If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into stunning scenery from your favorite film or posing with a distinctive landmark like the star of your most recent streaming binge, you need a set-jetting vacation. Set-jetting, or planning a trip around famous filming locations, is one of the top travel trends of the past few years and shows no signs of slowing down.
While newcomers to the fad plan Emily in Paris-inspired European escapes, you should jump ahead of the curve with a timeless movie-focused itinerary in Morocco. From Alfred Hitchcock-directed classics to soon-to-debut blockbusters like Gladiator II, the country is a treasure trove of movie history with larger-than-life landscapes to match.
Here are some of the top spots for cinephiles on a set-jetting trip to Morocco.
Casablanca
The setting of the famous Humphrey Bogart film of the same name, Casablanca is a thriving modern metropolis that makes for an easy first stop on your set-jetting introduction to Morocco. After exploring the winding streets of the medina, step inside the film with a stop at Rick’s Cafe. While the club from the movie doesn’t exist (Casablanca was actually filmed on a soundstage in California), this version was conjured up by an American expat who wanted visitors to experience the romance of Casablanca for themselves. Two decades later, the restaurant still serves a jazz-era vibe with retro cocktails, French fare and live music to complete the scene.
While it hasn’t yet found a starring role on the silver screen, Hassan II Mosque is dramatic enough to warrant a stop on your set-jetting adventure if for no other reason than to take fabulous photos. The striking, sea-front structure is the second-largest mosque in Africa, with a marble courtyard and jaw-dropping prayer hall large enough to accommodate 80,000 worshippers. The mosque’s epic scale will have even the most jaded movie-goer giving rave reviews.
Marrakech
One of Morocco’s largest and most recognizable cities, Marrakech has served as the backdrop for everything from mid-century thrillers (Hitchcock’s The Man Who Knew Too Much) to epic period pieces (2004’s Colin Farrell-led Alexander). Start your tour of the ancient metropolis by checking into Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star La Mamounia. This ultra-luxe oasis played a supporting role in both films mentioned above as well as Netflix’s dramatic miniseries Inventing Anna.
After exploring the resort’s richly adorned interiors and verdant grounds, head for the bustling Jemaa El Fnaa square. The eclectic (and unabashedly chaotic) open-air market has provided an iconic backdrop for artistic films like Hideous Kinky, starring Kate Winslet, and more mainstream movies like Sex and the City 2. A bit of silver screen trivia: While the latter sequel takes place in Abu Dhabi, it was filmed mainly in Marrakech.
Ouarzazate
No trip to Morocco would be complete without an excursion into the Sahara Desert. Along the way, stop in the southern city of Ouarzazate to discover a backlot of cinematic highlights. The first stop on your trek should be Ksar Ait-Ben-Haddou, a striking desert fortress that seems to rise out of the barren rocky landscape.
The 1,000-year-old walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and plays a role in dozens of star-studded productions, including Lawrence of Arabia, King of Persia and Game of Thrones Season 3. However, the ancient city is most famous as the setting for 2000 Oscar winner Gladiator, a role it will reprise when Gladiator II hits theaters on November 22. A little more movie trivia: The impressive gate framing the entrance to the city was a set piece built for Gladiator left for cinephiles to enjoy today.
Just outside Ouarzazate is another hub of cinematic history. Atlas Studios, also known as “the Hollywood of Morocco,” is one of the largest film studios in the world and a must-visit for any movie buff. Guided tours of the lot are offered daily, and a small museum provides a glimpse at some of the massive set pieces used in filming some of Morocco’s silver-screen stunners. The studio is used regularly, so it’s not uncommon to catch a sneak peek of movie-making magic in progress during your visit.
Merzouga
Near the border of Algeria, Merzouga’s terrain is out of this world. Just outside the city, you’ll find the Erg Chebbi, a seemingly endless sea of orange sand stacked into dunes as tall as mountains. Fantastical films like The Mummy and Aquaman took full advantage of the otherworldly appearance, as did Matthew McConaughey’s aptly named adventure flick Sahara. The only way to experience the dunes is to book a guided tour complete with an overnight stay in a luxury desert camp — like Luxury Camp Merzouga — and excursions like camel rides and sand surfing. We’d suggest opting for a private trip through a local, Amazigh family-owned company like Desert Explored.
Ziz Valley
On your way out of the Sahara, plan a quick pit stop along the Ziz Valley. This 60-million palm tree oasis is the largest in Morocco and served as inspiration (and a filming location) for the mythical forest of Ahm Shere in the 2001 sequel to The Mummy.
Fes
The eighth-century city of Fes is everything you’d expect an ancient Moroccan metropolis to be. The UNESCO-protected medieval medina is made up of more than 9,000 winding streets and alleyways, from which the smells of cooked meats, fragrant perfumes and the world-famous tannery mingle like the eclectic blend of tourists and locals mulling about. Fes’ cultural melting pot has been featured in movies like Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, The Bourne Ultimatum, The Man Who Knew Infinity and Black Hawk Down. Searching for former film sets in the maze of a medina can be challenging, so we’d highly recommend seeking a skilled guide.
Tangier
End your Morocco set-jetting adventure in the coastal city of Tangier. The bustling port, with its whitewashed buildings and Strait of Gibraltar backdrop, has proved to be a favorite filming location for action blockbusters like James Bond: Spectre, Men in Black: International, The Bourne Ultimatum and Inception. Wander the winding medina streets to spot the sites of high-speed chases and signature stunts before holing up in a traditional café to sip mint tea and savor a cinematic sunset over the ocean.
