21 Photos: the magic of Morocco

As the founder of Going Home Broke, a platform dedicated to travel, photography and meaningful connection, Lucy Mason is an expert at finding the beauty in everyday moments.

The first time I went to Morocco, I was 10 years old and completely overwhelmed by the chaos of it all. I remember being pulled by the arm into a shop, disappearing from my family’s view, which led to what you could call a very heated exchange. So when I returned 20 years later, I arrived ready to hold my ground in the madness I remembered. But almost immediately, I realised something had changed – or maybe I had changed – because what once felt chaotic now felt calm, and somehow, I thrived in it.

The noise, the heat, the smells and the people calling out to me weren’t aggressive; they were inviting me into their world of artistry and colour. Photographing Morocco is a dance with that energy – fast, unpredictable and full of moments waiting to be caught while trying not to get hit by a motorbike. It’s a place that pulls my attention in every direction and I love every second of it.

Morocco’s heart

Once I fell into Morocco’s rhythm, there was no turning back. I return several times a year now, and each trip brings new friendships and stories. It’s become part of my life in a way I never expected. I love the people so deeply – they are the most beautiful subjects to both observe and photograph. What amazes me is that no matter how many times I return, I know exactly where I’ll find some of them. Their unwavering dedication to their craft and the rhythm of their daily lives is unlike anything I’m used to. There’s something comforting and inspiring about seeing the same faces, in the same places, doing what they love and do best.

I’m also drawn to the landscape – to its colours and the contrast between the dry earth and the lush green valleys that seem to appear out of nowhere once you leave the city. My camera helps me pause and search for the magical moments rushing past. In Marrakech, pausing doesn’t mean standing still; it means learning to see beauty in motion and being quick enough to frame the chaos before it disappears.

How to capture it through photography

The biggest insight I’ve learned here is to let go of control. Morocco rewards curiosity and flexibility more than planning out the photos you want. Mornings are perfect for shooting, when sunlight spills into dusty alleys and everything moves a little slower. Still, some of my favourite photos happen right in the middle of the day, when the light is least ideal – harsh, bold and challenging to edit. Be brave about getting lost in your surroundings, and if someone invites you up for tea on their rooftop, say yes. When photographing people, respect always comes first. Ask before getting too close, and remember that while most are proud to share a glimpse of their world, not everyone wants to be in front of your lens.

Hospitality at its finest

I can’t get enough of the riads and the beautiful accommodation Morocco offers. They know exactly what they’re doing when it comes to design. Every space feels thoughtful and steeped in history, yet luxurious in every way. What truly convinces me of their beauty is the hospitality woven into them – hospitality is everything in Morocco. Every detail and design choice is considered with the guest in mind, and the hands of skilled artisans are visible in each build and renovation. Heritage isn’t destroyed here – it’s enhanced. You won’t find places like these anywhere else in the world. I love photographing these interiors, capturing the details that make them special. That’s what I love most about photography: it celebrates the little things – the finest, smallest touches that come together to make the bigger picture magical.

Local life 

There are endless things I could recommend doing in Morocco, but I’ll always start with this: shop local! Wander the souks, talk to the makers and buy directly from the artisans who pour their hearts into what they create. Buy the rug, get that beautiful leather bag made – I promise you won’t regret it. And please, try msemen (the best bread in the world), chicken pastilla (the tastiest dish) and as many fresh oranges and pomegranates as you can.

Beyond Marrakech 

While Marrakech feels like the heart of the country, beyond it lies an entirely different world. If you’re looking for a short escape, the Agafay Desert is perfect – a quiet, time-slowing, golden retreat with no light pollution, where sunsets and sunrises fill the sky and the lack of internet feels like a gift. The Atlas Mountains are essential to truly understanding Morocco. Life there is unhurried and grounding. The locals are kind and genuinely delighted to share their world (and homes) with you. Some of the people I’ve met there, only a couple of hours from Marrakech, have never even been to the city – and they don’t need it. For a while, you realise you don’t either.

The Sahara, though farther away, is a true bucket-list destination. You can stay among the dunes, where your only access is by camel. There’s no internet, no artificial light – just good food and the incredible experience of truly switching off. It’s addictive, and the effort to reach it only adds to its reward. Then there’s the coastline – another world altogether. Essaouira is a must, with its slower beach lifestyle and creative, windswept charm. Along Morocco’s western edge, small surf towns dot the coast, some with little more than a handful of places to stay. Surfers come here for the Atlantic waves, the simplicity and the rare magic of untouched beaches where life moves gently.