Far from the hustle of Marrakech and the chaos of Casablanca, Ouarzazate, known as the “gateway to the desert,” is the perfect destination for travelers seeking a more authentic Moroccan experience.
Do you love the Moroccan sun? The flavors of its cuisine, the craftsmanship of its artisans, and the stunning landscapes? But you also crave serenity and tranquility? Then Ouarzazate is calling your name! This peaceful oasis will charm any traveler looking to escape the tourist rush. In fact, the very name Ouarzazate means “the city without noise” in Berber, and you’ll notice how quiet it is, with life moving at a slower pace. The summer sun is intense, but the winter months are ideal for exploring the region’s stunning adobe kasbahs nestled against refreshing oases.
Ouarzazate is also known as a cinematic hub. With its studios hosting Hollywood blockbusters and French comedies, you might even bump into actors or directors in this city they fondly call “Ouarzawood.” So, why not join them and experience the best things to do in Ouarzazate?
Table of Contents
Discover The Kasbah of Taourirt, the pearl of Ouarzazate
The Kasbah of Taourirt and its old medina sit right in the heart of Ouarzazate. A kasbah is similar to a medieval castle—a fortified home where the local lord, or pasha, and his family lived. Built in the 17th century from rammed earth (a mix of earth and straw dried in the sun), this beautifully restored residence offers a glimpse into the opulence of the time, showcasing the wealth of a high-ranking dignitary in Moroccan royalty.
Take time to admire its intricately decorated stucco walls and marvel at the clever ventilation system designed to naturally cool the home. This system, ahead of its time, uses simple openings in the ground to draw in fresh air and push out hot air, making it both efficient and eco-friendly! Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the kasbah is surrounded by the winding alleys of a once-fortified village, or ksar, where it’s a pleasure to stroll before heading over to the souks for shopping, conveniently located just across the way.
Enjoy serene shopping in the souk
Forget the endless maze of the souks of Marrakech—in Ouarzazate, shopping is a whole different experience. Everything is well-organized, clean, and concentrated in one block. Merchants line up in neat little shops, and you won’t feel pressured to enter. As a provincial town, Ouarzazate moves at a more relaxed pace, with locals taking the time to chat before offering their goods.
If you’re a fan of artisanal pottery, you’ll be delighted to discover the unique terracotta from Tamegroute, a village located a few hours’ drive from Ouarzazate. Tamegroute’s pottery, an art form passed down for a thousand years, is unlike anything else in Morocco. The rustic green pottery gets its distinctive color from a mixture of manganese, copper oxide, and barley flour applied by the craftsmen. You’ll find plates, cups, and candlesticks—the same pieces seen in high-end decor shops around the world—available here at much better prices!
Another regional treasure to pick up in the souks is rose water, made by the women from the villages surrounding Ouarzazate, distilled from the Damascus rose. This rose water is famous globally, and you can get it straight from the source!
Read also: What To Buy In Morocco: 14 Best Things
Explore the Cinema behind the scenes at “Ouarzawood”
Film studios began popping up in Ouarzazate during the 1960s. The first Hollywood directors were drawn to the area by its stunning landscapes, year-round sunshine, and the incredible skill of Moroccan craftsmen, who could build elaborate sets in no time. The breakthrough came with Lawrence of Arabia, largely filmed in the region, sparking a movement that continues to attract big-name directors and stars to the city’s three active studios, all located just outside the city center. Some of these studios are open for visits, like the famous Atlas Studios.
Founded in 1983, Atlas Studios has been home to many box-office hits, including The Mummy, Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra, and Gladiator. Even popular TV series like Prison Break and Game of Thrones have been filmed here. Guided tours take visitors through the movie sets, where you might even spot extras and actors in costume between takes. You can even visit a Tibetan temple built for Martin Scorsese’s Kundun, and get a peek at the stables where camels and horses—actors in their own right—wait for their next scene.
To complete the movie experience, head to the Cinema Museum, located across from the Kasbah of Taourirt. This museum used to be an Italian studio where many biblical films were shot in the 1950s and 60s. The preserved sets make for an immersive experience, allowing visitors to stroll through the cloister of a church, a Roman temple, and Egyptian bas-reliefs, all kept intact. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the rich film history of Morocco.
