Morocco's Most Photogenic Locations
A self-guided location directory for photographers. Specific coordinates, golden hour tips, camera settings, drone zones, crowd levels, and curated photo walks across 7 iconic destinations.
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This is a self-guided directory of 18 of Morocco’s most photogenic locations across 7 destinations — from the ochre medinas of Marrakech and the tanneries of Fes to the blue lanes of Chefchaouen and the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Each spot lists coordinates, the best time to shoot, suggested camera settings, crowd levels, and whether tripods or drones are allowed, plus 3 timed photo walks built around the light. As a rough guide, the warm evening golden hour runs from about 45 minutes before sunset, the blue hour follows for 20 to 30 minutes, and the Sahara’s Bortle 1–2 skies make new-moon nights ideal for the Milky Way. Sunrise and sunset times shift with the season, and drone flying is tightly regulated — always confirm current local rules and ask permission before photographing people.
Written by the Serenity Morocco editorial team · Reviewed by Amina El-Fassi, Imperial Cities & Cultural Immersion
Top Photo Spots by City
Every location hand-selected for its photographic potential, with detailed golden hour tips and camera settings to help you capture the perfect shot.
Marrakech
6 photography spots
Jemaa el-Fnaa from Above
The iconic view over Marrakech's main square from Cafe de France or Grand Balcon du Cafe Glacier terraces. Capture the entire spectacle of food stalls, performers, and crowds with the Koutoubia minaret as backdrop.
Position yourself 30 min before sunset. The light transitions from golden warm to blue hour perfectly over 90 minutes.
Wide angle 16-35mm. ISO 400-800 as light fades. f/5.6 for depth. Slow shutter (1/30s with stabilization) for atmospheric motion blur.
Majorelle Garden (Blue Villa)
The cobalt blue villa against tropical greenery is one of Morocco's most photographed spots. Jacques Majorelle's intense blue against cacti and bougainvillea creates stunning contrast.
Early morning avoids crowds AND gives soft diffused light through the garden canopy. The blue pops more without harsh direct sun.
35-85mm ideal. ISO 200. f/4-5.6. Boost saturation slightly for the blue. Portrait mode for bokeh against blue walls.
Bahia Palace Courtyards
Intricate zellige tilework, carved stucco, and painted cedar ceilings surrounding serene courtyards. The light patterns through lattice windows create magical geometric shadows.
The courtyard gets direct sun mid-morning. Light streaming through wooden lattice screens onto zellige tiles creates extraordinary patterns.
24-70mm versatile. ISO 400 in covered areas. f/2.8-4 for light pattern isolation. Manual focus on tile details.
Ben Youssef Madrasa
The most photogenic interior in Morocco. Intricate carved stucco, zellige mosaics, and a stunning central courtyard pool reflecting the architecture. Every surface is a work of art.
Not relevant for interior. Best light is late morning when sun illuminates the upper gallery and creates reflections in the pool.
Ultra-wide 14-24mm for courtyards. 85-135mm for detail shots. High ISO may be needed in dark student cells. HDR useful for contrast between sun and shade.
Souk des Teinturiers (Dyers' Souk)
Vibrant skeins of freshly dyed wool and silk hanging over narrow alleyways, creating a cathedral of color. One of the most colorful scenes in all of Morocco.
Midday sun filtering through the hanging wool creates magical colored light effects in the alley below.
35-85mm. Look up! Vertical compositions work best. ISO 400-800 in shaded alleys. f/4 for shallow depth. Boost vibrance in post.
Koutoubia Mosque at Sunset
Marrakech's iconic 12th-century minaret glowing golden-pink at sunset. Best photographed from the gardens south of the mosque with palm trees in the foreground.
Position in the gardens with palm trees framing the minaret. Last 20 minutes of sun turns the sandstone golden-pink.
70-200mm to isolate the minaret. 24-35mm with palms. f/8 for sharpness. Silhouette shots work at blue hour.
Fes
3 photography spots
Chouara Tannery
The medieval leather tannery with its iconic stone vats of vibrant colored dyes. View from the terraces of surrounding leather shops. The circular dye pits create an extraordinary geometric pattern.
