Some of the most interesting secret gems in North Africa can be found in Morocco, a country full of bright colors, foreign smells and a rich cultural tapestry. Smart travelers know Morocco’s true essence lies in its less well-known gems, even though cities like Marrakech and Casablanca get all the attention.
Through Chefchaouen, Mount Toubkal and Essaouira, three of Morocco’s most beautiful destinations, we’ll take you on a fantastic journey in this thorough guide. Come with Perfectly Morocco Tours as we learn about these unique places and help you plan your next trip to Morocco.
Bringing Morocco’s Hidden Gems to Light
Morocco’s scenery is just as varied as its culture. It has everything from beautiful beaches and old medinas to snow-capped mountains. Morocco’s well-known tourist spots are charming, but it’s the lesser-known gems that really show what the country is all about. The cities of Chefchaouen, Mount Toubkal and Essaouira each give you a different view of the country’s history and natural beauty.
Travelers can connect with the real Morocco by visiting these destinations, which are frequently forgotten by the mainstream tourism industry. From the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen to the challenging peaks of Toubkal and the windswept shores of Essaouira, each place will give you memories that will last a lifetime and help you learn more about this exciting country.
Chefchaouen: The Blue Pearl of Morocco
Chefchaouen is a beautiful town in the Rif Mountains that looks almost too good to be true. People call this small town in Morocco the “Blue Pearl” because of its beautiful blue buildings and laid-back vibe. However, Chefchaouen is much more than just its beautiful scenery.
Walking the Azure Alleyways
As soon as you walk into Chefchaouen’s medina, you’re surrounded by blue. The town’s unique color scheme comes from the 1400s when Jews fled the Spanish Inquisition and moved here. They painted the walls blue to represent the sky and heaven and this has been done every year since.
Perfectly Morocco Tours suggests starting your trip at the town’s main square, Plaza Uta el-Hammam. From here, follow your interest through the blue alleys that wind around. It looks like a kaleidoscope because with each turn, you can see a different shade of blue, from soft sky blues to deep indigos.
Don’t pass up the chance to climb to the Spanish Mosque, which is located on a hill outside the medina. The short walk gives you stunning views of Chefchaouen and the mountains around it and the views are especially lovely at sunset.
Exploring the Medina’s Artisan Workshops
The medina in Chefchaouen is more than just a pretty sight; it’s also where traditional Moroccan crafts are made. As you walk down the blue streets, you’ll see a lot of artist businesses where skilled workers make beautiful things by hand.
Visit a weaving business to learn how the famous wool rugs and clothes in the area are made. As you watch skilled craftspeople turn raw wool into detailed textiles, the rhythmic clack of looms makes a calm background noise.
Another great thing is the leather studios. Chefchaouen is famous for its high-quality leather goods, especially its unique blue leather shoes called “babouche.” You can watch as skilled leatherworkers cut, stitch and shape soft leather into beautiful, valuable items.
For a one-of-a-kind gift, visit one of the many soap makers in town. Chefchaouen is known for its natural olive oil soaps, which are often mixed with herbs and essential oils from the area. It’s interesting to watch the process of making soap and the end products make great gifts.
Hiking Adventures in the Rif Mountains
Even though Chefchaouen is beautiful on its own, the nearby Rif Mountains are even more so for nature lovers. Perfectly Morocco Tours can organize hikes for people of all fitness levels, from easy nature walks to tougher treks.
The path to the Akchour Waterfalls is a well-known road. This hike is pretty hard, but it takes you through lots of plants and along clear streams. At the end, you’ll see the beautiful falls coming down moss-covered rocks into blue ponds.
If you want a more challenging adventure, you could hike to the top of Jebel el Kelaa. This all-day hike gives you stunning views of Chefchaouen and its land. On a clear day, you can see far enough to see the Mediterranean Sea.
Local Culinary Delights in Chefchaouen
No trip to Chefchaouen is complete without trying some of the city’s unique foods. The food in the town is a mix of traditional Moroccan tastes and those from the nearby Rif area.
A traditional Moroccan breakfast will get your day off to a good start at Café Clock. Beghrir, their specialty meal, Moroccan pancakes served with fresh fruit and honey, is a great way to start the day before going on an adventure.
