Morocco is a stunning country located at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert, with a population of around 37 million people.
Here, vast deserts, rugged mountains, and vibrant cities come together across a land shaped by centuries of history and culture.
Morocco is, without doubt, an exceptional destination for nature lovers and photographers, offering an extraordinary range of scenes within relatively short distances.
The diversity of historical landmarks is remarkable, from the vibrant colors of Majorelle Garden to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.
From remote valleys and oases to imperial cities and fortified kasbahs.
From the blue streets of Chefchaouen to the Sahara Desert dunes.
As always, this post is not meant to be exhaustive, but rather a two-week journey through some of the most visually striking areas in the country.
And along the way, a series of unexpected and sometimes surprising places 😊…
So, here is my photographic journey across 60 iconic locations in Morocco.
Marrakech
Marrakech lies in central Morocco at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and is home to around a million inhabitants.
Despite being one of the country’s most touristic cities, Marrakech remains an essential stop, offering a unique concentration of landmarks, atmosphere, and visual diversity.
El Badi Palace
El Badi Palace is a 16th-century Saadian royal palace in Marrakech, once among the most lavish in Morocco.
It opens onto va morocco-marrakech-badi-palace-perspective.tif st courtyards where scale and symmetry define the space.
Now largely in ruins, its empty walls and sunlit terraces create a powerful and minimalist atmosphere.
The central fountain, framed by elegant arches and intricate mosaics, offers a glimpse of the palace’s former opulence.
Like many historic monuments in Morocco, El Badi Palace is home to numerous storks nesting on its walls and towers.
Jemaa el Fnaa plaza
Jemaa el Fnaa is the most vibrant place in Marrakech, reaching its peak energy as night falls.
Dry fruits and fresh juice stalls line the square, offering some of the city’s most iconic and colorful scenes.
Dozens of food stalls serve a wide variety of local specialties, from grilled meats to the famous ” babbouche” snail soup.
Rooftop terraces are a must at sunset, with panoramic views over Jemaa el Fnaa and the city (dining is better elsewhere).
Jardin Majorelle
Jardin Majorelle is one of Morocco’s most iconic landmarks, known worldwide for its distinctive style.
Created in the 1920s by French artist Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent, the garden combines art, nature, and history.
Its deep blue tones, combined with bright yellows, orange, and lush greenery, create one of the most striking color palettes in Marrakech.
The iconic blue building, now housing the Berber Museum, forms the garden’s visual centerpiece
The Majorelle villa, originally the artist’s studio, stands at the heart of the garden with its distinctive blue facade and lush surroundings.
The deep blue fountain and pool, set among lush plants and bright colors, form one of the most distinctive scenes of Jardin Majorelle.
Booking online is essential, and late-day visits offer a quieter atmosphere with fewer crowds.
Secret Garden
Continuing with gardens, the Secret Garden is a popular stop, though far from secret, often requiring patience to get clean shots 😅.
The garden is organized around elegant pavilions, fountains, and geometric layouts reflecting traditional Islamic architecture.
Art exhibitions displayed inside bring a modern dimension to the historic environment.
Souks
Marrakech’s souks form a vast maze of hundreds of alleys, where almost every corner becomes a new photographic opportunity.
The Souk des Teinturiers stands out with its hanging dyed wool, creating one of the most colorful scenes in the medina.
Place des Épices offers a more open atmosphere, with spice stalls, baskets, and textiles adding to its vibrant character.
The souks are also the kingdom of replicas and counterfeits, some of them even fun to browse 😂.
Koutoubia Minaret
The Koutoubia Minaret is Marrakech’s most iconic landmark, rising above the city as a timeless reference point.
Dating back to the 12th century, the minaret showcases the refined simplicity of Almohad architecture.
Visible from across the medina, the minaret takes on a soft golden glow at sunrise.
Park Lalla Hasana
Park Lalla Hasna is a pleasant public garden with views of the Koutoubia Minaret, often animated by fruit juice stalls.
Several fountains scattered throughout the park add rhythm and freshness.
The minaret reflected in the canal creates one of the most iconic compositions, best captured at early morning twilight before the crowds arrive.
