10 Best Trips From Marrakech (Day Trips & Multi-Day Adventures)
Check out the ten best day trips from Marrakech!
Marrakech is one of Morocco’s most exciting cities, but some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes lie just beyond it, most of which can be visited during day trips.
From the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert to charming coastal cities like Essaouira, there are countless unforgettable trips you can take from Marrakech.
Having explored many of these destinations myself, I’ve compiled this guide to provide an overview of what to expect and how to visit them.
These trips from Marrakech include day trips, desert excursions and multi-day adventures across Morocco.
Plan Your Trip With My Recommended Resources:
🚆Bus or Train: Bookaway is a great resource for tickets
🏨 Accommodation: I always use Booking.com
🚙Rental Car: Discover Cars has the best car rental prices
❤️ Travel Insurance: I recommend using SafetyWing
✈️ Flights: Kiwi.com has the best prices on flights
📱eSIM: Airalo has a fantastic range of eSIMs
Best Day Trips From Marrakech
Before we begin our deep dive, here’s a quick comparison table for you to see what destination is best for you, in terms of travel time and the type of things to do at each place:
| Destination | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Essaouira | 3 hrs | Coastal escape |
| Atlas Mountains | 1 hr | Hiking, waterfalls |
| Paradise Valley | 3hrs 45mins | Nature swimming |
| Sahara Desert | 2–3 days | Desert adventure |
| Agadir | 3hrs 30mins | Beach resort |
Now let’s take a look at what I believe to be the best trips from Marrakech, including information on how to get there, group tours and more.
1. Essaouira – Best Coastal Day Trip From Marrakech
Distance from Marrakech: 177km
Travel time: 3 hours by bus
Just three hours from Marrakech, Essaouira offers something the Red City doesn’t – fresh Atlantic air, seafood restaurants, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere.
Situated on the Atlantic coast, just 3 hours by bus from Marrakech, Essaouira is a Medieval fortress city, full of history and beach vibes. It’s a much more relaxing place compared to Marrakech, which can be too overwhelming for some.
I spent two days in Essaouira (although a day trip is enough time), and fell in love with the old medina, its history and exceptional cuisine. Here are my top three things to do in Essaouira:
- The Blue Boats of Essaouira – A symbol of the city’s fishing history, these countless wooden boats near the harbour are a photographer’s dream.
- Essaouira Medina – The city’s historical centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a lovely place to explore, with many shops and cafes with views of the ocean.
- Essaouira Beach – Stretching two kilometres, the beach is a hive of activity and ideal for a stroll before heading back to Marrakech.
How To Get There From Marrakech:
If you are dependent on public transportation, the only option is to take a bus from Marrakech Bus Station (Gare Routiere de Marrakech), which takes approximately three hours.
I caught this bus and experienced no issues; it’s inexpensive, with tickets costing as little as £5. If you’re hiring a car, obviously, you can drive to Essaouira, which will take less than three hours.
👉 Read my Morocco Travel Guide here:
The Perfect 10 Day Morocco Itinerary: From Tangier To Marrakech
2. Atlas Mountains – Most Popular Day Trip From Marrakech
Distance from Marrakech: 70 km
Travel time: 1 hour by car
The snow-capped Atlas Mountains rise dramatically just outside Marrakech, making them one of the easiest and most spectacular escapes from the city.
You can actually see this mountain range from Marrakech, but taking a day to go hiking there is an unforgettable experience.
Toubkal National Park is the nearest park from Marrakech and is easily accessible. There are several exceptional places to visit in this wonderful region that you may wish to consider:
- Toubkal National Park – This park is 70km from Marrakech, with excellent hiking trails that are easily accessible.
- Ourika Valley – Here you can go hiking, see waterfalls and visit local Berber villages.
- Ouzoud Waterfalls – Based further away from Marrakech (150km), but is a series of stunning waterfalls, over 100 metres in height.
How To Get There From Marrakech:
I actually hopped in a taxi and went to the Atlas Mountains with a travel buddy, and we got to visit a local village and went for a hike. Unless you’re confident in where exactly to go, I wouldn’t recommend this option.
