24 Jaw-Dropping Photos of Morocco
Updated: Dec. 16, 2022
Take a (virtual) journey to one of North Africa's most majestic countries.
Majestic Morocco
Morocco, the North African country that lies directly across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain, is home to both a rich and cultured history and land. In terms of natural beauty, Morocco’s got it all: The country, which is slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, includes everything from ocean views, mountain ranges, and vast deserts. So although travel to Morocco (or anywhere, really) may be out of the question, for the time being, scrolling through these stunning photos will allow you to take a mini-vacation through your computer screen.
The Milky Way at the Sahara Desert
Besides seeing the term used in cheesy love quotes, when’s the last time you saw the galaxy? If you were in the Sahara Desert, your answer would probably be a lot different from where you are now. This incredible photo shows a clear view of the Milky Way galaxy from the Sahara Desert. Talk about out of this world!
Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech. The sacred building has many of the common characteristics of famed Islamic architecture, from its curved windows, ceramic strip, and decorative arches. This low angle view captures the mosque in a beautiful golden glow. In a holy mood after seeing this photograph? Check out photos of these 12 abandoned churches that are eerily gorgeous.
The souks of the medina
The souks (the name for Arab markets) of the medina, the oldest area in Marrakech, are sure to put your local farmer’s market to shame. Souks are located throughout a maze of small, winding alleyways and sell everything from food to leather to spices to even souvenirs. And if you’re good at haggling, this is the place to do it. Here are 80 gorgeous travel photos from around the world.
Spices for sale
And speaking of spices…check out these beautiful, mouthwatering (or possibly eye-watering?) mounds. The spices of Morocco are one of the country’s most widely known and coveted treasures, dating all the way back to the ancient days of the spice trade. Just a few of the spices native to the region are cinnamon, cardamom, curry, ginger, turmeric, and more. We bet you can almost smell this photo. Check out these 50 jaw-dropping photos of the world’s most beautiful countries.
Aït Benhaddou
Ever wish you could travel back in time? If you ever get the chance to visit the fortified village of Aït Benhaddou, it will feel like you have. The village’s buildings date back to the 17th century and are all prime examples of traditional Moroccan earthen clay architecture (beautiful, but dangerous when wet!). In fact, it was the brutal rains that forced the majority of people to move out of this formerly majestic village—only five families remain living there to this day. While Aït Benhaddou isn’t a full-on ghost town yet, it’s pretty close: Meanwhile, take a look at these 25 creepy (but real!) ghost towns around the world.
Door of the Hassan II Mosque
See that little black dot in the right-hand corner of the photo? No, that’s not an ant—that’s a person! The perspective shows just how grandiose the main entrance to the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca really is. It’s no wonder that this mosque is the largest functioning mosque in Africa and the seventh-largest in the entire world. Interested in architecture? Here are 9 of the oldest buildings in the world.
Atlas Mountains
Remember the incredible ocean-desert-mountain combo we were raving about earlier? Well, here are the Atlas Mountains in all of their glory. This mountain range is home to many remote villages where, until a decade ago, running water and electricity were nearly unheard of. But many inhabitants feel that the natural beauty and fresh air of the mountain villages make living there worthwhile. Mountains and rivers often go hand in hand, so be sure to take a look at these 20 gorgeous river photos from around the world.
The blue city of Chefchaouen
Perhaps one of the most “Instagrammable” places in Morocco, the city of Chefchauoen located in the Rif mountains is almost completely blue. While the reason behind the blueness is still a mystery (although there have been many speculations), there’s no denying the (blue) beauty emanating from the city. Does Chefchaouen make the list of the world’s 50 most beautiful cities?
Casablanca skyline
This stunning sunset photograph shoes the Hassan II Mosque from a different angle, highlighting its enormity and the fact that it has the tallest minaret in the world. The sunset, the water, and the coastline all make for a postcard-worthy pic.