Saadian Tombs
The Saadian Tombs are one of Marrakech’s most refined historical sites, hidden behind high walls in the heart of the medina.
Dating back to the 16th century, they were built by the Saadian dynasty as a royal burial complex.
The tombs extend into peaceful outdoor courtyards, where simple tiled graves contrast with the richness of the main mausoleum.
The main mausoleum, especially the Hall of Twelve Columns, is considered one of the most beautiful interiors in Marrakech.
Bahia Palace
Bahia Palace, built in the 19th century as a lavish residence for a grand vizier, is a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture, with elegant garden patios offering a peaceful and refined atmosphere.
Inside, richly decorated rooms reveal intricate carved ceilings, painted woodwork, and refined craftsmanship that reflect the wealth of the period.
The main tiled courtyard, centered around a fountain, is the most iconic space of the palace, and the only real chance to photograph it without tourists is at opening time.
Every corner reveals fine details, from carved stucco to colorful zellige, making it a true paradise for travelers and photographers.
Beyond the main areas, quieter courtyards offer a more intimate atmosphere, often far less crowded and equally rewarding to explore.
Madrassa Ben Youssef
Ben Youssef Madrasa, founded in the 14th century and rebuilt in the 16th century, was one of the largest Islamic schools in North Africa, once hosting hundreds of students.
The monumental entrance and richly decorated façade immediately set the tone, showcasing intricate stucco, carved wood, and geometric patterns.
The inner courtyard, with its perfectly symmetrical design and refined details, is just as impressive, and as with other iconic sites, arriving at opening time is essential to capture it without crowds.
Upstairs, small student rooms arranged around the courtyard offer a glimpse into daily life within the madrasa, where scholars once lived and studied.
High Atlas
The High Atlas is, in my view, one of the most magical regions in Morocco, with striking contrasts between desert tones and lush green valleys and, in the right season, snow-capped peaks
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This part of the journey is slightly less focused on specific landmarks, as almost every bend in the road becomes a photographic highlight.
The journey below follows the scenic route from Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou, with each section unfolding in the order of the road, taking the longer and more scenic route via the Ounila Valley rather than the main one.
Foret Tagargoust area
Just an hour from Marrakech, the scenery shifts rapidly, with constantly changing landscapes offering new photography opportunities at every turn.
Here, the Tagargoust area reveals a peaceful mosaic of fields, villages, and hills that already hints at the magic of the High Atlas.
Tazourgate & Tizi N’Tickha areas
As the road climbs higher, the landscapes around Tazourgate begin to feel more rugged and remote, with increasingly dramatic terrain.
Approaching Tizi N’Tichka, the highest mountain pass in Morocco, the scenery becomes wilder, with winding roads cutting through steep slopes and rocky hills.
This transition marks the true entry into the High Atlas, where vast, untamed landscapes unfold in every direction.
Telouet Salt Mines
The road eventually reaches the Telouet area, where the landscapes become even more dramatic and visually striking.
One of the hidden highlights of the region is the old salt mines, accessible by 4×4, a few kilometers away from the main scenic route.
The colors here are extraordinary, easily rivaling some of the most spectacular landscapes found in national parks around the world, with dromedaries as a bonus.😂)
The mix of salt formations and deep red earth creates unique patterns that are a true delight for nature lovers and photographers.
A small underground mine is still active, with very manual operations, and offers an interesting glimpse into local (tough) life.
Kasbah Télouet
The Kasbah of Telouet rises above a landscape of remote villages and rugged mountains, its wealth historically tied to the nearby salt mines mentioned above.
Once the stronghold of the powerful Glaoui family, it hosted lavish receptions for sultans and dignitaries, reflecting a past of wealth and influence.
The kasbah can be visited, and doing so helps support ongoing restoration efforts following damage from the 2023 earthquake.
Inside, richly decorated rooms reveal stunning zellige, carved stucco, and painted cedar ceilings, among the finest in southern Morocco.
Through its windows, the surrounding valleys unfold below, offering a timeless perspective that invites you to imagine life here at the height of its splendor.
