Photo locations in Morocco

The Jardin Majorelle covers more than an acre in Marrakech and houses approximately 300 plant species from five continents. The garden was created in 1923 by French artist Jacques Majorelle and displays a collection of cacti, palms, bamboo, and other tropical plants. The buildings in this garden are painted in a specific cobalt blue that became known as Majorelle blue. The property also includes a museum of Berber art and culture.

The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca features a 690-foot (210-meter) minaret, among the tallest religious structures in the world. The interior accommodates 25,000 worshippers, while the exterior courtyard can hold additional visitors. This Moroccan mosque extends partially over the Atlantic Ocean, combining modern construction techniques with traditional Islamic architecture. The prayer hall displays handcrafted ornamentation, marble floors, and carved woodwork. The structure adds to Morocco's photographic subjects as a contemporary example of Islamic architecture along the coast.

The Medina of Chefchaouen sits in the Rif Mountains and displays a network of narrow lanes lined with whitewashed houses featuring characteristic blue facades. This northern Moroccan town was founded in the 15th century and preserves its traditional architecture with covered passageways, small squares, and artisan workshops. The blue walls extend throughout the historic quarter, creating a cohesive visual appearance. The mountainous terrain shapes the compact urban layout, while local markets offer regional products and traditional crafts.

Aït-ben-Haddou is a fortified village from the 17th century with high earthen walls and six kasbahs. This settlement in Ouarzazate Province displays traditional Moroccan architecture with buildings made from rammed earth. The village sits on a hillside and has narrow lanes between residential structures. The kasbahs serve as residential towers for prominent families. Aït-ben-Haddou represents Berber construction methods in southern Morocco and is used for film productions.

The Palais de la Bahia was built in the 19th century in Marrakech and serves as an example of Moroccan palace architecture from that era. The building encompasses several interior courtyards with colonnades, decorative tiles, and carved cedar ceilings. The palace rooms display stucco work and colored zellige mosaics that represent traditional craft techniques of the period. The complex was constructed for a grand vizier and extends over an area with living quarters, reception halls, and landscaped courtyards. This palace offers photographic subjects through its geometric patterns, arcades, and traditional Moroccan design elements.

The Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech represents a significant example of Islamic architecture in Morocco. Built in the 12th century, the structure features a 230-foot (70-meter) minaret that served as a model for other North African mosques. The mosque is surrounded by maintained gardens and displays characteristic elements of Almohad design, including geometric ornamentation and arches. For photographers, the complex offers subjects ranging from architectural details to the minaret in the cityscape and the surrounding garden areas.

This canyon in Tinghir Province extends through limestone formations that rise to heights of about 980 feet (300 meters). The rock walls narrow in places to a width of roughly 33 feet (10 meters), creating a distinct passage. The changing light throughout the day emphasizes the colors and textures of the stone. The Todra Gorge serves as a base for various climbing routes of different difficulty levels. A river flows through the canyon and has shaped the geological formations over extended periods. The surroundings provide perspectives for capturing the rock structures and the relationship between light and landscape forms.

These waterfalls are located around 95 miles northeast of Marrakech in the Atlas Mountains and rank among the tallest waterfalls in Morocco. The water descends over three successive cascades into a forested gorge, with a total height of approximately 360 feet. The surrounding area offers numerous vantage points along the rock faces from which to photograph the waterfalls. At the base of the cascades, water collects in natural pools surrounded by olive trees and other vegetation. Barbary macaques inhabit the area and are frequently observed near the waterfalls. Several trails wind through the valley and provide different perspectives on the cascades. Water volume varies by season, with spring following the rainy periods being particularly abundant.

The Palais El Badi is a 16th-century palace complex built under Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour. The ruins reveal the original scale of the site with its extensive courtyards, multiple pavilions, and large rectangular reflecting pools. This palace provides insight into Saadian architecture and serves as evidence of Marrakech's historical importance. The terraces offer views across the old city and the rooftops of the medina.

This archaeological site preserves the remains of a Roman city inhabited from the 3rd century BC to the 11th century AD. The ruins display well-preserved mosaics, monumental arches, and rows of columns that provide insights into Roman architecture and life in the province of Mauretania Tingitana. Volubilis offers opportunities to photograph ancient residential buildings, public baths, and administrative structures. Its location on a plateau allows broad views of the surrounding landscape and the Rif Mountains. This site demonstrates the historical connections between North Africa and the Roman Empire.

The Jardin Secret is a garden located in the medina of Marrakech, combining several centuries of history on a five acre (2 hectare) site. The garden consists of two main sections: an Islamic garden featuring geometric patterns and water basins, and an exotic garden displaying plants from around the world. The property includes restored pavilions with traditional Moorish architecture and a tower offering views over the old city. Water channels and irrigation systems follow historical techniques developed in the Maghreb.

