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Tinghir, along with Ouarzazate and Dades Valley, is conveniently located along the route from Marrakech to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. So, if you’re planning a desert adventure, stopping off at these incredible places is a no-brainer.
Most organised tours all visit these spots, but if you fancy a bit more freedom (and the ability to pull over for all those jaw-dropping viewpoints), renting a car and driving in Morocco is 100% the way to go! It’s exactly what I did!
Now, to be completely honest, Tinghir isn’t overflowing with things to do – the main attraction here is the stunning Todra Gorge. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of breathtaking viewpoints to stop at along the way, and I’ve included all my favourites in this list!
So, to help you make the most of your time in Tinghir, I’ve put together this ultimate guide – from top things to do to the best hotels and where to find the tastiest food!
Overview of the Ultimate Guide to Tinghir
I’ve pinned all the must-see spots, best hotels, and must-try restaurants in Tinghir on this Google Map below.
Top Things to Do in Tinghir
As mentioned, Tinghir is a small and laid-back city with Todra Gorge as its main attraction. But even so, simply slowing down and soaking in the culture here is an adventure in itself.
Wander Around Tinghir
While in Tinghir, you should wander through the city’s old town, explore the Jewish quarter, and check out the Mosquée Ikalalne and Kasbah Tizgui Tinghir.
Tinghir isn’t some touristy hotspot – it’s the real Morocco. So, you can expect winding narrow streets and a genuine glimpse into local life, far from the usual tourist crowds at Todra Gorge.
Stop Off at Some Panoramic Viewpoints around Tinghir
As you drive around Tinghir, you’ll be sitting up pretty high, giving you some absolutely breathtaking views over the palm groves and dramatic mountains that surround this city. There are loads of spots to pull over and soak it all in. And I’ve linked all the ones I stopped at in the Google Maps Tinghir Overview above, so you know some places to stop off before you go!
Exploring Todra Gorge: Tinghir’s Most Famous Attraction
If you’ve got to pick one place to see in Tinghir, it has to be Todra Gorge. Made of a series of dramatic limestone canyons, some of which tower 400 metres above you, with the calming Todra River meandering through them, it’s an epic place to just sit and take in the natural beauty.
But let’s be real – if you’re hoping for a peaceful, people-free experience, you might want to rethink that. Todra Gorge is not only a major UNESCO-listed site, but it’s also home to Berber communities who have lived here for generations, adding to the gorge’s rich cultural charm.
I even asked the guy at my accommodation’s reception when the best time would be to have Todra Gorge all to myself – and he practically laughed in my face. So yeah… safe to say that’s not happening!
That being said, if you really want to fully immerse yourself in this breathtaking spot, why not make your visit a bit more adventurous? You could set off on a Todra Gorge hike, or if you’re feeling brave, try rock climbing on the towering cliffs. Either way, it’ll be a quieter (and more exhilarating) experience that you won’t forget!
How Many Days to Spend in Tinghir?
I’d definitely say that one day – or an overnight stay – is plenty in Tinghir. It’s mostly a pit stop on the way to the Sahara, but it’s a peaceful place to rest and recharge before continuing your journey. Plus, staying overnight gives you the chance to experience Todra Gorge at sunrise or early morning, when the crowds haven’t yet arrived.
This is what we did: we stayed at Auberge Le Festival Todra Gorge, and it actually gave us the chance to get to Todra Gorge before all the crowds and tourist buses arrived. This allowed us to have a bit of a quieter experience.
Best Time to Visit Tinghir
Spring: Lows 9-23°C | Highs 20-23°C
Summer: Lows 23-24°C | Highs 32-36°C
Autumn: Lows 5-23°C | Highs 16-32°C
Winter: Lows 3-9°C | Highs 14-20°C
If I can give you one piece of advice about when to visit inland Morocco, it would be to avoid summer. When I went in July, it was 40°C plus every single day. There was a constant haze in the sky, and everything was dried up. It also just wasn’t that pleasant to be in those temperatures all day.
If you do happen to be visiting, then I’d suggest booking the refreshingly cool cave room at Auberge Le Festival Todra Gorge. This is where I stayed, and it was a welcome escape from the heat.
If I had to recommend anywhere to visit in Morocco during summer, I’d say head straight for the coast — somewhere like Taghazout (I absolutely loved travelling there). It’s noticeably cooler than inland, with a fresh Atlantic breeze that makes all the difference.
Plus, it’s one of the best places to go surfing in Morocco, and there’s no better way to beat the heat than diving into the waves. I actually visited a Taghazout surf camp, so if you want to do the same, make sure to read my blog before you book.
Honestly, for Tinghir, going during any other season is a better shout than summer. In spring, autumn, and winter, the air will be crisper, the landscape will look more alive, and you’ll get to witness some of the most incredible sunrises, sunsets, and night skies. Make sure to check out my guide on the best time to visit Morocco so you can plan your trip at just the right moment.
How to Get from Marrakech to Tinghir
Book a Tour from Marrakech to Tinghir
One of the best ways to visit Tinghir, specifically Todra Gorge, is on this 3-Day Merzouga and Sahara Desert Tour. It’s one of the most popular tours from Marrakech.
On your way to Merzouga, you’ll explore Ouarzazate, visit the ancient city of Ait Ben Haddou, stop off in Boumalne Dades, and spend a night under the stars in the Sahara. It’s the perfect way to see all the must-see places in southern Morocco in a nutshell.
Hire a Car in Marrakech to Drive to Tinghir
I hired a car in Marrakech and road-tripped all the way to Merzouga. We decided to stop in Tinghir and the Todra Gorge on the way back from the Sahara, taking the longer, supposedly more scenic route through Ziz Canyon to get there.
