The 12 Most Photogenic Spots in Morocco
Morocco is one of the most photogenic countries in the world: blue alleys, mud-brick kasbahs, orange dunes and colourful medinas. Here are the 12 places not to miss, with the best time of day and the rules for photographing respectfully.
Morocco's best photo spots are Chefchaouen (the blue medina, best early in the morning before the crowds), the ksar of Ait Benhaddou (a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, at sunset from across the riverbed), the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga (sunrise), the Majorelle Garden in Marrakech (at opening time, before the groups), the Chouara tanneries in Fes (seen from the terraces of the surrounding leather shops, mid-morning), the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca (at sunset facing the ocean), the ramparts of Essaouira, the Todra Gorge, the Ouzoud waterfalls and the Legzira arch. The golden rule: golden-hour light in the morning and evening. Two practical points: always ask before photographing a person, and note that importing drones is tightly restricted in Morocco: without prior authorisation, they can be held at customs.
The 12 Spots at a Glance
| Spot | City / region | Best time | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue medina | Chefchaouen | Early morning | Things to do in Chefchaouen |
| Ksar of Ait Benhaddou | Ouarzazate | Sunset | Ait Benhaddou |
| Erg Chebbi dunes | Merzouga | Sunrise | Merzouga desert |
| Majorelle Garden | Marrakech | Opening time | Majorelle Garden |
| Chouara tanneries | Fes | Mid-morning | Fes medina and tanneries |
| Hassan II Mosque | Casablanca | Sunset | Hassan II Mosque |
| Ramparts and harbour | Essaouira | Late afternoon | Things to do in Essaouira |
| Todra Gorge | Tinghir | Midday | Todra and Dades gorges |
| Ouzoud waterfalls | Azilal | Morning | Ouzoud waterfalls |
| Legzira arch | Sidi Ifni | Sunset | Legzira beach |
| Painted rocks | Tafraoute | Late afternoon | Tafraoute |
| Hot-air balloon | Marrakech | Dawn | Balloon ride in Marrakech |
1. Chefchaouen, the Blue City
The blue alleys are the most shared spot in the country. Arrive before 9 am to have the stairways and doors without crowds. Some residents have decorated corners and ask for a small coin: it is how they earn from tourism.
| Tour | Rating | Reviews | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chefchaouen day trip from Tangier | 4.8 | 3,717 | €43 |
| Chefchaouen day trip from Fes | 4.6 | 3,336 | €17 |
| Photography tour of the blue city | 5 | 1 | €41 |
See tours in Chefchaouen· GetYourGuideFree cancellation up to 24h before on most activities · the best time slots sell out first in high seasonReserve now, pay later on many activities
2. Ait Benhaddou and 3. the Merzouga Dunes
The ksar of Ait Benhaddou, a backdrop for many films, turns ochre at sunset. Further on, the Erg Chebbi dunes offer spectacular lines and shadows at dawn. The easiest way to see both: the 3-day tour from Marrakech.
| Tour | Rating | Reviews | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-day Merzouga and Sahara tour | 4.9 | 22,297 | €118 |
| 3-day safari with meals | 4.7 | 14,481 | €104 |
See desert tours· GetYourGuideFree cancellation up to 24h before on most activities · the best time slots sell out first in high seasonReserve now, pay later on many activities
4. The Majorelle Garden
Majorelle blue, cacti and pools are superb, but the garden is very busy. Book a timed ticket and arrive at opening time.
| Ticket | Rating | Reviews | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Majorelle Garden entry ticket | 4.5 | 11,610 | €23 |
5. The Chouara Tanneries in Fes
You photograph them from the terraces of the leather shops around them. Access is usually free, with an invitation to browse the shop; you will often be handed a sprig of mint against the smell.
6. The Hassan II Mosque
Set on the ocean, it is spectacular at sunset from the esplanade. It is also one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims, on a guided tour.
7 to 12. Coast, Gorges and Anti-Atlas
- Essaouira: ramparts, cannons and the blue boats of the harbour, late afternoon.
- Todra Gorge: towering cliffs, best at midday when the sun reaches into the canyon.
- Ouzoud waterfalls: frequent rainbows in the morning.
- Legzira: one of the two arches collapsed in 2016; the remaining one is magnificent at sunset.
- Tafraoute: painted rocks and pink granite in the late afternoon.
- Hot-air balloon: the Atlas and palm grove from above, no drone needed.
| Experience | Rating | Reviews | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot-air balloon flight with breakfast buffet | 4.8 | 10,196 | €61 |
| Hot-air balloon flight with certificate | 4.7 | 11,275 | €57 |
Ratings, reviews and prices taken from GetYourGuide; they may change. Balloon flights leave at dawn and basket places are limited.
See hot-air balloon flights· GetYourGuideFree cancellation up to 24h before on most activities · the best time slots sell out first in high seasonReserve now, pay later on many activities
FAQ — Photo Spots in Morocco
What is the most photogenic place in Morocco?
Can you bring a drone to Morocco?
Can you photograph people in Morocco?
What is the best time of day for photos?
How do you photograph the Fes tanneries?
In Short
- Must-see trio: Chefchaouen, Ait Benhaddou, Merzouga.
- Light: dawn and sunset.
- Respect: ask before photographing people, no drone without authorisation.
- See also Morocco's must-sees.
