Day 1 | Arrival in Marrakech

If you really think about it, there isn’t much one can do to prepare for the turmoil and madness that Marrakech can be at times.

You see, Marrakech is a city one should adapt to slowly, as its upbeat energy can often feel intimidating, intense, and overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors.

To avoid a poor first impression, I’d recommend picking up your rental car at the airport and then heading straight to the calmer coastal town of Essaouira – don’t worry, there will be 3 whole days in Marrakech waiting for you at the end of this Morocco itinerary.

If you have a late arrival or a lengthy inbound journey, I’d suggest booking a hotel in Gueliz (modern Marrakech), so you can start your drive towards Essaouira first thing the next morning.

Day 1 – 4 | Essaouira

Marked by an iconic palette of cobalt blue and chalky white, Essaouira is a coastal gem that captures the essence of Morocco’s Atlantic shores elegantly.

It’s a city that marches to the beat of its own drum, one that reveals itself at a slower, more comfortable pace, and where century-old traditions continue to shape everyday life.

For me, the best way to get a feel for this remarkable city is to wander the maze-like alleyways without a plan, stopping for a coffee whenever the mood strikes, browsing the many boutique shops, and simply taking in the laid-back ambience that makes Essaouira oh so special.  

While a good roam without a plan is definitely the way to go here, these are some of my favourite things to do in Essaouira:

Skala du Port | Situated at the heart of the lively harbour area, this historic sea bastion was constructed under the rule of Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdallah and has recently gained renewed attention after featuring in HBO’s blockbuster series Game of Thrones.

Stroll the Essaouira Ramparts | Towering above Essaouira, the robust city walls offer spectacular views over the Atlantic, and a leisurely walk along them – especially during sunset – is easily one of the city’s most memorable experiences.

Snap the iconic blue boats of Essaouira | Essaouira has become pretty famous for its iconic blue boats, along with the fishermen who navigate them. Together, they tell the story of how Essaouira and the ocean are tied together like knots in a rope, creating a remarkable scene, especially for those into serious photography.

Day 4 – 6 | Imsouane

Known for having the longest wave in Africa, Imsouane is a classic surf destination that has seen a huge rise in popularity in recent years, attracting not just surfers, but also digital nomads and slow travellers from around the world.

Flanked by rough cliffs and characterised by the deep blue waters of the Atlantic, Imsouane’s vast coastline is as alluring as any I’ve seen in Morocco.

Its waves are long and mellow, its atmosphere laid-back and calm, and its days dictated by the rhythm of the ocean, and that, is exactly the reason why travellers enjoy spending time in this small, yet vibrant fishing village.

While there’s not much to do in the traditional sense, it’s the ability to slow down without the pull to go out and about exploring that makes Imsouane all the more special.

Here are some of my favourite things to do in Imsouane:

Go surfing | Imsouane is a dream destination for surfers, with Magic Bay providing the ideal spot for beginners, while Cathedral Point offers more powerful reef breaks, perfect for experienced surfers.

Admire the Timlaline Dunes | Only a short drive from Imsouane, the Timlaline Dunes feel worlds away from the coastal village, with golden dunes, sweeping ocean views, and an otherworldly atmosphere that sets the tone for an unforgettable experience. 

Watch the sunset | With uninterrupted ocean views from its cliffs and beaches, Imsouane gives way to some of Morocco’s most memorable sunsets, so make sure you sit down and watch one of nature’s most spectacular shows unfold right in front of you.

Visit the harbour | Since there’s not much to do besides surfing and taking it slow, wandering around the harbour with a camera in hand has been one of my favourite moments in Imsouane. It’s authentic, picturesque and one of the best ways to experience the essence of this charming fishing village.

Day 6 – 9 | Tamraght

The next stop on this Morocco itinerary is Tamraght, a cosy town marked by a lively creative community, excellent surf opportunities, and an overall welcoming vibe.

As with many places, trends have a tendency to transform destinations over time, which is exactly why I chose to base myself in Tamraght over Taghazout. While there’s nothing wrong with the latter, its ever-growing popularity has gradually altered the bohemian charm that once lured like-minded travellers to its shores.

On the other hand, Tamraght, to me, has managed to hold on to a more authentic essence, offering the same easy-going surf culture, heaps of speciality coffee joints, and stunning coastal scenery, all while serving as the ideal base from which to explore the many neighbouring villages and their highlights, including Taghazout, Aourir, and Anza.