Turns out, it was only about a three-hour drive, making it one of the shorter journeys of our trip – Morocco is surprisingly huge!
However, having a car gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace, take breaks whenever we fancied, and venture off the beaten track. It was so worth it in my opinion!
If you’re thinking of doing the same, check out DiscoverCars or AutoEurope for car rental quotes.
Take a Bus From Marrakech to Tinghir Bus
Taking the bus from Marrakech to Tinghir is definitely one of the more budget-friendly options. Sure, it’s not the most luxurious way to travel – seven-plus hours on a bus isn’t going to be exactly comfortable – but hey, it’s all part of the backpacking travel adventure!
While you won’t get to stop at scenic viewpoints along the way, you can still sit back, relax, and soak in the stunning landscapes from your seat.
There are two bus companies that operate this route:
- Supratours:
- Runs one bus per day at 8am
- Direct
- Costs about £14/€16 one-way
- Takes around 7-8 hours
- CTM:
- Runs one bus per day at 10am
- Change buses in Ouarzazate
- Costs about £11/€13 one-way
- Takes around 8-9 hours
Private Transfer or Tour from Marrakech to Tinghir
If you’re not keen on driving, squeezing onto public transport, or joining a group tour, then booking a private taxi from Marrakech to Tinghir and Boumalne Dades is your best bet.
Alternatively, why not go all out with a private tour of Morocco? You can fully customise it to suit your pace, preferences, and must-see spots – making the trip exactly what you want it to be!
Whether you opt for a private taxi or a tour, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the views – no stressing about the road, no squeezing into a cramped bus, and no awkward small talk if you’re not feeling it.
Plus, you’ve got the freedom to ask your driver to stop whenever and wherever you fancy, whether it’s for a photo, a snack, or just to stretch your legs!
Where to Stay in Tinghir: Riads, Guesthouses, and Hotels
Budget Dades Valley Hotels (£0-30 per night)
- Guesthouse Panorama Todra – The view from the balcony is worth the stay alone! With a free breakfast included, free WiFi, and private bathrooms, all for less than £30, this hotel is an absolute budget-friendly gem.
- Dar Relax Hostel, Gorges de Todra – You’ve got the choice of staying in dorms or a private room, and to be honest, the price difference isn’t massive. It’s got everything you need for a comfy stay, including a free breakfast to start your day off right and being a hostel, you’ve got a higher chance of meeting like-minded people – perfect if you’re solo travelling.
Mid-Range Dades Valley Hotels (£30-60 per night)
- Hotel Tomboctou – This charming old Kasbah is ideal if you’re visiting during the warmer months. With a large outdoor pool to cool off in and air conditioning in the rooms, it’s got everything you need to stay comfortable in the heat.
- Riad Dar Bab Todra – This hotel is absolutely stunning, with stylish, comfortable decor, peaceful surroundings, and incredible views of the landscape. And the outdoor pool is just the cherry on top!
Luxury Dades Valley Hotels (£60 or more per night)
- Auberge Le Festival Todra Gorge – This is exactly where I stayed during my night in Tinghir. If you want all the details, I’ve got a full review of thisTodra Gorge Hotel. But in short, it was delightful, and I highly recommend staying here!
Top-Rated Restaurants in Tinghir
As mentioned, we stayed at the beautiful Auberge Le Festival Todra Gorge. However, it’s not the smoothest road to get to it!
So, once we finally arrived and parked up, we figured we’d just stay put for dinner. And wow, were we glad we did!
For an off-grid hotel, the food was surprisingly good – some of the best we had on our entire Morocco trip! And the 360-degree views of the Todra Gorge just made it even more perfect.
You should definitely consider having dinner here! But here’s a little tip: call ahead to check there’s availability before making the journey – you don’t want to arrive only to find out there’s no space!
That being said, Tinghir is packed with amazing places to eat. The restaurants below all have rave reviews, so if you’re wondering where to go, this is a great place to start!
- Café Restaurant Central: Moroccan and African Cuisine | Vegan, Vegetarian and Halal Friendly | Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Dinner Options
- Restaurant La Petite Gorge: Moroccan and African Cuisine | Vegan, Vegetarian and Halal Friendly plus Gluten Free Options | Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Dinner Options
- Happy Nomad Restaurant: Moroccan Cuisine | Lunch and Dinner Options
- Restaurant Chez Michéle: Moroccan and French Cuisine | Lunch and Dinner Options
- Cafe Restaurant Chez Ahmed: Moroccan Cuisine | Vegetarian-Friendly | Lunch and Dinner Options
- Restaurant Source des Poissons Sacrés cher abdell: Moroccan Cuisine | Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly | Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Dinner Options
Tips for Visiting Tinghir and the Todra Gorge
Tinghir is all about stepping into nature and soaking up the incredible landscapes around Todra Gorge. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of this beautiful corner of Morocco:
- Arrive early. Todra Gorge is one of Morocco’s top attractions, so it can get busy with busloads of tourists each day. To enjoy it before the crowds arrive, plan to get there early. You probably won’t have it to yourself, but the morning hours are definitely the quietest.
- Wear shoes built for adventure. Comfortable walking or hiking shoes will keep your trek through the gorge smooth and enjoyable.
- Bring layers. While the valley air can feel warm, the canyon can cool quickly. A light jacket will keep you comfortable throughout your visit.
- Stay hydrated. Keep water handy, as the dry mountain air can make you quite dehydrated.
- Go with the flow (literally). The river creates small pools, perfect for a refreshing splash on hot days. Roll up your trousers and enjoy the moment.
- Respect climbing zones. Todra Gorge is a hotspot for rock climbers. Watching them scale the cliffs is amazing, but be sure to stay clear of the marked climbing routes.
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Kirsty x
