Exploring Morocco is an exciting journey, but many of its most beautiful places are far from the main cities. These remote destinations in Morocco have unique landscapes and cultural experiences, but public transport is limited or unavailable. For flexible and stress-free travel, it is best to rent a car. With your own vehicle, you can follow scenic routes, visit small villages, and explore remote spots. Our guide highlights seven destinations that are easier to reach by driving.
Here are the top places you should include in your journey. For each destination, we’ve listed the nearest airport so you can plan your route before your flight. This way, you can arrange your pickup at the airport as soon as you land, saving time and avoiding extra transfers.
Nearest Airport: Fes Sais Airport, approximately 320 km away
Imilchil is one of the most remote destinations in Morocco, located in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. The drive takes you through winding valleys, dry cliffs, and narrow rural roads. Public transport does not cover this area well, so it’s best to rent a car in Morocco for safe and flexible travel. From Fes Airport, the trip takes several hours, but the peaceful views and open roads make it worthwhile.
This quiet mountain town is famous for the Imilchil Marriage Festival each year in September. It is a major event for nearby remote villages in Morocco, where Berber families celebrate and find matches for young couples. Traditional clothing, music, and food turn the quiet village into a lively celebration of Amazigh culture.
Outside the festival, Imilchil is a calm and scenic place. You can visit Lake Isli and Lake Tislit, two clear mountain lakes tied to a local love story. The area is quiet, with small stone homes and simple guesthouses. If you're looking for quiet destinations in Morocco with deep cultural meaning, Imilchil is worth the journey.
Nearest Airport: Marrakech Airport, approximately 460 km away
M’Hamid El Ghizlane is located at the edge of the Sahara Desert. It is the last settlement before the golden dunes stretch south toward Algeria. The village sits at about 500 metres above sea level and has around 7,500 inhabitants. Because public transport is rare and unreliable here, it is best to rent a car in Morocco and plan your route from Marrakech or Ouarzazate.
Seven ksars, or fortified villages, are around the oasis. Their adobe walls show how people adapted to desert life. Today, you can still walk among these ruins and see how the settlement grew around the ancient Wadi Drâa.
Modern visitors come for its authentic desert experience, which feels more natural than Merzouga. You can reach the Erg Chigaga dunes from the village within a 2-hour drive. These dunes rise up to 300 metres and stretch for 40 kilometres. To get there, you can ride camels or join a 4x4 expedition, as the dunes are only accessible by off-road travel. Nights spent here under star-filled skies are unforgettable.
Nearest Airport: Agadir Al Massira International Airport, approximately 141 km away
Tafraoute is in the Anti-Atlas Mountains, surrounded by striking red-granite formations and deep valleys. The road from Agadir Airport winds through hills and small villages. The town is famous for its granite boulders, which glow pink at sunset. One of the most unique sites is the Painted Rocks, coloured in bright blue, red, and white by Belgian artist Jean Vérame in 1984. The boulders are scattered over a wide area, so a car is essential if you want to visit multiple viewpoints. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see the changing colours across the rocks and desert backdrop.
The surrounding Ammeln Valley has small Berber villages where you can walk through orchards and traditional adobe houses. Local traditions remain strong here. You can try amlou, a dip made with almonds, argan oil, and honey, or visit the Old Hammam in town for a truly authentic bathhouse experience. The Aït Mansour Gorge, located 30 km away, is another highlight, with its palm groves, red cliffs, and peaceful atmosphere.
For active travellers, Tafraoute is an excellent base. The surrounding Anti-Atlas Mountains are popular for trekking, with routes ranging from gentle valley walks to climbs up Jebel Kest, the highest peak in the area. Cycling is another way to explore, with scenic roads linking Tafraoute to Tiznit and other towns. The climate here is cooler than the lowlands, making it a great outdoor activity between autumn and spring. The town also hosts two major festivals. In February, the Almond Blossom Festival fills the valley with music, dance, and local food. In August, the Summer Music Festival brings together artists from across Morocco for several days of open-air performances.
Nearest Airport: Tangier Airport, approximately 126 km away
Akchour is part of the Talassemtane National Park, located in the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco. It is known for natural trails and cool streams. Many visitors pair Akchour with Chefchaouen, but you can reach the trailhead early and enjoy fewer crowds if you drive. Having your own car also allows you to carry water, food, and hiking shoes comfortably.
