When speaking or writing about a place, words often can’t truly convey an experience, no matter how great of a writer you may be. Thankfully, we have photos, and photos make everything much better, don’t they? They make your words slightly more realistic. Whether you’re hunting for a quiet, meditative garden to contemplate the day, or a dramatic aerial shot, these are the best sunset spots in Marrakech - and they’re every bit as enchanting as they sound.
A sunset in Morocco is one for the bucket list! The skies are yellow, pink, purple, and deep shades of magenta. As we traveled around Morocco, this exotic North African country, we made sure to walk the city walls or go out to the beach at night to enjoy the daily light show. While there’s so much to love about this exotic, friendly country, we just fell in love with these romantic evening displays. We’re sure everyone else will love them too.
Here are some of the most photogenic, most beautiful, and most spectacular places to visit in Morocco:
Best Places to Watch the Sunset
1. Sahara Desert
Nothing compares to the sunrise and sunset in the Sahara Desert. At sunrise, the sky slowly changes from dark blue to soft pink and orange, while the golden sand dunes start to shine under the first light. It feels like the desert is waking up. At sunset, the scene is just as magical.
The sun slowly sinks behind the endless dunes, painting the sky in shades of red, orange, and purple. Many say it is one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. This is the lesser-visited Erg Chigaga, the sand dunes outside of M’hamid. The experience is unlike anything else!
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As the sun started getting lower, we were on camels so we could admire their shadows on the sand dunes turning gold and orange. And once at the camp, we climbed a dune to watch the sun setting. Epic!
2. Marrakech
Marrakech, the “Red City,” is known for its lively atmosphere, historic palaces, and colorful souks. From the famous Jemaa el-Fna square, the view at sunset is special. The square is full of life: storytellers, food stalls, and music. For a quieter moment, many visitors go to rooftop terraces in the medina. From here, you can sip mint tea while watching the sun go down over the Koutoubia Mosque and the Atlas Mountains in the distance.
From rooftop riads to desert edges, discover the best places to watch the sunset in Marrakech. There’s something truly spellbinding about the light in Marrakech. As the day draws to a close, the city’s iconic red walls glow a deeper shade of rust, while nearby date palms and the distant Atlas Mountains fade to silhouette.
Here are some specific spots in Marrakech to consider:
- Jemaa el-Fnaa Rooftop Cafés: High above Jema el-Fnaa's rooftop cafés, grab some of the best sunset views. This is one of the best sunset views in Marrakech if you want to watch the city come to life as day turns to night.
- Le Jardin Secret: Tucked inside the maze of the medina, Le Jardin Secret is a lush, walled garden filled with fountains, palms, and birdsong. Climb the tower for a modest elevation boost and one of the more tranquil sunset spots in Marrakech.
- La Mamounia Gardens: Even if you’re not staying at Marrakech’s most legendary hotel, you can visit its famous gardens - and they’re especially radiant in the hour before sundown. This is the best place to watch the sunset in Marrakech if you want elegance, quiet, and a perfectly Instagrammable setting without ever having to leave the city.
- Bab Agnaou & the Kasbah Walls: As the sun sinks over the red city, Bab Agnaou - the grand, horseshoe-arched gate to the old royal Kasbah - turns molten with color.
- El Badi Palace Ruins: The crumbling orange walls and long shadowed arcades soak up the fading light, casting dramatic patterns across sunken courtyards and nesting storks.
- Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Palmeraie: There’s no grander way to watch the sun set than from a hot air balloon drifting over the desert edges of Marrakech.
- Menara Gardens: With the High Atlas Mountains rising in the background and palm trees framing the horizon, it’s easily one of the most tranquil outdoor sunset spots in Marrakech.
First sunrise over Marrakech was one the most coloful sunrise I have ever seen. I had climbed to the rooftop terrace of my hotel and was greeted with a sky changing colors all the time: orange, yellow, pink... I could not stop taking pictures! The next morning in Marrakech was not as bright and colorful but it was still enjoyable with swirling pink clouds...
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3. Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen, famous for its blue-painted streets and houses, is one of the most picturesque towns in Morocco. Surrounded by the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen offers many viewpoints. At sunrise, the light gently touches the blue walls, creating a calm and magical feeling. At sunset, the town glows against the changing colors of the mountains and sky. A popular spot to watch the sunset is from the Spanish Mosque, located on a hill overlooking the town.
4. Essaouira
On the Atlantic coast, the city of Essaouira is known for its relaxed vibe, fresh seafood, and strong winds that attract surfers. From the sandy beach, you can watch the sun dip into the ocean, painting the sky in pink, orange, and purple tones. The historic Skala de la Ville, the old city walls, is another great spot to enjoy the sunset. The walls of Essaouira, on the Atlantic side, are crenelated and it seemed that each notch was filled with rubber-neckers.
One of Essaouira’s most popular and picturesque spots to get a great view of the medina. Meet Essaouira’s coast. This rugged coastline flanks the medina and makes for a hairy climb but the views are fab!
5. Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains stretch across Morocco and offer endless opportunities for sunrise and sunset lovers. At sunrise, the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas shine with golden light, while the valleys below slowly wake up. It’s peaceful and breathtaking.
Number three sunset happened while we were in transit. We drove all over the country, and one evening when we were almost to the place we were stopping for the night, we turned around to see this view following us. It was an amazing show of swirling clouds drenched in a strawberry lemonade sky, silhouetting the Atlas mountains.
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6. Agadir
Agadir, a modern city on the Atlantic coast, is another great place to watch the sunset. The long sandy beach is perfect for evening walks as the sun sets over the horizon. You can also climb to the Agadir Oufella ruins, a hilltop with panoramic views of the city and sea.
7. Ait Ben Haddou
Ait Ben Haddou, the famous UNESCO World Heritage kasbah, is a historic site that looks like a scene from a movie. At sunset, the clay buildings of the kasbah glow with golden and red tones, blending perfectly with the desert landscape around it.
Made UBER famous by Game of Thrones, Ait Ben Haddou is simply gorgeous. Just past Ait Ben Haddou is this beauty.
Morocco: What to Know Before You Visit Morocco
Other Notable Locations
- Imsouane: Home to the longest right break in the country, the best view is from the viewpoint on top of the towering cliffs.
- Taghazout: Taghazout’s beach is lined with little riads, surf camps, and restaurants.
- Marabout Beach: Marabout Beach is deserted but I don’t know why.
- Mirleft: Sunset from this Spanish fort is PERFECT. In fact, Mirleft stole a little piece of my heart.
- Ouarzazate: In Ouarzazate, I set up on the hotel's rooftop to wait for sunset. As I was waiting I could observed the locals wandering around and the streets starting to light up. Then the colors came it and it was like a firework with crazy clouds!
Morocco is a land where nature, history, and culture come together to create unforgettable experiences. From the golden dunes of the Sahara to the blue streets of Chefchaouen, from the beaches of Essaouira to the mountains of the Atlas, each sunrise and sunset tells its own story. If you are planning a trip to Morocco, make sure to take the time to stop, breathe, and enjoy these beautiful moments.
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