Discover a world of magnificent symmetry and ornately patterned mosaics. Morocco’s landscape, culture, food, and people, make this country truly magical.
You may go on a camel ride in the Desert at dawn, go snowboarding in the Atlas Mountains in the late afternoon, and unwind in a riad at night all on the same day.
What to do in Morocco?
This itinerary involves quite a bit of driving. Our starting point was Marrakesh, but you can start the trip from anywhere as it’s a circuit.
Where to stay in Morocco?
As you travel through the country you will find wonderful riads which you can stay in. A riad is a traditional Moroccan house with several floors. Most noticeably riads have an interior garden, often with intricate tile mosaics covering the walls. They tend to be more budget-friendly and laid back than a stay at a hotel. Make sure you take this opportunity to stay in one or several beautifully decorated riads for a more unique experience!
Check out some of our favorite riads that we stayed at:
3 Days in Marrakesh
Day 1 in Marrakesh
Marrakesh will be many people’s first stop in Morocco. Start by jumping into the loud, wonderful, ochre jumble that is its medina. This walled area is the most ancient part of the city. Filled with a maze of narrow, chaotic streets, it is easy to get lost. As you dodge donkeys and carts full of produce, you will get a true feel of traditional Moroccan city life among the many shops and market stalls.
In the heart of the medina, lies the world-famous market square, Jemaa el Fna. Its many food stalls, shops, bands of musicians, and the cheering of men gambling on street games create an overwhelming spectacle. You might feel like you walked into a circus (unfortunately, this also includes the abuse of animals dressed up and chained for profit in exchange for a photo). However, even though it may feel overwhelming at first, it is definitely worth a visit, especially in the evenings.
Make sure to visit the Koutoubia mosque close to the market. This 12th-century mosque is one of the most emblematic buildings in Marrakesh with its tall minaret and central location.
Tip: Go up to Le Grand Balcon du Cafe Glaciere for a great view over the busy market square and some subpar tea.
Day 2 in Marrakesh
Start your day with a visit to Le Jardin Majorelle. This beautiful botanical garden, with its bright colors, painted plant pots, and mansion, was designed by Jacques Majorelle. It was later purchased by Yves Saint-Laurent.
This is probably the most popular site in the city, as it is the only one where you must purchase tickets online beforehand, so make sure to go as early as possible to beat the crowds. Afterward, make sure to visit the Yves Saint Laurent museum next door, showcasing the work of the renowned fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.
Tip: Don’t miss the Musee Berbere inside the Jardin Majorelle itself. It requires a separate ticket but is a very interesting showcase of Berber culture.
Later, among the hubbub of the Marrakesh medina you will find an oasis of peace and greenery: Le Jardin Secret. Make sure to go up to the terrace for a coffee and a view over the gardens and their impressive irrigation channels dating back to the 18th century.
Visit one of the most beautiful buildings in Marrakesh, the Ibn Youssef madrasa, which formerly served as Morocco’s largest Islamic school. With its internal terrace built around a fountain and mosaics, you can admire the detailed Moroccan architecture, which combines Arabic and Andalusian architectural styles.
Day 3 in Marrakesh
If you’re going to Marrakesh, you’ll likely hear about the Saadian dynasty. Many of Marrakesh’s top sites are situated in a district of the city outside the medina. They were built under their rule and have a distinct style if they haven’t been ransacked.
Being ransacked still doesn’t stop the El Badi Palace from being one of the most awesome sites in Marrakesh. The remaining ruins show how big the Badi palace once was. Make sure to visit the Saadian Tombs nearby.
Visit the Bahia Palace, only a five-minute walk away, and you have a really monument-dense area of Marrakesh to explore!
The Bahia Palace was commissioned by the sultan in the 19th century with the intention of making it the greatest palace ever. No wonder that in Arabic “Bahia” translates into brilliance. Arrive early and stroll the lavish marble courtyard in the middle of the royal complex, filled with orange trees. Take your time to admire the stunning stained glass windows and read about the sultan and his numerous wives.
1 Day in Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate
South of Marrakesh, past the Atlas Mountains, are the restored red mud-brick fortified villages of Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate.
This will be the first of several long drives, taking approximately 3.5 hours and crossing beautiful scenic landscapes.
