Morocco offers a side beyond its desert dunes and vibrant souks. It has majestic mountain ranges dotted with Berber towns. With over one-third of Morocco’s tourists from France, you will find yourself among many fellow travellers around these high-altitude destinations. The best way to reach these remote mountain areas is by renting a car in Morocco. You can stop in small villages, follow scenic roads, and explore independently. Our guide will show you the best mountain towns in Morocco and provide helpful tips to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.
Morocco is home to several mountain ranges, including the Rif in the north and the Atlas ranges. Below are some of the top mountain towns and villages you should explore. Terraced fields, waterfalls, and traditional Berber communities thrive in these elevations.
Tucked in the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco, Chefchaouen is a city known as the “Blue Pearl” for its blue-painted old town. As you wander its maze of cobalt-blue lanes, you will feel like you have stepped into a dream. But Chefchaouen’s striking colour palette is not its only charm. The town is about 600 metres above sea level. You can hike to the Spanish Mosque on a nearby hill to enjoy a panoramic view over the blue village and green valleys.
Communication is simple for French travellers because many locals speak French. You can easily chat with shopkeepers and pick up insider tips. Take your time here. Sip mint tea in the Outa el-Hammam square (Plaza Uta el Hamman) and browse local crafts like woven blankets and goat cheese. Chefchaouen’s relaxed mountain setting is perfect for taking photos, unwinding, and enjoying Berber and Andalusian culture.
If you are up for adventure, Imlil is your starting point for exploring the highest peaks in the High Atlas Mountains. This village sits at about 1,800 metres in elevation. It is nestled in a valley surrounded by towering summits, including Jebel Toubkal, which reaches 4,167 metres and is the tallest mountain in North Africa.
Imlil is known as Morocco's trekking capital. Almost everyone here is dressed for hiking and ready to hit the trails. You can enjoy easy day walks through walnut groves and Berber hamlets or climb Mount Toubkal. There is also a five-day route if you prefer a slower pace. The views are stunning, with snowy peaks in spring and wildflowers scattered across the slopes.
Imlil is more of a base for hikers than a historic village, so you will find more guesthouses and guide services than old landmarks. Still, it shines with its adventure spirit and natural beauty. Many local guides speak French, so it is easy to arrange mules, gear, and hiking routes. After a long day, enjoy a warm tagine meal and some Berber hospitality.
The Ourika Valley is a lush mountain escape, perfect for a day trip or short stay. After a 1-hour drive from Marrakech, you go from city heat to cool streams and green hills. The main attraction is the village of Setti Fattma, located at the end of the paved road into the valley. Setti Fattma is where the hike to seven stunning waterfalls begins. The rocky path may require some scrambling, so wear sturdy shoes. Each waterfall rewards you with cool mist and beautiful photo spots. Weekends can be busy with local families and tourists, so visit during weekday mornings if you want a quieter experience.
Along the Ourika River, you will find cafés and restaurants on the banks. Some places have tables in the shallow water so you can dip your feet while enjoying a glass of mint tea. In spring, the valley is full of life. Wildflowers bloom, and cherry and almond trees fill the air with colour. It is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the cooler climate. Because it is close to the city, the valley does get crowded, especially in summer.
Step back in time at Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO village on the southern side of the High Atlas Mountains. This is not a lush valley town. It is an architectural wonder, made of earthen clay towers and mudbrick walls that blend with the surrounding red rock. You will see almond and palm trees near the riverbed, with the Atlas Mountains behind you and the pre-Sahara plains stretching ahead.
If you enjoy films, you might recognise Aït Ben Haddou from movies. Some families still live in the old ksar, and you can climb up to the granary on the hill for sweeping views at sunset. For French travellers in Morocco, getting there is part of the experience. The drive from Marrakech takes you over the Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass, which is 2,260 metres high. When you reach Aït Ben Haddou, you step from the cool mountains into a desert-edge village. You will find a few small cafés where you can eat and view the ancient caravan route that once connected Marrakech to Timbuktu.
If you enjoy road trips and natural wonders, the Dadès Valley in the Central High Atlas is a perfect destination. Often called the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, this area is famous for its red rock gorges and the green oasis that runs through the valley. One of the highlights is the “Monkey Fingers” rock formations, where smooth, round rocks rise from the ground like sculptures. You can take a short hike here.
As you drive deeper into the Dadès Gorge, the paved road twists through sharp turns and narrow gaps. A well-known viewpoint near a cafe offers a stunning look at the road’s switchbacks. Around every curve, you will see towering cliffs, mudbrick villages, and terraced fields filled with figs and almonds.
You can stop in Berber villages like Aït Oudinar or Aït Youl to meet locals. If you stay overnight, try a family-run guesthouse along the gorge. Enjoy a plate of tagine while sitting outside under a star-filled sky. Hiking trails also wind into nearby valleys, where you might see nomadic families with their herds. The Dadès Valley shows the raw beauty of Morocco’s mountains. It feels remote but still welcoming. At night, you can enjoy views of the Milky Way above the valley.
