North Africa · Morocco

Aït Benhaddou

Historic Half day difficulty: Moderate with kids: yes

A honey-colored citadel of mud and straw perched on a hilltop, with battlemented towers and lanes that climb toward the top. Crossing the river over the stones and stepping through its earthen gates, you feel you've walked into a thousand-year-old tale.

The pop wink

Many famous films were shot here: «Gladiator», «Lawrence of Arabia» and also the series «Game of Thrones» (that last one is for adults, your children may not watch it yet). Recognizing a wall or a gate that appeared in a movie they have seen turns the walk into a treasure hunt.

With kids

Cross the river hopping from stone to stone to reach the gate
Climb the earthen lanes up to the granary at the top
Look for the walls and towers that appeared in the movies they've already seen
Touch the mud walls and guess how a house is built without bricks

Accessibility: All ages; the climb to the top is steep with earthen steps, bring water and a hat

With family

Watch the sunset turn the whole citadel golden from the far bank
Buy a painting made with tea and saffron from the artisans inside
Take the family photo with the mud towers framing the desert
Imagine together the camel caravans that stopped here centuries ago

Full listing, routes and recommendations at Mi País — Aït Benhaddou. ← All destinations