Day trip to Aït Ben Haddou
The well-preserved ancient village of Aït Ben Haddou has appeared in films such as The Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia, as well as the HBO series Game of Thrones. These traditional Berber fortified villages are known as Kasbahs and are dotted throughout Morocco.
Spend some time exploring the village’s old streets and buildings; besides some souvenir shops, some families still live here. Get lost in the windy streets and soak in the magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and desert in the distance.
Note: There is no entrance fee for Aït Ben Haddou, so disregard any attempt by locals trying to sell fake tickets or fake guided tours.
Day trip to Ouarzazate
Keep driving in the direction of Merzouga and be sure to stop at the fortified village of Ouarzazate. After paying a small entrance fee, explore the fortress. Visit some of the exhibits on display inside the kasbah walls and take in the views of the Atlas and Anti-Atlas mountains on either side.
2 Days in Merzouga on the Sahara Desert
Visiting Morocco would be incomplete without taking in the breathtaking sights of the Sahara Desert. With its rose-gold dunes rising above the desert, the enormous sand sea of Erg Chebbi is a spectacular sight, especially when the sun sets and the dunes become pink and purple.
Hop on a camel during sunset, and in the evening, enjoy some musical jam sessions around a campfire. Followed by stargazing and glamping in tents. If you want an outstanding scenic perspective, wake up early and go on a hike to the tallest dune. No guide is needed, just look at the tallest one and walk in a straight line!
Note: Reaching Merzouga takes about 8 hours by car, so best to plan minimum of 2 days for the Sahara.
Where to Stay?
We stayed at Sunrise Sahara Camp, where we paid around 150 euros a night. This price included pick-up and drop-off, a sunset camel ride, breakfast, dinner, snacks, and a bonfire. Therefore, we found that the price was quite reasonable.
You can read more about our experience in Egypt’s Western desert here
Did You Know
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2 Days in Fez
Known across Morocco as the cultural heart of the country, Fez and its medina is a time capsule into Morocco’s past. The medina is the largest non-motorized urban area in the world, meaning you will encounter only foot traffic and donkeys in these winding streets. Mix that with the artisans plying their trade using traditional methods and tools, and you get a unique idea of what this ancient city was like centuries ago. Perhaps best known for its Instagrammable tanneries, Fez is also home to the largest medina in Morocco, a slew of trendy Riads, and a near-infinite number of souks to practice your bargaining in.
The Chouara Tannery is one of the city’s best-known attractions. Only by passing through one of the numerous leather shops in the area will you be able to gain access to the terraces surrounding it. This will involve ignoring a lot of fake tour guides and eventually giving a small tip to the shop owners at your chosen store. The best views of the tanneries are from numbers 10 and 64. Store 10 is easy to find as it is on the main road by the tanneries. For store 64, you have to head into one of the side alleys around the tannery.
If you arrive early in the morning, you can observe the strenuous physical labor involved in creating the leather goods that are then sold in the shops.
Tip: Stay in the centrally located Riad Sidrat Fes and enjoy a nice dinner at Le Tarbouche
2 Days in Chefchaouen: The Blue City
The one location you cannot skip in your Morocco 10-day itinerary is Chefchaouen. This village at the bottom of the Riff Mountains is a thousand different shades of blue. You won’t believe that this is a real city with inhabitants. If you get lucky, you might even spot a few locals retouching and repainting their houses. After spending a couple of days here, you might start asking yourself if the inhabitants of this city ever get tired of all the blue (blue doors, blue walls, and blue furniture).
Spend a day sipping fresh orange juice and snapping pictures of the adorable doorways and winding streets of Chefchaouen. If you’re feeling adventurous on your second day here, go for a hike in the Riff Mountains.
Where to eat:
Sofia: Hidden behind the main square, the food is absolutely tasty and the place is run by women only.
Bab Ssour: Authentic and very well-priced restaurant.
Clock Cafe: Go here if you want to try some camel burgers.
How to get around in Morocco?
Morocco is a large country with incredible scenery, making it a treat to travel through. Despite the long distances, the destinations are worth it.
A car is, by far, the most convenient way to travel throughout Morocco. It’s a big country, and with a car, you have the flexibility to stop wherever you want and travel at your own pace. Yes, distances can be far, but the stunning landscapes are totally worth the road trip!
Alternatively, you can pay to join a tour. In Marrakesh or Fez, you will find tour agencies offering guided tours. This can be more expensive, but it saves you the hassle and energy of having to drive long distances.
