Morocco Travel Report: Marrakesh, Sahara & Coastal Towns

Contents of this post11 chapters

• 1One week through Morocco
• 2Essaouira
• 3Agadir
• 4Back to Marrakesh
• 5Next stop: Camper trip
• 6Morocco Round Trip: Route between Marrakech, Sahara and Coast
• 7Coastal towns on the Morocco route
• 8Marrakech sights and must-dos
• 9Morocco tips for markets, food and orientation
• 10Relevant travel reports
• 11Frequently Asked Questions

A week in Morocco: From Berlin, it was just under a 4-hour flight to Marrakech, followed by Essaouira, the sand dunes near Agadir, and finally a quad bike tour. Below you'll also find a suggested ten-day itinerary via Aït-Ben-Haddou and the Merzouga Desert, as well as tips for markets, food, and navigation.

One week through Morocco

We flew from Berlin for just under 4 hours to Marrakesh! Entry went without any problems (entry requirements: full vaccination + health form).
After being welcomed right at the hotel with a traditional mint tea, we admired our new room. A big bathtub & shower, a bed covered with roses, and lots of little chocolates were waiting for us. Everything was clean and tastefully furnished! In the evening we made ourselves comfortable on our balcony and watched the sunset. The next morning there was a breakfast buffet. I haven't seen such a huge selection in a long time! There were lots of different baked goods, spreads, yogurts, cornflakes, fruits, vegetables & whatever else your heart desires!

Essaouira

Our hotel was only a 10-minute drive from the beautiful port city of Essaouira. Never in my life have I seen so many seagulls in one place! In the old town there is a lovely market and old fortification walls from the 18th century.

Did you know that Essaouira was the film set for the slave city of Astapor from the series Game of Thrones?

As we strolled along the market, we saw a woman making almond butter. Totally interesting! You could choose the almond butter with cooking oil or argan oil. On top of that, some honey was added to taste. Of course we took a jar with us and it tastes delicious!
Later we watched how traditional silver jewelry is made and ate fresh fish at the harbor!
Oh, by the way, I totally fell in love with the doors here. Look how beeeautiful…..

Agadir

Another absolute highlight were the sand dunes near Agadir with the great sea view

Tip: Don't even try to take off your shoes, the sand is hellishly hot & don't forget your headwear!

Later we checked into our new yoga & surf hotel. I liked the infinity pool & the great decorations best.

For lunch there was a traditional tajine dish. The containers are made of clay, so the heat can be stored and distributed evenly. With this method the ingredients are cooked gently. This time we got a mix of vegetables & meat with strong spices! However, we also had other options available. I'm especially raving about the freshly baked bread.
One evening we rode right on the beach toward the sunset. Did you also have these “ horse -crazy“ girls in your class back in the day? Now I can finally understand why they loved it so much!

What could be better than ending the day with a massage in a spa? I haven't felt as relaxed as there in a long time. In addition, this Moroccan architectural style knocks my socks off again and again!
Here are a few more examples of Moroccan architecture:
Morocco is definitely also known for its good cuisine! I think I've never eaten such good salmon in my life as here! And that baked camembert too …. A great dinner!
The next day we went on a short hike in the Al Haouz province. The coolest part: on the way there was a stand with freshly squeezed orange juice and stylish seating!
Once we got to the top, our lunch was already waiting for us. It hadn't rained for ages and barely had we arrived at the top, it started. Luckily only very briefly, but still annoying, because I would have loved to sit at the other spot (far right in the picture).
Our third hotel was right in the Atlas Mountains. From there we had an incredible view over the valley. Romaaantic.
In Tahannaout we also did a zipline tour! It was so much fun. Once I stopped midway on the line because I wasn't fast enough. Then I had to pull myself up on my own, oh greeeat hahaha. That could only happen to me.

Back to Marrakesh

Of course we also wanted to explore Marrakesh! Here you'll find one of the most famous markets in all of Morocco! The many lamps, extraordinary spices & other products make shopping an incredible experience.

P.S.: Don't forget to haggle.

We also visited a garden of about 4000 m². It is one of the TOP sights in Marrakesh! There are more than 300 different plant species here and there is something from every continent in the world!
Another sight is the palace with its impressive stucco work and mosaics. As you can see in the picture on the right, Max was a bit too tall for some doors. Reason: The doors were built low to create better insulation.
On our last day we did a quad tour! I've never driven a quad so fast! It was absolutely awesome!
Tip: Wear old clothes, you'll get properly dusty.

Conclusion:

Morocco. Yeah.. I'd somehow heard of it before, but never really considered it as a travel destination. Now I have to say: Morocco totally blew me away! The great markets, the delicious food, the numerous activities, but especially the beautiful architecture… I'd also like to mention again that I haven't seen so many people smile in a long time as in Morocco. During my time there I also got to learn about a lovely ritual. After shaking hands, you put your hand on your heart. Somehow I find that totally beautiful. Something like “You are in my heart“.

Morocco is definitely worth a trip!

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Next stop: Camper trip

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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Relevant travel reports

• Morocco in a week: Must-dos in Marrakech (on max-haase.com)
• Spain Road Trip: Barcelona, Andalusia and the Mediterranean Coast
• France Road Trip: Côte d'Azur, Provence and Bordeaux
• Backpacker tips: Budget travel, packing list and must-knows
• Travelogues from Africa
• Europe Road Trip Part 2, The Balkans, Greece & Turkey