Dar el Makhzen is a royal palace in Tangier that houses Andalusian gardens and Moroccan craftsmanship. The building serves as the official residence of the Moroccan king during his visits to the city. The complex displays Islamic architecture with carved wooden ceilings, zellige tilework, and intricately designed courtyards. The gardens contain Mediterranean and North African plant species arranged according to traditional Andalusian design principles.

The Plage de Legzira features red stone cliffs and natural arches along the Atlantic coastline. The coastal formation developed through centuries of erosion from wind and ocean waves. The red and ocher sandstone layers create geological structures extending several hundred yards. The beach lies about 75 miles (120 kilometers) south of Agadir and provides access to the rock formations at low tide. The natural stone arches continue to change through ongoing erosion. The landscape combines sandy beach with the region's characteristic red cliffs. The area serves as a location for photographic documentation of Morocco's Atlantic coast and its geological features.

The Ménara Gardens are a 12th-century garden complex in Marrakech featuring a historic pavilion and a large water basin. This site has served for irrigation and recreation for centuries. The pavilion with its pyramid-shaped roof was rebuilt in the 16th century and provides views of the basin and the Atlas Mountains in the background. The gardens cover about 247 acres (100 hectares) and contain olive groves cultivated using traditional methods.

The Dadès Valley extends through the foothills of the High Atlas range, revealing a landscape of earthen fortresses, palm groves, and red rock formations. This valley is known as the 'Land of a Thousand Kasbahs' due to the numerous traditional Berber structures built from rammed earth that rise along the riverbanks. The road through the valley leads to several vantage points where photographers can document the terraced fields, Berber villages, and the distinctive geological features of the surrounding terrain.

The Medina of Fes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms one of the world's largest car-free urban areas. This historic old town displays medieval Islamic architecture with mosques, Quranic schools, and caravanserais dating from the 9th century. The narrow lanes wind through traditional souks where artisans work leather, metal, and textiles using methods passed down through centuries. The Chouara tanneries still employ medieval techniques. The medina encompasses religious complexes such as the Al-Qarawiyyin University from 859 and the Medersa Bou Inania with its zellige tilework and carved stucco.

Erg Chebbi is a sand dune field in the Moroccan Sahara, characterized by red-gold sand. These dunes reach heights up to 500 feet (150 meters) and extend roughly 17 miles (28 kilometers) in a north-south direction. The color of the sand shifts with the angle of light during sunrise and sunset. Located near the Algerian border, the area provides photographers with varied perspectives of the desert landscape. The dune formations change continuously due to wind action, creating shifting patterns in the sand surface.

This blue entrance door in Fez marks one of the access points to the historic medina. The door displays the characteristic blue commonly used as decoration in Moroccan architecture. It illustrates the traditional craftsmanship found in the old city quarters of Fez and provides an example of the color palette used in Islamic buildings across Morocco. This door complements the photographic subjects found in Moroccan cities, where Islamic architecture with mosques, palaces, and markets shapes the urban landscape.

The Saadian Tombs in Marrakech are a royal necropolis from the 16th century housing approximately sixty members of the Saadian dynasty. This burial site features intricate mosaic tilework, detailed stucco carvings, and cedarwood decorations. The tombs are located within a walled garden containing two main mausoleums. The complex remained hidden for over 200 years before its rediscovery in 1917. For photographers, the geometric patterns of the zellige tiles, the interplay of light and shadow in the burial chambers, and the architectural symmetry of the structures provide compelling subjects for documenting Islamic funerary architecture in Morocco.

The Atlas Mountains rise across much of Morocco, forming a range that extends from the Atlantic coast to the Algerian border. These mountain chains include the High Atlas with peaks over 13,100 feet (4,000 meters), the Middle Atlas with its cedar forests and Berber villages, and the Anti-Atlas in the south. The changing landscapes range from snow-covered heights in winter to green valleys with terraced fields, where traditional mountain villages built from clay nestle into the slopes. Hiking trails lead through gorges and over passes, while the varying elevations display different vegetation zones.

The Grotte d'Hercule near Tangier is a natural sea cave associated with Roman mythology and local traditions. This cave has been modified over prehistoric and historic periods, showing evidence of human occupation spanning several millennia. The opening facing the Atlantic Ocean forms a distinctive shape resembling the African continent. Archaeological investigations have revealed stone quarrying activities and habitation traces from different eras. The site combines geological features with layers of human history and provides views of the coastal landscape and the ocean. The cave represents an intersection of natural processes and cultural use over time.

