Driving in Morocco is packed with surprise stops and adventure, from ancient ruins to vibrant market towns. You can set your own pace, pull over for a photo anytime, and venture into offbeat places. For American travelers, renting a car in Morocco brings the comfort of a self-driven road trip on foreign soil. Here are some of the most stunning sights spread out across the country.
Roadside attractions are interesting or unique places you can visit along highways or main roads while driving. They’re usually scenic viewpoints, historical sites, quirky landmarks, local food stalls, or cultural towns that make road trips more fun and memorable. Here’s a list of must-see roadside attractions in Morocco:
Aït Benhaddou is a fortified ksar (village) made of golden clay on the edge of the High Atlas Mountains. Walking through its dusty alleys feels like stepping onto a movie set. Blockbusters like Gladiator and scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed here.
As you approach by car, you’ll spot the dramatic silhouette of this ancient citadel rising from the desert floor. It’s about a 3.5-hour drive from Marrakech, crossing the Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Park in the modern village across the shallow river and stroll over a bridge into the old ksar.
You can explore historic earthen buildings and climb the hilltop granary for a stunning view of the lush valley below. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage gem that comes alive in the late afternoon sun. For Americans road-tripping here, Aït Benhaddou is a perfect mix of Hollywood magic and real-life history. It’s a must-stop to stretch your legs and imagination.
After some dry desert drives, Ouzoud Waterfalls offer a refreshing change of scenery. These falls are about 2.5 hours northeast of Marrakech, around 157 km away. They drop 110 meters and are some of the tallest in North Africa.
The drive there is part of the fun, taking you through olive groves and Berber villages in the Middle Atlas mountains. Once you arrive, park at the village of Ouzoud and follow a dirt path down. As you approach the falls, you’ll hear the roar and feel the cooler air.
Along the way, wild Barbary macaque monkeys often pop out. You can ride a wooden raft close to the falling water or hike around the pools at the base. It’s an ideal picnic spot and a great place to cool off. Several cliffside cafes even offer a mint tea with a view of the plunging water.
With a car, you can arrive early before the day-trip crowds, or linger until evening when the falls catch the golden light. Ouzoud is the perfect nature escape and a roadside attraction that lets you stretch your legs with a scenic hike.
Chefchaouen, known as the “Blue City,” is tucked in the Rif Mountains in northern Morocco. Almost every building in its old town (medina) is painted in vivid shades of blue, making it a paradise for photographers.
For Americans exploring Morocco by car, Chefchaouen is a scenic drive about 2 hours (112 km) from Tangier or 4 hours from Fez. You’ll notice the city’s blue glow on a mountainside as you approach. Park near the Medina gate, as the old town is pedestrian-only, and wander at your own pace.
Every lane reveals new hues of indigo, azure, and cyan. You’ll find cozy cafes, artisan shops, and friendly locals accustomed to lost tourists, so don’t be afraid to ask for directions.
Must-sees include the central Outa el Hammam square, the old Kasbah fortress, and the Spanish Mosque lookout for a panoramic view of blue rooftops. Because you have a car, you might also explore the surrounding countryside. Drive to the Akchour waterfalls or God’s Bridge rock formation, which is a short distance away.
Volubilis is an ancient Roman site you’ll come across while driving through Morocco’s countryside. This archaeological site near Meknes offers a fascinating peek into Morocco’s Roman past. It’s about a one-hour drive from Fez or 30 minutes from Meknes, mostly on smooth highways before a scenic country road lined with olive and almond trees.
You’ll see remnants of grand columns and arches appearing on a hill. Park at the entrance and wander through what’s left of this 2,000-year-old city. You can walk down the old Roman main street (the Decumanus Maximus), where chariot ruts are still visible.
Don’t miss the breathtaking mosaics preserved in situ on villa floors and the vibrant images of Roman gods that have survived centuries of weather. The Triumphal Arch of Caracalla still stands tall against the skyline, a perfect backdrop for photos.
