Great Morocco Itineraries
Coastal and Inland Oases: The Southern Tour
For those who want to escape the bustling medinas and touristy feel of the imperial cities, the Southern Atlantic coastline is the perfect alternative, with miles of deserted beaches, enchanting seaside villages, and colorful exotic landscapes to enrich the mind and spirit. The scenery is stunning and varied with rocky wilderness, vast seascapes, and fertile plains. Much of the area (except for Agadir) remains pristine and gets relatively few visitors. Swim, surf, sunbathe, bird-watch, and breathe in fresh ocean air. Laid-back towns, surfer havens, coastal resorts, and unexpected oases offer a holistic way to learn about local culture, food, language, and history.
Day 1: Marrakesh
Fly directly to Marrakesh Menara International Airport. Rent a car in the airport terminal, and check in to a hotel in Guéliz. Take a taxi to enjoy a delectable Moroccan dinner and experience the exotic activity of the Djemâa el Fna, the city’s main square. Don’t miss the city’s excellent nightlife, with live street entertainment, local clubs, bars, and theater performances showcasing the fusion of Berber, Arab, African, and Andalusian influences in music and dance.
Day 2: Essaouira
Rise early to drive west to the relaxing, picturesque port city of Essaouira. After you check in to your hotel, take a walking tour of the harbor and town of whitewashed houses, and then stop to have lunch near the port. Don’t miss the fresh charcoal-grilled sardines and shrimp in seaside food stalls. The town is a hub for contemporary Moroccan artists—check out art galleries showcasing Gnaoua expressionism. Shop the colorful pedestrian-only medina streets for ceramics, thuya wood, babouches (leather slippers), and woven fabrics. Watch the sunset on the ocean horizon atop the ramparts of the kasbah. For the best panoramic view, access the fortress at Skala de la Ville, the cliffside sea bastion lined with brass cannons. Dine on fresh local seafood at a casual open grill or in one of many restaurants around the medina and along the beachfront.
Day 3: Agadir
Head south to Agadir, stopping off for magnificent sea views on the undisturbed sand dunes of Morocco’s most beautiful beaches. Sidi Kaouki, Tafedna, and Taghazout are the most well-known beaches to sunbathe and dip your toes into the Atlantic waters. Taghazout attracts surfers and offers brisk ocean breezes. When you finally arrive in Agadir, visit the hilltop kasbah and fish stalls by the harbor. Enjoy dinner and one night here.
Day 4: Tiznit
Continue your journey to Tiznit, famous for its silver and wool blankets. Stay one night in Tiznit to experience local Berber living and hit its wonderful market, especially if you are looking for jewelry.
Day 5: Tafraoute
On Day 5, discover the natural beauty of the Anti-Atlas region, passing palm groves, almond orchards, rocky landscapes, fertile valleys, and fortified towns. Pass through the small villages Igherm and Oumnast before enjoying the beauty of Tafraoute. Explore the Ameln Valley region, then return to town in the late afternoon. Spend the night at the Auberge Kasbah Chez Amaliya, under hillsides scattered with pisé villages.
Day 6: Taroudant
Take a relaxing drive toward Taroudant, where the atmosphere is very low-key and you can enjoy the walk around the open markets and historic ramparts. The red-ocher-walled city is well known for handcrafted leather items and aromatic spices. There are two main souks in the town. In the medina, don’t miss the jewelry souk, fish market, kasbah, and pretty gardens. Listen for Tashelheit, the Berber dialect of the southern Souss region. On Sunday, locals from surrounding areas sell produce, livestock, and various wares near the main gate. A short loop drive east, about 10 km (6 miles) from Taroudant, takes you through the fertile Souss valley plains and barren terrain leading toward the ruins of the Kasbah de Frieja. Spend the night in Taroudant.
Day 7: Return to Marrakesh
Count on at least four hours to return to your starting point. If you plan to depart on the same day, head straight to the Menara airport. If you decide to stay one more evening, head back to the famed Djemâa el Fna, and shop for last-minute souvenirs in the Souk des Teinturiers for leather, Souk Addadine for metalwork, and Souk Zarbia for carpets. The Ali ben Youssef Medersa, Dar Si Saïd museum, Palais Bahia, and Saadian Tombs are important sites. If time and energy permit, walk south of the Palais Bahia to explore the bustling streets of the Mellah, the largest former Jewish quarter in Morocco. Another option is to book a hammam treatment in your hotel for a final hedonistic treat.