Midday sun is actually best here - it illuminates the dye vats directly and makes the colors pop. Morning gives soft light but less vivid colors.
24-70mm from terrace. Telephoto 100-200mm for worker details. High shutter speed (1/500+) for action. Boost contrast for vat colors.
Bou Inania Madrasa
Perhaps the finest Marinid architecture in Morocco. The central courtyard with marble floor, carved stucco, cedar wood, and zellige tilework is architectural photography at its finest.
The courtyard is oriented to receive best light in the morning. Late afternoon creates dramatic shadows on carved stucco walls.
Ultra-wide for courtyard. 85mm for stucco details. HDR mode for the extreme contrast between sun-lit and shaded areas.
Fes Medina Panorama
Sweeping panoramic view over the Fes medina from the Merenid Tombs hill or the Borj Nord fort. The entire medieval city spreads below with minarets, satellite dishes, and the green-tiled roofs.
Merenid Tombs face south-southeast overlooking the medina. Sunset light illuminates the city from behind you - perfect front-lighting.
Wide angle 16-35mm for panorama. 70-200mm to pick out minarets and details. Panoramic mode. f/11 for full city sharpness.
Chefchaouen
2 photography spots
Blue Medina Streets
The world-famous blue-washed streets of the medina. Every corner is a photo opportunity. Stairs, doorways, flower pots against blue walls, and cats sleeping on blue steps.
Morning light illuminates the east-facing walls. The blue appears more vivid in soft morning light than harsh midday. Overcast days are excellent - the blue glows.
35mm prime ideal for street photography. f/4-5.6 for context. Look for color contrasts - orange pots, green plants, purple doors against blue.
Spanish Mosque Viewpoint
Hilltop mosque offering the definitive panoramic view over Chefchaouen nestled in the Rif Mountains. The entire blue medina spreads below with dramatic mountain backdrop.
Allow 20 min hike uphill. Arrive 45 min before sunset to scout positions. The blue city catches the last golden light beautifully.
Wide angle for panorama. 70-200mm to isolate blue clusters. Tripod essential for blue hour. Panoramic stitch for wall art quality.
Merzouga
3 photography spots
Erg Chebbi Dune Sunrise
Drone OKThe ultimate Sahara photograph: sunrise from the top of Erg Chebbi's massive orange sand dunes. The play of light and shadow across the rippled sand creates otherworldly textures.
First light turns dunes from purple to orange to gold in 20 minutes. The side-lighting creates dramatic shadows in every ripple. Stay 1 hour for the full color show.
Wide 16-35mm for scale. 70-200mm for dune patterns and textures. Low ISO 100 for clean desert shots. f/11 for sharpness. Tripod essential for pre-dawn.
Sahara Star Trails
The Sahara has some of the darkest skies on Earth (Bortle Class 1-2). Capture the Milky Way, star trails, and the infinite cosmos over the dunes. The silence is as profound as the view.
New moon essential for Milky Way. Core visible Mar-Oct in the southern sky. Use an astronomy app (PhotoPills, Stellarium) to plan composition with Milky Way position.
Ultra-wide f/2.8 or faster. ISO 3200-6400. 15-25 second exposures (500 rule for star points). Star trail: 200+ exposures stacked. Remote shutter release essential.
Camel Caravan Silhouette
Drone OKThe iconic silhouette of a camel caravan against the setting sun on the Sahara dunes. One of the most reproduced images of Morocco and achievable by every visitor.
Position yourself slightly lower on a dune ridge while the caravan passes above. Shoot into the sun for perfect silhouettes. Golden light 20 min before sunset.
70-200mm for compressed caravan look. Expose for sky (silhouette camels/riders). f/8 for sun-star effect. Burst mode for best camel positions.
Essaouira
2 photography spots
Skala de la Ville (Ramparts)
Dramatic Portuguese-era ramparts with a row of cannons pointing over the Atlantic. The crashing waves and Mogador Island in the background create a cinematic scene (filming location for Game of Thrones).
