A sunset in Morocco can be a camel caravan on a golden dune, a wall above the Atlantic or a hill above a blue town. This guide covers the best places to watch a sunset in Morocco, with the time you need, how to get there and what to bring. We start with the Sahara, because it is the sunset our team knows best.
Sunset in Morocco: The Quick Answer
For the most memorable sunset in Morocco, ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga. For an easy evening near Marrakech, choose Agafay. For the sea, go to Essaouira. For a view of a whole town, climb to the Spanish Mosque above Chefchaouen.
Sunset in Morocco in the Sahara: Merzouga and Erg Chebbi
The Sahara gives the most dramatic sunset in Morocco. The dunes of Erg Chebbi rise to about 150 meters, and the low sun turns the sand from gold to orange and red. The shapes of the ridges stand out clearly, so every photo has depth.
The classic way to see it is on a camel. The ride is timed so you cross the dunes as the light changes, and the guides stop on the ridges for photos. Depending on the camp, the ride can take about an hour and 30 minutes. Our full guide to a camel ride in Merzouga explains the weight limit, the time and what to wear.
Most travelers arrive at camp as the sun goes down, then have mint tea, dinner and music. Read our guide to a night in a Sahara desert camp to see how the evening continues. For more to do around the dunes, see the best things to do in Merzouga.
A phone is enough for photos. Point the camera toward the sun for silhouettes of the camels and the riders. Then turn around, because the warm light on the dune ridges behind you is just as beautiful.
Sunset in Morocco at Agafay, Near Marrakech
Agafay is a stony desert close to Marrakech. At sunset the hills glow gold and pink, and the High Atlas stands on the horizon. It is the easy choice if you have less than two days or travel with small children, because there is no long drive. Our comparison of Agafay and Merzouga explains how the two deserts differ.
Sunset in Morocco at Essaouira
Essaouira is the place for a sunset over the sea. The old walls of the port town face the Atlantic, and the light falls on the whitewashed medina and the blue fishing boats. The ocean wind is constant, so bring a light jacket. Essaouira is only two and a half hours from Marrakech, which makes it a good evening or overnight trip. To compare the coast with the desert, read the Sahara versus the Atlantic coast guide.
After the sun goes down, stay in town for dinner. Fresh grilled seafood is the reason many travelers come back to Essaouira.
Sunset in Morocco at Chefchaouen
In Chefchaouen, walk up to the Spanish Mosque. The path starts at Ras El Maa and takes thirty to forty minutes uphill. It is steep in places, so wear real shoes. From the top you see the whole blue town in the mountains. It is the best thing to do in Chefchaouen at sunset. Bring a layer, because the wind is strong up there. More tips are in our guide to Chefchaouen.
Sunset in Morocco From a Marrakech Rooftop
If you stay in the city, a rooftop terrace in the medina gives you a calm sunset. The domes, the minarets and the Atlas Mountains turn pink as the evening call to prayer begins. Choose a terrace that faces west, and arrive before the sun starts to drop.
Many riads also have a roof terrace of their own. Ask your host, because it is often the quietest place to watch the evening.
Tips for Watching a Sunset in Morocco
Arrive early
Reach your spot well before the sun goes down. Good places fill up, and the light is best in the last hour.
Stay after the sun sets
The sky often keeps its color for a few minutes after the sun disappears. Do not leave too soon.
Bring a warm layer
The temperature falls quickly after sunset, in the desert and in the mountains. Keep a jacket and a scarf in your bag. Our guide on what to wear in the Sahara desert has the full list.
When to Watch the Sunset in Morocco
You can see a good sunset in Morocco all year. The heat is the main difference between seasons, and it matters most in the south. Our guide to Morocco in summer shows how the temperature changes by region.
How to Plan a Sunset in Morocco With Us
Our Sahara tours include the sunset camel ride, so the best sunset in Morocco is already part of the trip. See the 3 and 4 day desert tours to choose the length. Send us a message on WhatsApp at +212 609 490 681 or use the contact page.
Tell us your dates and the number of travelers. We will plan the day so you reach the dunes in time for the best light.
Want a sunset in the dunes?
Message us on WhatsAppSunset in Morocco FAQ
Where is the best sunset in Morocco?
The Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga give the most dramatic sunset in Morocco, ideally from a camel.
Where can I watch a sunset in Morocco near Marrakech?
Agafay is the easiest choice, and a west-facing rooftop in the medina is the simplest.
How long is the camel ride at sunset in Merzouga?
It depends on the camp, and it can take about an hour and 30 minutes.
Is it cold after sunset in Morocco?
Yes. The temperature falls quickly in the desert and the mountains, so bring a warm layer.
Where is the best sunset in Morocco by the sea?
Essaouira, where the old town walls face the Atlantic.
Navigate Morocco is a team from the Sahara desert who work as a family. We will be glad to help you plan your sunset in Morocco.
Looking for a romantic trip? Read our guide to a Morocco honeymoon.
More Navigate Morocco guides: dirt bike rides in Merzouga, quad biking in Merzouga, sandboarding in Merzouga, Merzouga vs Zagora, Erg Chigaga vs Merzouga, the Gnawa village of Khamlia.
