If you’re wondering how many days do you need in Morocco, it really depends on the kind of trip you’re looking for. If you have limited time, like less than five days, it’s best to focus on key destinations like Marrakesh and the Sahara, or explore the north with Casablanca, Fes, and Chefchaouen. A week gives you enough time to discover the Imperial cities and the desert without feeling rushed. With two weeks, you’ll have the chance to explore even more, including hiking in the Atlas Mountains, relaxing on the Atlantic coast in Essaouira, and diving into the rich history and culture of Morocco. The country offers diverse landscapes and a rich history, and the more time you have, the more you can explore its hidden treasures.
How Many Days Do You Need In Morocco?
Many travelers dream of spending unlimited time in Morocco, exploring its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history. However, most of us are working with limited time and budget, so how many days in Morocco do you really need to experience the best of what Morocco has to offer? With just a week, you can see all the iconic highlights, from Casablanca’s streets to the souks of Marrakech, while also taking a journey through the desert and the Atlas Mountains. If you have two weeks, you can add a relaxing visit to Essaouira, wander through the beautiful blue town of Chefchaouen, and discover even more hidden gems. While three weeks would allow you to see everything, one week is perfect for visiting the top sights and tailoring your trip to your interests, whether that’s history, cuisine, adventure, or nature.
Morocco in 3 – 4 Days
You have just three or four days to explore Morocco, you can still make the most of your time and visit multiple destinations. Start in Casablanca, where you can tour the impressive Hassan II Mosque, home to the tallest minaret in the world. From Casablanca, hop on a train to Fes just a four-hour journey where you’ll want to enjoy the ancient walled city, Fes el-Bali. Wander through its maze of over 9,000 alleyways, shop in the bustling souks, and visit the famous Chouara Tanneries, where colorful vats of pigment create a spectacle.
Alternatively, you could base yourself in Fes and explore nearby destinations like Meknes, with its quieter medina, and the well-preserved Roman ruins of Volubilis, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient history.
If you prefer to focus on Marrakesh, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Visit the lively Jemaa el-Fna Square, the magnificent Bahia Palace, and the tranquil Majorelle Garden, a beautiful botanical space restored by Yves Saint-Laurent. And if you’re craving adventure, consider a short excursion to the nearby Sahara Desert. You can enjoy a camel ride, hike through the desert dunes, or visit a traditional Berber village all within a few hours’ drive from the city. Even with just a few days in Morocco, you can experience its rich history, culture, and stunning landscapes.
Less than 5 days
If you’re wondering how many days in Morocco are enough to experience the country, even less than five days can work with the right planning. While it’s generally recommended to spend more than five days due to the long travel times between major cities, there are still efficient ways to enjoy Morocco in a shorter visit. One smart approach is to focus entirely on Marrakesh. With an international airport (RAK), the city is easy to access, letting you skip long internal travel.
You can spend two full days exploring highlights like Jemaa el-Fna Square, the Bahia Palace, and the Majorelle Garden. Then, take a day trip to Essaouira or the Atlas Mountains, or enjoy a desert camp near Marrakech for a quick taste of adventure. Alternatively, if you’re arriving in northern Morocco especially from Spain or Portugal Tangier makes a convenient base. In four to five days, you can explore Tangier and the stunning blue city of Chefchaouen, making the most of your limited time with a rewarding experience.
Morocco in 5 – 7 Days
Do you have 5 – 7 days to explore Morocco? you’ll have enough time to visit most of the country’s top attractions, though you might have to skip a few cities along the way. Here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your time.
Start your journey in Casablanca, the seaside city known for the Hassan II Mosque, home to the tallest minaret in the world. From there, head to Fes, stopping at Volubilis to explore the best-preserved Roman ruins in the country. In Fes, wander through the historic medina, one of the largest car-free zones in the world. Don’t miss the famous Tanneries Chouara, a great spot for photos.