West-facing ramparts catch the full force of sunset. The warm light on the old cannons and stone walls is magical. Stay through blue hour for moody atmospheric shots.
Wide 16-35mm for cannons in a row. 70-200mm for wave drama. Fast shutter (1/1000+) to freeze waves or slow (1/4s) for milky water effect with ND filter.
Essaouira Fishing Port
Colorful blue fishing boats, seagulls, fishermen mending nets, and the bustle of the fresh fish market. Raw, authentic, and incredibly photogenic.
Morning golden light hitting the blue boats against the whitewashed harbor buildings creates perfect color contrast. Fishermen are most active and willing to be photographed.
35-85mm for scenes. 135mm for portraits (ask permission). ISO 200-400. Shoot fast - the action is constant. Look for color: blue boats, orange life vests, silver fish.
Ouarzazate
1 photography spot
Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
Drone OKThe most dramatic kasbah in Morocco, a UNESCO World Heritage hilltop fortress used in Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia. Mud-brick towers against a stark desert landscape.
The kasbah faces south. Afternoon light (4-6pm) is best for the classic view from across the river. Sunrise illuminates the eastern face beautifully.
24-70mm versatile. 70-200mm for architectural details. f/8-11 for full sharpness. Polarizer to darken sky and boost contrast.
Tinghir
1 photography spot
Todra Gorge
300m-high canyon walls narrowing to just 10m apart. The sheer vertical limestone walls catching golden afternoon light create an awe-inspiring natural cathedral.
The gorge is very narrow - sun only reaches the floor midday. The reflected warm light bouncing off canyon walls creates magical warm tones.
Ultra-wide 14-24mm essential for the scale. Vertical compositions. Include a person for scale. Look up for dramatic converging walls.
Curated Photography Walks
Timed routes through the most photogenic areas, designed to capture the best light at each stop. Follow our photographers' footsteps for guaranteed stunning shots.
Marrakech Golden Hour Walk
MarrakechA 3-hour photography walk through the medina timed for the best light. Start at the Koutoubia, weave through the souks, and end at Jemaa el-Fnaa for sunset.
Capture the minaret with palm trees in warm afternoon light
Colored skeins overhead - look up for best shots
Courtyard pool reflections in late afternoon
Light through lattice screens creates patterns on tiles
Arrive 30 min before sunset for the best position and full light show
Fes Medina Morning Light
FesEarly morning photography walk through the world's largest car-free urban zone. Capture artisans starting work, empty lanes, and the tanneries in perfect light.
Opens at 9am - start outside with medina street scenes
Best colors at 10-11am when sun illuminates the vats directly
Panoramic view best in morning side-light
Chefchaouen Blue Hour Walk
ChefchaouenThe definitive Chefchaouen photography walk covering the most photogenic blue corners, stairs, and doorways.
Work from the upper medina down. Morning light on east-facing walls.
Panoramic view. Better at sunset but morning also excellent with fewer people.
Drone-Allowed Zones
Drone regulations in Morocco require permits for commercial use. These locations are known to allow recreational drone photography. Always check current local regulations before flying.
Erg Chebbi Dune Sunrise
The ultimate Sahara photograph: sunrise from the top of Erg Chebbi's massive orange sand dunes. The play of light and shadow across the rippled sand creates otherworldly textures.
Camel Caravan Silhouette
The iconic silhouette of a camel caravan against the setting sun on the Sahara dunes. One of the most reproduced images of Morocco and achievable by every visitor.
Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
The most dramatic kasbah in Morocco, a UNESCO World Heritage hilltop fortress used in Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia. Mud-brick towers against a stark desert landscape.
Important Drone Notice
Morocco has strict drone regulations. Import of drones requires customs declaration, and flying over cities, military zones, and royal palaces is strictly prohibited. Always obtain necessary permits from the Moroccan Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) before flying. Our photography tours can assist with drone permits.
Golden Hour & Lighting Tips
Morocco's warm-toned architecture and landscapes make it one of the best countries in the world for golden hour photography. Here's how to make the most of every minute of magical light.