For convenience, I advise seeing the Atlas Mountains as part of a group tour. Here are three of the best tours to consider for your trip:
- Atlas Mountains Guided Day Hike – Lasts 7-8 hours, includes round-trip transportation from Marrakech and lunch (good level of fitness required).
- Ourika Valley Day Trip From Marrakech – Lasts 8-9 hours, includes round trip transportation, a stop at Setti Fatma waterfall, lunch at a local Berber home, and a visit to an Argan oil shop.
- Full-Day Ouzoud Waterfalls Tour – Lasts 10 hours, includes a boat ride tour and round-trip transportation from Marrakech.
3. Paradise Valley – A Beautiful Nature Trip From Marrakech
Distance from Marrakech: 253 km
Travel time: 3 hours 45 minutes by car
Situated between Marrakech and Agadir is Paradise Valley, an idyllic paradise that offers hiking trails, valleys, canyons, natural swimming pools, waterfalls and more, making it a popular day trip from Marrakech with many tourists.
There are many day tours from Marrakech to Paradise Valley, which include visits to Berber villages, Argan oil cooperatives, and a traditional tagine lunch, typically lasting between 8 and 10 hours.
How To Get There From Marrakech:
Realistically, the only option to reach Paradise Valley from Marrakech is to take a day tour. There are no real bus routes to nearby villages, although you could feasibly drive there if renting a car during your holiday.
4. Agadir – A Beach Escape From Marrakech
Distance from Marrakech: 250km
Travel time: 3 hours 30 minutes by bus
If you’re craving an escape to the beach during your stay in Marrakech, then Agadir is the dream day trip for you.
Situated three hours south of Marrakech, Agadir is a quiet, delightful beach resort city, with a golden beach that stretches twelve kilometres.
I’ve visited Agadir with my family on two occasions, and can highly recommend it if you’re a beach lover. The beach is pristine, and there are some superb restaurants along the promenade.
It really is an ideal family destination, more so than Marrakech. And if you fancy staying in Agadir an extra couple of days, then there are several excellent 4-star hotels to choose from.
👉 Read more about visiting Agadir from Marrakech here:
Unmissable Things To Do On A Day Trip To Agadir From Marrakech
How To Get There From Marrakech:
Taking a bus from Marrakech to Agadir is your only option if relying on public transportation. The bus takes three hours and thirty minutes to reach Agadir, with buses running from 8 AM daily.
Best Multi-Day Trips From Marrakech
Now that we’ve covered the best day trips from Marrakech, let’s take a look at trips from Marrakech that require 2-3 days or more:
5. Sahara Desert – Best Multi-Day Trip From Marrakech
Distance from Marrakech: 549km
Travel time: 9-10 hours (takes 2-3 days)
Visiting the Sahara Desert is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Morocco – it is one of the most breathtaking sites in the world.
A day trip from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert is not possible as it takes too long to reach (at least 9-10 hours), but you can visit as part of a two or three-day trip and visit iconic places along the way, such as Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou.
The nearest place in the Sahara Desert you can visit from Marrakech is the Erg Chebbi Dunes. I visited the Sahara Desert from Marrakech, and it is easily one of the best travel experiences I’ve been fortunate to have.
How To Get There From Marrakech:
As mentioned above, the best way to visit the Sahara Desert from Marrakech is as part of a group tour, over two or three days.
This may seem like a big chunk of your Morocco holiday, but I can say wholeheartedly that it is 100% worth doing.
You’ll take an unforgettable camel ride over the Erg Chebbi dunes and spend the night at a Bedouin camp, before making the journey back to Marrakech.
➡️ Take a 3-Day Trip to the Sahara Desert from Marrakech
Book your ticket hassle free here
6. Ouarzazate (Film Studios & Desert Landscape)
Distance from Marrakech: 192km
Travel time: 4 hours by bus
Known as the ‘door of the desert’, Ouarzazate is a fascinating city located halfway between Marrakech and the Sahara Desert.