For lunch, go to the medina and try bissara, which is a dish that is only found there. Most people serve this rich fava bean soup with spice and olive oil. It’s great for cooler mountain days. It goes well with warm khobz (Moroccan bread) for a complete meal.
In the evening, go to Restaurant Beldi Bab Ssour and enjoy a tagine. A local favorite is their lamb tagine with prunes and nuts, simmered to perfection in a traditional clay pot shaped like a cone.
Don’t miss the chance to try the goat cheese unique to the Rif area. It’s often eaten as a starter or part of a salad and its sour taste goes well with the olive oil from the area.
Mount Toubkal: Conquering North Africa’s Highest Peak
From the calm blue streets of Chefchaouen, we’re going on an adventure that will be harder: Mount Toubkal. At 4,167 meters (13,671 feet), Toubkal is the highest peak in North Africa and trekkers come from all over the world to climb it.
Preparing for the Toubkal Trek
Ascending Toubkal is a big job that needs to be properly planned out. It’s not a difficult climb, but because of the high elevation and steep terrain, you need to be in good shape and have the right gear.
Perfectly Morocco Tours strongly suggests going on an organized hike. Our knowledgeable local guides will not only keep you safe but also teach you a lot about the area’s scenery, plants and animals. They also know much about the Berber culture, making your walking experience more interesting.
Important stuff for the hike includes:
- Strong hiking boots
- Wear layers of warm clothes because it can get below freezing at the top.
- Gear for rain
- Sun protection (sunscreen, hat and shades)
- Sticks for hiking
- A headlamp
- Water bottles and pills that clean the water
Before reaching the top, it’s essential to adjust correctly. The climb is usually spread over two or three days, so your body has time to get used to the higher elevation.
Berber Villages Along the Trail
One of the most interesting aspects of the Toubkal trip is the chance to walk through traditional Berber towns. People from these groups have lived in the High Atlas Mountains for thousands of years and have maintained their own customs and way of life.
Most hikes begin in the town of Imlil, which is sometimes called the “gateway to Toubkal.” This is where you’ll see how modern Morocco has changed into a more traditional way of life. People are busy in the town, where mules carry goods and trekkers are getting ready to go up.
As you go up, you’ll pass smaller villages like Armed and Sidi Chamharouch. With their terraced farms, mud-brick homes and friendly people, these towns give you a glimpse into traditional Berber life.
A lot of walkers stay the night in one of these towns in a gite, which is a simple mountain lodge. This not only gives you a nice place to rest, but it also lets you meet local families and try real Berber food. People who live in the mountains are known for being very friendly. You’ll always be met with a smile and a glass of sweet mint tea.
Reaching the Summit: Views from the Top
Generally, the last climb to the top of Toubkal is done very early in the morning. This means that hikers can reach the top around sunrise when the views are the best.
The climb is challenging because the ground is steep and rocky and the effects of being at a high elevation are becoming clearer. But when you reach the top, you’ll feel like you’ve done something unique. One of the best things about being on top of North Africa is that you can see for miles in every direction.
This mountain range, with its snow-covered peaks that reach for the sky, can be seen in its entirety on a clear day. In the south, the dry, sandy regions of the Sahara can be seen far away. On apparent days, you might even see the Mediterranean Sea to the north.
Enjoy the view at the top for a while. The metal tower that marks the top is a great place to take pictures, but the real magic is the feeling of achievement and the breathtaking views.
Best Seasons for Climbing Toubkal
You can climb Toubkal any time of the year, but sometimes it is better. Perfectly Morocco Tours says the best times to go hiking are during these times:
Spring, from April to May: This is a great time to go hiking because the weather is mild and plants grow in the lower areas. However, there may still be snow on the steeper slopes, so you’ll need boots and ice tools.
Summer is the busiest time to climb Toubkal from June to August. The paths are mostly clear of snow and the weather is warm and dry. However, it can get really hot in the lower valleys and the well-known trails might be full of people.
The weather is calm in the fall (September to October), another excellent time for walking. Fewer people are out and about than in the summer and the leaves turn beautiful colors in the fall, which makes for amazing pictures.
Skilled mountain climbers can climb Toubkal during the winter from November to March. The mountain is covered in snow, so you’ll need special gear and know-how to climb it. The views are beautiful, but the weather can be rough and hard to predict.
