Sometimes, all it takes is one movie to make me add a destination to my travel list. Christopher Nolan\u2019s The Odyssey<\/em> has done exactly that with Morocco.<\/p>\n Watching the landscapes on screen, it\u2019s easy to understand why Morocco works so well for a story that\u2019s supposed to feel epic. There are ancient earthen cities, enormous stretches of desert, dramatic mountains, busy medinas, Atlantic beaches, and buildings that look like they\u2019ve been standing for centuries. Morocco doesn\u2019t need much help looking cinematic.<\/p>\n Here is why you need to visit Morocco in 2026 taking cues from Odyssey the movie. For the best flight ticket deals, click here to book your ticket to Morocco on Trip.com<\/a><\/p>\n Of course, travelers discovered the magic of Morocco long before The Odyssey<\/em>. Marrakech has been a favorite among luxury travelers for years, while places like Chefchaouen, Essaouira, the Sahara, and the Atlas Mountains have created some of the country\u2019s most recognizable travel photographs.<\/p>\n But The Odyssey<\/em> gives me another reason to look at Morocco differently.<\/p>\n Christopher Nolan filmed parts of the movie in Morocco, with the UNESCO-listed A\u00eft Benhaddou representing Troy. Scenes were also filmed around Essaouira, bringing Morocco\u2019s Atlantic landscape into the production.<\/p>\n If seeing those locations has made you curious about experiencing Morocco for yourself, here\u2019s how I\u2019d plan the trip.<\/p>\n If I\u2019m planning a Morocco trip inspired by The Odyssey<\/em>, A\u00eft Benhaddou immediately goes to the top of my itinerary. Located in Ouarzazate province, A\u00eft Benhaddou is a historic fortified settlement, or ksar, built using traditional earthen architecture. The buildings sit closely together behind defensive walls and towers, creating a landscape that already looks like a movie set before a production crew arrives.<\/p>\n For The Odyssey<\/em>, A\u00eft Benhaddou became part of the visual world of Troy. Walking through the real location would be particularly fascinating after seeing the movie because you get to separate what Hollywood created from what has been standing there for generations.<\/p>\n I\u2019d give myself time to actually explore rather than treating it as somewhere to take a photograph and immediately leave. I\u2019d wander through the narrow passages, admire the traditional architecture, and eventually make my way toward higher ground for views across the surrounding landscape.<\/p>\n The best part is that A\u00eft Benhaddou isn\u2019t interesting only because of its Hollywood connection. It\u2019s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most striking surviving examples of traditional southern Moroccan architecture. For film lovers, history lovers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys discovering places that look completely different from home, I\u2019d consider it essential.<\/p>\n Once I\u2019m visiting A\u00eft Benhaddou, I\u2019d also make time for Ouarzazate. There\u2019s a reason this part of Morocco has become so closely associated with filmmaking. Its desert landscapes and distinctive architecture have provided the backdrop for numerous international productions.<\/p>\n But even if you aren\u2019t particularly interested in movies, Ouarzazate is worth experiencing. I\u2019d explore Taourirt Kasbah, visit the area\u2019s cinema attractions, and use the city as a gateway for discovering the valleys, mountains, desert landscapes, and traditional communities surrounding it.<\/p>\n Ouarzazate also provides a completely different experience from Marrakech. While Marrakech can feel energetic and intense, this region feels like the point where the pace begins to slow and the landscape takes over.<\/p>\n A\u00eft Benhaddou isn\u2019t the only Moroccan location connected to The Odyssey<\/em>. Production also headed to Essaouira, where the coastline provided another dramatic backdrop for the story. That alone would make me curious, but Essaouira has plenty to offer beyond its movie credentials.<\/p>\n The coastal city is one of those destinations I\u2019d choose when I need a break from the intensity of sightseeing. Its Atlantic coastline, historic medina, fishing harbor, and relaxed atmosphere create a completely different experience from Marrakech.<\/p>\n I\u2019d spend the morning wandering through the medina before heading toward the waterfront. Later, I\u2019d find somewhere serving fresh seafood and allow myself to have one of those vacation afternoons where absolutely nothing is scheduled. That\u2019s part of what makes a longer Moroccan itinerary so interesting. You aren\u2019t experiencing one version of the country throughout the trip.<\/p>\n If this were my first trip to Morocco, Marrakech would still be non-negotiable. The city is energetic, colorful, occasionally overwhelming, and completely unforgettable. I\u2019d give myself several days rather than trying to squeeze everything into one afternoon.<\/p>\n My mornings would probably start slowly inside a traditional riad before I ventured into the medina. I\u2019d explore the souks, shop for handmade pieces, admire the architecture, and stop whenever I found somewhere interesting for mint tea or Moroccan food.<\/p>\n I\u2019d also visit Jardin Majorelle and spend time appreciating the city\u2019s architecture away from the busiest streets. At night, Marrakech becomes an entirely different experience. Rooftop restaurants, beautiful courtyards, warm lighting, and elegant hotels make the city particularly appealing for couples and luxury travelers.