The Todra Gorge is about a 1-hour drive from Dadès. This is Morocco’s version of a canyoning paradise. The red limestone walls rise nearly 200 metres high. In the narrowest part, they come as close as 10 metres apart. Walking through the deepest section of Todra Gorge is an unforgettable moment. You look up and see only a thin skyline between the towering cliffs.
What makes Todra special is the way the canyon opens into the Tinghir Oasis. A wide stretch of date palms and green fields spreads across the dry landscape. This rock and greenery gives Todra a unique feel. A clear stream flows along the path at the base of the gorge. You can walk beside it while watching local Berber villagers care for gardens nourished by the water.
Todra is a top spot for rock climbers. It has many bolted routes, and local guides are available to help. The nearby town of Tinghir has cafés and places to stay. This also means Todra can get crowded, especially with tourists on day trips. But if you drive beyond the main area or explore the palm groves along smaller roads, you will find quiet corners and scenic views.
Aït Bouguemez, often called La Vallée Heureuse or the Happy Valley, is a peaceful high mountain valley in the Central High Atlas. It remains one of Morocco’s most untouched and beautiful places. This broad valley is about 1,800 metres above sea level. The land is covered in patchwork fields of wheat and barley, fed by sparkling streams. Adobe villages are scattered across the landscape, and daily life follows the rhythm of the farming seasons. Above it all, the M’Goun Massif rises with rocky peaks. At 4,068 metres, it is one of the highest mountains in Morocco.
Aït Bouguemez is a place to connect with authentic Berber culture. The villagers are kind and welcoming. Guesthouses in the valley are cozy. You can enjoy home-cooked meals, often shared in a family setting. Do not expect ATMs or modern luxury. The valley only had proper road access in the early 2000s, and the infrastructure is basic. The paved road has rough patches and sharp turns, so take your time. Once inside the valley, you can hike between villages, try mule trekking, or sit under the apple trees and watch the quiet daily routines.
Midelt sits between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas ranges, making it one of the most interesting mountain towns in Morocco. At about 1,500 metres above sea level, the town is surrounded by rugged peaks, orchards, and desert plains. It feels like a natural gateway between the mountains and the Sahara. This location makes it easy to combine mountain trekking with road trips toward Merzouga and the desert dunes.
The town is known for its apple orchards, especially in autumn when the harvest fills the markets with fresh produce. You can also explore small Berber villages nearby, where adobe houses blend with the rocky hills. Many travellers stop here to rest before heading deeper into the mountains. From Midelt, you can take scenic drives into the Cirque de Jaffar, a gorge carved into the High Atlas, popular with hikers and 4x4 enthusiasts.
The following are useful tips to ensure your Moroccan road trip is safe and enjoyable.
Most rental cars in Morocco come with manual transmission. If you only drive automatic, make sure to book early so you can secure one. A compact car is fine for city travel, but you might want a sturdier car if you plan to visit mountain towns or remote villages. If you go carefully, most routes in the Atlas Mountains can be driven in a regular two-wheel drive. However, a car with higher clearance or a 4x4 will be more comfortable on rough roads, especially in the countryside.
Your rental should come with basic insurance, often with an excess. As a French tourist, carry your driving licence, passport, and the rental agreement in the car. The vehicle’s registration papers and insurance certificate (green card) should be given to you by the rental company. Always check that these documents are inside the car before leaving. Keep a copy of your licence and passport, as police may ask to see them at road checkpoints.
Speed limits differ in towns, rural roads, and highways. These limits are enforced by radar and police checks, so follow them to avoid fines. Seatbelts are required for all passengers. Morocco has very strict rules about alcohol. To stay safe, avoid drinking if you plan to drive. Many signs are in French, and stop signs are marked clearly. At roundabouts, right-of-way can vary.
Morocco has invested in modern road infrastructure. The main highways and national roads are in excellent condition. Toll roads between major cities, like Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, and Tangier, are smooth and fast. Keep some dirhams ready to pay the tolls. These are not expensive. In rural and mountain areas, roads may be narrow and winding. Some sections may be unpaved or rough. When driving in the mountains, use lower gears to stay safe on steep slopes and take your time, especially around blind curves or village roads.
Exploring the mountain villages in Morocco is one of the best ways to see the country’s beauty. Each town has its charm, from Chefchaouen’s blue alleys to Aït Bouguemez’s peaceful farms. You will meet friendly Berber people, enjoy fresh food, and view waterfalls, valleys, and high peaks. To explore these places comfortably, rent a car in Morocco with Final Rentals. You can choose from compact cars for cities, sturdy SUVs, or 4x4s for mountain roads. Pick-up is easy at major airports or city offices. Start your Morocco trip stress-free with clear pricing, online booking, and no hidden fees.
