People tend to talk a lot about the colorful cities of Morocco, such as Marrakech, Fes, and Casablanca, yet there is a lot more to be discovered besides the popular places. The nation is a patchwork of different cultures, scenery, and traditions, providing the visitor not only with vibrant souks and ancient medinas but also with tranquil villages, mountain resorts, and desert retreats without the traffic. When one wants to find authentic experiences and have a unique encounter, a trip through the off-the-beaten-path towns in Morocco offers a look at the real essence of this country.
In a 15 days tour from Casablanca, one can see the most famous sites as well as the unnoticed parts of the country when staying in Casablanca. These towns are a history, culture, and nature cocoon on the rugged mountains of the High Atlas and the Atlantic coasts, blown by the winds. We will find out more about ten secret towns in Morocco that should be mentioned in your travel plan.
Despite its increased popularity over the last few years, Chefchaouen has remained one of the most charming small towns in Morocco. Chefchaouen is situated deep in the Rif Mountains and is known for its heavy blue-painted walls that reflect the Moroccan sun. The town has a slower lifestyle than the cities with congested streets, with narrow lanes that head to artisans' workshops, family-run riads, and silent plazas.
The best thing about Chefchaouen is that it has both Andalusian and mountain culture. Visitors can climb the nearby mountainous terrain to get astonishing pictures or have traditional Moroccan tea in small cafes that overlook the medina. It is the type of place in which time seems to operate more slowly, and you can relate well to the relaxed lifestyle of the Moroccan people.
Asilah is a small seaside town situated just below Tangier and is characterized by whitewashed walls, graffiti, and the calmness of the town. Asilah was originally a Phoenician settlement, but since it was colonized by the Portuguese and Moroccan people, it is an interesting mix of cultures.
Asilah has peaceful beaches, unlike the bigger cities of the coast in Moroccoo, which are ideal for relaxation and enjoying the Atlantic breeze. Asilah Arts Festival is also an annual event that attracts artists wworldwided,e making the town look like a canvas that is full of creative works. Taking a stroll through the medina, they are bound to come across art galleries, seafood joints, and tranquil lanes that will make them feel like a world removed from the noise of larger cities.
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is one of the most sacred cities of Morocco, which is located on two green hills, not far from Meknes. This town, named after the founder of the country, Moulay Idriss I, is special in the history and spirituality of Morocco. Not long ago, any non-Muslim was not permitted to spend the night here, and this has helped to preserve its authenticity.
Those who find their way into Moulay Idriss Zerhoun are treated to breathtaking panoramic scenes, maze-like streets, and the hospitality of a very traditional society. It is a great place to visit to get the spiritual heart of Morocco, as well as the Roman ruins of Volubilis, which is one of the most significant archaeological sites in North Africa.
Tiznit is a town founded in the Anti-Atlas mountains, and it is famous for producing silversmiths. Tizn, also called the Silver City, has skilled artisans who make elaborate pieces of jewelry and adornment that have been passed down through generations. To the visitors who want to get traditional souvenirs, Tiznit provides a snapshot into the artisanal tradition of Morocco.
The town is enclosed with ancient fortifications, which makes it seem like it has no date. This is because its markets are not as congested as those of Marrakech, hence they can be easily explored at your own time. Tiznit is also the gate to the desert and the surrounding beaches and provides the right balance of history, craftsmanship, and natural beauty.
When tourists think of Morocco, they hardly think of snow-capped mountains and alpine constructions. But Ifrane, as it is commonly referred to as Little Switzerland, is an unexpectedly good town in the Middle Atlas Mountains. Constructed by the French in the colonial era, Ifrane has chalets with European designs, clean streets and gardens, unlike other towns in Morocco. During winter, Fran is a ski resort, and during summer, it provides a cool escape from the heat. There are cedar forests and Barbary macaques in the surrounding national parks, which would provide the experience with a bit of wilderness. Day trip or stay, Ifrane demonstrates the variety of landscapes and ways of life that Morocco has to offer.
The walled town of Taroudant is frequently called Little Marrakech, and is situated in the valley of Sous. Taroudant is an oasis between the High Atlas and the Anti-Atlas mountains, and it is like a museum of life with its clay-colored walls and the vibrant souks. Taroudant, in contrast to Marrakech, is not as spoiled by mass tourism as the latter, where tourists can still feel the true Moroccan ambiance.
