- Travel Enthusiast
- Jul 5
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 6
THE BEST DAY TRIPS FROM MARRAKECH - MOROCCO
Marrakech is surrounded by places that feel worlds away, offering everything from mountain trails and lush valleys to desert landscapes and coastal towns. This guide highlights some of the best day trips and short getaways you can take from Marrakech.
Each destination offers its own mood and scenery, with practical tips and suggestions for making the most of your visit – whether you want to plan it all yourself or join a guided tour that takes care of the details.
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ESCAPE TO OUZOUD WATERFALLS
About 2.5 to 3 hours northeast of Marrakech lies one of Morocco’s most spectacular natural sights: Ouzoud Waterfalls. These 110-meter-high (360 ft) cascades tumble over reddish cliffs into a lush gorge filled with olive trees and rainbow mists.
The trail down to the base is lined with local vendors and shaded terraces where you can stop for tagine or fresh-squeezed orange juice. As you explore, you'll also spot Barbary macaques wandering freely through the olive groves, adding a bit of playful chaos. And near the bottom, you can hop on a small raft to get close to the spray – a classic photo op in this cooler, greener escape from Marrakech.
Tip 1: Wear decent walking shoes for the rocky trail. The monkeys are cute but sneaky – keep your snacks tucked away.
Tip 2: If you'd rather skip the planning and logistics, consider this day trip that includes round-trip transport from Marrakech and a scenic boat ride at the base of the falls.
EXPLORE THE OURIKA RIVER AND VALLEY
Only about an hour’s drive southeast of Marrakech, Ourika Valley offers a lush, green contrast to the dry plains around the city. The route winds along the Ourika River, past Berber villages, fruit orchards, and roadside cafés that set tables right in the stream – perfect for cooling your feet.
The main draw is Setti Fatma, a village where a rocky trail leads to a series of seven small waterfalls. The first one is easy to reach, but the higher ones require a bit of scrambling over rocks and crossing simple footbridges. Many day trips, like this one, include transportation from Marrakech, scenic stops through the valley, a visit to a women’s argan oil cooperative, a guided waterfall hike, and lunch with views of the valley.
Tip: Go early to avoid the heat and crowds (weekends are especially popular with locals), and wear shoes with good grip if you plan to hike.
EXPERIENCE DESERT MAGIC IN AGAFAY
If you want a taste of the desert without the long journey to the Sahara, Agafay Desert is your answer. Less than an hour from Marrakech, this rocky desert has dramatic hills, stony plains, and endless horizons that glow gold at sunset.
Unlike the Sahara’s sand dunes, Agafay’s beauty is more rugged and raw. You can ride camels over its rocky tracks, speed across it on a quad bike, or simply relax in a luxury desert camp that serves dinner under a sky filled with stars. Many camps have beautiful setups with lanterns, carpets, and fire pits. Some even offer live music around the fire, making the experience even more memorable. It’s all the desert atmosphere you want – without the overnight travel.
Tip: Sunset trips are the most magical, with cooler temperatures and incredible colors in the sky. A dinner with a camel ride offers a relaxing evening, while a quad bike tour with dinner adds a bit of adrenaline to the experience.
EXPLORE THE HIGH ATLAS IN IMLIL
Imlil is about 90 minutes from Marrakech, but the moment you arrive, you’re in a different world. This small Berber village sits at 1,740 meters (5,700 ft) in the High Atlas Mountains, surrounded by terraced fields, walnut groves, and towering peaks.
It’s best known as the starting point for treks up Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest summit. But you don’t need to be a serious hiker to enjoy Imlil. Short guided walks take you through traditional Berber hamlets, across ancient irrigation channels, and to scenic viewpoints where you can see the whole valley spread below. You’ll also find simple cafés with rooftop terraces perfect for sipping mint tea while taking in the mountain air.
Tip: Local guides are easy to hire in Imlil and highly recommended – they know the best trails, customs, and viewpoints. For convenience, you can also book this day trip from Marrakech with a guided hike and lunch in a local Berber home.
FEEL THE SEA BREEZE IN ESSAOUIRA
Essaouira is a coastal town about 2.5 hours west of Marrakech. With its windswept Atlantic beaches, sturdy old ramparts, and laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect change of pace from the city. It’s the kind of place worth staying overnight if you can, but if you’re short on time, it also makes a great day trip from Marrakech.
