8 Off-the-Beaten Path Morocco Destinations for Solo Travellers
Planning a solo trip to Morocco but want to escape the tourist crowds? Discover some of my top recommended off-the-beaten-path Morocco destinations for a unique travel experience.
If you’ve explored the souks of Marrakech, photographed the blue-hued city of Chefchaouen and climbed Jebel Toubkal, you might be wondering what else Morocco has to offer.
Getting off the beaten track in this North African country offers some incredible experiences for solo travellers, particularly if you’re seeking to escape the tourist crowds.
As Morocco’s popularity increases as a holiday destination, seeking out these hidden gems becomes more appealing than ever.
It’s in some of these destinations that I’ve had my favourite experiences in Morocco. Discovering the street art of Asilah and staying in one of Skoura’s atmospheric kasbah hotels are two that come immediately to mind!
Whether you want to delve into the local history, explore natural wilderness areas or just experience the “real” Morocco, I have you covered.
In this article, I’ll share 8 off-the-beaten-path Morocco destinations to add to your solo travel itinerary. I’ll explain what each offers and who it will appeal to, as well as include accommodation recommendations to help you plan your trip.
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Discover the bird-filled oasis of Skoura
Tucked away in the Atlas Mountains, Skoura is an enchanting oasis famed for its date palm groves and historic kasbahs.
It offers a peaceful environment for solo travellers seeking to get off-the-beaten-tourist track, all while being within easy reach of Ouarzazate.
Skoura was once a bustling trading post where caravans from the desert transferred their goods to mule trains bound for the imperial city of Fes.
Although it has been overshadowed by nearby Ouarzazate as the region’s commercial hub, Skoura still maintains its medieval charm. It also boasts a wide choice of beautiful kasbahs where you can spend a night or two.
If I’m heading to the Sahara, i’ll often break up the journey in Skoura as I absolutely loooooove the hotels here. Plus, the palmeraie setting is a more atmospheric than the dusty streets of Ouarzazate.
During your visit, be sure to explore the Palmeraie de Skoura, which has been protected by UNESCO and irrigated for centuries. This oasis provides habitat for more than 100 bird species and features an underground canal system that harnesses water in the desert.
Also not to miss are Kasbah Amridil, a fascinating living history museum, and Musee Memoire de Ouarzazate. The latter provides a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of southern Morocco’s indigenous people.
For more information about visiting this off-the-beaten-track Morocco destination, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Todra Gorge + Dades Gorge + Skoura.
Best places to stay in Skoura
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Relax in the riverside city of Azemmour
Azemmour is a hidden gem to the north of El Jadida that often gets overlooked by foreign visitors. This picturesque city lies at the confluence of the Oum Er-Rbia River and the Atlantic Ocean and can be easily explored during a day trip from Casablanca.
Before the 15th century, Azemmour was under the rule of the King of Fes. That was until it was conquered by the Portuguese. Notably, the explorer Ferdinand Magellan (who led the first circumnavigation of the Earth) participated in the Battle of Azemmour.
Although the Portuguese reign was short-lived due to economic challenges, remnants of their influence can still be found in the city’s impressive walls and towers.
Azemmour’s partially restored medina is adorned with street art, making it a wonderful place for photographers to explore. You’ll find a variety of regional handicrafts for sale in its market stalls – this is a great place to support local artisans!
For a different perspective, you can enjoy a boat cruise along the Oum Er-Rbia and gaze up at Azemmour’s ochre-hued fortifications.
Just a stone’s throw from the medina is Azemmour’s beach, which is popular with surfers year-round.
If you’re basing yourself in Casablanca, you’ll find some of the best hotels for solo travellers in my detailed article here.
Best places to stay in Azemmour
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Explore the art-filled medina of Asilah
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in northern Morocco, Asilah is a picturesque coastal town known for its whitewashed buildings and lively street art scene.
It’s an ideal off-the-beaten-path Morocco destination for solo travellers seeking a mix of beach relaxation and cultural immersion, all within a short drive of Tangier.
With a history dating back to 1500 BC as the Phoenician settlement of Zili, Asilah’s allure is further enhanced by the 15th-century Portuguese ramparts that encircle the town.
After the hectic pace of Casablanca and nearby Tangier, Asilah’s laid-back medina is a pleasure to explore. You’ll find everything from art galleries to cultural centres and historic palaces dotting the streets.
Although it’s possible to see the main attractions of Asilah in a day, the town’s beauty and coastal charm make it worth staying a night or two. This will also give you a chance to enjoy the breathtaking sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean from the ramparts.
For more information about visiting this off-the-beaten-track Morocco destination, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Asilah.
Best places to stay in Asilah
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Wander through the “Mini Marrakech” of Taroudant
If you want to see what Marrakech might have felt like before the tourism explosion, head south to Taroudant. It lies a short drive inland from Agadir.
This historic trading town is surrounded by honey-coloured ramparts and set against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains.
While it doesn’t have lots of big-ticket attractions, Taroudant’s relaxed pace and absence of crowds make it a wonderful destination to experience the “real” Morocco.
Aside from soaking up the sights, sounds and smells at Taroudant’s souks, the city also has its own tanneries to explore. That being said, they aren’t quite as large (or touristy) as those in Fes.
If you’re an art enthusiast, don’t miss the Palais Musee Claudio Bravo, which showcases the eclectic collection of the Chilean artist within gorgeous grounds.
Also near Taroudant is the Tioute Oasis. Here, a lush palm grove thrives amidst ancient irrigation systems and the remnants of a historic kasbah.
For more information about visiting this off-the-beaten-track Morocco destination, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Taroudant.
