Choose Your Ideal Day Trip from Marrakech
Choose to spend your day in any of the following destinations:
Imlil: Located in Toubkal National Park, this is the starting point for trekkers climbing Mount Toubkal. Grab a local guide not only to show you the way, but also to explain more about Berber culture, then head off to one of the many valleys before having lunch with the locals.
Ouirgane Valley: This delightful valley feels slightly off the tourist path, with its gently rolling hills dotted with olive trees and the nearby Atlas Mountains towering in the background. The pace here is slow, with Berber villages dotting the mountainside. On Saturdays, stop at the weekly market in Asni, where locals gather from the surrounding villages to purchase everything from fruits and vegetables to meat, household goods, clothing, and more.
Essaouira: This whitewashed, laidback town on the Atlantic Coast is a perfect escape when the pace of Marrakech gets too much. Wander through the souks and pick up some Moroccan goodies. Enjoy a coffee on the famous Place Moulay Hassan or at the iconic Patisserie Driss. Stroll along the beach as the sun sets, and feast on fresh seafood sold at the bustling fish market as the numerous fishing boats return to shore.
Ouzoud Waterfalls: Nestled in the High Atlas Mountains, Ouzoud Waterfalls never fail to impress. Start your walk at the top of the waterfalls, where you can peer over the edge and view the many sources that make up these spectacular falls. Then follow the path down for views of the powerful waterfalls until you reach the basin below, where the scenery is both refreshing and breathtaking. Get even closer to the waterfalls by taking a boat trip around the pool.
Aït Benhaddou: Located on the edge of the Sahara Desert, Aït Benhaddou is a fortified kasbah made famous for providing a set for blockbusters including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and many more. Cross the river to wander through the village, where locals are slowly starting to return to their mud-brick homes. Don't forget to stop and enjoy the stunning views of the palm groves and sandcastle-like kasbahs as you climb to the top.
Agafay Desert: Known as a stone desert and located just 40 minutes from Marrakech, this is a must-see. Enjoy a perfect day trip here if you don't have time to head to the Sahara Desert. With nothing to see but stones for miles, the landscape suddenly changes to include valleys and oases, palm trees, and the High Atlas Mountains in the background.