The medina of Essaouira occupies a coastal position on Morocco's Atlantic shore, protected by 18th century fortifications. Whitewashed houses line narrow streets that lead to the working harbor. The town functioned as a trading post linking Europe and Africa. Its architecture combines Portuguese, French, and North African building traditions. Artisans maintain workshops within the walls, producing traditional crafts. The street layout follows a rectangular grid pattern designed to channel sea breezes through the city. The Skala du Port displays cannons facing the ocean. The medina covers an area of approximately 75 acres (30 hectares) and remains inhabited by local residents.

The Mohammed V Mausoleum serves as the burial place for King Mohammed V and his two sons, King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah. Completed in 1971, this structure combines traditional Moroccan architecture with modern design elements. The green-tiled dome rises above white marble walls, while the interior features mosaics, stucco work, and carved woodwork. Positioned across from the Hassan Tower, this mausoleum forms an architectural ensemble in the Moroccan capital and demonstrates the craftsmanship of local artisans.

This museum occupies a former sultan's palace and displays a collection of regional artifacts from the history of Tangier and northern Morocco. The exhibits include archaeological finds, traditional textiles, ceramics, and weapons. The building itself, a restored 17th-century palace within the Kasbah, provides insights into Moorish architecture with its courtyards, carved wooden ceilings, and tilework. The rooftop garden offers views across the Strait of Gibraltar and the old town of Tangier.

This fortification in Rabat dates from the 12th century and was constructed under Almohad rule. The Kasbah des Oudayas stands on a cliff above the confluence of the Bou Regreg river and the Atlantic Ocean, providing a vantage point over the water. Its walls enclose a residential quarter with narrow lanes, whitewashed and blue painted houses, and the Andalusian garden from the 20th century. The entrance gate, Bab Oudaia, displays typical Almohad architecture with its horseshoe arch and decoration. This kasbah serves as an example of medieval Moroccan military architecture and documents the historical development of the capital city.

The Musée Dar Si Saïd occupies a former 19th-century palace and displays Moroccan art and craftsmanship. The collections include wood carvings, ceramics, carpets, jewelry, and traditional weapons from various regions of Morocco. The museum rooms preserve their original decoration with painted wooden ceilings and stucco work. The interior courtyard with its columns and mosaics illustrates traditional Moroccan palace architecture. This museum offers photographers subjects of artisan details, architectural elements, and ethnographic objects that document the country's cultural diversity.

The Phare de Rabat is a historic lighthouse on the Moroccan coast that provides visitors with a wide view over the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding neighborhoods of the capital. As a functional structure, this lighthouse has served maritime navigation since its construction and marks the entrance to the port of Rabat. Its location by the sea makes the site suitable for photographers capturing maritime subjects, coastal landscapes, and urban panoramas. The lighthouse represents the nautical history of the region and fits into the diverse Moroccan coastal architecture, which ranges from fortresses to modern port facilities.

The Royal Palace of Rabat serves as the official residence of the King of Morocco and stands in the heart of the capital city. The complex displays traditional Moroccan architecture with ornate gates, mosaics, and geometric patterns. The expansive grounds include multiple buildings, ceremonial spaces, and maintained gardens. The richly decorated main facade features massive bronze gates and green-tiled roofs that contrast with the white walls surrounding the compound. This palace functions as an administrative center and venue for official state receptions, while certain areas remain reserved for the royal family. The site combines functional government architecture with traditional Islamic building techniques, reflecting the political and cultural importance of Rabat as the nation's capital.

The tall sand dunes of the Merzouga Desert form the gateway to the Sahara in Morocco. These dunes reach heights of over 490 feet (150 meters) and extend across several miles (kilometers). The area serves as a starting point for camel caravans that undertake multi-day desert tours through the sandy terrain. The dune formations shift with the winds and create different reliefs. After nightfall, the desert offers clear night skies without light pollution, which makes the location suitable for overnight stays in traditional Berber camps under the open sky. The dunes display different color tones from golden yellow to deep red during different times of day.

The red ramparts of Marrakech from the 12th century extend for 12 miles (19 kilometers) around the medina, forming a historic defensive ring around the old city. These massive rammed earth fortifications shape the cityscape and demonstrate the medieval military architecture of the Almohad Dynasty. The walls feature several monumental gates that once controlled access to the city and now serve as important landmarks.

This lighthouse stands on the cliffs at the northwestern tip of Africa, marking the point where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. The exposed location provides views across both bodies of water and toward the Spanish coast in the distance. Built in the late 19th century, the structure served to secure navigation through this important strait. The coastline around the cape shows steep rock faces shaped by the sea. The area combines maritime history with the geological features of the region between two continents.

The Mellah of Fez was established in the 15th century as a Jewish quarter near the royal palace. This historic district features distinctive architecture with narrow streets, wooden balconies, and multistory buildings. The synagogues and old Jewish cemetery document centuries of Jewish community presence in Fez. The quarter provides photographers with opportunities to capture traditional Moroccan urban architecture and traces of multicultural coexistence.