Though Tamraght is definitely on the up, the crowds are still relatively thin, creating a welcoming yet lively atmosphere where locals and travellers alike mingle in perfect harmony.

Here are some of my favourite things to do in Tamraght:

Have lunch at Machi Mouchkil | A welcoming find amidst the dusty streets of Tamraght, Machi Mouchkil is a cosy eatery that is equally trendy and local. Definitely try their Titiza with spicy Wili Wili sauce; it’s wonderfully delicious.

Enjoy the coffee scene | While Tamraght is relatively compact, it is teeming with speciality coffee shops that are well worth exploring. Some of my favourites include Daydream, Zawya Coffee Shop, Nafas Cafe, and Hey Yallah.

Visit neighbouring Taghazout | Although I personally favoured Tamraght, that’s not to say that Taghazout isn’t worth your while – in fact, its proximity makes it an ideal day trip. Arrive in the afternoon and wander through the vibrant alleyways, then grab a quick bite at one of the many restaurants before ending the day with sunset at the now-famous Taghazout skatepark.

Stroll the Tamraght Souk | If you happen to be around town on a Tuesday, head to the small square behind the main mosque. Trust me, it’s an excellent local experience and the perfect place to stock up on fresh produce or to find a unique ceramic piece for at home.

Visit Aourir | Just a short walk from Tamraght is Aourir, a sleepy village famous for its banana stands, local ambience, and coastal appeal. It’s a tad unassuming but well worth a visit.

Day 9 | The Agafay Desert

After spending quite some time along Morocco’s stunning coastline, where you hopefully caught a bunch of waves, it is time for a delightful little road trip towards the unusual yet beautiful stone desert of Agafay.

Located on the outskirts of Marrakech, the Agafay Desert is the perfect place to get some well-deserved rest before embarking on the long journey to Ait Ben Haddou and the Sahara.

You see, this lunar-like landscape is home to some of Morocco’s most luxurious desert camps, providing the ideal mix of comfort, nature, and luxury, all while offering a sense of unrivalled stillness beneath the vast desert sky.

My camp of choice was Scarabeo Camp, a spectacular tented setup that instantly gave off Indiana Jones vibes, with the experience feeling more as if I were part of an adventurous expedition than an actual stay.

The tents were truly amazing, complete with thoughtful decorations, locally crafted furniture, and keepsakes reminiscent of faraway journeys.

Just a stone’s throw from the camp lies a stunning infinity pool overlooking the vast desert with the towering Atlas Mountains as its backdrop – a truly exceptional setting for a refreshing dip on a hot summer’s day.

During my time here, I had a truly memorable dinner underneath the stars, enjoyed a thrilling quad ride through the unique landscape, and made time to unwind with a book by the pool.

Agafay might only be a short stop on this Morocco itinerary, but it’s the perfect place to pause before the adventure continues towards the Sahara.

Day 10 | Drive across the Atlas Mountains & Aït Benhaddou

Leaving Agafay behind, there’s quite a bit more driving today than earlier in this Morocco itinerary. But rest assured, the effort made on this fairly demanding travel day will be paid in full.

Here’s the thing: the road from Agafay to Aït Benhaddou will guide you straight through the majestic Atlas Mountains, where winding mountain passes, traditional Berber villages, and ever-changing landscapes unassumingly transform the journey into a destination in itself.

The highlight is, far and away, the zig-zagging roads of the famous Tizi n’ Tichka.

Connecting Marrakech to Ouarzazate, this impressive mountain pass is easily up there with the most incredible mountain roads I’ve ever driven – and with several photo stops along the way, it has become a true Moroccan icon.

After crossing the Atlas, dusty roads lead you to stunning sights including the Telouet Kasbah and the Kasbah El Glaoui of Tamedakhte, before reaching the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou, where you’ll spend the night. 

Since you’re arriving in the afternoon, you’ll still have time to catch a first glimpse of the iconic kasbah before the light fades, with a mesmerising sunset from one of the nearby viewpoints as the ideal send-off before calling it a night.

Day 11 | Early rise in Aït Benhaddou and drive to Merzouga

Staying near Aït Benhaddou led to one of the most memorable moments of this Morocco itinerary: roaming the ancient kasbah’s maze-like alleyways in complete silence, long before the day-trippers arrived.

