Unmissable Morocco: so much more than Marrakech!

Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, (2260m), the highest road pass in Morocco

Morocco has become one of the top go-to destinations for travellers, and for good reason. The country is rich with exotic sights, from its world-famous craft markets to its majestic mountains and desert dunes. It’s also peaceful, welcoming, and safe for visitors, with a wonderful tradition of hospitality.

For many travellers thinking of Morocco, the main image it conjures up is of the vibrant colours, bustling souks, and impressive heritage sites of Marrakech.

Marrakech at night, Place Djemaa El Fna, Morocco

Of all the Imperial Cities, it is probably the most exciting to visit! Ancient palaces, the medieval koranic school, enchanting gardens, fascinating museums, and – of course – the souks and the night-time buzz around the famous square, the Place Djemaa El Fna.

Morocco is peaceful, welcoming, and safe for visitors, with a wonderful tradition of hospitality.

North Morocco

The rolling green hills of north Morocco will also take you to the “Blue Town” of Chefchaouen (perfect for Instagram), and the Imperial Cities of Rabat, Fes, and Meknes. Outside of the wonderful heritage sites in these cities, perhaps the most stunning visit is to the extensive Roman ruins at Volubilis near Fes and Meknes. This was the southernmost city of the Roman Empire, and you can walk along its streets and column-lined avenues between temples and houses with stunning mosaic floors.

Atlas Mountains

But if you have a few more days to spend, or the pleasure of a longer holiday, it really is an unmissable opportunity to discover Morocco’s hidden gems in other parts of the country. Even from the rooftop cafés of Marrakech, you can see the majestic peaks of the High Atlas Mountains dominating the horizon.

One of the great experiences in Morocco is to head out of the city on a road trip to travel into the heart of the mountains, which stretch for almost 500 miles into the south-east region of the country and lead you to the Sahara Desert.

This is the land of the Berbers, the original inhabitants of Morocco, whose culture stretches back thousands of years and is renowned for its warmth and hospitality. Leave the crowds of tourists behind, and with our travel partner, Sahara Atlas Tours, in just three days, you can take a wonderful circuit through the Atlas and the Sahara from Marrakech, or travel between Marrakech and Fes. With more time, you can relax and explore off the beaten track along the way.

Dades Valley

One of the most beautiful destinations on this route is the Dades Valley, which can be reached from Marrakech in a day’s journey over the High Atlas, following the ancient caravan route from the south. You climb over the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass (2260m), the highest road pass in Morocco, passing traditional Berber villages, the impressive fortress at Telouet, then the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, the famous citadel of many kasbahs. You head onwards on the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs leading to the Dades Valley and up through it, with majestic peaks above you, and lush green oases in the valleys below.

Monkey’s Fingers

The Dades Valley’s most famous beauty spot is known as the “Monkey’s Fingers”, unique and spectacular rock formations of red sandstone rising in great pillars from the oasis below. Eden Boutique Hotel is situated right opposite them, with breathtaking views from almost every room.

For those looking for an active day or half-day out, we offer a range of guided walks at easy, moderate and more strenuous levels around the oasis at the foot of the cliffs, or up through the slot canyons that lead to the top – where you will feel you are on the roof of the world! Our guides will share their passion for nature and the local culture with you. Or for the perfect chill-out day, just drink in the views with your cocktail from Eden’s infinity pool, terraces and gardens.

Valley of the Roses

From Eden, you can also head deeper into the heart of the High Atlas, visiting the Valley of the Roses and the M’Goun Gorges on an off-road 4x4 excursion with an expert local driver-guide – an adventure in safe hands! The landscapes here are more remote, with the ranges of the High Atlas stretching as far as the eye can see. Berber villages nestle in the green fields of the valley-bottom, graceful kasbahs rise amid them, and nomad caves are dotted on the mountainsides while their flocks graze all around.

Another excursion can take you further up the Dades Valley to its famous hairpin bends, gorges and canyons, to the Valley of the Apples – fantastic scenery at any time of year, but especially in May when the many apple orchards are full of blossom and the air is heady with their scent.

Sahara Desert

For many of our visitors, a lifetime dream is to head to the dunes of the Sahara Desert at Merzouga – the highest in North Africa – a truly magical experience. Those who wish to can take a camel trek into the heart of the dunes, and as your camel gently sways on its way, you will understand why they are known as “the ships of the desert”. If that doesn’t tempt you, take a thrilling jeep ride over the dunes instead. After a stop to admire the sunset over the dunes, you arrive at your lodging for the night. This truly is “glamping”, with private tents fit for a sultan. Each is equipped with luxurious beds and furniture, its own en suite bathroom, air conditioning for hotter seasons, and heating for colder nights.

After dinner, join the musicians around the fire-pit for some traditional Berber song and dance, and then make the most of the dark skies here to gaze at the stars before bed. Book a morning call if you want to get up in time to watch the sunrise before breakfast. All of this is an unforgettable experience that really should not be missed…

Whether you head back to Marrakech through the Ziz Valley and its palm oases, stopping to visit the magnificent kasbah at Tamnougalt on the way, or take the route across the Middle Atlas and its cedar forests onwards to Fes, you will have seen some of the finest jewels in Morocco’s crown.

Eden Boutique Hotel’s travel partner, Sahara Atlas Tours – an award-winning TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice – can organise a customised tour for you anywhere in the country. Contact them for a voyage into the unmissable heart of Morocco.