Sunrise near Zagora
Sunrise, sunset. This photo captures a sunrise over palm trees near the town of Zagora in southeastern Morocco. You can almost feel the sense of stillness through this photograph. Now, check out these 11 perfectly timed nature photos that look fake, but aren’t.
Djemaa el-Fna Square
This aerial view of the markets of Djemaa el-Fna Square, part of Marrakech’s medina quarter, shows the hustle and bustle of the souks. With people going every which way set against a beautiful desk backdrop, this photo encapsulates both the natural beauty and city bustle of Marrakech.
Menara pavilion and gardens
These botanical gardens, dating back to the 12th century, are located to the west of Marrakech near the Atlas Mountains. This public park is a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike.
Erg Chebbi
This stunning photograph highlights one of Morocco’s multiple ergs, which are large seas of sand dunes formed by the wind. The person photographed, dress in blue and leading three camels, stands out against the enormity of the dunes.
Sardine kefta and preserved lemon tagine stew
Another Moroccan specialty that’s pleasing to the eye (and tastebuds)? The country’s food! This mouthwatering photo depicts sardine kefta, or balls of fish, with preserved lemon tagine stew being served at a roadside street food stand in the Sidi Ghanem industrial district of Marrakech. Anyone else getting hungry?
Tiled fountain of Mosque Hassan
The Mosque Hassan in Rabat has a long and turbulent history. The building of the mosque began in 1195 but seems to have been abandoned in 1199 with the death of Yacoub el Mansour, the man for whom the mosque was being built to honor. What was left of the mosque was further destroyed by the Great Earthquake of 1755, but the original imposing tower remains standing along with some of the intricate mosaic work, done in classic Islamic style, as shown in this photo. Mosques aren’t just known for their mosaics, but also their stained glass.
Essaouira coastal landscape
Morocco has a coastline on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea—a two for one deal! This beautiful photograph, depicting the Atlantic Ocean coastline from the Plage D’Essaouira, shows the vivid colors of the country.
Tannery in Fez
The city of Fez in Morocco is famous for its leather products, which is why it makes sense that three ancient tanneries are also located in the city. Tanneries are where animal hides are turned into high-quality leather products. This high angle view makes the vats of dyes and other various liquids look like paint in a watercolor palette.
Hammam
I don’t know about you, but the perfect symmetry and warm tones of this photograph are making me feel pretty relaxed. That’s actually the point of a hammam, or Turkish bath. These public bathing areas are closely associated with the Islamic world especially during the Ottoman Empire, but can still be found today. This particular one is located under the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. Here are some more calming photos we all need right now.
Metal lamps in souk
And we’ve returned back to the souks of the medina quarter with this photo. These intricate metal lamps are just one of the many products that can be found in the marketplace. The warm glow and beautifully carved patterns are reminiscent of some of the grand Islamic architectural styles found on buildings in the area.
Balcony in Chefchaouen
This aesthetically pleasing shot of food and drinks placed on the balcony of a home in the blue city gives a much-needed sense of peace and respite. And again—talk about colors! Chefchaoeun is just one of the 15 most colorful cities in the world.
Zellige mosaic tilework
This close up of mosaic work at the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is an elegant example of the zellige style of stonework. Also known as zelige or zellij, zellige is the geometric-shaped mosaic that is common in Moroccan architecture. The interlocking shapes of the stones are fascinating and almost hypnotic—be honest, can you look away?
Sunrise in the Sahara
Yes, another sunrise photo…but it’s simply too gorgeous not to add. The rolling sand dunes, rising sun, and rich colors make this photograph look like something out of a movie.
Zniber house
This image of the house of Brahim Zniber, a well-known Moroccan businessman, gives insight into the traditional (albeit extremely nice) home architecture in Morocco. The sunken living room, complete with leather sofas, Moroccan cushions, and a tadelakt wall finish, is typical of a Moroccan home.
Winding road in Skoura
This winding road in the oasis town of Skoura shows how humans and nature coalesce outside of Morocco’s major cities. Imagine following this yellow brick road! Now explore these 17 jaw-dropping photos of Scotland.