It was the ideal way to experience the spirit of this remarkable Berber settlement, steeped in centuries of history, and widely known for doubling as the slave city Yunkai in HBO’s blockbuster series Game of Thrones.

After leaving Aït Benhaddou at around 10 in the morning, you’ll have quite a lot of ground to cover today.

While there are plenty of stops between Aït Benhaddou and Merzouga, I’d advise saving those for the journey back to Marrakech. This way, you’ll arrive in Merzouga in the afternoon.

Yes, the drive ahead is a bit lengthy, but seeing the landscape slowly shift from dusty plains to glowing dunes adds to the experience, with the excitement of reaching the Sahara growing every time you pass a ‘Beware of Camels’ traffic sign.

Then, at last, you arrive in Merzouga, perfectly on time to settle in at your camp, take an optional sunset camel ride, and enjoy a traditional Berber feast under the stars, before drifting off to sleep in the otherworldly desert dunes.

Day 12 | The Sahara; Merzouga and driving to Tinghir

Spending the night in the Sahara is one thing, but waking up here and seeing the first light gently drift across the wave-like dunes is truly something spectacular.

Here, stillness prevails unlike anywhere else I’ve ventured, with golden sand stretching as far as the eye can see, leaving even the most seasoned travellers in awe.

After treasuring every moment in the desert, it is time to begin the drive towards Tinghir at noon.

While there isn’t much to see or do in Tinghir, I think it’s better to split the journey back to Marrakech over two days for a more comfortable experience.

By doing so, you’ll get some well-deserved rest in Tinghir, while also having the opportunity to visit the nearby Todra Gorge.

Situated about half an hour from Tinghir, Todra Gorge is a bit of a hit or miss. 

For some, this series of limestone river canyons might be the highlight of this Morocco itinerary; for others, it’s simply a stop along the way. 

Whether it’s one or the other, I’d say the steep rock walls are well worthy of a quick visit.

Day 13 | Tinghir to Marrakech

After an early start and a brief stop at Boumalne Dades, it is time to begin the drive back to Marrakech. Luckily, a visit to CLA Studios in Ouarzazate will break up the travel time.

While slightly underwhelming, I believe those who lower their expectations will actually enjoy CLA Studios. It is, after all, where blockbusters such as Kingdom of Heaven and Game of Thrones were filmed.

Before making your way through the Atlas Mountains, opt for a quick lunch around Ait Ben Haddou, so you’re fueled properly for the final part of this road trip.

Then, after conquering the Atlas Mountains, you’ll arrive in Marrakech in the early afternoon, where you’ll drop off your rental and take a taxi to your riad – or, if you’ve picked your riad wisely, take their private transfer; make sure you give my article on the best riads in Marrakech a read to help you find the perfect riad.

Once in Marrakech, the evening is yours to enjoy all the comfort and luxury your riad has to offer, whether it’s a traditional hammam treatment, a lovely rooftop dinner, or a cosy time in your beautifully decorated room.

Day 13 – 16 | Marrakech

Then, at last, it is time to explore one of my absolute favourite cities in the world, the chaotic yet magical city that is Marrakech.

A city of extremes, where a fascinating play of chaos and serenity shapes the day, and where contemporary flair and centuries-old traditions come together beautifully.

One moment you’re wandering the vibrant medina in search of authentic everyday moments, the next you’re taking in the architectural brilliance of a hidden palace, savouring a mouthwatering tajine or two, before taking a soothing break by the pool of an awe-inspiring riad. 

I could easily spend weeks wandering the Marrakech medina without growing tired of it. You see, with every wander through its maze-like alleyways, your appreciation for the Red City will deepen, something you will, luckily, soon experience for yourself.

Here are some of my favourite things to do in Marrakech:

Ben Youssef Madrassa | Tucked away in the Marrakech medina, the iconic Ben Youssef Madrassa is without question one of the finest examples of traditional Moorish craftsmanship. Hence why I’d advocate lining up early in the morning.

Stay in an authentic riad | There are only a few things that get me more excited than knowing I will spend time in a beautifully put-together riad. Hidden behind the unassuming walls of the medina, these retreats offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech.

Have a coffee at Bacha | As historical as it is elegant, Bacha Coffee is downright stunning, serving a superior selection of roughly 200 single-origin coffees, sourced from around the world. As with most popular spots in Marrakech, line up early.