Essaouira: Coastal Charm on the Atlantic
From the top of Toubkal, we’re now going down to sea level and the beautiful town of Essaouira on the coast. Essaouira is a nice change from Morocco’s busy cities in the interior. It is known for its laid-back vibe, artistic history and windswept beaches.
Wandering the Fortified Medina
The medina of Essaouira is a UNESCO World Heritage site and for good reason. The medinas of Fez and Marrakech are curvy and confusing, but Essaouira’s old town is laid out in a grid, which makes it easy to get around without getting lost.
Begin your trip at Bab el-Marsa, the main gate facing the sea. From here, walk down Avenue Mohammed Zerktouni, the main street in the medina. This busy street has shops selling everything from traditional Moroccan goods to modern art.
Don’t miss the chance to walk along the impressive walls built in the 18th century to circle the medina. These walls called the Skala de la Ville, give you a great view of the Atlantic Ocean and the busy port below. The famous blue fishing boats bobbing in the bay are a great place to take pictures.
As you look around, you’ll notice that the buildings are a unique mix of Moroccan and European styles. This is because Essaouira used to be a big port that brought in people from all over the Mediterranean. Keep an eye out for the town’s unique blue doors and painted houses, which make it so charming.
Surfing and Kitesurfing on Essaouira’s Beaches
It’s called the “Wind City of Africa” for a good reason. The strong trade winds that blow there almost all year make it a great place for wind and water sports fans.
The main beach has long stretches of golden sand, which is excellent for beginning and advanced riders. The waves aren’t too big most of the time and there are many surf shops where you can get lessons and rent gear. Perfectly Morocco Tours can set you up with experienced local surf teachers who will ensure you are safe as you catch your first wave.
Essaouira is a great place to kitesurf. The winds don’t change, especially from April to November, making this exciting sport possible. Watching the bright kites fly through the sky is a show in and of itself, even if you’re not taking part.
If you want a more laid-back beach experience, go to the beaches south of town. About 25 kilometers from Essaouira, Sidi Kaouki is a beach that is more private and has the same great wind conditions for water sports.
Fresh Seafood at the Harbor
The port of Essaouira is not only beautiful but it also has some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste. Fish caught every day is sold right on the harbor and you can watch as sailors bring their catch in and sell it to restaurants and shops in the area.
If you want to really feel something, go to the fish market first thing in the morning. You can pick your fish and cook it here at one of the small food stands. Sardines are a highlight of the area and they taste even better right off the boat.
If you’d rather eat in, there are many great seafood places along the bay and in the medina. At La Table by Madada, try the seafood pastilla, a tasty take on the traditional Moroccan meat pie. Grilled fish at Chez Sam, right on the port, is hard to beat for a more laid-back meal.
Artistic Heritage: Essaouira’s Music and Crafts Scene
Essaouira has long been a home for singers and artists who love the laid-back vibe and beautiful light. This artistic history can be seen all over town, from the many art shops to the famous music events.
The Gnaoua World Music Festival, which takes place every June, is one of the most important cultural events in Essaouira. Gnaoua music is a traditional style with roots in sub-Saharan Africa. At this four-day event, world music artists from all over the world perform. Gnaoua singers play in the streets and cafes of the medina all the time, even when the event isn’t going on.
The craftspeople in Essaouira are also famous for their work with wood. Beautiful boxes, chess sets and furniture are made from the local thuya wood, which has a unique grain and smell. See artists at work and maybe even buy something special at one of the woodworking groups in the medina.
For people who like art, the medina has many shops showing traditional and modern Moroccan art. The one-hundred-year-old Gallery Damgaard is a great place to start learning about art.
Off the Beaten Path: Hidden Spots Near Each Destination
Chefchaouen, Toubkal and Essaouira are not as well known as Morocco’s bigger cities, but they all have unique things to offer that you should check out. Perfectly Morocco Tours guides travelers off the beaten path to experience Morocco’s real heart.
Akchour Waterfalls Near Chefchaouen
The beautiful Akchour Waterfalls are only a short drive from Chefchaouen. This secret oasis in the Rif Mountains is perfect for hikers and nature lovers.
The path to the falls goes through a green valley and along a clear river. You’ll see smaller waterfalls and natural pools along the way, which are great for cooling off. The Grand Cascade d’Akchour is the main draw. It is a 100-meter waterfall that goes over a cliff.
