Make the Most of Your Time in Morocco

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit

Morocco offers a diverse blend of geography, climate, and culture. With much to see and do, there's no shortage of options; the trick is fitting everything in. Here are some ideas to help you maximize your time in Morocco, whether you have a few days or a couple weeks to explore.

With 5-7 days to explore Morocco, you'll need to be selective where you focus your time. Are you interested in cities and culture? Perhaps a desert adventure, or hiking in the Atlas Mountains? 

With 10 days or more in Morocco, you can focus on several regions such as the desert, mountains, coast, and imperial cities. Whether you're into active adventures, cultural exploration, culinary treats, or a little of everything, Morocco has something for everyone.

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Detail of Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca
How Many Days to Spend in Morocco

One week is a solid amount of time to explore Morocco's desert and Imperial cities at a moderate pace. In two weeks, you can add hiking in the Atlas mountains and relaxation on the Atlantic coast. With less than five days, it's best to focus your time: see Casablanca, Chefchaouen, and Fes in the north, or stick to Marrakesh and the Sahara in the south.

An oasis in the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs
Map of 5 Days in Morocco - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Morocco - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Whether you're fascinated by the charm of urban medinas or dying to explore the Sahara, you can do a lot with five days in Morocco. Divide your time between cities, mountains, and deserts, using imperial cities like Fes, Rabat, or Marrakesh as jumping-off points. You can discover northern Morocco and its "Blue City" and Roman ruins, trek the foothills of the High Atlas mountains and see Berber villages, or explore the Sahara and experience a sunset camel ride across the dunes.

Caravan on camelback across the Sahara desert
Map of 6 Days in Morocco - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
6 Days in Morocco - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With six days in Morocco, you can tour some of the country's best highlights, depending on what inspires you. You could devote your itinerary entirely to exploring Moroccan cities, where you can wander around mosques, souks, and centuries-old landmarks embellished with exquisite mosaics. Or you can split your time between a big city (for example, Marrakesh) and the desert. If you're a "more is more" kind of traveler, you can even add on time in an Atlantic coastal town.

Play a little dress-up with your kids in a Moroccan souk
Map of 1 Week in Morocco - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Morocco - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With a week in Morocco, you can visit two to three destinations. Consider a blend of urban and rural on the Marrakesh, Imlil, and Agafay trip, perfect for first-timers, or those looking for beach time combined with a tour of Marrakesh will love the Souks & Sand itinerary. Families with younger children will find a variety of kid-friendly activities, including a donkey ride in Tiout, on the Discovery Tour, while older children and art lovers might opt for a hike in the Rif Mountains and a mosaic workshop in Fes on the Northern Morocco trip.

Boats in the harbor at Essaouira
Map of 1 Week in Morocco - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Morocco - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Compact Morocco offers plenty to see and experience. In seven days, there's enough time to explore imperial cities in-depth as well as tack on an extra day for desert exploration or an added city, like the oft-overlooked Asilah or Zagora. Navigate the maze of historic medinas in old cities, hike the Todra Gorge, and trek the foothills of the Atlas mountains. Alternatively, linger in the picture-perfect "Blue City" of northern Morocco, discover the near-perfect mosaics of Volubilis, and make your way along old caravan routes into the Sahara.

Enjoy time spent in a restored 17th-century palace in Fez (photo courtesy of Karawan Riad)
Map of 1 Week in Morocco - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Morocco - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

With the help of your private driver, you can visit four regions of Morocco in a week of luxury. First-timers will experience a blend of history and culture on private tours of Rabat and Fes. Those looking for a desert escape can stay at a luxury camp in the Sahara, while golfers and spa-seekers should head to El Jadida for a seaside resort stay and kitesurfing. Foodies can sample local cuisine on a Marrakesh tasting tour and indulge in fine dining experiences at restaurants such as La Table by Madada in Essaouira.

The blue-hued streets of Chefchaouen
Map of 8 Days in Morocco - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
8 Days in Morocco - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With eight days in Morocco, you can take a grand tour of big-ticket cities like Casablanca and Fes or spend your time exploring off the beaten path, hiking through villages in lush countrysides, and enjoying cultural experiences, including cooking lessons and homestays. Of course, the iconic Sahara awaits: incorporate a desert adventure into a Tangier-to-Marrakech road trip or soar above the dunes on a luxury Morocco tour. Learn more about the best ways to spend eight days in Morocco below.