Explore the fortified villages around Ouarzazate
All around Ouarzazate, you’ll find a collection of kasbahs and fortified villages, each more cinematic than the last, often serving as film sets. One standout is the Ksar of Aït-Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This fortified village, perched on a rocky hill, becomes truly magical in the late afternoon when the setting sun lights it up like a movie scene. Once a crossroads of trade since antiquity, its houses and fortifications reflect in the river below, appearing like a mirage in the desert.
Another must-see is the Kasbah of Amridil, located on the right bank of the El Hajaj wadi. Nestled in a natural palm grove also listed by UNESCO, it’s a stunning example of Berber architecture. With a square plan centered around a four-level patio, the kasbah is surrounded by high walls topped with four corner towers. Inhabited until 1962, this large residence offers a glimpse into the life of Berber families, where livestock and vegetable gardens coexisted, protected by the fortifications. One of Morocco’s best-preserved kasbahs, it even featured on the 50 dirham note for many years.
More Activities:
- For hiking enthusiasts, the Dades Gorges offer breathtaking trails.
- If you’re after the perfect sunset selfie, the Fint Oasis is a must.
- And for those looking for adventure, you can explore the arid surroundings of Ouarzazate by quad or camel—channeling the spirit of Lawrence of Arabia, whose legendary story began right here on the silver screen!
PRACTICAL INFO
When to go
The weather in Ouarzazate is typical of a city on the edge of the desert. The best times to visit are in autumn and winter, when the days are filled with sunshine but the nights are cool. It’s wise to avoid the summer, as temperatures often rise above 40°C, making the heat quite hard to handle.
Best Places To Stay
Berbere Palace
Actors, actresses, directors, and technical teams from major film studios often make their temporary home at the Berbère Palace. This grand hotel, resembling a giant kasbah, is surrounded by tall walls and topped with crenellated towers, making it the luxury hotel of Ouarzazate. As you stroll through its corridors, you’ll spot Egyptian statues and other film props salvaged from the many movie sets shot in the area.
Curious about which celebrities have stayed in the same rooms or taken a dip in the enormous, palm-lined swimming pool? Check out the wall adorned with portraits of Hollywood stars who have stayed at the hotel—everyone from Brad Pitt to Leonardo DiCaprio has called this place home during their visits!
Double room from €243.
Click to find out more about Berbere Palace
Oscar Hotel by Atlas Studios
Are you a movie fan but your budget doesn’t quite stretch to the Berber Palace? No worries, the Oscar Hotel is the perfect alternative! This charming boutique hotel is located right next to Atlas Studios. At the heart of the hotel is a lovely central swimming pool, surrounded by rooms, each named and decorated after actors and actresses who have filmed in Ouarzazate.
For Game of Thrones fans, you’ll be thrilled to know that you can stay in the Khaleesi’s room, complete with her portrait (and her dragons) adorning the headboard! And if you’re more of a Russell Crowe fan, there’s even a Gladiator suite waiting for you!
Double room from €124.
Click to find out more about Oscar Hotel
Best Places to Eat
Jardin des Aromes
Le Jardin des Arômes is easily one of the best places to eat in Ouarzazate. Here, you can enjoy classic Moroccan dishes like pigeon pastilla and lamb mechoui, all made with a modern twist. The atmosphere is beautiful, especially if you choose to sit on the green terrace. The service? Always on point. And the people? Stylish and elegant. Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a meal with gourmet friends, this restaurant hits the mark every time!
Jardin des Aromes, 69 Av. Mohamed V Ouarzazate
Chez Dimitri
Chez Dimitri is a beloved little spot in Ouarzazate, practically an institution since it opened way back in 1928. The menu is a mix of hearty Moroccan cuisine and French dishes like Niçoise salad and duck confit with parsley potatoes. And don’t miss the homemade moussaka, a nod to the Greek ancestor who started this well-known family restaurant. It’s a place with history and great food!
Restaurant Chez Dimitri, 22 Avenue Mohamed V, Ouarzazat, Ouarzazate
