Morocco Travelogue — Marrakech, Sahara & Coastal Resorts

Morocco Round Trip: Route between Marrakech, Sahara and Coast

Those with time to spare after a week can use Marrakech as the starting point for a ten-day tour of Morocco. The first three days are dedicated to exploring the Medina. On the fourth day, you can either take a trip to the Atlas Mountains or to the Atlantic coast and Essaouira. The route then continues for two days via Aït-Ben-Haddou and Ouarzazate. Aït-Ben-Haddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and served as a filming location for Game of Thrones and Gladiator.

Morocco Route: from Marrakech to the Merzouga Desert

The next leg of the route takes you to the Merzouga Desert. A camel ride and an overnight stay in a Berber tent are planned for days seven and eight. Sunrise on the Erg Chebbi dunes serves as another useful landmark for planning. Days nine and ten lead back to Fes via the Todra Gorge. This tour thus connects the city of Marrakech, mud-brick buildings, the desert, and the gorge, rather than limiting the journey to a single location.

For a shorter option, Marrakech and day trips remain the base. Essaouira is about two and a half to three hours from Marrakech by car or bus. Atlas Mountains destinations include the Ouzoud Waterfalls, a three-hour drive away, and Imlil, the starting point for tours to Toubkal. Those wishing to explore both directions will need at least one additional day for each destination.

Coastal towns on the Morocco route

Essaouira in the Morocco travelogue

Essaouira offers a stark contrast to bustling Marrakech. This Atlantic city is characterized by white houses with blue shutters, a lively fishing port, and miles of sandy beaches. Bab Sbaa and Bab Doukkala are two 18th-century city gates. The consistent winds also make it a popular destination for windsurfers and kitesurfers. Those planning more than a day trip can combine watching the sunset from the city walls with an overnight stay.

Agadir as a coastal stop on the Morocco trip

Near Agadir, sand dunes meet the ocean. For this coastal stop, a hat and shoes are essential, as the sand can get very hot. A horseback ride along the beach at sunset is a great activity. Thus, on this route, Agadir represents dunes, beach, and the Atlantic Ocean, while Essaouira combines the harbor, old town, and water sports.

Marrakech sights and must-dos

Djemaa el-Fna: Experience Marrakech in the evening

Djemaa el-Fna is the central square of the Medina and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, food stalls, acrobats, and storytellers fill the square. At sunset, a rooftop terrace offers a view over the bustling activity and the Koutoubia Mosque. In the large crowds, bags should be carried in front of you. Photos with performers or animals are not always free, so it's advisable to agree on a tip beforehand.

Bahia Palace and Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech

The Bahia Palace showcases Islamic architecture with zellige mosaics and cedarwood carvings. The Jardin Majorelle is Yves Saint Laurent's botanical garden and is famous for its Majorelle Blue paint. Together with the medina and its souks, these two places offer a counterpoint to the hustle and bustle of Djemaa el-Fna. You should plan two to three days for the city itself; with excursions to Essaouira or the Atlas Mountains, four to five days are recommended.

Souks as a Marrakech must-do

In the souks, different crafts are spread across separate areas. The Souk Semmarine sells clothing and bags, among other things, while the Souk des Teinturiers is recognizable by its colorful skeins of wool. The Souk Haddadine focuses on blacksmithing and metal goods, and the Souk des Tapis on carpets. Rue Mouassine and Rue Dar el Bacha serve as the main thoroughfares. Because the narrow alleyways make digital navigation difficult, it helps to remember these two names.

Morocco tips for markets, food and orientation

Bargaining in Morocco: friendly and without obligation to buy

Haggling is commonplace in markets, while supermarkets and restaurants with fixed prices are exceptions. The initial offer is often three to five times the target price. A counteroffer can start at thirty percent and should remain below half the initial price. The key is how you approach the offer: show interest, but don't create a sense of obligation, remain polite, and if necessary, move on. Haggling is a social ritual, not a battle.

Small bills are handy in the souks because card payments are rarely accepted. You can ask for a fair price for a typical souvenir beforehand at a riad or restaurant. Google Maps is only partially effective in the medina due to the narrow and winding alleyways. Tip: Take a taxi after dark instead of walking alone through empty, poorly lit streets.

Food in Morocco: more than just tagine

Besides tagine, pastilla and harira are among the typical dishes. Pastilla is a sweet and savory pastry filled with pigeon or chicken, while harira is a lentil soup used to break the fast. Freshly squeezed orange juice and mint tea round out the selection. The tea is poured from a height into small glasses, creating a frothy texture. In the evenings, numerous food stalls open on Djemaa el-Fna; vegetarian options include vegetable tagine and harira.

• For the Medina, light clothing with covered shoulders and knees, as well as sturdy shoes, are suitable.
• A hat provides protection from the sun, not only on the dunes near Agadir.
• For markets, small banknotes are more helpful than the expectation of being able to pay by card everywhere.
• The two main axes, Rue Mouassine and Rue Dar el Bacha, make it easier to find your way around the souks.

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