The hiking trails here are well-known for their waterfalls. The Grand Cascade is the tallest one and has a dramatic drop. Along the way, you’ll pass smaller waterfalls and shallow natural pools where you can take a break or swim. The walk is mostly shaded, which helps during the hot season. You will need good walking shoes, but the trail is not too difficult. Akchour is near Chefchaouen, but taxis and vans only run at certain hours. If you have a car, you can park near the entrance and walk at your own pace. You can also avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Nearest Airport: Marrakech Airport, approximately 198 km away
Bin el Ouidane is one of the most quiet destinations in Morocco, tucked away in the central Atlas Mountains between Beni Mellal and Azilal. The lake was formed by the Bin el Ouidane Dam, which provides hydroelectric power and irrigation for the region. Despite its practical use, the lake has become a favourite spot for Moroccans on weekend getaways.
The lake’s deep blue waters create a striking contrast against the surrounding red hills, orchards, and pine forests. Popular activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, and carp fishing. The water remains relatively warm year-round, so it is possible to enjoy boating even in the cooler months. For families, there are picnic spots and small cafés along the shore where you can relax and enjoy the view.
Exploring by car gives you access to places that are difficult to reach. The narrow roads lead to forests, orchards, and small Berber villages, where you can see local farming and taste fresh produce. Hidden viewpoints above the lake offer some of the most spectacular panoramas in the High Atlas. From here, you can also branch out to nearby attractions like the Aït Bougmez Valley, the rugged Ahansal Gorge, or Ouzoud Waterfalls.
Nearest Airport: Marrakech Airport, approximately 250 km away
Aït Bouguemez, often called the Happy Valley, is one of the most beautiful remote villages in Morocco. It lies high in the Central High Atlas Mountains, at an elevation of around 1,800 to 2,000 metres. The wide valley is known for its patchwork of green fields, orchards, and mud-brick houses, with snowy peaks towering in the distance. Reaching it requires careful road trip planning in Morocco, as the journey is long and the roads narrow.
Life in the valley is deeply tied to Amazigh (Berber) traditions. Families grow barley, walnuts, and apples, using centuries-old methods. Walking through the villages, you’ll see farmers working the land, children leading donkeys, and women carrying bundles of wood.
For hikers, Aït Bouguemez is a strong base. Short treks lead to villages like Timit, where you can visit an ancient granary with panoramic views. Longer trails head south towards Ikiss, passing through wildflower-filled gorges. The valley is also the starting point for ascents of Mount M’Goun, one of the highest peaks in Morocco at 4,071 metres. Climbing it usually takes 4 to 6 days and requires guides, mules, and camping gear. For lighter excursions, you can walk to dinosaur footprints near the village of Ibaklliwne, or visit the shrine of Sidi Moussa, an old granary perched on a hill with sweeping valley views.
Nearest Airport: Marrakech Airport, approximately 150 km away
The Tizi n’Test Pass is one of the most dramatic drives in the High Atlas Mountains, combining rugged landscapes with historic sites. At 2,100 metres above sea level, the pass links Marrakech with Taroudant. The road is narrow and winding, with sheer drops and no guardrails. It is best to drive here during daylight and in clear weather. Driving through this pass, you will encounter deep valleys, green oases, and stretches of barren rock.
Near the top of the pass is the Tinmel Mosque, built in 1148 during the Almohad dynasty. It was established at the site where Ibn Tumart, founder of the Almohad movement, was buried. Though no longer an active mosque, it is one of the few in Morocco open to non-Muslims. The structure has no roof, so light shifts beautifully across its arches and prayer hall throughout the day, making it ideal for photography. Entry is usually arranged by a local caretaker.
Exploring Morocco’s mountains, valleys, lakes, and deserts is an experience you will never forget. These remote destinations show you the country’s quiet side, far from the crowds. To make your journey simple, book a car in Morocco with Final Rentals. You can book online, choose from compact cars to SUVs, and pick up your vehicle at major airports. With budget-friendly plans and flexible bookings, Final Rentals can make your road trip planning in Morocco easier.