Sunrise Timing
Moroccan sunrise ranges from 6:15am (summer) to 7:30am (winter). Arrive 30 minutes before for the best pre-dawn blues and first golden light.
Sunset Golden Hour
The magic window is 45 minutes before sunset through 20 minutes after. In Morocco, the warm sandstone and red earth amplify golden tones dramatically.
Blue Hour Magic
The 20-30 minutes after sunset produce Morocco's most atmospheric light. City lights flicker on while the sky glows deep blue -- perfect for medina rooftop shots.
Midday Solutions
Harsh midday sun is actually ideal for interiors: madrasas, riads, tanneries, and covered souks. Use strong shadows creatively for dramatic black-and-white work.
Overcast Advantage
Cloudy days are a gift for Chefchaouen and colorful souks. Diffused light eliminates harsh shadows and makes the blue walls, tiles, and textiles glow evenly.
Night Photography
The Sahara offers Bortle Class 1-2 skies -- among the darkest on Earth. New moon nights reveal the Milky Way core from March through October. Bring a sturdy tripod.
Spots by Difficulty
Whether you're a casual smartphone photographer or a professional with a full kit, Morocco has locations perfect for your level of commitment and mobility.
Easy Access
13 spots
Accessible by foot from city centres or with minimal walking. Ideal for anyone with a camera or smartphone. No special equipment or fitness required.
- Jemaa el-Fnaa from Above (Marrakech)
- Majorelle Garden (Blue Villa) (Marrakech)
- Bahia Palace Courtyards (Marrakech)
- Ben Youssef Madrasa (Marrakech)
- Koutoubia Mosque at Sunset (Marrakech)
+8 more easy-access spots
Moderate
3 spots
May require short hikes, navigating medina alleys, or arriving at specific times. A moderate fitness level and some planning enhances the experience.
- Souk des Teinturiers (Dyers' Souk) (Marrakech)
- Fes Medina Panorama (Fes)
- Spanish Mosque Viewpoint (Chefchaouen)
Challenging
2 spots
Requires pre-dawn starts, desert camping, dune climbs, or advanced camera techniques. The effort is rewarded with truly extraordinary, one-of-a-kind images.
- Erg Chebbi Dune Sunrise (Merzouga)
- Sahara Star Trails (Merzouga)
Photography Gear Checklist
The essential gear for capturing Morocco in all its glory, from the dusty souks to the windswept Sahara.
Camera & Lenses
- Wide angle (16-35mm) for architecture and landscapes
- Mid-range zoom (24-70mm) for versatile street photography
- Telephoto (70-200mm) for details and compressed perspectives
- Fast prime (35mm or 50mm f/1.8) for low light
- Smartphone with night mode as reliable backup
Accessories
- Sturdy travel tripod (essential for blue hour and astrophotography)
- Circular polarizer for sky contrast and eliminating reflections
- ND filter set for long exposures (waterfalls, ocean)
- Spare batteries (3 minimum) -- cold desert nights drain fast
- Lens cleaning kit (dust is everywhere in Morocco)
- Memory cards (128GB minimum with backup)
Protection & Comfort
- Camera rain cover or ziplock bags for dust protection
- Camera bag with padded compartments and quick access
- Headlamp for pre-dawn shoots (red light mode preferred)
- Portable charger (20,000mAh) for phone and accessories
- Small notebook for location notes and exposure details
- Comfortable walking shoes (you will cover serious distance)
Morocco Photography: The Complete Guide
Morocco is one of the most photogenic countries on Earth. The combination of extraordinary architecture, dramatic natural landscapes, vibrant colours, and remarkable light quality makes it a paradise for photographers at every level. From the ochre medinas of Marrakech glowing at sunset to the infinite patterns of Sahara sand dunes at dawn, every moment presents an opportunity to capture something extraordinary.
Why Morocco is a Photographer's Dream
Several factors combine to make Morocco exceptional for photography. The country sits at a latitude that delivers extraordinarily warm, golden light during the extended golden hours. The traditional architecture -- from zellige tilework to carved stucco, cedar ceilings, and riad courtyards -- provides endless geometric patterns and textures. The contrast between ancient medinas and dramatic natural landscapes means you can shoot architecture in the morning and landscapes in the afternoon without travelling far. And the rich palette of colours -- Majorelle blue, saffron yellow, terracotta red, mint green -- creates compositions that practically compose themselves.