Ounila valley
The road after the Telouet salt mines eventually reaches the stunning Ounila Valley near the village of Igounanen.
Continuing south, the road leads to the equally beautiful village of Tourassine.
As the road follows the Ounila Valley, it eventually reaches Tazakhte, another highlight of the gorge.
Driving further south, the landscapes keep changing, making it nearly impossible to get bored.
Then the sinuous road winding through the Tizgui Valley marks the descent from the High Atlas.
As a first taste of Aït Ben Haddou, you’ll pass by the beautiful Kasbah of Tamedakhte.
It’s well worth stopping for a short walk through the green fields that surround it.
Ait Ben Haddou
Aït Ben Haddou is, in my view, one of the most beautiful (and most photographed) places in all of Morocco
Dating back to at least the 17th century, Aït Ben Haddou is a fortified ksar that once thrived as a key stop along the trans-Saharan trade routes linking Marrakech to the Sahara
Aït Ben Haddou has been featured in many blockbuster films and series, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
The hill directly opposite the fortified village is the prime vantage point for both morning twilight glow and sunset.
This is also a popular spot for its magnificent 360-degree views over the surrounding desert, reached after a steep climb — or even on horseback.
From there, even the more modern village on the opposite bank of the Ounila River creates an interesting visual contrast with the historic ksar.
Of course, getting lost in the ksar’s small alleys is a pleasure, especially early morning when you got it for yourself
Climbing to the top of the citadel offers then rewarding and varied perspectives.
Time for a Moroccan tea break?
As you can probably tell from the number of images here, I’ve fallen in love with this place and would recommend staying two nights, even if the area is quite small.
Ouarzarate
Ouarzazate is more of a gateway, serving as a convenient base to explore some of the region’s most interesting sites featured below.
Atlas studios
Near Ouarzazate, Atlas Studios showcase legendary film sets, with the Noor solar power station—one of the world’s largest—rising in the background as a symbol of modern Morocco.
One of the world’s largest and most famous film studios, Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate, has hosted major productions such as Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, Game of Thrones, and The Mummy.
For French and European visitors—and other fans of the Asterix comics—this set also recalls Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra, where the temple, famously built under pressure by the Gauls, is depicted in the midst of construction
It’s quite enjoyable to wander through and photograph the different sets
There is, of course, a strong focus on civilizations from arid regions, reflecting the landscapes surrounding Ouarzazate
Beyond the main Atlas Studios complex, deep in the desert, stands the ‘Jerusalem set’ created for Kingdom of Heaven and later reused for productions like Game of Thrones.
Ouarzarate Souk
In the center of Ouarzazate, the souk unfolds beneath the old kasbahs, showcasing a wide diversity of local goods.
Just a few steps away, it turns into a dense and fascinating maze, where an almost chaotic mix of items for sale reflects the very essence of a traditional souk.
Tifoultoute Kasbah
Just outside Ouarzazate, the Tifoultoute Kasbah offers a glimpse into traditional southern Moroccan architecture, with sweeping views over the surrounding desert landscape.
Fint Oasis
Just thirty minutes from Ouarzazate, the Fint Oasis unfolds as a peaceful retreat, where life revolves around water and palm groves in a landscape shaped by arid mountains.
Towering rock formations surround the oasis, creating a dramatic and almost otherworldly setting.
Climbing to elevated viewpoints above the village at morning first light offers a calm and rewarding perspective over the oasis.
Along the river, still waters create beautiful reflections of palm trees and rocks
The Fint Oasis is clearly one of the most rewarding and memorable stops in the region.
Gas Heaven Station
Complementing Atlas Studios, the Gas Heaven Station—about 40 minutes from Ouarzazate—is a real film set recreating a classic American desert gas stop.
With its vintage signs and old cars, it captures all the familiar US roadside codes.
Next to it, ‘Shoot Land’ features staged decors designed primarily for visitors, offering playful photo opportunities rather than true film sets.
Dades region
The next chapter of the journey takes us into the spectacular Dades region.
Hdida and Bou Tharar areas
From Ouarzazate, it is possible to take a longer but far more rewarding route via the small R317 road, leading through the magnificent and remote landscapes of Hdida.
