The South of Morocco has become a major tourist destination over the past couple of decades.
From the flourishing Atlantic coastal cities to the beguiling, eroded towns and villages, the lush oases and the arid deserts, the southern region of the Atlas Mountains offers a diverse landscape that is bound to appeal to any traveler.
This, undoubtedly, is the most exceptional part of Morocco to visit.
So here are the top 10 places to explore in Southern Morocco.
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Agadir
Given the title “The Miami of Morocco”, modern-day Agadir is characterized by its vibrant nightlife, exquisite restaurants, pristine beaches, and enchanting kasbah views.
Named after a 16th-century fortress, the city of Agadir has become one of Morocco’s top thriving tourist destinations.
With its beautiful ocean climate, generous bursts of sunshine, diverse landscape, and warm atmosphere, this city promises a memorable and busy holiday!
This ancient agriculture and fishing hub has been entirely rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1960 to become a central economic point between the south and north of Morocco.
Go on a fishing expedition, take a scenic boat trip, explore the Berber art galleries, benefit from the excellent golf courses, or enjoy a laid-back night in one of the town’s buzzing dance clubs!
Aït Ben Haddou
Near Ouarzazate, the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou has become a renowned filming location, namely for Gladiator, the movie, and Game of Thrones, season 3.
The Kasbah is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts many tourists, especially those taking a trip to the Sahara desert.
This picturesque village is a cluster of traditional earthen buildings, most of which date as far back as the 17th century.
It was initially a refuge to Berbers and Jews but is now mainly populated by Amazigh tribes.
This old Berber village, now mostly abandoned, save for the few souvenir shops is one of the most beautiful places you will find in Morocco.
As you enter the Kasbah, you immediately feel like you stepped into a time capsule and a gorgeous one for that.
Naturally, this comes as no surprise when you know that over 40 works of the seventh at have been filmed in there.
Essaouira
Essaouira is a fishing port city on the Moroccan Atlantic coast popular for its white painted medina, windy beaches, and eclectic artisan shops but also for its casual yet imposing artistic atmosphere.
It has also been a major filming location for the Game of Thrones series and is an incredible place to acquire quirky jewelry, unique craft souvenirs, and fun paraphernalia.
Moreover, Essaouira is definitely bucket-list-worthy for its phenomenal Sqala du Port and the ramparts of the 18th century Sqala de la Ville that protected the medina from the colossal Atlantic waves.
This fortress boasts 19 bronze cannons of various nationalities (Spanish, Portuguese, and Dutch) established by numerous seafaring marauders.
Imlil and Jebel Toubkal
Imlil is a village situated in the High Atlas Mountains two hours south of Marrakech.
This has become a common site for hiking in the magnificent Atlas mountains and surrounding Berber settlements.
Imlil is also the starting point of the trail leading to Jebel Toubkal, the highest mountain in the entirety of North Africa, with an elevation of 4,167m.
While it’s not particularly unconquerable, the trek does require a certain level of fitness as the ascent can be a bit challenging.
Although it’s not a technical hike, so you won’t need special equipment to make it up top.
If you’re doing it in winter, make sure to dress warmly and wear gloves because the wind can be really cold and the icy slopes slippery.
Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is worldly recognized as one of the most captivating locations for filming sets in all of Africa.
This gateway to the Sahara desert carries the subtle yet enthralling charm of the south.
With that said, because of its size, it has a striking cosmopolitan feel to it which definitely goes along with its connection to blockbuster cinema.
In the past few decades, companies have opened large film studios where they managed to keep the majority of the legendary film sets intact to entertain cinephiles and motion picture enthusiasts.
If you venture into the Atlas Corporation Studios, you can get a closer look at iconic props from movies like The Mummy, Prince of Persia, Lawrence of Arabia, and many more.
Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert is a staple and can’t be missed out on this South of Morocco travel guide.
Merzouga and the Sahara Desert have become a popular tourist destination because of the one of a kind experience they offer.
From camel riding and stargazing to quad biking and sand surfing, fun activities in the Sahara Desert are abundant.
Whether you’re looking for a self-discovery journey or you simply want to enjoy the sandy dunes and the delectable traditional dishes, this is definitely an exciting adventure to have.
This is one of the most idyllic places where you can wind down, relax, and enjoy the serenity and quietude of nature at its finest.
You can also take a stroll down nearby villages, explore palm groves, or simply bask in the golden landscape and picturesque scenery.
Tafraoute
Located in the foothills of the Anti-Atlas at 1,200 meters of altitude, Tafraoute, also known as the ‘glacial valley’ owes its name to the dizzying horizons open onto a bowl-like valley.
This center is well worth the trouble it takes to reach with its beautiful fertile gorges and grand mountain valley.
It’s surrounded by pink granite that is most prominent at sunset when the radiant peaks reflect vibrant shades offering a mesmerizing show.
Tafraoute is surrounded by scenic roads traversing the Anti-Atlas from Agadir or Tiznit.
It’s also a center for various villages built in between wind-carved, run-down panoramas of granite tors which embodies the very essence of the badlands of South Dakota.
The best time to visit is definitely early spring when the gorges are brimming with blossoming almond and argan trees.
Fall is also a great season to visit since it’s well past the intense, and often debilitating heat of midsummer.
In the spring, the valley is a charming sheet of flowers, bordered by magnificent waterfalls and rapids. The landscape is truly unforgettable.
Taghazout
Once a sleepy fishing village famous for calamari and hippies (a strange mix for sure), Taghazout has become a lively beach town and a surfer’s paradise for both pros and amateurs.
The white and blue painted town boasts a similar look to Essaouira, though much smaller and more packed with tourists.
This scruffy roadside village may be rough around the edges but it does tremendous fun. The main beach of Taghazout is great for swimming but because the surfing culture dominates, you will probably want to give it a try.
You can rent a surfboard for around 12 dollars per day or you can get a private surf lesson for around 30 dollars and half a day.
Taroudant
Taroudant, sometimes called ‘little Marrakesh’ is one of the few cities where you can get a local and authentic Moroccan travel experience.
This Souss Valley trading center is hidden behind brilliant red mud walls and snowcapped mountain peaks and features a large and diverse range of souks, squares, and antique shops that channel that Marrakesh mystique.
Taroudant also serves as a market place for Berbers to trade produce collected from the rich Oued Souss plain.
While there aren’t many sights to see, this town makes a good base for trekking, cycling, or simply walking around.
Tiznit
Tiznit, compared to other items on this list, is relatively recent and wasn’t founded until 1882 when Sultan Moulay Hassan was undertaking a raid in the Souss and Anti-Atlas region.
Tiznit is characterized by its colossal pisé walls and dominant simplistic lifestyle.
This old walled medina rapidly became a trade center for traditional Berber jewelry with a souq that is entirely devoted to silver.
Although the town is conservative, neat, and slow-paced, its inhabitants are warm and welcoming.
Tiznit is definitely worth a stop if only to acquire an authentic piece or handicraft souvenir