Handicrafts are particularly known in this town (leather goods, ceramics, Berber jewelry). Visitors are transported through horse-drawn carriages around the walls of the medina as a reminiscent trip of the traditional ways of life in Morocco. Taroudant is a good destination for tourists who want the beauty of Marrakech but without the bustle.
Oualidia is a small fishing town situated halfway between Casablanca and Essaouira, with its peaceful lagoon. The lagoon is safe to swim, kayak, and paddleboard in as it is not exposed to the rough Atlantic waves. Oualidia is also the capital of oysters in Morocco, and thus, a heavenly city of seafood.
The town has a calm atmosphere and well-maintained beaches, which appeal to the people who want to relax without the congestion of tourists. Oualidia is also a destinatioforof birdwatchers: the lagoon is a refuge of migratory birds, such as flamingos. Having its mix of natural beauty and great food, Oualidia is one of the most underestimated destinations in Morocco.
Tafraoute is a mysterious place, concealed in the mountains of Anti-Atlas, Morocco, and is one of the most colorful and surreal places. Tafraoute is a place of many hiking trails and opportunities to explore nature and get to the most incredible rock constructions you have ever seen, including the well-known "Painted Rocks" installation. The pink granite mountains that cover the town radiate under the setting sun,, leaving memorable scenery.
Tafraoute has a traditional Amazigh (Berber) culture in addition to its natural wonders. Tourists will be able to visit centuries-old granaries, palm oases, and villages where the old traditions are still present. Tafraoute is a great combination destination for people who love culture and nature.
Sidi Ifni, found on the southern Atlantic coast of Morocco, is an interesting town with a unique Spanish influence. Sidi Ifni is a former Spanish colony whose Art Deco architecture and seafront prominences show the remnants of the colonial rule.
The relaxed nature of the town has made it a good destination to travel slowly. Its beaches, like Legzira with its famous red rock arches, are some of the most photogenic in Morocco. Sidi Ifni is a unique cultural destination in Morocco with a blend of Indian and European culture, history, and architectural tourism.
Although lots of tourists come to the Sahara Desert, the tiny village of Merzouga provides an experience that is very personal. Located on the outskirts of the Erg Chebbi dunes, Merzouga is the ideal starting point for camel tours, 4x4 tours, and stargazing camping trips in the desert.
Merzouga is not a tourist center like large desert gateways but a small village. It is memorable for its warm hospitality and its affiliation with the desert landscape. The sunrise on the dunes is one of those experiences that every traveler will remember forever, and it is the most real experience Merzouga can offer.
Visiting the uncommon places in Morocco can guide the tourist through the nation outside the usual tourist route. Not only are those towns places to visit, but they are living museums, historical, cultural, and traditional places. Be it the craftiness of Tiznit, piety of Moulay Idriss Zerhou,n or even the serenity of the coast of Oualidia, each of these towns brings a different dimension to the Moroccan travelling experience.
To the tourists who intend to spend a longer period travelling, a 15-day tour of Casablanca and the incorporation of these hidden towns is a sure way of getting an ideal mix between the well-knownities in Morocco and the hidden wonders. Such tours are not merely a sightseeing trip but also offer the tourist to experience the authenticity and beauty that characterizes the heart and soul of Morocco.
Morocco is a nation that pays off inquisitiveness. Although Marrakech, Fes, and Casablanca are drawing a large portion of the attention, it is the small towns and the places that lie beyond the surface that are illuminating the soul of this nation. Whether it is the bluewashed lanes of Chefchaouen or the windy beaches of Sidi Ifni, these places are all that travelers can do is relax, get to know the locals, and see Morocco in its purest form.
In your Moroccan adventure, consider going off the beaten path. With a story, tradition, and scenery of its own, these ten towns present you with those experiences that guidebooks and the overcrowded tourist destinations cannot provide. When you are willing to discover the hidden gems of Morocco, then initiating your tour with Morocco Friendly Travels, where tailor-made itineraries will assist you in making lifetime memories.
