The Ultimate Southern Morocco Itinerary: Desert, Beaches, & Culture
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Morocco many times now, exploring various regions of my husband’s home country. Exploring with locals is really the best way to learn about the culture, and my husband has made sure we visited different areas so I could appreciate all Morocco has to offer. I’ve enjoyed visiting Southern Morocco especially, from bustling Marrakech to the Sahara and popular surf destinations like Agadir.Β
I’ve put together my ideal two-week itinerary exploring all the best of Southern Morocco. If you’re visiting closer to a week to 10 days, then I’d skip the desert part and do a shorter loop from Marrakech to Agadir, Essaouria, and back.
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.Β
Marrakech
The Red City
Recommended: Three Days
I think Marrakech is often the city most people think of when they think of visiting Morocco, and for good reason! This bustling city is a great introduction to Morocco. It was the first city in Morocco that I visited and remains one of my favorites. Wandering the medina and browsing the infinite souks just never gets old.
Highlights of Marrakech include:
- Place Jemaa el-Fna
- Medina and souks
- Bahia Palace
- Jardin Majorelle
- Rooftop Terraces
- Ben Youssef Madrasa
Keep an eye out for my more detailed guide for visiting Marrakech coming soon.
Marrakech is also a fantastic place to stay at a beautiful riad – walled hotels with open courtyards. I’ve compiled some hotel recommendations for places to stay in Marrakech’s medina.Β
Ouarzazate
The Gateway to the Desert
Recommended: One DayΒ
Often called the “Hollywood of Morocco,” Ouarzazate is surrounded by dramatic desert landscapes and has been the filming location for many famous movies and shows. Movies filmed here include the Gladiator (1 & 2), the Mummy, Lawrence of Arabia, Kingdom of Heaven, and even the new Odyssey! It’s a convenient stop right en route between Marrakech and the Sahara to break up the drive. Getting there is quite the experience itself, as you cross the Atlas mountains through the Tizi n’Tichka pass.
Highlights of Ouarzazate include:
- Ait Benhaddou (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Atlas Film Studios
- Taourirt Kasbah
If looking for a good stopover hotel, check my hotel recommendations in Ouarzazate for a few great options.
Zagora
A Taste of the Sahara
Recommended: Two Days
While many travelers visit Merzouga for the famous Sahara dunes, Zagora offers a more accessible desert experience in Southern Morocco. The region has lots of opportunities for camel rides, desert camps, and stargazing.Β
Keep an eye out for my upcoming post to read out about glamping experience in Zagora, when I camped in the middle of the desert.Β
As Zagora is a bit further east, you may want to make another stop back in Ouarzazate before proceeding to the coast (it’s a long drive!).Β Β
Agadir
Morocco’s Surf City
Recommended: Four days
After visiting the desert, head west to enjoy Morocco’s Atlantic coastline. Agadir has a relaxed atmosphere, with a big surfing culture. Rest at the beach in Agadir, or use it as a base for a few day trips.Β
Highlights of Agadir include:
- Agadir MarinaΒ
- Kasbah of Agadir Oufella
- Taghazout (small surf town)
- Beaches
Keep an eye out for my upcoming post to read my full guide to visiting Agadir. You can check out my hotel recommendations for some great places to stay in Agadir or nearby Taghazout.
Essaouira
The Wind City
Recommended: Two Days
Essaouira is another one of my favorite cities in Morocco with a laid-back vibe. This walled city features whitewashed buildings, a huge fishing port full of blue boats, art galleries, and windy beaches.Β
Highlights of Essaouira include:
- Medina (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Skala de la Ville
- Fishing Port
- Local seafood
Read my guide to Essaouira’s medina for more details on what to see and what to buy here!Β You can also check my hotel recommendations for a few places to stay in and around the historic medina.
You can complete the loop by returning back to Marrakech and finishing up your stay in the city. Keep an eye out on the drive from Essaouira, you may be lucky enough to see goat herds in the argan trees depending on the season! I’m so giddy any time I get to see them.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cash is king. While touristy places like hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, you will find that you will need dirhams for most every day activities. You’ll also want small coins ready for tipping. Tipping is customary for guides, drivers, restaurants, and hotel/riad staff.
- Bottled Water. Tap water is not drinkable for most travelers, so you should plan to buy bottled water.
- Haggling! Part of the real Moroccan experience is haggling in the souks (which is very culturally accepted!). Price tags aren’t really a thing, and tourists are often quoted higher prices so be ready to haggle. (Don’t hover or look too closely at products if you don’t plan to buy them, because walking away can be perceived as a haggling tactic and you may end up with vendors chasing you down offering lower prices even if you aren’t interested.)
- Dress conservatively. Tourist areas and beaches are pretty relaxed, but it’s still respectful to dress more modestly than you may be used to. My go to for packing is long flowy skirts or dresses.
- Friday closures. Some businesses have adjusted schedules for the Muslim holy day, especially around prayer times.
Languages:
Though modern standard arabic is an official language of Morocco, Darija is the main everyday language used by locals. More recently, Moroccan Amazigh has also been recognized as an official language. English is increasingly common in tourist areas and big cities, but French is likely more useful if you speak it.
You can get a little pocket guide to learn some Darija before visiting. A few key phrases to know are:
Salam (hello)
Shukran (thank you)
La shukran (no thank you – you will need this in the souks!!)
Smah Iiya (Excuse me/sorry)
Labas (how are you?)
Zwin (beautiful)
I’m always amazed by how different each region and city feels. Southern Morocco offers a little bit of everything – history, adventure, incredible food (as anywhere in Morocco!), welcoming locals, desert landscapes, and beautiful beaches. I think this is the perfect itinerary if you have time to explore.Β
What’s your favorite city in Southern Morocco?Β Did I miss anything!?
One Comment
Amber Myers
I have always wanted to visit Morocco. It looks like a gorgeous spot. I would love learning more about the culture and relaxing at the beaches.