Most first trips to Morocco follow the same beautiful line: Marrakech, the Atlas, Ait Ben Haddou, the Sahara, Fes and Chefchaouen. It is a wonderful route, and we recommend it. But Morocco has much more to offer than its famous names. Away from the main roads there are waterfalls in the Rif, valleys where life has changed little in a century, fortified granaries on rocky peaks, painted mountains and quiet fishing villages on the Atlantic.
Here are ten hidden gems of Morocco, what makes each one special, how to reach them, and how to add them to a private tour.
1. Akchour and God's Bridge
Where: in the Rif Mountains, about an hour from Chefchaouen.
In a national park of green mountains, a river has carved pools of turquoise water and a series of waterfalls. A hiking path follows the river to the waterfalls, and another leads to God's Bridge, a huge natural rock arch high above the river. It is one of the best day trips from Chefchaouen and a complete contrast to the desert.
Good to know: wear good shoes, as the paths cross rocks and water. Spring and early summer are the best seasons, when the river is full.
2. Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
Where: next to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, near Meknes.
This white town spread over two hills is one of the most sacred places in Morocco, home to the tomb of Moulay Idriss I, founder of the first Moroccan dynasty. Its narrow alleys, its viewpoint over the whitewashed houses and its unusual round minaret covered in green tiles make it a peaceful and authentic stop, and it combines perfectly with Volubilis on the road between Fes and Chefchaouen.
Good to know: the shrine itself is reserved for Muslims, but the town and its viewpoints are open to all. Dress modestly.
3. Aït Bouguemez, the "Happy Valley"
Where: in the central High Atlas, in the province of Azilal.
Called the Happy Valley, Aït Bouguemez is a high green valley of fields, walnut trees and earthen villages, surrounded by mountains. Amazigh families still farm the terraces in a traditional way. It is a paradise for walkers, with easy valley walks and longer treks, and some of the most genuine village guesthouses in Morocco.
Good to know: the valley is at high altitude, so nights are cool and winter can bring snow. It combines well with the Ouzoud waterfalls. See our day trip to Ouzoud Falls.
4. Tafraout and the Ameln Valley
Where: in the Anti-Atlas, south-east of Agadir.
Tafraout sits in a landscape of huge pink granite boulders, palm groves and almond trees. Nearby, a Belgian artist painted a group of rocks in bright blue and other colours in the 1980s, creating the famous Painted Rocks. The Ameln Valley, with its villages built at the foot of a mountain wall, is beautiful for walking, especially when the almond trees blossom at the end of winter.
5. Amtoudi and its fortified granary
Where: in the Anti-Atlas, south of Tafraout.
Perched on a rocky peak above a palm-filled gorge, the Agadir Id Aïssa is one of the most impressive collective granaries in Morocco. For centuries, villagers stored their grain, documents and valuables here, each family in its own small room, protected by walls and guards. The climb is short but steep, and the view over the gorge is spectacular.
6. Legzira beach and Sidi Ifni
Where: on the Atlantic coast, south of Agadir.
Legzira is famous for its red rock arches standing on the beach. One of the two arches collapsed in 2016, but the remaining arch and the red cliffs are still a stunning sight, especially at sunset and low tide. Nearby, Sidi Ifni is a quiet town with blue and white Art Deco buildings from the Spanish period, a fishing port and a very relaxed atmosphere.
Good to know: check the tides before walking along the beach.
7. Imsouane
Where: on the Atlantic coast between Essaouira and Agadir.
A small fishing village in a bay, known among surfers for one of the longest waves in Africa, gentle enough for beginners. Blue fishing boats come back in the afternoon, and you can eat the catch of the day grilled by the harbour. It is a perfect place to slow down for a day or two after the desert. See our Essaouira day trip for the coast nearby.
8. Tamegroute
Where: in the Draa Valley, south of Zagora.
Tamegroute is known for two treasures: its green-glazed pottery, made in old kilns using techniques passed down for generations, and an old Koranic library with ancient manuscripts. Walking through its covered earthen alleys, almost in darkness, is a step back in time.
9. Erg Chigaga
Where: beyond M'hamid, at the end of the Draa Valley.
Erg Chigaga is Morocco's wildest sea of dunes. There is no paved road to reach it: you drive by 4x4 across stony plains and dry lake beds from M'hamid, a journey of a couple of hours. The reward is silence, high dunes and camps far from everything. It is less accessible than Erg Chebbi in Merzouga, and that is exactly its charm.
Good to know: it needs more time and a 4x4 with an experienced driver. Read Merzouga or Zagora to compare the desert areas.
10. Oualidia
Where: on the Atlantic coast between El Jadida and Safi.
A calm lagoon protected from the ocean by a line of rocks, with clear, quiet water, fishing boats and some of the best oysters in Morocco. Moroccan families love it in summer, but outside the holidays it is very peaceful. A beautiful stop between Casablanca and Essaouira.
Bonus: hidden gems near Merzouga
Even around the famous dunes of Erg Chebbi, there are places most visitors miss:
- Khamlia: a village of Gnawa musicians, with drums and metal castanets passed down from their ancestors.
- Nomad families: on a 4x4 tour, you can share tea with families who still live with their herds in the desert.
- Old mines and fossil beds: remains of old mining and fossils in the black stone desert around the dunes.
- Rissani: a traditional market town and the old ksour of the Tafilalet oasis.
See our experiences in Merzouga.
How to add hidden gems to your trip
These places are spread across the country, so it is better to choose two or three that fit your route rather than trying to see them all:
| If your route goes through | Add |
|---|---|
| Chefchaouen and Fes | Akchour, Moulay Idriss and Volubilis |
| Marrakech and the Atlas | Aït Bouguemez, Ouzoud waterfalls |
| Marrakech and the coast | Essaouira, Imsouane, Oualidia |
| Zagora and the Draa Valley | Tamegroute, Erg Chigaga |
| Agadir and the south | Tafraout, Amtoudi, Legzira, Sidi Ifni |
On a private tour, we build the route around what you love. Tell us your dates and interests on our custom tours page, and read How many days do you need in Morocco? to plan the length.
Tips for travelling off the beaten path
- Distances are long and some roads are slow. Allow more time than the map suggests.
- Carry cash: ATMs and card payment are rare in small villages.
- Learn a few words of Darija or Tamazight. A simple "salam" and "shukran" open doors.
- Dress modestly in rural areas and ask before taking photos of people.
- Travel with a local driver or guide: they know the roads, the families and the best times to visit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most underrated place in Morocco?
Many travellers are most surprised by Aït Bouguemez, the "Happy Valley", and by Akchour near Chefchaouen. Both offer nature and village life that are very different from the famous cities.
Are these places safe to visit?
Yes. They are quiet, welcoming places. As anywhere, use common sense, and for remote areas like Erg Chigaga travel with an experienced driver.
Can I visit hidden gems on a short trip?
Yes, if you choose those on your route. For example, Moulay Idriss fits easily between Fes and Chefchaouen, and Khamlia is right next to Merzouga.
Which hidden gem is best for families?
Akchour (with easy parts of the river walk), the Ouzoud waterfalls with their monkeys, and Khamlia's Gnawa music near Merzouga are all popular with children.
Keep reading: Best places to visit in Morocco · The Dadès Gorge road · Erg Chebbi