Next, spend 4 days in the Sahara Desert. Travel through the Middle Atlas mountains to reach the windswept dunes of Erg Chebbi. Explore the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs and the Todra Gorge, and enjoy a camel ride across the stunning desert landscape.
Wrap up your trip in Marrakech, where you can enjoy the souks and experience the lively Jemaa el-Fna square. Visit the Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Mosque, or if you’re an art lover, spend some time at the Majorelle Garden. Marrakesh offers a mix of history, culture, and fun, with or without museums.
If you want to explore even more, consider focusing on the northern cities, like Chefchaouen, Fes, and Tangier, for a blend of history, picturesque streets, and incredible photo opportunities. Alternatively, base yourself in Marrakesh and venture into the desert for a true adventure, with time to experience the vast sand dunes and the unique Berber culture of Merzouga. This itinerary allows you to experience the highlights of Morocco at a comfortable pace, without feeling rushed between destinations.
Morocco in 6 – 9 days
When you’re asking how many days do you need in Morocco to truly experience its culture and history, a trip of 6–9 days offers a great balance. This time frame allows you to dive deep into the country’s rich heritage, stunning architecture, and local traditions, especially if you’re passionate about these aspects. A journey focused on Morocco’s imperial cities Fes, Rabat, and Marrakesh provides a comprehensive look at the nation’s historical significance. With 6–7 days, you can visit key landmarks in each city, though the pace may feel a bit quick.
To optimize your route, consider arriving in Casablanca and departing from Marrakesh (or vice versa), which minimizes travel time while still covering highlights like the Hassan II Mosque, Fes’s medieval medina, and Marrakesh’s vibrant souks. If you can extend your trip to 8–9 days, the pace becomes more relaxed, giving you time for immersive experiences like cooking classes, artisanal workshops, or even a rejuvenating local spa. This extra time ensures you explore both the iconic sights and the local flavor of Morocco without feeling rushed.
Morocco in 10 Days
10 days to explore Morocco, you’ll have ample time to experience a rich variety of landscapes, cultures, and historical sites without feeling rushed. This itinerary allows you to cover some of the country’s most iconic destinations while also giving you the freedom to enjoy Morocco’s unique culture.
Starting in Casablanca, make your way through Rabat, where you can explore Roman and Islamic ruins like Hassan Tower and the Andalusian Gardens. From there, head to Chefchaouen, the charming blue city nestled in the Rif Mountains. Wander through its picturesque medina, and for a breathtaking view, hike up to the abandoned Spanish Mosque at sunset.
On your way to Fes, consider adding a detour through the desert or the High Atlas mountains for some adventure. If you enjoy nature and hiking, the mountains offer stunning views and an opportunity to experience Berber culture. You could even spend a night in a Berber home, making your journey a truly authentic experience.
With 10 days, you can also take the opportunity to enjoy a mix of relaxation and adventure. Explore the desert on a camel ride, soak in the culture in cities like Marrakesh and Fes, hike the High Atlas mountains, and unwind by the coast in Essaouira, where you can enjoy fresh seafood by the Atlantic. The combination of city exploration, desert landscapes, and coastal relaxation makes 10 days in Morocco the ideal time to appreciate the country’s diverse offerings. You can also adjust the itinerary to spend extra time in places you love, whether it’s the cultural wonders of the imperial cities or the tranquility of the mountains.
Morocco in 10 – 12 days
For a well-rounded experience of Morocco, 10 to 12 days is the perfect amount of time. This duration allows for exploration of major cities like Fes, Marrakech, and Rabat, along with a venture into the Sahara Desert on the classic desert circuit. Long driving days are inevitable, especially when heading towards Merzouga, where the iconic sand dunes of the Sahara await.
A 10-day itinerary will be fast-paced, but manageable if you’re up for an adventure. With 12 days, you can slow down a bit, allowing more time for cultural activities or taking breaks during the longer drives. This time frame is ideal for first-time visitors, offering a balanced experience of both the cities and rural areas, including vast desert landscapes and Morocco’s rich cultural heritage.