Ait ben Haddou, Morocco
Map of 9 Days in Morocco - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
9 Days in Morocco - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With nine days, you can hit the highlights of Morocco's famed Imperial cities and add time along the coast or the desert. Or, take a different approach by swapping in a trek through Berber villages in the Atlas mountains. If you're inspired to go off the beaten path, you can start in Marrakesh, head through smaller towns and mountain villages, swim at the base of a towering waterfall, learn how to press olive oil, and visit a saffron harvest. Read on for some unique options for your trip.

Discover Asilah's white painted historical buildings and city walls
Map of 10 Days in Spain & Morocco - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Spain & Morocco - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Spain and Morocco, you can discover the must-see sites of Marrakesh, Málaga, Granada, and Seville on a highlights tour or get your adrenaline pumping on an active nature adventure featuring hikes and an e-bike tour. Foodies will love indulging in Spain's tapas scene and Morocco's street food on a culinary trip, while those who prefer sticking by the coast will love splitting their time between the Andalusia and Atlantic coastlines.

Enjoy sweeping views from the poolside at Kasbah Bab Ourika
Map of 10 Days in Morocco - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Morocco - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Interested in elevating your 10 days in Morocco? You can immerse yourself in the country's imperial cities and vast landscapes on a luxury-filled highlights tour or focus on the intriguing Sahara Desert and High Atlas mountains during a lavish adventure in Southern Morocco. Beach lovers looking to explore coastlines and relax at opulent accommodations should opt for a trip down Morocco's west coast, while honeymooners split their time between lazy afternoons at spas, world-renowned restaurants, and private city tours.

Rabat's incomplete Hassan Tower
Map of 10 Days in Morocco - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Morocco - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Morocco, you can embark on a highlights tour that includes days in Fes, Marrakesh, and Erg Chebbi, or limit travel time and instead focus on the Sahara and the laid-back port city of Essaouira. Hiking enthusiasts will love exploring the Valley of the Roses and Todra Gorge on a mountain and desert adventure, while those seeking a slower-paced trip should opt for a culturally rich itinerary featuring the highlights of Northern Morocco.

Take the family to Morocco and Ibn Youssef Islamic madrasa
Map of 10 Days in Morocco - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Morocco - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Morocco, you can embark on a family-friendly highlights tour, ticking off Casablanca, Essaouira, and Marrakesh, or opt for a culture-focused trip where children of all ages will delight in learning henna and mosaics. Families with younger children can opt for a Fes to Marrakesh itinerary, complete with a camel ride, while those who want to keep on the move will love discovering the culture, landscapes, and culinary delights of Morocco on a Marrakesh to Casablanca trip.

Jemaa el-Fna Square in Marrakech
Map of 11 Days in Morocco - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
11 Days in Morocco - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Eleven days in Morocco allows you to visit many of the country's biggest draws, from electric city centers to its famous landscapes—all depending on what interests you. You can focus on the Imperial cities, then retreat to the Sahara or the Atlantic coast, discovering Berber villages en route. Adventurous travelers can start in recently reinvigorated Tangier and drive south through mountains and ancient trade routes. Or, dive into tradition with a visit to a traditional hammam and an intimate meal shared with a local family in their home.

A secction of Taroudant's fortified exterior wall
Map of 12 Days in Morocco - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
12 Days in Morocco - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

If you have 12 days to spend in Morocco, you can see a wide swath of the country. Cover highlights on a classic itinerary that loops from Casablanca to Chefchaouen, Fes, the Sahara, and Marrakesh. Spend more time in Fes, Marrakesh, and along the Atlantic, skipping the desert, or consider a route focusing on the less-touristic locales of Erg Chigaga, Zagora, Taroudant, and Agadir. Then there's the option to explore Morocco from Tangier in the north to Merzouga at the Sahara's edge and Essaouria on the west coast.

Hillside Moulay Idriss, one of Moroccos' oldest small towns
Map of 13 Days in Morocco - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
13 Days in Morocco - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 13 days, you can hit the must-sees and venture off the beaten track at differing paces. Focus on leisurely guided tours of Morocco's imperial cities, spend more of your trip immersed in the vast Sahara, or swap out your time in the desert for culture in the High Atlas mountains and the Atlantic coast. Alternatively, add a couple of lesser-known stops like El Jadida and Tétouan to your itinerary, or stick to Morocco's south for the coast and wild landscapes of salt flats, palm groves, and Erg Chigaga.