Volubilis is open and peaceful. There are only a handful of visitors, especially if you arrive early. Bring water and a hat as it can get hot. The lack of crowds and barriers means you’re free to explore at will. For history buffs, this is one of the top must-see stops in Morocco by car. Plus, with your vehicle, you can easily combine Volubilis with a visit to the holy town of Moulay Idriss nearby or head back to Meknes for lunch.
If you crave adventure and dramatic landscapes, point your car towards the Dades Gorge. Often dubbed the “Moroccan Grand Canyon,” this winding valley in the High Atlas will leave you in awe.
You’ll likely drive east from Ouarzazate along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Around Boumalne Dades, turn north into the gorge road. The paved route snakes into a narrowing canyon of red and orange rock.
As you climb, you’ll encounter the famous hairpin bends, a series of tight switchbacks that zigzag up a cliff. Along the way, you’ll pass by bizarre rock formations nicknamed “Monkey Fingers” and small villages with traditional mud-brick homes.
Pull over at the marked viewpoints for jaw-dropping vistas of the valley below. The most iconic lookout is near the top of the switchbacks, where you can photograph the ribbon-like road.
There are a few guesthouses and cafes in the gorge. You can enjoy a refreshing mint tea on a terrace overlooking the canyon. Stay a night in Dades to experience the stars with minimal light pollution, the Milky Way is often on full display.
Surfers flock to Taghazout, and sunseekers to Agadir on Morocco's Atlantic coast. But if you have a car, don’t miss inland to Paradise Valley, a tranquil oasis. Just an hour’s drive from Agadir of around 50 to 60 km, the road to Paradise Valley winds through the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.
You’ll pass Argan trees and small roadside stalls selling honey and oranges. The valley is a series of limestone gorges, and the Assif Tamraght River forms natural pools and waterfalls.
Park at the trailhead near the village of Imouzzer and pack some sneakers. A short hike of about 20 to 30 minutes takes you down into the gorge. You will be surrounded by palm trees, clear turquoise pools, and smooth rocks perfect for sunbathing. Dip in the refreshing water; some pools are deep enough for cliff jumping.
It’s easy to spend a lazy afternoon here. Because it’s off the main tourist circuit, you’ll likely share the area with local families and a few backpackers. With a car, you can arrive early to have the pools to yourself, or leave late after watching the sun dip behind the canyon walls.
The Tizi n’Tichka Pass is the highest drivable pass in Morocco. It’s about 7,400 feet or 2,260 meters above sea level. Connecting Marrakech to Ouarzazate, this mountain road (National Route 9) offers winding turns and panoramic views at every corner.
As you depart Marrakech heading south, the landscape begins to rise, and the air cools. The road snakes upward, and soon you’re in the High Atlas Mountains. Each bend offers terraced hillsides, tiny villages clinging to slopes, and distant peaks often capped with snow in winter.
They’re perfect for photos or breathing in the crisp mountain air. At the Tizi n’Tichka summit, you can pause for a view stretching for miles. On a clear day, the mountains roll out to the horizon, and you realize how far you’ve come.
Local vendors often have stands at the top selling geodes, minerals, and hand-crafted trinkets. The name Tizi n’Tichka means “difficult pass.” Earlier travelers had it much harder before modern roads.
Today, the drive is paved and safe, but take caution during winter snows or heavy rain. It’s like a blend of Colorado’s Rockies and California’s switchbacks for American drivers, but with a Moroccan twist. When you descend towards Ouarzazate, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for Morocco’s diverse geography.
Exploring Morocco by car unlocks a world of adventures, from blue-painted towns and cascading waterfalls to ancient kasbahs. When making this journey easy and affordable, renting a car with Finalrentals is a smart choice. Finalrentals offers convenient pickup locations, including airports, and competitive rates, helping American travelers confidently hit the road.