Exploring the historical sites in Fes, wandering through the lively souks of Marrakech, or trekking across the desert gives you a chance to experience Morocco’s best at a comfortable pace.
Morocco in 12–14 days
With 12-14 days in Morocco, you have the ideal opportunity to experience a well-rounded adventure that covers the country’s main attractions and hidden gems. This amount of time allows you to travel at a comfortable pace, visiting iconic cities, exploring stunning landscapes, and truly immersing yourself in the culture. Whether you want to enjoy the cities, trek through the Atlas Mountains, or relax by the coast, two weeks in Morocco will give you the flexibility to dive deep into the country’s diverse offerings.
You could begin your journey in the bustling cities of the north, like Casablanca and Rabat, and then venture further to Chefchaouen, the iconic blue city nestled in the Rif Mountains. Spend a few days wandering through its maze-like streets and soaking in the peaceful, colorful atmosphere.
Next, head south to the Atlas Mountains, where you can experience the grandeur of the High Atlas, visit remote Berber villages, and even on a trek to Mount Toubkal if you’re feeling adventurous. For a more relaxing experience, you can choose to spend a few nights in a Berber guesthouse, getting a deeper understanding of local life.
Two weeks also gives you ample time to explore Morocco’s desert landscapes. Journey to the Sahara and spend a few nights in Merzouga, where you can experience the desert’s breathtaking dunes and take part in activities like camel treks and stargazing.
You’ll also have the chance to explore Morocco’s imperial cities like Fes, Marrakech, and Meknes. With the time to explore at a leisurely pace, you can fully absorb the culture, wander through ancient medinas, and savor the authentic food and hospitality.
This extended itinerary allows you to spend several nights in each destination, really giving you the chance to settle in and get to know the place on a deeper level. Whether you’re exploring cities, relaxing in the coastal towns, or venturing into the desert, Morocco in 12-14 days offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
Morocco in 2 Weeks
A two-week Morocco itinerary offers an ideal opportunity to enjoy the country’s rich culture and diverse landscapes. Begin your journey in Casablanca, then slowly make your way to the charming coastal town of Essaouira. With two weeks, you can take your time exploring cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Chefchaouen at a leisurely pace, truly soaking in their unique atmospheres.
For a deeper desert experience, travel to Erfoud and spend a night in Merzouga, where the famous dunes of the Sahara await. You’ll have the chance to explore the desert through a variety of activities like dancing in Khamleya, sandboarding down the dunes, or simply relaxing by the pool. Around Todra Gorge, adventure enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as rock climbing.
No trip to Morocco is complete without a visit to Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular filming location for movies like Game of Thrones. Afterward, head to Marrakech, where you can experience both the bustling city and the serene beauty of the nearby High Atlas mountains. For a more immersive experience, consider staying in a Berber home to connect with the local culture.
End your adventure in Essaouira, a relaxed seaside town where you can unwind before heading back to Casablanca along the scenic coastal route. This itinerary allows you to experience the imperial cities, venture into the desert, hike the Atlas mountains, and enjoy some time by the ocean.
With two weeks, you also have the flexibility to add in optional activities. For instance, if you’re up for a challenge, consider hiking Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, located just outside Marrakech. With 2-3 extra days, you can trek to the summit for an unforgettable adventure.
Alternatively, you can combine different itineraries, such as spending part of your time hiking around Marrakech and the other part exploring the northern cities. This way, you get a well-rounded experience of Morocco while leaving room for more personal exploration.
conclusion
the ideal number of days to spend in Morocco depends on your travel goals, interests, and pace. Whether you have just a few days or two full weeks, Morocco offers something unforgettable from the souks of Marrakech and the blue alleys of Chefchaouen to the vast dunes of the Sahara and the serene shores of Essaouira. With smart planning, even a short trip can be rich in culture, history, and adventure, while a longer stay allows for a deeper and more relaxed exploration of the country’s diverse landscapes and traditions.
