A 7-day itinerary to discover Morocco

Seven days is enough for a fine overview of Morocco, provided you choose your stops well. Here is a balanced itinerary between heritage, nature and relaxation, suited to a first trip.

Days 1–2: Marrakech

Start with the ochre city. Explore Jemaa el-Fna square, the souks, the Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia and the Majorelle Garden. Take time for a tea on a terrace to soak up the atmosphere.

Day 3: the Atlas road

Head south over the Tizi n’Tichka pass. The mountain scenery is spectacular. Stop at Aït Ben Haddou, an earthen ksar listed by UNESCO, then continue to Ouarzazate.

Day 4: at the gates of the desert

From Ouarzazate, push on towards the valleys and kasbahs of the south. This is the moment to take in the vastness of the pre-Saharan landscape before heading back north.

Day 5: Fez

Reach Fez, Morocco’s spiritual capital. Lose yourself in Fez el-Bali, the largest car-free medina in the world, among madrasas, tanneries and artisan workshops.

Day 6: Chefchaouen

Head to the Rif and the famous “blue pearl”. Wander the blue-washed lanes, climb to the Spanish mosque for sunset and savour the gentle pace of the medina.

Day 7: the Atlantic coast

Finish gently in Essaouira or on the coast. Wind-battered ramparts, a lively fishing port and the freshness of the ocean make a beautiful conclusion to the trip.

Tips for this itinerary

Rent a car or hire a driver for the southern leg, which is more flexible than public transport. Book your riads in advance in high season, and leave some slack: in Morocco, it’s best to travel without rushing.