For those who like to take risks, keep going past the Grand Cascade until you reach God’s Bridge, a natural stone arch over the river. It was well worth the extra work to get here because the views are truly amazing.
Perfectly Morocco Tours can set up guided hikes to Akchour so you don’t miss any of the area’s secret gems. Our guides from the area know the best places to swim and have picnics, as well as the safest ways to get around the sometimes tricky terrain.
Imlil Valley: Gateway to Toubkal
Many hikers pass through Imlil on their way to Toubkal, but this beautiful valley is worth more than a quick look. It is in the middle of the High Atlas Mountains and is a great place to stay if you want to explore the mountains and learn about Berber culture.
Get a tour guide to show you the terraced fields and traditional towns in the valley. You’ll see local farmers taking care of their apple and walnut trees and you might even be asked to their homes for tea. It is said that the Berbers are very friendly here and for many travelers, these interactions are the best parts of their trips.
A mule trip is a great way to see the valley from a different angle. For hundreds of years, these sure-footed animals have been the main way people get around in these mountains. Taking a mule ride is a way to see the area the way people have for generations.
Don’t miss the chance to see a Berber home in the area. Perfectly Morocco Tours can arrange authentic homestays where you can see how people live in the mountains in the traditional way. Try traditional bread-making while sharing a meal with a local family and learning about their traditions.
Sidi Kaouki: Essaouira’s Quiet Beach Escape
The main beach in Essaouira is beautiful, but Sidi Kaouki is a better choice for those who want to be closer to nature. This long stretch of grassy beach is about 25 kilometers south of Essaouira. It’s a quiet place to get away from the busy tourist areas.
Surfers like Sidi Kaouki because it has steady waves and a run that isn’t too busy. Whether you’ve surfed before or this is your first time, the weather will be good for you. Ideal Morocco Tours can help you get surf lessons or rent boards to catch some waves.
If you’d rather do things on land, the beach is excellent for horseback rides or long walks. When you run along the water’s edge, you feel like you have a lot of room and freedom. Be on the lookout for wildlife in the area. You might see flamingos in the lake nearby or camels walking along the beach.
Sidi Kaouki’s marabout (shrine) is at the southern end of the beach. He is a local saint who is said to be able to heal mental sickness. The small white building stands out against the blue sky and sea as a beautiful icon.
Late in the day, eat at one of the bars by the beach. Fresh fish caught that day and cooked fresh is always a good choice. It’s served with a view of the Atlantic sunset.
Practical Tips for Exploring Morocco’s Hidden Gems
We’ve discussed the beautiful places in Chefchaouen, Toubkal and Essaouira. Now let’s talk about some valuable tips to help you get the most out of your trip to Morocco.
Getting Around: Transport Options
There are many ways to get around Morocco, so there is something for every price and vacation style. Here is a list of the essential options:
Buses: Morocco has an extensive and reasonably priced bus system. Nice, air-conditioned coaches run between most big cities and towns and are run by companies like CTM and Supratours. You can easily take a bus from big cities like Tangier, Fez, or Marrakech to get to Chefchaouen and Essaouira, the destinations we covered.
Trains: Although Morocco’s train system doesn’t go to all our listed destinations, it’s a quick and comfortable way to travel between big cities and smaller ones. If you want to reach Chefchaouen, the train from Casablanca to Tangier is a great choice.
Grand Taxi: Taking one of these shared cabs between towns and cities is a popular option. They cost more than cars but give you more options. They’re beneficial for getting to Imlil, where Toubkal trips begin.
Private Transport: If you want the most comfort and freedom, Perfectly Morocco Tours offers private transportation choices. Our skilled drivers know the best ways to get around and can stop at interesting places along the way to make your journey more exciting.
Domestic Flights: If you need to travel a longer distance, you might want to look into local flights. Royal Air Maroc links major cities, which can save you time if you’re in a hurry.
Where to Stay: Authentic Accommodations
One of the best things about going to Morocco is staying in unique, real places. Here are some choices to think about:
Riads: These are traditional Moroccan homes that are built around a central patio. They show you how the locals live and how their houses are built. Riad Cherifa in Chefchaouen has a beautiful view of the blue city and a mix of traditional style and modern comfort.