The road then continues toward the equally enchanting area of Bou Tharar and the so-called “Deserto Rosso.”
From there, it is possible—only with a 4×4—to rejoin the main Dades area through striking landscapes that almost feel like another planet.
Dades Valley Core Area (Aït Oudinar, Aït Ouglif, Imzzoudar)
Among the most iconic features of the area are the ‘Monkey Fingers’ rock formations, where tall, sculpted ridges rise like fingers, creating a surreal and highly photogenic landscape
The area is also home to many old castle ruins scattered across the landscape.
The deep gorges, rugged terrain, and proximity to the Sahara create fast-changing microclimate conditions, resulting in constantly shifting light and dramatic scenes.
The many kasbahs, set in both lush and arid environments, offer a great playground for nature lovers and photographers.
Hairpin viewpoint
Heading east toward the Sahara, the landscape quickly turns dry.
You’ll soon reach the famous—and heavily photographed—hairpin viewpoint, offering a striking view over the winding road below.
Dades Gorges
You’ll eventually reach the Dades Gorge, a canyon carved by the Dades River, where steep rock walls rise several hundred meters above the valley floor.
I found it quite crowded, with endless tour buses making short stops, so I’m including it mainly for completeness.
Todra Oasis / Tinghir
As you leave the Dades region toward the desert, the Tinghir / Todra Oasis—formed over centuries by the Todra River—stretches as one of the most impressive oasis systems in southern Morocco.
Along the road, multiple viewpoints offer great photo opportunities, sometimes with locals adding a lively and colorful touch to the scene.
Erg Chebbi Sahara Desert
Erg Chebbi, near Merzouga, is one of the gateways to the Sahara, where dunes rising to 150 meters create a spectacular fragment of the vast desert. This chapter moves away from specific landmarks to capture the atmosphere and experience through images.
At the foot of the dunes, desert camps or kasbas blend into the landscape, offering a unique way to experience the silence and scale of the Sahara.
On the ridgelines, nomads and their camels move slowly across the dunes, creating timeless and iconic scenes.
At sunset, visitors—sometimes dressed in vibrant colors—gather on the dunes as the desert gradually glows under the setting sun.
At sunrise, the sculpted curves of the dunes come alive, with soft light revealing endless patterns, textures, and shadows.
Even in this harsh environment, small desert flowers can appear at the base of the dunes, adding unexpected touches of color to the sand.
At times (with luck 😊), flamingos can be seen flying above the rocky desert, bringing a surprising contrast to the arid surroundings.
Occasionally, a single tree stands at the foot of a dune, emphasizing the landscape’s scale and solitude.
Camel rides offer a unique way to experience the desert, as your shadow stretches across the sand in the soft evening light.
That also creates opportunities to connect with the people who live and work in the desert.
Rather than noisy quads or 4x4s, take it slow and walk barefoot to appreciate the beauty of the dunes.
Together, these elements make Erg Chebbi a truly unique experience, offering endless inspiration for nature lovers and photographers.
Fes
Founded in the 9th century, Fes is one of Morocco’s oldest and most historic cities, home to the world’s largest medina—a sprawling labyrinth of alleys that has preserved its structure for over a millennium.
Below is a non-exhaustive selection of places to explore.
Chouara Tannery
Chouara Tannery is one of the most iconic sights in Fes, a centuries-old leather workshop where dozens of stone vats filled with natural dyes create a striking mosaic of colors.
Beyond the visual spectacle, the process—largely unchanged since medieval times—comes with a strong, unmistakable smell, making the experience as intense as it is memorable.
Royal palace gate
The Royal Palace of Fes, dating back to the 13th century and still used by the Moroccan monarchy, cannot be visited, but its impressive exterior remains one of the city’s highlights.
Its monumental gates, covered in intricate mosaics, carved wood, and polished brass doors, are especially striking at night, when the lighting enhances the details and the crowds disappear.
Medina Riads Roof tops
A great way to appreciate the old town is to choose a riad with a rooftop terrace, offering sweeping views over the iconic landmarks of the medina.
