Sometimes, all it takes is one movie to make me add a destination to my travel list. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has done exactly that with Morocco.
Watching the landscapes on screen, it’s easy to understand why Morocco works so well for a story that’s 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’ve been standing for centuries. Morocco doesn’t need much help looking cinematic.
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
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Morocco is the Best Place to Visit in Africa according to Odyssey
Of course, travelers discovered the magic of Morocco long before The Odyssey. 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’s most recognizable travel photographs.
But The Odyssey gives me another reason to look at Morocco differently.
Christopher Nolan filmed parts of the movie in Morocco, with the UNESCO-listed Aït Benhaddou representing Troy. Scenes were also filmed around Essaouira, bringing Morocco’s Atlantic landscape into the production.
If seeing those locations has made you curious about experiencing Morocco for yourself, here’s how I’d plan the trip.
First, Visit Aït Benhaddou, Where The Odyssey Brought Troy to Life
If I’m planning a Morocco trip inspired by The Odyssey, Aït Benhaddou immediately goes to the top of my itinerary. Located in Ouarzazate province, Aït 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.
For The Odyssey, Aït 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.
I’d give myself time to actually explore rather than treating it as somewhere to take a photograph and immediately leave. I’d wander through the narrow passages, admire the traditional architecture, and eventually make my way toward higher ground for views across the surrounding landscape.
The best part is that Aït Benhaddou isn’t interesting only because of its Hollywood connection. It’s 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’d consider it essential.
Spend Time in Ouarzazate
Once I’m visiting Aït Benhaddou, I’d also make time for Ouarzazate. There’s 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.
But even if you aren’t particularly interested in movies, Ouarzazate is worth experiencing. I’d explore Taourirt Kasbah, visit the area’s cinema attractions, and use the city as a gateway for discovering the valleys, mountains, desert landscapes, and traditional communities surrounding it.
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.
Experience the Atlantic Beauty of Essaouira
Aït Benhaddou isn’t the only Moroccan location connected to The Odyssey. 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.
The coastal city is one of those destinations I’d 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.
I’d spend the morning wandering through the medina before heading toward the waterfront. Later, I’d find somewhere serving fresh seafood and allow myself to have one of those vacation afternoons where absolutely nothing is scheduled. That’s part of what makes a longer Moroccan itinerary so interesting. You aren’t experiencing one version of the country throughout the trip.
Get Lost in Marrakech
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’d give myself several days rather than trying to squeeze everything into one afternoon.
My mornings would probably start slowly inside a traditional riad before I ventured into the medina. I’d explore the souks, shop for handmade pieces, admire the architecture, and stop whenever I found somewhere interesting for mint tea or Moroccan food.
I’d also visit Jardin Majorelle and spend time appreciating the city’s 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.
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. Click here to book a tour for just 24EUR
Sleep in a Traditional Moroccan Riad
One experience I’d 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.
Personally, I’d choose a riad over a conventional hotel for at least part of my stay. There’s something special about walking through a relatively understated doorway and discovering an elaborate courtyard hidden behind it. It creates the feeling that you’ve stepped away from the busy city into your own private retreat. For anyone visiting Marrakech or Fez, I’d strongly consider adding at least one riad stay to the itinerary.
See the Blue Streets of Chefchaouen
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.
I’d visit early in the morning when possible, before the busiest part of the day begins. Instead of rushing between Instagram-famous photo spots, I’d 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’d include it on a longer trip.
Spend a Night in the Sahara Desert
If there’s one experience that would make my Morocco trip feel truly unforgettable, it would be seeing the Sahara. I’d want at least one night near the dunes rather than visiting briefly and immediately leaving.
There’s 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.
I’d 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.
Explore the Atlas Mountains
Morocco isn’t only about cities and deserts. The Atlas Mountains provide another completely different side of the country. If I had enough time, I’d dedicate at least a day or two to exploring mountain landscapes and smaller communities.
The drive itself is part of the experience. As the cities disappear, the scenery changes dramatically, revealing valleys, rugged mountains, and traditional villages. It’s the kind of excursion I’d choose when I want nature, fresh air, and a slower pace after spending several days navigating busy medinas.
Eat Your Way Through Morocco
Food would be a major part of my itinerary because Moroccan cuisine is one of those cuisines I wouldn’t want to experience only inside my hotel. I’d make time for traditional tagines, couscous, grilled meats, Moroccan breads, pastries, and plenty of mint tea.
I’d 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.
Markets would be another highlight. Even when I’m not buying anything, exploring spice stalls and food markets gives me a better sense of everyday life in a destination.
Shop the Souks
I already know I’d need extra luggage space after visiting Morocco. The souks are filled with rugs, ceramics, leather goods, lamps, jewelry, baskets, textiles, spices, and handmade homeware.
Rather than buying everything that catches my attention on the first day, I’d spend time comparing pieces and learning about how they’re made. I’d 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.
Click here to book a tour of the medina & Souk
Has Odyssey the movie inspired you to want to explore Morocco? Do you think Morocco is the best place in Africa in 2026? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.