The map at a glance
We do not reproduce any publisher or tourist office map: airports are listed below and every destination links to its own page.
| Zone | Towns and sights | Suggested base | Best season |
|---|---|---|---|
| North | Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes, Rabat | Fes | March to May, September to November |
| Atlantic coast | Casablanca, Essaouira, Agadir | Essaouira or Agadir | May to September (beach) |
| Centre | Marrakech, High Atlas, Ourika, Ouzoud | Marrakech | October to April |
| South and desert | Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou, Zagora, Merzouga | Ouarzazate | October to April |
Distances and travel times from Marrakech
| Destination | Distance | Time | Best way |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ourika Valley | about 60 km | 1 h to 1 h 30 | day trip |
| Ouzoud Falls | about 150 km | 2 h 30 to 3 h | day trip |
| Essaouira | about 175 km | 2 h 30 to 3 h | bus or car, see Marrakech - Essaouira |
| Casablanca | about 240 km | 3 h | train, see Marrakech - Casablanca |
| Agadir | about 250 km | 3 h to 3 h 30 | bus or transfer, see Marrakech - Agadir |
| Ait Ben Haddou | about 180 km | 3 h 30 to 4 h | excursion or car |
| Ouarzazate | about 200 km | 4 h | see Marrakech - Ouarzazate |
| Zagora | about 350 km | 6 h | 2-day tour |
| Fes | about 530 km | 7 h by car | train or transfer, see Marrakech - Fes |
| Merzouga | about 560 km | 9 to 10 h | 3-day tour |
The centre and the coast
Marrakech is the ideal base for the High Atlas (Ourika Valley, Ouzoud, a one-day hike) and for the Atlantic coast. To choose between the two resorts, read Essaouira or Agadir.
The South and the desert
The southern road crosses the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Ouarzazate, then Ait Ben Haddou. Beyond, Zagora and Merzouga open the Sahara; see also Zagora or Merzouga and the best time for the desert.
Airports
Marrakech-Menara (RAK), Casablanca-Mohammed V (CMN), Agadir-Al Massira (AGA), Fes-Saiss (FEZ), Essaouira (ESU), Ouarzazate (OZZ), Rabat-Sale (RBA) and Tangier (TNG) are the most useful gateways. To reach the centre from the airport, see Marrakech airport and the city centre.
Sample itineraries
- 1 week: Marrakech, Essaouira and Ait Ben Haddou; see Morocco in 7 days.
- 10 days: add the desert (Zagora or Merzouga); see Morocco in 10 days.
- 2 to 3 weeks: close the loop through Fes, Chefchaouen and Rabat, by train.
Entry rules and season
Entry rules are described in visa and entry to Morocco. Marrakech and the desert are pleasant from October to April; summer there is very hot, while the Atlantic coast stays cooler.
Going further
To stay connected: eSIM and SIM card in Morocco. To get around: train and bus from Marrakech.
