Last Updated: December 21, 2023
Morocco is a diverse and colorful country and most certainly, one that can promise to anyone visiting, an intense experience. It is not every day that you have the chance to explore ancient cities and stroll around bustling souks. Nor is it common to sleep under the stars in the Sahara desert. One thing is for sure, in Morocco, you will make lasting memories through these indigenous experiences.
Centuries of history have shaped the culture, influenced by the French, Arabs, Spanish, and Portuguese who ruled Morocco in the past.
Most people say that you can either love or hate it, I tend to disagree with that. It goes without saying that it cannot be compared to Europe. The sooner you accept that, the easier it will be to appreciate its uniqueness. Morocco will trigger all your senses through its cuisine, historical sites, and its extraordinary landscape. In fact, Morocco has so much to offer that you will need a minimum of 7 days in order to cover everything you must see. This guide will help you plan your 7 day itinerary in Morocco and give you an insight into what to see and do in this beautiful country.
WHERE TO STAY IN MOROCCO
No matter the city, when in Morocco, it is best that you pick a central location to stay. There are plenty of modern hotels to choose from but nothing compares to a local riad. These are traditional guesthouse style accommodations built around a central courtyard garden. As soon as you walk in, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered a secret world away from the noise of the busy streets. A wonderful retreat to escape to, after a busy day of exploring the city.
If you’re looking for the best instagrammable places to stay in Marrakech, then your best bet will be Riad Yasmine and La Mamounia. Alternatively, you can book an AirBnB which will allow you to save some money.
WHAT TO SEE IN MOROCCO – YOUR 7 DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1 – 2: EXPLORE MARRAKECH
Marrakech is an intense city, brimming with people. Amidst the traffic and the crowds, you’ll feel as if you’re having a bit of a cultural shock. Once that first impression wears off, allow yourself plenty of time to explore Marrakech and do so at a leisurely pace. Start from the souks and embrace the fragrances of the spices stacked in a pyramid shape and the vibrant colors of the Medina. Expect to be hassled by touts trying to sell you just about anything. A firm NO goes a long way and after a while, they’ll simply lose their interest in you.
Continue towards the main square Jemaa el-Fnaa. This is where locals and tourists alike gather and indulge in the local cuisine. Once the sun sets, tents and tables open up in the middle of the square where vendors are preparing traditional local recipes. This is a very good opportunity to try the local cuisine. If you don’t mind crowded places and aggressive touts then make your way to Jemaa el-Fnaa square and do so with an empty stomach.
TIP: If you’re concerned about going alone, sign up for a food tour. Your guide will have enough inside to point you at the right food stall and walk you through the history of Moroccan cuisine.
DAY 3 – 4: WANDER THROUGH AIT BENHADDOU
Ait Benhaddou is a fortified village located in the Ouarzazate province. It dates back to the 17th century and the architecture is remarkable considering that the materials used for its construction are solely earth and wood. Ait Benhaddou has not gone unnoticed by Hollywood who has chosen this location to direct a few scenes of famous movies and TV series such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. In our days there are only 5 families residing in the village as most of the habitats have moved out due to its vulnerable architecture and deterioration caused by lack of care. Ait-Ben-Haddou is an extraordinary site that is totally worth visiting before the wear of time affects it even more. Book a guide to show you around and give you a bit of an insight into its history.
TODRA GORGE
Todra Gorge is a must-see in Morocco, so be sure to pin it in your itinerary. The canyon is shaped throughout the years by the Todra and Dades Rivers. The most spectacular moment will be as you approach the gorge and see it at the far end narrowing down to a mere 10m wide.
Be sure to visit during the dry season so as to be able to trek across its length. The best time to visit Todra Gorge is during the early morning hours where the sun perks in and the light reflect perfectly on the orange limestone. This will be an excellent opportunity to take great pictures!
DAY 4 – 5: SAHARA DESERT CAMPING
This was an experience that I remember vividly to this day. We had started out our tour from Marrakech early in the morning. Hopped in an old minivan with no A/C (something that we regretted deeply shortly after) and with the company of a few other folks from around the world, we ventured on our 2 day adventure. It took us a long 8 hours drive to reach the Merzouga desert. Needless to say that this was one of those cases when it’s not the journey that matters, but the destination. All the places that we stopped along the way were totally worth it. However, the ride itself was very uncomfortable and long.
I was very thankful when we finally reached the meeting point where our camels were waiting to take us to our tents. After yet another hour of uncomfortable ride on the camels, our tents were beginning to appear at the foothills of the dunes. There was nothing fancy about the camp setting. It was a rather modest camping site with tents set in a half-circle and several carpets laid out in the center. Yet, once the sun sets and the first stars started to appear in the sky, it was magical. The organizers cooked tagine and prepared mint tea, while we sat outside and got to know each other. Later, the Berbers sang traditional songs to the rhythm of the tambourine. All the while I couldn’t stop myself from gazing mesmerized at the starry sky.
A piece of advice, invest in glamping rather than a simple affordable tour. It will enhance your experience and allow you the luxury of an air-conditioned vehicle, well-maintained tents, and an overall flawless experience.
DAY 5 – 6: ESSAOUIRA
Essaouira is a coastal city located 2,5 hours from Marrakech. You can reach it either by bus or by taxi and although it is doable to explore in a day, I’d recommend that you stay at least one night here. Dedicate one day to explore the endless souks and the market where you can buy your souvenirs. On day two, head towards the beach and soak up under the sun. Later, enjoy a light meal at one of the restaurants lined up on the promenade while sipping freshly squeezed orange juice. Life can’t get any better than this!
DAY 7 – MARRAKECH
For your last day, be sure to include in your Morocco itinerary breakfast at one of Marrakech’s popular terraced restaurants. There you’ll have the chance to enjoy the view over Medina one last time before your departure. A few notable places for breakfast and brunch are Fine Mama? and Kabana which is located in Medina.
IS MOROCCO SAFE TO TRAVEL?
Despite the hasslers and the touts – who were more annoying than anything else – there was not a moment that I felt unsafe. Amidst the most crowded places, keep your guard up for pickpockets. It is best that you leave any valuable belongings in your hotel’s safety box. In most of the markets and souks, you will notice that they will try to rip you off. The best way to avoid that is to either bargain and be as assertive as you can (if you’re interested in what they’re selling) or simply avoid them. If you need to use a taxi, negotiate your taxi fare and agree on it before you get in the cab. Also, be considerate about the country’s culture, which is very conservative. Cover your shoulders and avoid wearing very short trousers or skirts.