Ifrane, the Morocco's "Switzerland" in the High Atlas mountains
Map of 2 Weeks in Spain & Morocco - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Spain & Morocco - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

You can visit at least six regions in Spain and Morocco in two weeks. Enjoy the pace and variety of activities on a highlights or nature-based trip, like glamping in the Sahara or a hot-air balloon ride. Or choose a food-forward itinerary that includes a street food tour and a cooking class in Essaouira. Meanwhile, art and history enthusiasts can see palaces, museums, and Roman ruins, while beach lovers will enjoy snorkeling in Málaga and other water activities on a coastal getaway.

Young woman with red dress visiting the blue city Chefchaouen
Map of 2 Weeks in Morocco - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Morocco - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in Morocco, you can hop between 5-star accommodations and cities overflowing with culture on a classic tour or opt for an activity-filled itinerary that features a luxury desert camp, a sunrise hot-air balloon ride, and a horseback riding tour. Travelers looking to discover Morocco's imperial cities should make their way from Casablanca to the Agafay Desert, while those seeking a relaxed-paced tour packed with top-rated dining experiences should focus on the country's southern landscapes.

Discover the Blue City of Chefchaouen with the whole family
Map of 2 Weeks in Morocco - 3 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Morocco - 3 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

In two weeks in Morocco, you can spend multiple days in four to five destinations and sample each region's highlights. Help the kids spot monkeys in Ilfrane National Park, join in a fossil hunt in Midelt, and surf the dunes in Erg Chebbi on a classic tour. Alternatively, watch snakes being charmed in Tangier, wander the blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen, and pile into the basket of a hot-air balloon for a ride over Marrakesh, or let the kids play pirates in Essaouira, count flamingoes in Souss Massa National Park, and ride donkeys in Berber village Tiout.

Ride a camel through the Sahara desert
Map of 2 Weeks in Morocco - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Morocco - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks in Morocco is enough time for a proper grand tour, from the souks of Fes and Marrakesh to the glittering Sahara, High Atlas mountains, and windy Atlantic coast. Those looking for an activity-packed trip should spend time exploring southern Morocco by camel, going on guided hikes, and desert camping, while those traveling during summer will love sticking to the Imperial cities of the north and splitting their time between classic stops and renowned cities like Tangier and Chefchaouen.

Hike through through Morocco's Toubkal National Park
Map of 15 Days in Morocco - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
15 Days in Morocco - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 15 days in Morocco, you'll have time to see many different regions and get an authentic taste of what the country offers. Explore Morocco's four imperial cities, relax in a "hammam" (traditional bath), or ride a camel through the Sahara Desert. There's also the opportunity for trekking in the Atlas mountains, hot air balloon rides, and visits to historic sites. Travelers who'd prefer to cool off by the beach can skip the desert and opt for an alternative route along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts.

Relax in Al Hoceima, where the cliffs meet the Mediterranean on a coastal tour of Morocco
Map of 16 Days in Morocco - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
16 Days in Morocco - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 16 days in Morocco, you can visit up to nine destinations, considering the far driving distances between them. A grand tour covers highlights in Marrakesh, Fes, Merzouga in the Sahara, and Essaouira. Meanwhile, a history-focused itinerary adds day trips to Sefrou and a waterfall hike in Ourika Valley. For seaside towns, add Asilah and Al Hoceima. Alternatively, consider beginning in Spain and ferrying to Tangier or exploring the desert and ancient Berber villages on a southernly-focused itinerary.

Discover Morocco's ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a sprawling complex
Map of 3 Weeks in Spain & Morocco - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
3 Weeks in Spain & Morocco - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Visiting 10 regions is possible with three weeks in Spain and Morocco. Active travelers can trek the Caminito del Rey and sandboard in Erg Chebbi, while those seeking a slower pace should hit the beaches of Menorca and tour Morocco's coastal cities. Foodies can take a chocolate walk in Barcelona and sample cheese and wine in Basque. For a culture-focused itinerary that's also ideal for photographers, you'll find a tile decorating workshop in Granada and impressive architecture in Toledo.

A traditional street in Marrakesh's medina
How Many Days to Spend in Marrakesh

Marrakesh is Morocco's fourth-largest city and one of the country's major tourist spots. To see it, ideally, you'll want to allocate at least two to three days, although those with less time to spare can still enjoy the experience. Travelers who choose to stay for longer will have the opportunity to get to know the city and see it at a more relaxed pace. Read on for advice on how long to stay in Marrakesh.