When you arrive, the 18th-century medina (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) welcomes you with narrow lanes lined with art galleries, wood workshops, and shops selling everything from carpets to silver jewelry. The iconic port is alive with bright blue fishing boats bobbing in the water and seagulls gliding above the harbor. The old ramparts – famously featured as Astapor in Game of Thrones – offer panoramic sea views that seem to stretch on forever.
Tip: Essaouira’s cool, salty air can be chilly even in summer – bring a light layer for comfort. Those strong Atlantic winds also make it popular with kite surfers.
DISCOVER AIT BENHADDOU & OUARZAZATE
If you’re short on time but want a taste of the desert, a day trip to Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate from Marrakech is a great option. The journey takes you south over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m / 7,410 ft), winding through dramatic pre-Sahara landscapes. The mountain roads alone are worth the trip, with views of snow-capped peaks in winter and tiny Berber villages clinging to hillsides.
The star attraction is Ait Benhaddou, a fortified ksar (village) made of red mudbrick. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its striking architecture and appearances in films like Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones. Many day tours also visit Ouarzazate, nicknamed the “Hollywood of Morocco”, where you can tour film studios and explore Taourirt Kasbah.
It’s a long day – around 3.5 to 4 hours each way – but for many, the desert scenery, movie history, and traditional architecture make it a highlight of their trip.
Tip: Be ready for early departures and late returns. A guided tour makes the long drive much more comfortable and adds valuable local insights.
SPEND A DAY IN CASABLANCA
About 2.5 to 3 hours north of Marrakech by train or car, Casablanca offers a modern, urban contrast to the old medina life. Wide boulevards lined with palm trees, art-deco architecture, and Atlantic views give the city a distinctly cosmopolitan vibe that feels very different from Marrakech.
The highlight is the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, built partly over the ocean. Its intricately carved ceilings, detailed tilework, and vast prayer hall are truly impressive, with guided tours letting you step inside and learn its history. Beyond the mosque, you can walk along the Corniche for sea views, explore the busy Marché Central, or relax in Anfa’s stylish cafés.
If you prefer an easier, more structured option, consider this guided day trip from Marrakech. It includes round-trip transport, a tour of the mosque, visits to key landmarks, and free time to explore the city – all without worrying about the planning.
Tip: Trains between Marrakech and Casablanca are frequent but can get busy. Booking tickets in advance is recommended. Staying overnight also lets you experience more of the city’s lively evening atmosphere.
TAKE A DAY TRIP TO AGADIR
About 3 hours southwest of Marrakech, Agadir is Morocco’s classic Atlantic resort city – modern, sunny, and relaxed. Rebuilt after a devastating 1960 earthquake, it has a wide beachfront promenade lined with cafés and hotels, making it perfect for long walks, dining by the sea, or enjoying the ocean breeze.
The broad, sandy beach is great for sunbathing or swimming in the cool Atlantic, while Kasbah Oufella offers panoramic views of the city and coast from its hilltop ruins. For a taste of local life, don’t miss Souk El Had, a sprawling covered market where locals shop for everything from fresh produce to spices and textiles.
Tip 1: Agadir works as a day trip, but staying overnight means you can enjoy more of the beach and even visit nearby Taghazout for its laid-back surf scene.
Tip 2: It’s a full-day outing – an organized trip can make the journey more comfortable and let you focus on the sights.
EXPERIENCE THE SAHARA ON A MULTI-DAY TRIP
While not a single-day outing, a trip to the Sahara Desert is one of Morocco’s most memorable experiences. If you have extra time, it’s well worth adding to your Marrakech plans. Most tours travel over the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass, stop at Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, and visit dramatic valleys like the Dades or Todra Gorges before reaching the dunes of Merzouga or Zagora.
In the Sahara, you’ll ride camels at sunset, listen to music around a campfire, and sleep under a sky filled with stars in traditional Berber-style camps. The shifting sands, changing light, and immense silence create a magical atmosphere that’s hard to describe.
Tip: To make the most of your time and see as much as possible, choose a well-reviewed tour that prioritizes quality camps and local expertise. We recommend this option, which includes comfortable minibus transport, knowledgeable local guides, meals, and well-equipped desert camps with plenty of memorable highlights.
START YOUR ADVENTURE
These best day trips from Marrakech, Morocco open the door to a world of contrasts – from rushing waterfalls and green valleys to rugged deserts and coastal towns. Each of these getaways offers a unique way to experience Morocco’s rich landscapes and culture. Use this guide to choose your perfect escape and see just how much there is to discover beyond the city.