Mountain hotels: When trekking in the Atlas Mountains, you’ll often stay in refuges, which are simple but cozy mountain hotels. People who want to reach the top of the mountain often stay at the Refuge du Toubkal, which is at the mountain’s base.
Boutique Hotels: If you’re going to Essaouira, you might want to stay in a boutique hotel in Medina. Riad Dar Maya is a fancy place to stay, with a rooftop patio and a view of the town and the ocean.
Berber Homestays: If you want a real experience, stay in a Berber village with a host family. This is especially fun in the Atlas Mountains near Toubkal. Perfectly Morocco Tours can set up homestays with local families, giving you a unique look into traditional mountain life.
Desert Camps: If you have time on your trip to the Sahara, stay in a desert camp and sleep under the stars. Although this has nothing to do with our listed destinations, it is something you should do in Morocco.
Cultural Etiquette for Responsible Travel
Perfectly Morocco Tours is based on the idea of responsible travel. To help you follow local customs and make a good difference, here are some ideas:
Dress modestly because Morocco is a very traditional country, especially in the countryside. Women and men should both wear clothes that cover their knees and hips. People who live in Chefchaouen and Essaouira are more used to tourists, but it’s still polite to dress modestly.
Always get permission before taking pictures of people, especially in more traditional settings. Some Berber people may not want their picture taken in places like the Toubkal area.
Learn the basics of Arabic or French. A few words of Arabic (or French in some places) can help you. It’s always nice to say something simple like “As-salaam-alaikum” (peace be upon you).
During Ramadan, be kind to fasting people. Don’t eat, drink, or smoke outside during the day.
Support your local community by staying in places and eating at businesses owned by locals whenever you can. Buy traditional crafts by buying gifts straight from the people who make them.
When you go hiking in the Atlas Mountains, remember to “leave no trace.” Take all of your trash with you and stay on the marked paths to prevent erosion.
Best Times to Visit Each Destination
Depending on your intended destinations and activities, the best time to visit Morocco will vary. Here is a list of each of our highlighted places:
Chefchaouen: The best times to visit are in the spring (March-May) or fall (September–November), when the weather is warm enough to walk around town and go camping in the mountains nearby. It can get hot in the summer and it can get cool and rainy in the winter.
Mount Toubkal: May through October is the best time to go hiking. The busy months are July and August, which also have the best weather. Warmer weather and beautiful mountain views can be found in the spring and fall. For skilled mountain climbers, winter ascents are possible but call for special gear.
Essaouira: This town on the coast has pleasant weather all year. Summer, from June to August, is the busiest time for tourists because the weather is warm enough for beach activities. The weather is excellent in the spring and fall and fewer people are there. It can be calm and windy in the winter, but it’s still a good time to go hiking.
Remember that Morocco is a Muslim country and that shops and restaurants may not be open during Ramadan (the times change every year). For respectful travelers, it can also be a unique cultural experience.
Conclusion:
As we come to the end of our journey through Chefchaouen, Mount Toubkal and Essaouira, it becomes abundantly clear that Morocco’s hidden gems offer a breadth of experience that goes far beyond the usual tourist route. From the beautiful blue streets of Chefchaouen to the difficult heights of Toubkal and the windswept charm of Essaouira, each place gives you a different look into the rich culture and landscape of Morocco.
Travelers can get to know the real heart of Morocco by discovering these lesser-known gems. If you drink tea with a Berber family in a mountain town, watch the sunset from the walls of Essaouira, or get lost in Chefchaouen’s blue maze, you’ll really experience Morocco as it is: diverse, friendly and always interesting.
We at Perfectly Morocco Tours really want to help travelers find these secret gems. With our carefully planned tours and in-depth knowledge of the area, you’ll not only see the must-see sights but also find the hidden gems and real experiences that make a trip truly memorable.
As you make plans for your trip to Morocco, keep in mind that the real magic is often found away from the crowds. Allow yourself to be swept away by the colors, tastes and rhythms of this fantastic place. Be open to the unexpected and get involved with the people there. Morocco has many beautiful hidden spots just waiting to be found. Are you ready for an adventure?
At Perfectly Morocco Tours, we can make your dreams come true in Morocco, whether you’re drawn to the blue-hued peace of Chefchaouen, the rough challenge of Toubkal, or the artistic spirit of Essaouira. Contact us right away to begin planning your journey to discover Morocco’s secret gems.