Morocco’s best-kept secret is a 18°C winter city break with its own ‘mini Hollywood’

If you’ve ever visited Marrakesh, you will be familiar with the honk of scooters, the vendors shouting from heaving stalls, and the carts rattling through the medina. Many love its intense energy; others leave overwhelmed.

But fly over Morocco’s spectacular High Atlas mountains to the south, and you’ll find Ouarzazate (pronounced: War-za-zat), a city that couldn’t be more different from its bustling neighbour.

In Amazigh, the native language of the region, Ouarzazate means ‘without noise’. Here, the horizons stretch wider, and the sky is brighter.

Two mountain ranges cradle it, anchoring the blue above. If you continue southeast, the foothills give way to vast, sandy plains.

Ouarzazate was known as the ‘desert door’ of Morocco, a starting point for adventurers, but it is fast becoming a destination in its own right.

And yet, chances are that you’ve already seen it on your screens more times than you can imagine.

Welcome to Ouarzawood

Ouarzazate is Morocco’s own Hollywood.

Its two local film studios, as well as the surrounding area, have been the backdrop for countless famous productions: Gladiator and Gladiator II, Game of Thrones, Prince of Persia, The Wheel of Time… the list goes on.

It’s no surprise the city is also jokingly referred to as ‘Ouarzawood’. As I approach the centre by car, I immediately spot a film crew at work, making the most of the pink light of dusk.

My guide, Abdul, tells me that filmmaking is now generational for many families. From the first film shot here in 1937, the French production The Men Without Name, to next year’s reimagining of The Odyssey by Christopher Nolan, it is not unusual to meet locals working as film extras on sets built by their parents and grandparents.

‘If I see someone with a long beard, I know they are preparing for a role,’ he tells me with a laugh.

That’s true of local celebrity Abdelaziz Bouyadnaine, whose bushy beard and resemblance to Osama Bin Laden have landed him roles in over 100 films.

What to see and do in Ouarzazate

After all of that, a visit to a film studio is mandatory.

Stop at Atlas Studios, on the outskirts of Ouarzazate, and wander the sets of Kundun, Kingdom of Heaven, Cleopatra and many more. Entry is £6.50, and although some sets show their age, it’s a fascinating behind-the-scenes view of the film industry you don’t often get.

If you’re hungry for more, the nearby Cinema Museum (entry is £3.50) has a selection of movie memorabilia, props and equipment. It is an interactive experience, with lots to play with.

But the crown jewel is the Ksar of Aït-Ben-Haddou. Dating back to the 17th century, this Unesco-protected fortified village is made of adobe (dried mud bricks) and clay. It’s no surprise so many movies were filmed here, as it’s truly otherworldly.

It’s free to visit (no matter what some people may try to say, as they ask you for payment), but I advise getting a guide to appreciate this astonishing piece of history to the fullest.

For a great view, climb all the way to the top or have lunch at one of the restaurants nearby. Many have panoramic rooftops or gardens that are worth seeing.

Ouarzazate lies at the crossroads of Morocco’s ancient north-south trade routes, once traversed by caravans of African merchants to reach the great markets of Marrakesh and Fes.

Today, it remains a key stop along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, a scenic route through valleys, Berber villages and centuries-old forts that attracts many visitors.

During my visit, I was lucky to explore Taourirt Kasbah, in the city centre. This former palace was damaged by the magnitude 6.8 earthquake that struck Morocco in 2023, but has been undergoing extensive restoration (£2 entry).

It’s a fascinating maze of traditional Moroccan architecture, with some rooms still showcasing original features. For £2, it’s a must-visit.

If you’re willing to drive a bit further for a day trip, the area is rich of natural gems. The Dadès Gorges (about two hours away by car) and the Toudgha Gorges (a bit further at two and a half hours) are both dramatic canyons formed by rivers – cutting through ancient layers of limestone and red rock.

Closer by, the Fint Oasis is a spot of green stillness. In Amazigh, Fint means ‘hidden’, and it’s no surprise that the area is still somewhat untouched by mass tourism.

As we left the main road and descended the rocky terrain, we passed women washing clothes by the river and children splashing in the shallows.

La Terrace des Délices is a good stop for lunch or some mint tea, where you can rest while taking in the view of the date palms and mudbrick villages.

Finally, Ouarzazate is also known as the ‘gateway to the desert’ due to its strategic location, making it a key starting point for visiting the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga or Erg Lihoudi near M’Hamid.

Many visitors spend a few days in Ouarzazate before setting off for desert camping under the stars.

At the risk of sounding cheesy, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I fully recommend.

Where to stay in Ouarzazate

The city’s hotel scene is in the midst of a serious glow-up.

Amongst the properties that opened or relaunched this year, there is Amanar Hôtel & Spa (£133 per night for a double room), a new five-star rated 9.3/10 on Booking.com.

For the full Hollywood experience, check in at Le Berbère Palace (starting at £267 per night for a superior room). An Ouarzazate institution and favourite of film crews, it pairs old-school luxury with cinematic flair.

There are palm-lined courtyards, a glamorous pool, and corridors lined with movie memorabilia. I even worked out on Denzel Washington’s gym machines!

For a budget option, stay at Tin Joseph (£71 per night for a superior room). With a 9.3/10 rating on Booking.com, it wins guests over with its warm hospitality and staff who, as one reviewer put it, ‘could not do enough to help’.

How to get to Ouarzazate

Ryanair flies directly to Ourzazate from London Stansted, but only a few times each week. Alternatively, you can stopover at Casablanca and take an internal flight.

There are regular buses from Marrakech. For £7, you’ll reach Ouarzazate in four hours.

If you’re considering a Moroccan road trip, Ouarzazate is also a good stop along the way.

From Marrakech, you can drive through the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass through the High Atlas Mountains, before heading to the Erg Chebbi dunes and the Dadès Gorges. Many group tour operators will also offer similar itineraries.

When to visit Ouarzazate

The best times to visit Ouarzazate are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the temperatures are mild and days are pleasant.

The Amazigh New Year in January is a huge festival, with feasts, dance and traditional dress.

During the first week of May (although the dates vary), the nearby city of Kelâat M’Gouna hosts the Rose Festival to celebrate the end of the harvest. There are parades, music, and many rose-based products.

Martina Andretta was a guest of the Moroccan National Tourist Office, but don’t expect us to sugarcoat anything – our reviews are 100% independent.

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