What’s the best 7-day itinerary for Morocco?
Which country is more welcoming and accessible than this one for a trip to the gates of Africa? A trip to Morocco, even a short one, leaves lasting memories. Morocco is a country of deserts, snow-capped mountains, and dream beaches, still populated by Berbers and nomads. The mazes of its lively medinas lead to souks and riads.
From the dunes of the Sahara to the peaks of the High Atlas, Morocco seems to have been designed for travelers and hikers. Beautiful landscapes follow one another in this part of North Africa, much like the colorful carpets you will discover in the local cooperatives. The mountains—including the High Atlas, the Rif, and the sun-scorched chains leading to the oases of the Sahara—offer simple and fabulous pleasures, such as night skies lined with glittering stars or the view of a bank of fluffy clouds from the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Further down, the jagged shores, waterfalls, and caves of the wooded hills and the majestic desert will not fail to amaze you.
Of course, a week will only allow you to glimpse a tiny part of Morocco: choices will need to be made. Several routes are possible; follow our Morocco guide to prepare your 7-day visit to this captivating country.
Quick visit to the desert
Days 1 and 2:
Marrakesh itself could justify a stay of a whole week. That’s why three days seem like the minimum to visit the city. The great classics of Marrakesh are on the program: long walks in the medina, time to get lost in the streets, shopping in the various souks, Djemaa El-Fna square that comes alive in the evening, the Koutoubia mosque, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Saadian tombs, etc.
In the evening, divide your time between traditional restaurants and trendy clubs in Guéliz and Avenue Mohamed V.
For accommodation, a riad in the heart of the medina will give another dimension to these two days, but choose your addresses carefully. Hostels help with small budgets, while hotel-clubs in the Palmeraie are useful for families and those who love leisure activities and amenities of all kinds.
Days 3 and 4:
The next two days will be devoted to the desert.
Leave Marrakesh for Ouarzazate, enjoying a beautiful route through the Atlas Mountains, with stunning landscapes (passes over 2000 meters, villages, ksar). In Ouarzazate, there is a choice of hotels in all categories, guest houses, and residences to suit your budget.
Plan a day trip to the desert, either renting a 4x4 or through an agency for a camel ride. If time allows, you can opt for a bivouac experience in the desert. Also, make a detour to visit Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and filming location for many films.
In short, these two days will be packed with adventure!
Days 5 and 6:
Leave Ouarzazate early because a long road awaits you as you head towards the coast. This is where having a personal vehicle is particularly helpful.
Head towards Essaouira to spend the last days of the trip. For accommodation, rather than modern hotels on the seafront, choose a riad in the beautiful medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The medina will captivate you with its unique decor and souks, but don’t miss a walk on the ramparts, from the Moroccan kasbah to the Portuguese sqala, with the Atlantic in the background.
Also, enjoy the pleasures of the beach, water sports (like windsurfing on the coast), and the general atmosphere.
Day 7:
Return to Marrakesh, where you’ll reluctantly take your return flight.
Visit Northern Morocco in a week
If you want to spend a week off the beaten path in northern Morocco, you’ve found the right article! Here, we won’t follow a traditional route but rather a path taken by Moroccans during their holidays. Of course, we will visit the popular and touristic Chefchaouen, but it’s worth it.
Tetouan in 3 days!
Tetouan is one of the largest cities in the Rif Valley, bordering the Mediterranean. Its distinction is that it is an all-white city. You should know that its medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and for good reason. It’s a real hidden gem between the sea and mountains.
On the first day, explore the new city and the medina. Enter the medina through one of its gates, such as the Bab el Okla gate. There is nothing left to do but get lost in this bustling hive full of life, scents, and exotic sounds. The medina is like a huge market where sellers swarm. They are organized by district: the tanners' district, the leather quarter, fruits, jewelry—there’s something for everyone. Stop by a small café, sip a mint tea in the large glasses so typical of the north, and soak in the irresistible atmosphere of Tetouan’s medina, one of my favorite moments in Morocco!
On the second day, don’t hesitate to explore the beaches around Tetouan. Whether summer or winter, you will appreciate the unique charm of these black-sand beaches of the Mediterranean. Start with Cabo Negro, Tetouan’s seaside resort. A beautiful beach overlooked by a green hill. It’s a meeting place for the Moroccan Jet Set. Take the time to drive the mountain road that separates Tetouan from Oued Laou—a 44-kilometer winding road with coves and beaches more beautiful than the last: Sidi Abdeslam Beach, Beni Maadane Beach, Azla Beach. You can extend your stay in Tetouan for 3 days if you want to discover all the beaches. One of the highlights is stopping at one of the little restaurants by the beaches and indulging in fish and octopus. The seafood here is incredibly fresh, so no need to worry—eat fish, watch the ocean, and observe the fishermen as they head out in their small boats. It’s a guaranteed memorable experience!
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