Marrakech: A Photographer's Playground
Marrakech offers the greatest density of photographic subjects in Morocco. The Jemaa el-Fnaa square at sunset, viewed from a rooftop cafe, is one of the world's great travel photographs. The Bahia Palace and Ben Youssef Madrasa provide architectural photography that rivals the Alhambra. The Dyers' Souk with its hanging skeins of coloured wool creates a cathedral of colour unlike anything else on the planet. And the Koutoubia Mosque, framed by palm trees at golden hour, delivers that iconic Marrakech silhouette.
The Sahara: Otherworldly Landscapes
The Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga offer some of the most dramatic landscape photography opportunities in Africa. A pre-dawn climb to a dune summit rewards the dedicated photographer with an extraordinary colour show as first light transforms the sand from deep purple through orange to brilliant gold. The camel caravan silhouette at sunset is one of the most iconic travel images in the world, and the Bortle Class 1-2 skies deliver astrophotography that rivals any location on Earth.
Photography Etiquette in Morocco
Respect is the foundation of great travel photography. Always ask permission before photographing people -- a smile and a gesture go a long way. Some locals may request a small tip for posing, which is reasonable and supports the community. Avoid photographing people who clearly do not wish to be photographed, especially women. Mosques are generally off-limits to non-Muslims, so photograph exteriors respectfully. In the souks, some shop owners prefer their goods are not photographed -- always ask first.
At Serenity Morocco Tours, our photography-focused tours pair you with local guides who know exactly when and where the light is at its most magical. We handle the logistics so you can focus entirely on capturing Morocco's extraordinary beauty through your lens.
Morocco Photography FAQ
Timing, drone rules, dark skies, and etiquette — the questions photographers ask most.
When is golden hour in Morocco?
Sunrise ranges from about 6:15am in summer to 7:30am in winter, so arriving roughly 30 minutes earlier captures the pre-dawn blues and first light. The evening golden hour runs from about 45 minutes before sunset to 20 minutes after, when Morocco’s warm sandstone and red earth amplify the colour. The blue hour — the 20 to 30 minutes after sunset — is the most atmospheric window for medina rooftop and city shots.
Can I fly a drone in Morocco?
Drone use is tightly regulated. Importing a drone requires a customs declaration, and flying over cities, military zones, and royal palaces is strictly prohibited. Permits from the Moroccan Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) are needed for commercial use. This guide flags spots known to allow recreational drone flying, but you should always confirm current local rules before taking off.
Where is the best stargazing and astrophotography?
The Sahara around Erg Chebbi near Merzouga offers Bortle Class 1–2 skies — among the darkest on Earth. New-moon nights from roughly March through October reveal the Milky Way core. Bring a sturdy tripod, shoot at f/2.8 or wider with 20–25 second exposures, and point toward the galactic centre. A pre-dawn climb to a dune crest also rewards you with the desert’s most dramatic colour show.
What is the etiquette for photographing people in Morocco?
Always ask permission before photographing people — a smile and a gesture go a long way. Some subjects may ask for a small tip, which is reasonable. Avoid photographing anyone who clearly does not wish to be photographed, especially women, and photograph mosque exteriors respectfully, as interiors are generally off-limits to non-Muslims. In the souks, ask before photographing a shop’s goods.
How is this photo-spot directory organised?
It is a self-guided directory of 18 locations across 7 destinations, each with coordinates, the best time to shoot, suggested camera settings, crowd levels, and whether tripods or drones are allowed. There are also 3 timed photo walks that string the best spots together around the light. Spots are graded easy, moderate, or challenging so you can match them to your mobility and ambition.
Book a Photography Tour
Our photography tours are led by local guides who know every hidden angle, every rooftop terrace, and every minute of the golden hour. Whether you shoot with a professional DSLR or a smartphone, we will put you in the right place at the right time for extraordinary images.