Untitled (2015) — Etel Adnan, Oil on canvas, 41 × 33 cm

visit marrakech

exploring morocco

Day trips

  1. Agafay Desert (45 min): Rocky desert landscape just outside the city. Ideal for quad biking, sunset camel rides, and dinner under the stars in a desert camp.
    Recommended: The Source Marrakech, Scarabeo Camp, La Pause, Terre des Etoiles, Kasbah d’If.

  2. Ourika Valley (1 hour): Green valley in the Atlas Mountains with rivers, Berber villages, and scenic walks. Visit the Setti Fatma Waterfalls.
    Recommended: Lunch with a view at Kasbah Bab Ourika and add a light hike.

  3. Anima Garden (45 min): Artistic botanical garden with sculptures and exotic plants, created by André Heller. Easy visit with a free shuttle from Marrakech.
    Recommended: Call in advance

  4. Montresso Foundation (30–40 min): Contemporary artist residency near Marrakech. Recommended: Call ahead to organise a private studio visit

  5. Lalla Takerkoust Lake (45 min) Lake and mountain views. Good for a relaxed lunch, quad biking, or just spending time by the water at Lalla Takerkoust.
    Recommended:

Etel Adnan, Untitled, ca. 1995-2000, oil on canvas, 40 x 50 cm. Courtesy: the artist and Sfeir-Semler Gallery, Hamburg / Beirut

Other trips

Casablanca- the white city
Train/Drive: ~2.5–3 hours
Recommended stay: Only if a layover, otherwise would recommend to visit Essaouira or the desert
Why go: Mainly for the Hassan II Mosque and flights. Less character than other cities for tourism, but still a beautiful place to live!!
Full list of recommendation can be found here

Tangier - city of art
Train: ~5–6 hours (via high-speed train from Casablanca)
Recommended stay: 1–2 nights
Why go: A northern port city with Mediterranean vibes, sea views, whitewashed buildings, lively cafés, and a rich literary and artistic history. It feels completely different from the south, with a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. It’s also a great base to explore the north, from the waterfalls of Akchour to Chefchaouen, the famous blue city.
Full list of recommendation can be found here

Taghazout- seacoast, surf & yoga
Drive: ~3 hours (near Agadir)
Recommended stay: 2–3 nights
How to go: Driver or bus to Agadir + short transfer
Why go: Laid-back surf village with ocean sunsets, yoga retreats, beach cafés, and relaxed coastal energy.

Atlas Mountains (Imlil / Ourika region)
Drive: 1–1.5 hours
Recommended stay: Day trip or 1–2 nights
How to go: Private drivera
Why go: Fresh mountain air, terraced valleys, Berber villages, rivers, and scenic hikes. Great escape from the city heat and pace. Easy to do as a day trip, but an overnight stay in a mountain lodge makes it more special.

Ouarzazate – Aït Ben Haddou – Merzouga (Sahara Circuit)
Drive: Multi-day road trip across the High Atlas
Recommended stay:
Short version (2–3 days): Marrakech → Aït Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → back
Full version (4+ days): Continue to Merzouga dunes
How to go: Private driver or organized desert tour
Why go: This is Morocco’s great southbound adventure. You cross the High Atlas mountains, visit the UNESCO ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, see vast desert landscapes and film locations, then (on the longer version) reach the Sahara’s huge golden dunes in Merzouga for a camel trek and night in a desert camp. Epic scenery throughout.

Essaouira - seacoast, surf & yoga
Drive: 2.5–3 hours
Recommended stay: 1–2 nights
How to go: Driver or bus
Why go: Relaxed Atlantic coastal town with a charming white-and-blue medina, seafood by the port, art galleries, beach walks, and a breezy, bohemian feel. A perfect contrast to Marrakech.