Famous for its film studios – Hollywood movies such as ‘Gladiator’ and ‘The Mummy filmed there, it’s a cool place for a day trip for any self-confessed movie buffs.
How To Get There From Marrakech:
It is possible to take a bus to Ouarzazate, but this takes up to 4 hours, making a day trip there and back to Marrakech too exhausting.
Instead, you can stay overnight here and visit Ait Ben Haddou before returning to Marrakech.
7. Ait Ben Haddou – A Historic Desert Trip From Marrakech
Distance from Marrakech: 181km
Travel time: 3-4 hours by car each way
If you want to get a real taste of authentic Morocco, then head to the historic fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou. This is one of the country’s World Heritage sites, and it is a magical place to visit.
Just 30 kilometres west of Ouarzazate (meaning it’s possible to visit both locations in one or two days), Ait Ben Haddou has also been a popular filming location for many Hollywood productions.
I stopped at Ait Ben Haddou during my Sahara Desert trip, and found it to be a unique place in the desert, completely different from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech.
The ancient architecture and the surrounding panoramic views are breathtaking, making it quite unlike anywhere else in Morocco.
How To Get There From Marrakech:
Visiting Ait Ben Haddou from Marrakech is a long distance to travel, taking typically between 3-4 hours each way. This means it’s best to stay overnight in the region before returning to Marrakech the following day.
Although this sounds like an exhausting trip, the passing scenery through the High Atlas Mountains is spectacular.
Overall, it is much easier to visit Ait Ben Haddou as part of a group tour, stopping off at Ouarzazate, rather than visiting alone, which would be quite a logistical nightmare.
➡️ Visit both Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate from Marrakech
Book your ticket easily by clicking here
8. El Jadida – A Hidden Gem Near Marrakech
Distance from Marrakech: 232km
Travel time: 2-3 hours by car
Often overlooked by many tourists (who prefer Essaouira instead), El Jadida is another charming coastal city that is ideal for a day trip.
Famous for its UNESCO World Heritage–listed Portuguese city, El Jadida is one of the most authentic cities near Marrakech. It’s quiet, full of history and has fantastic seafood.
El Jadida beach is a lovely spot for a sunset stroll, and the labyrinth-like Portuguese city, with its unique architecture, is an interesting place to wander around and discover.
How To Get There From Marrakech:
It is possible to take a train or a bus from Marrakech to El Jadida, but it requires a long day of travel, taking 4-5 hours each way. Alternatively, driving to El Jadida is the quickest option, taking less than three hours.
9. Casablanca – Morocco’s Largest City From Marrakech
Distance from Marrakech: 245km
Travel time: 3 hours by train
Casablanca is one of the most famous cities in Morocco and a popular day trip to take from Marrakech. It’s a bustling, modern city, less touristy than Marrakech and offers a more realistic insight into everyday life for Moroccans.
There are several fascinating places to visit in Casablanca. The most popular site is the Hassan II Mosque – one of the most stunning pieces of architecture you’re likely to see.
There are also an abundance of shopping malls and restaurants in Casablanca, and the city features an interesting blend of French colonial art-deco architecture, with more modern Western-style architecture.
How To Get There From Marrakech:
The quickest way to reach Casablanca is by train, which takes three hours and costs between £8-£16, depending on whether you buy a first or second class ticket.
10. Fes – Morocco’s Most Historic City From Marrakech
Distance from Marrakech: 525km
Travel time: 3 hours by plane
Fes is one of the most culturally and historically significant cities in Morocco, and a place you should consider visiting during your time in Marrakech.
Famous for historical sites such as the old medina and the Chouara Tannery, Fes is a chaotic and lively place that offers a truly authentic glimpse into Moroccan life.
I spent two full days exploring Fes, and found it to be more interesting (and more overwhelming) than Marrakech, to be honest, which says a lot.
How To Get There From Marrakech:
The quickest travel option to reach Fes from Marrakech is by plane, with flights taking just three hours, and tickets ranging from £30 to £140.