Bjord Sud
Borj Sud is a historic fortress overlooking Fes, offering one of the best panoramic viewpoints over the entire medina and its surroundings.
From here, the dense maze of the old city contrasts beautifully with the greener landscapes beyond, creating a striking perspective of Fes in its broader setting.
Bjord North
Opposite Borj Sud, Borj Nord is a 16th-century fortress overlooking Fes, offering another outstanding viewpoint—especially at twilight, when the city lights begin to glow across the dense urban maze.
From this vantage point, the historic city walls stand in sharp contrast with the modern city spreading beyond, highlighting the evolution of Fes over time.
Medina Souks
There’s no real need to highlight the souks—the whole medina is one giant marketplace, where strolling through countless small shops is almost a national sport.
As you wander through the maze of the souks, look out for the many intricate doors hidden along the way, like the one at the Zaouia Tijania.
Fondouk-al Naijarine
Fondouk al-Najjarine, a beautifully restored 18th-century caravanserai, once served as an urban inn for merchants and their goods in the heart of the medina.
Today, its elegant courtyard and intricate wooden architecture offer a refined glimpse into Fes’s rich trading past and craftsmanship.
Blue Gate Bab Boujloud
Bab Boujloud, the iconic Blue Gate of Fes, is one of the city’s most famous landmarks, marking the main entrance to the medina from the modern city.
Its two faces reflect different traditions: the outer side is decorated in blue, associated with the city of Fes, while the inner side turns green—the symbolic color of Islam—marking the transition into the historic medina.
Al Qarawiyyin Mosque
The green roof of Al Qarawiyyin Mosque is one of Fes’s most distinctive landmarks, and although the mosque cannot be visited, nearby shops provide elevated viewpoints to appreciate it.
Al Attarine Madrasa
Adjacent to Al Qarawiyyin Mosque, the Al Attarine Madrasa is a true architectural jewel, renowned for its exquisite zellij tiles, carved cedar wood, and intricate stucco decoration.
Built in the 14th century during the Marinid dynasty, it once served as a prestigious theological school for students of the nearby university.
Be prepared to exercise some patience, as capturing it at its best often means waiting for the right moments when a few well-placed figures bring scale and elegance to the scene. 😢
Cèdre Gouraud Forest
As you head toward Fes, a worthwhile detour takes you through the Cèdre Gouraud Forest in the Middle Atlas, roughly 1.5 hours south of the city.
This cedar forest is home to wild Barbary macaques, often seen roaming freely among the ancient trees, offering a rare wildlife encounter.
Volubilis
Ninety minutes from Fes, Volubilis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the Roman era. It stands as one of the best-preserved ancient cities in North Africa, offering a remarkable glimpse into life over 2,000 years ago.
As with many major landmarks, arriving early is key to experiencing the site in relative calm. Here are some of the main areas to explore.
The basilica
The Basilica, one of the most impressive public buildings in Volubilis, once served as the city’s administrative and judicial center, where justice was delivered under the imposing rows of columns.
Capitoline Temple
The Capitoline Temple, dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, dominates Volubilis from its elevated position, where its surviving columns still evoke the power and grandeur of Roman rule 188
Forum
The Forum, set between the Basilica and the Capitoline Temple, was the civic heart of Volubilis, where public life unfolded among statues, ceremonies, and the daily business of the Roman city.
Triumphal Arch of Caracalla
The Triumphal Arch of Caracalla, erected in 217 AD, remains one of Volubilis’s most striking landmarks, its perfectly preserved form still conveying the grandeur and authority of Roman power.
Decumanus Maximus
The Decumanus Maximus, the main east–west axis of Volubilis, draws a striking line through the ruins, leading the eye toward the Triumphal Arch of Caracalla.
Arcades of the Decumanus Maximus
Along the Decumanus Maximus, the remains of arcaded porticoes and commercial arcades still line the main street, evoking the busy shops and daily bustle that once animated the heart of Roman Volubilis.
House of Orpheus
The House of Orpheus displays one of Volubilis’s most iconic mosaics, where Orpheus—the legendary musician said to enchant all living beings—appears at the center of a vivid scene filled with animals, symbolizing harmony between man and nature.
