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Top 10 hidden gems in Morocco

Morocco is full of remarkable beaches and touristic sites, but if you want to escape the fuss of big touristic sites, read what comes next. We have selected, for you, 10 places that are not very well known, where only a few people go to. These off-the-beaten-track treasures won't stay secret for long.

The lake of Bin el Ouidane

The dam of Bin el Ouidane is 3 hours away from Marrakesh. It's been built in the 50's and extends over 4,000 hectares. The vast blue surface, located at the South of Beni Mellal, borders the national park of the oriental High Atlas.

Where to stay : Chems du Lac Bin El Oudane Hotel, at the edge of Lake Bin El Ouidane

Goulmima

The Ksar of Goulmima is anchored in a wide inlet of the Gheris. It is one of the most beautiful palm groves of the South of Morocco. Its name is the Arab version of the Berber word 'Iguelmimene', which means 'the lakes'. It is an ideal place to hike. the water there is abundant and the shades of gardens and olive groves make the tour very pleasant.

Where to stay : Gite D'Etape Amced, Located in Goulmina, near Essaouira.

The lagoon of Nador (Mar Chica)

Also called Mar Chica, which means 'little sea' in Spanish, it is located on the Mediterranean coast, between the cities of Nador and Melilla. It is in the heart of a vast redevelopment project that will lead to an unbeatable seaside resort.

Where to stay : Dar Nador Situated in Nador, Dar Nador features a terrace with mountains view.

The Tafedna bay

The Tafedna bay is located at the south of the city of Essaouira and at the north of the city of Agadir. It stretches over four kilometers. The place is very quiet with only a few tourists. You will find many fishermen from whom you'll be able to buy fresh fish. The bay is bordered by a beautiful beach of fine sand and gravel hills.

Where to stay : Tasguayan hotel Offering an outdoor pool and a restaurant, this hotel is located in Tisrarine near Tafedna.

Aguelmam Azegza

Meaning 'the green lake' in Amazigh, it is a lake located at 30 km of the city of Khenifra, in the Middle Atlas. At an altitude of 1,474 m, it is bordered by a big forest and a mountain of cedar trees and oak trees. Its location gives it a marvellous beauty. The lake is full of fish, such as pike, tench, carp and roach. Clean and well maintained by the inhabitants of the region, Aguelmame allows its visitors to swim and enjoy it. You can camp there for free, or you can rent little wooden houses for only 70 MAD per night. Cheap hostels can also be found next to the lake.

Where to stay : Atlas Zayane this hotel offers air-conditioned rooms, a tennis court and an outdoor swimming pool, located 30 minutes away from the lake Aguelmam Azigza.

Belyounech

Located at only a stone's throw from Ceuta and the Island of Perejil, this fishermen village, nested in the middle of cairns at about 10 km away from the city of Fnideq, offers one of the most beautiful beaches of Morocco. Still unknown, the Belyounech site, of which the access road was almost unusable a few years ago, is as quiet as the beauty of its landscapes. On top of a pleasant swim, you can also indulge in grilled sardines on the beach.

Where to stay : Parador de Ceuta this hotel is located in Ceuta, 7.9 km from Belyounech.

The lagoon of Oualidia

Located at the south of the city of El Jadida, the seaside resort of Oualidia is mainly popular amongst Moroccans. A beautiful fine sand beach extends on 3 kilometres. It is safe to swim there, and you can participate in many water sports. The scenery becomes fantastic during low tide. You have a beautiful view of many sandbanks with the ocean all the way to the horizon. Note to enthusiasts: you can enjoy the best oysters of Morocco.

Where to stay : La Sultana Oualidia this luxurious property is one of the best in Morocco, it is located on the edge of the lagoon.

The Oasis of Fint

'Fint', which means 'hidden' in Berber, perfectly describes this oasis, well landlocked on the threshold of the mountains of the Anti-Atlas, about 12 km away from the city of Ouarzazate. The oasis of Fint has a special microclimate, maintained by an open sky irrigation system (seguias). This allowed for the installation of a superb palm grove in which many other fruit trees have grown successfully. All this vegetation gives the region an intense contrast between the green color, and the black color of the volcanic rocks that surround the valley of Fint.

Where to stay : Maison d'Hote La Roche Noire this amazing auberge is located 11km from Ouarzazate, great food and friendly staff.

Jebha

It is a small beach, surrounded by pinkish sculptured cliffs, nested at the base of the Occidental Rif mountains, and extending on a hundred meters with an amazing green landscape. Jebha seduces scuba-diving enthusiasts, as well as windsurfing and regatta enthusiasts.

Porto Rico

With its beautiful golden sand beach and its crystal-clear water, Porto Rico is an absolutely wonder nested between the city of Dakhla and the Mauritanian border. Located on the Tropic of Cancer, the bay offers an ideal climate all year long. Not very well known by Moroccans, it is mostly the tourists who enjoy it. It is a perfect location for surfing. Some people don't hesitate to settle there for a few days in beach camps.

Where to stay : Dar Rio Oro Dar Rio Oro offers a terrace with sea views and Moroccan lounges, very comfortable and clean rooms.