkers, our local agencies organize treks of several days in the Dades Gorge. Experience a unique hike that will take you through varied terrains, lush palm groves, and desert panoramas.

4. Tafraoute:

This small town is located in the Anti-Atlas Mountains and is famous for its pink granite rock formations. It’s a great place for rock climbing, hiking, and exploring the local culture.

Things to do?

1.La Maison Traditionnelle- History Museum

2.Painted Rocks- Landmark

3.Berber Trip

4.Anti- Atlas Adventures – Canyoning & Rappelling Tours

5.Geological formations – Vallee D’ait Mansour & Le Chapeau de Napoleon

5.Skoura:

A peaceful oasis in the middle of the desert, known for its lush palm groves, traditional mud-brick houses, and ancient kasbahs.

Things to do?

Palmeraie

Unesco-protected palmeraie and mudbrick Kasbahs remain the defining features of the place. Palmerie earns 1000 palms. Under the green canopy, you will be able to witness a 15-mile patchwork of garden plots. They are watered by canals, levers, as well as locks. There are 100 bird species you can find in the place. You can explore palmerie via bicycle. But, if you prefer to walk, you can do so. When it comes to lodging, worry no more as there is a pise guesthouse you can stay overnight.

Kasbah Amridil

During the 17th century, Kasbah is the most coveted wonder in different parts of the world. It appears on 50-dirham note of the place. From the main road, it is a few hundred meters away. You can see there the traditional Kasbah life. It has a hand-carved door, an olive-oil press, bread ovens, stalls, locks, and much more. For sure, you will go home with a travel experience you will always cherish.

Skoura Cultural Center

At Skoura Cultural Centre, an enterprising Non-Government Organization showcases the local ingenuity. This is where Skoura residents sell a range of items made with quality palm fronds. The materials are sustainably harvested to safeguard trees. When you admire the majestic palmeraie, you will be quite amazed with the sun hats, mats, glass-lined lanterns, and bread baskets from the center. Every purchase supports the preservation of the center’s palm.

Muse Theatre Memoire de Ouarzazate

Aside from that, never forget to go to Muse Theatre Memoire de Ouarzazate. It is a wonderful place that can guarantee a perfect cultural experience. You will learn more information about Kasbahs, water irrigation system in the palmerie, and mountains. When it comes to its landscape and architecture, they are spectacular. You will not only acquire a valuable insight but also have a sense of fulfillment.

6. Asilah:

A charming coastal town with a laid-back vibe, known for its beautiful beaches, colorful murals, and historical landmarks.

Worth the Visit?

If you’re a history and art lover it is definitely worth the visit! The ramparts made it a wonderful haven for pirates during the 17th century. There were a number of battles in and around the fortifications. Today, however, the village is worthy of exploring once you wander inside the city walls. Every year since 1978, the Asilah Art Festival has lured thousands of people to the city.

7. M’hamid:

A small village on the edge of the Sahara Desert, known for its camel treks, traditional music, and sand dunes.

8. Akchour:

A small village in the Rif Mountains, known for its stunning waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, and scenic hiking trails.

A day trip to Akchour – God’s Bridge and the Big and Small Waterfalls – is a MUST if you’re planning to stay two days or more in Chefchaouen and looking for a hidden gem or two.

Weather?

It’s possible to visit all year round, but we advise that you check the weather forecast ahead of your visit. If heavy rains are expected, then the river expands and could potentially become a danger.July and august has the most visitors.

How to get there from Chefchaouen?

The best way to get to Akchour is by collective (or shared) taxi. This way you only pay for your seat in the taxi, and it leaves when the taxi is full. It might mean you wait for a short time, but never too long. A seat in a collective costs 25 MAD per person.

The collective taxi stand is outside the Medina, near the large central roundabout in Chefchaouen. Opposite the petrol station, where Av. Moulay Abdelsalam meets the R412, is where you’ll find the Akchour collective taxis waiting.

These are just a few of the many hidden gems that Morocco has to offer. Exploring off the beaten track can be a great way to get a more authentic experience of the country and discover some of its hidden treasures.