House of Dionysus
The House of Dionysus showcases the refined Mosaic of the Four Seasons, in which circular medallions of figures and allegories elegantly illustrate the passage of time in a beautifully balanced composition.
Beyond its main monuments, Volubilis stands out for its setting, where ancient ruins blend beautifully with flowers and rolling green fields.
So keep walking and getting lost among the ruins, enjoying the site’s calm before the first tour buses arrive and break the silence.
Chefchaouen
Nestled in the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco, Chefchaouen was founded in the 15th century and has grown into one of the country’s most distinctive and charming cities.
Today, it stands as one of the most iconic and visually recognizable cities in the world, thanks to its unique and striking identity.
Its famous blue hues are said to have been introduced by Jewish communities in the 15th century, symbolizing spirituality and the sky, although practical reasons such as keeping buildings cool and repelling insects are also often mentioned.
The true scale of this blue labyrinth is best appreciated from above, especially from the Bouzafer Mosque trail, where the city unfolds beautifully at twilight.
Closer to the heart of the medina, some rooftops around the central El Haouta square also offer stunning panoramic views over the dense maze of blue streets.
Beyond street photography, I had the opportunity to organize a shoot with a young local model, where the contrast between her flowing yellow dress and the deep blue streets created a striking visual harmony.
Beyond the model, Chefchaouen’s cats prove they’re just as talented, naturally posing in the blue maze like true professionals.
Actually, some cats didn’t just pose—they tried to take over the shoot and steal the spotlight 😂
As you’ll have understood, the best strategy in Chefchaouen is just to get lost in the blue streets, ideally early in the morning, before the alleys fill up and the walls become crowded with goods for sale.
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As the streets gradually come to life, some of the shops and displays are actually highly photogenic, with vibrant colors and carefully arranged crafts turning simple storefronts into small works of art.
Even simple fruit stalls embrace an artistic flair, turning everyday displays into colorful compositions that blend seamlessly with the city’s visual charm.
In Chefchaouen, every corner feels like a carefully composed scene, where light, colors, and daily life come together to create a place that is as much experienced as it is photographed.
Rabat
Rabat was for me more of a brief stopover before flying back home, with just an afternoon to capture a few places, yet even in that short time, it still offered a few interesting highlights.
Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed VI
Hassan Tower in Rabat stands as an unfinished 12th-century minaret overlooking a vast esplanade lined with rows of stone columns, remnants of an ambitious mosque that was never completed.
At its base, the elegant fountain and surrounding geometry create a striking foreground that enhances the monument’s symmetry and scale.
From the esplanade, the historic columns echo against the distant silhouette of the Mohammed VI Tower—the tallest building in Morocco and one of the tallest in Africa—blending past and present on the skyline.
On the same grounds, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V showcases exquisite Moroccan craftsmanship, with its elegant white marble exterior and richly decorated interior housing the tombs of the former king and his sons.
At the entrances, ceremonial guards in traditional uniforms on horseback add a timeless and dignified presence to the site.
Kasbah of the Udayas
The monumental Bab Oudaïa gate marks the entrance to the Kasbah of the Udayas, a striking example of Almohad architecture adorned with intricate stone carvings.
Beyond it, the kasbah’s fortified walls rise above the Atlantic Ocean, offering a dramatic contrast between ochre stone and the deep blue of the sea.
Along the coast, the Rabat lighthouse and surrounding walls provide a pleasant oceanfront walk—an ideal way to close the trip after two weeks spent in Morocco’s stunning desert landscapes.
As this journey comes to an end, it leaves behind a collection of striking landscapes and moments that aim to capture the diversity of Morocco. From desert dunes to historic cities, I hope these images inspire you to discover—or rediscover—this beautiful part of the world.
Love these images?
Selected photographs from this journey are available as fine art prints and for licensing on Shootplanet.com galleries link:
Morocco
NB: The website galleries showcase only a small selection of photographs from my journeys. All images featured in the article are also available as fine art prints or for licensing.
Please contact me at marcturcan@shootplanet.com for further information.
