One Day in Ouarzazate

Start early in Ouarzazate. Most riads and guesthouses serve breakfast (msemen, honey, olives, coffee), but if yours doesn't, Café Restaurant Dacia near the centre is reliable and opens early. Fuel up — you have a full day ahead.

The world's largest film studio. Guided tours take you through sets from Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Kingdom of Heaven, Cleopatra, and The Mummy. You'll walk through Egyptian temples, Roman arenas, and medieval villages — all built of plaster and fibreglass in the desert. The props and costumes on display are fascinating.

This 300-year-old Glaoui kasbah dominates Ouarzazate's skyline. Once home to the powerful Glaoui family who controlled the region, the restored upper floors feature intricate painted ceilings, carved plaster, and panoramic rooftop views. The surrounding neighbourhood of artisan workshops is worth exploring.

Head 30 km northwest to Morocco's most famous ksar. The drive through semi-arid landscape — rocky plateaus, dry riverbeds, and the occasional oasis — sets the scene. Arrange your grand taxi to wait while you explore.

The UNESCO World Heritage ksar (fortified village) is Morocco's most photographed site. Cross the river (stepping stones or a footbridge) and climb through layers of mud-brick towers, granaries, and homes — some still inhabited. The summit offers sweeping views of the oasis, river, and distant mountains. Featured in dozens of films and TV shows.

Several restaurants face the ksar across the river — eat on a terrace with the iconic mud-brick skyline as your backdrop. Berber tagine, couscous, and fresh salads are the standard offerings. The food is tourist-oriented but decent, and the setting is unbeatable.

Head back to Ouarzazate. If you have energy, ask the driver to stop at CLA Studios (Cinema Lieux de l'Atlas) en route — a smaller studio that sometimes has sets from recent productions. Otherwise, continue to the town centre.

The small cinema museum near the centre documents Ouarzazate's film history with posters, photos, and memorabilia. Afterwards, browse the artisan cooperative opposite Kasbah Taourirt — Ouarzazate is known for carved stone, Berber jewellery, and rose products from the nearby Dadès Valley.

If time allows, take a short taxi ride (15 min) south to the Fint Oasis viewpoint. This hidden palm oasis in a dramatic canyon is one of Ouarzazate's best-kept secrets — far fewer visitors than Ait Benhaddou, with a strikingly different landscape. The golden-hour light here is extraordinary.

End your day with mint tea at one of the rooftop cafés near the centre, watching the sunset turn the desert landscape orange and pink. The High Atlas mountains to the north often catch the last light beautifully. A quiet, contemplative ending to a day in Morocco's film capital.