By car, you can drive to Fes within five hours from Marrakech.
How To Choose The Best Trip From Marrakech
So how do you know which trip is best for you? Here’s a quick breakdown of what the most popular destinations have to offer:
- Short on time? → Atlas Mountains or Essaouira.
- Want nature? → Ourika Valley or Paradise Valley.
- Want a big adventure? → Sahara Desert.
- Want beaches? → Agadir (or Essaouira, but Agadir has the better beach).
Map of Marrakech
Check out this map of Marrakech, featuring pins to all the day trip destinations in the nearby areas mentioned in this blog post:
Useful Links For Your Trip
Here are some helpful links to help plan your trip to Marrakech:
🚄 Book trains, buses, ferries in Morocco – find trains to Marrakech, ferries to Tangier and more.
🏨 Find hotels in Morocco – from budget stays in Marrakech to 4-star beach resorts in Agadir and more.
🍜 Join a food tour in Morocco – food tours in Marrakech, Essaouira, Fes, Casablanca and more.
🌅 Book a day trip in Morocco – Find more excellent day trips throughout Morocco here.
Best Trips From Marrakech FAQs
Still unsure about taking a day trip from Marrakech? Or do you have any other nagging questions about visiting Marrakech? Let me answer the most relevant questions here:
How many days in Marrakech is enough?
This depends – do you just want to explore Marrakech or discover some of the more interesting destinations mentioned in this blog post?
If you only want to see what all the fuss is about with Marrakech, then plan a minimum of two days, ideally five.
If, however, you’d like to take a few trips to the Atlas Mountains, Agadir or the Sahara Desert, then you want to spend around 10-14 days.
What are the best places to visit in Marrakech?
Marrakech itself is a lively city with many diverse places to visit and things to do. Here are my top three places to visit in Marrakech:
- Souk Semmarine – This is the most well-known souk market, located in the heart of the old medina and a must-visit when in Marrakech. There are shops here selling everything from spices to antiques, jewellery, clothes and more.
- Jardin Majorelle – Just outside the old city is Jardin Majorelle, a colourful oasis of calm that was owned by the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. It’s the best place to escape the hectic pace of Marrakech.
- Jemaa el-Fnaa – This is the big main square in the old medina of Marrakech. It’s a fun place where you’ll find everything from food stalls to snake charmers.
What are the best cities to visit in Morocco?
Marrakech is the most popular city for tourists to visit in Morocco, but there are several other cities that are most certainly worth a visit as well (some of which I’ve mentioned in this post – Fes, Agadir, Essaouira, Casablanca).
My favourite city is Chefchaouen, an incredible place located in the northern mountain region of Morocco, and famous for its blue buildings everywhere you go. Further north is the port city of Tangier, another favourite city of mine.
Best Trips From Marrakech Conclusion
So that concludes my top tips and advice on the best trips you can take from Marrakech.
Marrakech is an incredible destination in its own right, but some of Morocco’s most memorable experiences lie just beyond the city.
Whether you’re hiking in the Atlas Mountains, exploring the historic streets of Essaouira, or riding camels in the Sahara Desert, these trips from Marrakech offer a completely different perspective of Morocco.
Marrakech itself is a fabulous city, but be sure to make time in your itinerary to take a few excursions to nearby places to discover more of what this beautiful country is all about.
You may also enjoy reading these blog posts about Morocco:
➡️ Is Morocco Overrated? Everything You Should Know Before Visiting
➡️ Is It A Good Idea To Visit Morocco In Winter? Top Reasons To Visit & More
➡️ Is Agadir Safe For Families? An Honest Review Of Morocco’s Beach Town
➡️ Planning your trip? Here are my favourite resources:
🏨 Accommodation: I recommend using Booking.com
🚙 Rental Car: Use Discover Cars for the best car rental prices
❤️ Travel Insurance: I recommend using Visitors Coverage
✈️ Flights: Use Kiwi.com for the best prices on flights