<\/p>\n Discover Ait Benhaddou and the Atlas Film Studios on a scenic day trip from Marrakech. Explore iconic film locations and mountain landscapes with free time for an optional lunch of your choice.<\/strong> Click here to book a tour for just 24EUR<\/a><\/p>\n One experience I\u2019d absolutely prioritize is staying in a riad. A riad is a traditional Moroccan home designed around an interior courtyard. Many historic properties have been transformed into boutique accommodations while preserving details such as tiled floors, carved wood, fountains, and beautiful archways.<\/p>\n Personally, I\u2019d choose a riad over a conventional hotel for at least part of my stay. There\u2019s something special about walking through a relatively understated doorway and discovering an elaborate courtyard hidden behind it. It creates the feeling that you\u2019ve stepped away from the busy city into your own private retreat. For anyone visiting Marrakech or Fez, I\u2019d strongly consider adding at least one riad stay to the itinerary.<\/p>\n Chefchaouen is probably one of the easiest Moroccan destinations to recognize from a single photograph. Much of the old town is painted in shades of blue, creating narrow streets and stairways that have become incredibly popular with photographers and travelers.<\/p>\n I\u2019d visit early in the morning when possible, before the busiest part of the day begins. Instead of rushing between Instagram-famous photo spots, I\u2019d spend time wandering through the streets, visiting local shops, and simply enjoying the atmosphere. Chefchaouen feels completely different from the desert landscapes associated with southern Morocco, which is exactly why I\u2019d include it on a longer trip.<\/p>\n If there\u2019s one experience that would make my Morocco trip feel truly unforgettable, it would be seeing the Sahara. I\u2019d want at least one night near the dunes rather than visiting briefly and immediately leaving.<\/p>\n There\u2019s something extraordinary about watching the landscape change as the sun begins to set. After dark, the experience becomes even more dramatic as the surrounding lights disappear and the night sky takes over.<\/p>\n I\u2019d choose a comfortable desert camp where I could enjoy traditional food and spend the evening appreciating the quiet. After several busy days exploring Moroccan cities, the contrast would be incredible.<\/p>\n Morocco isn\u2019t only about cities and deserts. The Atlas Mountains provide another completely different side of the country. If I had enough time, I\u2019d dedicate at least a day or two to exploring mountain landscapes and smaller communities.<\/p>\n The drive itself is part of the experience. As the cities disappear, the scenery changes dramatically, revealing valleys, rugged mountains, and traditional villages. It\u2019s the kind of excursion I\u2019d choose when I want nature, fresh air, and a slower pace after spending several days navigating busy medinas.<\/p>\n Food would be a major part of my itinerary because Moroccan cuisine is one of those cuisines I wouldn\u2019t want to experience only inside my hotel. I\u2019d make time for traditional tagines, couscous, grilled meats, Moroccan breads, pastries, and plenty of mint tea.<\/p>\n I\u2019d also consider taking a cooking class because I love travel experiences that teach me something I can bring home. Learning how traditional dishes are prepared would give me a much deeper appreciation of the ingredients and culture behind the food.<\/p>\n Markets would be another highlight. Even when I\u2019m not buying anything, exploring spice stalls and food markets gives me a better sense of everyday life in a destination.<\/p>\n I already know I\u2019d need extra luggage space after visiting Morocco. The souks are filled with rugs, ceramics, leather goods, lamps, jewelry, baskets, textiles, spices, and handmade homeware.<\/p>\n Rather than buying everything that catches my attention on the first day, I\u2019d spend time comparing pieces and learning about how they\u2019re made. I\u2019d particularly look for items that remind me of the destination rather than generic souvenirs. A beautiful ceramic bowl, handmade textile, or locally produced piece of jewelry would mean far more to me years later.<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n
Morocco is the Best Place to Visit in Africa according to Odyssey<\/h3>\n
First, Visit A\u00eft Benhaddou, Where The Odyssey Brought Troy to Life<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Spend Time in Ouarzazate<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Experience the Atlantic Beauty of Essaouira<\/strong><\/h4>\n
![\"Morocco](\"https:\/\/lp-cms-production.imgix.net\/2025-01\/Shutterstock1642909105.jpg?auto=format,compress&q=72&w=1440&h=810&fit=crop\")
<\/figure>\nGet Lost in Marrakech<\/strong><\/h4>\n
![\"trendsenstylez\"\/](\"https:\/\/cdn.getyourguide.com\/image\/format=auto%2Cfit=crop%2Cgravity=auto%2Cquality=60%2Cheight=450%2Cdpr=1\/tour_img\/31a854ec785ee6aa317d9e7a23b30a404bb85d342c03e772cdda2a27023c51d3.png\")
<\/figure>\nSleep in a Traditional Moroccan Riad<\/strong><\/h4>\n
See the Blue Streets of Chefchaouen<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Spend a Night in the Sahara Desert<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Explore the Atlas Mountains<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Eat Your Way Through Morocco<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Shop the Souks<\/strong><\/h4>\n
![\"trendsenstylez\"\/](\"https:\/\/cdn.getyourguide.com\/image\/format=auto%2Cfit=crop%2Cgravity=auto%2Cquality=60%2Cheight=450%2Cdpr=1\/tour_img\/74b27aa9ac63c1e143c35cfea9c8146a8017875e095af13ca2f859d1f3cf27eb.jpeg\")
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