Best places to stay in Taroudant
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Climb the Anti-Atlas summit of Jebel Sirwa
Rising to 3,305 metres in height, Jebel Sirwa is a prominent volcanic peak in the Anti Atlas Mountains. It offers a unique trekking experience away from the crowds of Jebel Toubkal.
The most popular way to experience it is on a six-day trek that takes in fields of wildflowers, rural communities and the extinct stratovolcano.
Taliouine is the main gateway to the region and is renowned for being the primary saffron-growing area in Morocco. If possible, coincide your trek with the harvest period at the end of October/start of November to witness this unique event in action.
In addition to seeing families harvesting the stamens at dawn, you’ll likely pass by shepherds tending their flocks.
You’ll find more inspiring hikes in Morocco here.
Best places to stay in Taliouine
Not sure what to bring to Morocco and what to leave at home? Check out my detailed Morocco packing guide for solo travellers.
Camel trek through the dunes of Erg Chigaga
Reached via the gateway town of M’Hamid, Erg Chigaga is not just a single dune but an expansive stretch of golden sand that resembles a sea. In fact, it is the largest sand sea in Morocco.
That being said, i still remains less-visited for camel treks than the more popular Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. Spending a night out in the dunes is an unforgettable experience, with the views of the Milky Way simply breathtaking.
In the past, M’Hamid served as an important oasis for caravans, with cameleers replenishing their water supply here before heading towards Timbuktu. Today, it is the launchpad for camel treks to Erg Chigaga, although the sand sea can also be reached by off-road vehicles and motorbikes.
While there are fewer desert camps here than in Erg Chebbi, there are some incredible luxury options for those seeking a romantic stay.
Want to visit Erg Chigaga on a self-guided itinerary? Check out this 4-day Sahara itinerary from Marrakech to Fes.
For more information on the difference between Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga, check out this article on planning a Sahara Desert camp experience in Morocco.
Can’t decide between the Sahara and Agafay? Discover the differences between these two Moroccan desert destinations here.
Best places to stay in M’Hamid
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Admire Sidi Ifni’s Art Deco architecture
Located closer to the Canary Islands than Marrakech is the former Spanish enclave of Sidi Ifni. This atmospheric coastal town is located 2.5 hours’ drive south of Agadir.
Sidi Ifni’s unique charm lies in its Art Deco architecture, making it an ideal off-the-beaten-path Morocco destination. It’s somewhat reminiscent of Casablanca but in a far more laid-back setting.
Many of Sidi Ifni’s colonial buildings are adorned in pastel-blue stripes and floral motifs. Even the mosque in the town showcases an Art Deco style!
In my opinion, Sidi Ifni is a wonderful spot to wander and feast on freshly caught seafood. Keep an eye out for the fried squid served from the hole-in-the-wall fish stands near the port.
If you’re venturing as far as Sidi Ifni, don’t miss a visit to nearby Mirleft, famed for its wild beaches backed by red-hued cliffs. The most photogenic of these is Legzira with its awe-inspiring rock arch coloured in burnt oranges.
Surfers should head to Plage Sauvage to find uncrowded waves. It’s a world away from the busy breaks of Taghazout!
For more information about visiting this off-the-beaten-path Morocco destination, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Mirleft and Sidi Ifni.
Best places to stay in Sidi Ifni and Mirleft
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Make a pilgrimage to Moulay Idriss
Moulay Idriss is a Moroccan town steeped in tradition and revered as one of the most sacred places in the country. Most famously, it’s home to the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss, the city’s founder and a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad.
But despite Moulay Idriss’ significance to locals, it remains relatively undiscovered by many foreign visitors. Perched on the slopes of Jebel Zerhoune (a stone’s throw from Meknes), Moulay Idriss is a cluster of whitewashed houses stacked atop one another.
While the mausoleum is off-limits to non-Muslims, the town’s peaceful ambiance and countryside panoramas are worth the visit alone. Be sure to climb to the Sidi Abdellah el Hajjam Terrace for a wonderful view of the mausoleum’s green-tiled minaret and rooftop.
If possible, coincide your visit to Moulay Idriss with the Saturday market. The town is particularly renowned for its olive oil and goat’s cheese, both of which can be purchased from local stallholders.
Personally, I think a visit to Moulay Idriss is an opportunity to connect with Morocco’s rich cultural heritage and profound spiritual traditions. It can easily be combined with a stop in the Imperial city of Meknes and the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
For more information about exploring this off-the-beaten-track destination, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Moulay Idriss or 7 Incredible Things to Do in Meknes.
Best places to stay in Moulay Idriss
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Riad Le Petit Ksar (Meknes)
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Discovering the best off-the-beaten-path Morocco destinations
Morocco’s more well-known tourist spots, like Marrakech, Fes and Essaouira, are popular for a reason and shouldn’t be overlooked. But I’d highly recommend including some of these off-the-beaten-track Morocco destinations to your solo travel itinerary.
They offer a different perspective on Morocco and allow you to immerse yourself a little deeper in the country’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.
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About Me
I’m Malika, an Australian-born travel writer with an intense love for Morocco. I first travelled here solo in 2014 and after meeting (and marrying) a local, I made this North African gem my home. Since that time, I have explored the country extensively, travelling to all corners with my partner, friends and on my own.
Morocco is an incredible destination and one that I think everyone who has the “travel bug” should experience. The scenery is spectacular, the medinas are enchanting and the locals are among the friendliest (and funniest) people I’ve ever met.
It’s no secret, however, that there a lot of questions and concerns voiced online about solo travel to Morocco, particularly from female travellers. So I wanted to create this resource filled with honest and up-to-date information. It’s designed to help solo travellers explore the country safely and have an amazing time along the way.
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