Rabat – Morocco is an expansive country with all four distinct seasons and over 3,500 kilometers of shoreline. However, some tourists often only visit the famous red city of Marrakech or the Hollywood classic of Casablanca. Here is a guide on how to get the most out of your week long trip to Morocco.
Day 1 – Casablanca
As most tourists coming from the US or Europe often find themselves in Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport as an initial point of entry, we will begin our trip in Morocco’s economic capital of Casablanca.
The city is home to more than five million residents and provides the perfect opportunity for visitors to explore Morocco’s rich culture. Depending on your severity of jetlag, a stay in Casablanca should not exceed two days if you wish to see Morocco in all of its glory.
Start the day with a traditional Moroccan breakfast at L’Adresse, located just a kilometer away from Kenzi Twin Tower, in Casblanca’s shopping district of Maarif. The L’Adresse breakfast platter comes in a three-level tower, loaded with Moroccan breakfast favorites such as traditional breads, pancakes, and oats.
After breakfast, you can take a 15 minute stroll to the nearby Atlantic Coast and catch breathtaking views of the King Hassan II mosque. The mosque is the second largest mosque in Africa behind Algeria’s Djamaa El Djazair and its construction only took three years as teams worked day and night to complete the mosque in time for the late King Hassan II’s birthday.
Due to COVID-19, the mosque is not open to the public. Under normal circumstances, visitors can enter the mosque and view the stunning architecture inside.
Following a day of exploring around Casa’s concrete jungle, the best evening is spent on the beach of Ain Diab to watch the sunset over the ocean. Get a good night’s rest as the next day will be spent on a train in the early morning, ensuring you will reach Marrakech by noon.
Day 2 and 3 -Marrakech/Essaouira
Contrary to most Moroccan travel itineraries, the first leg of our trip will only include a quick layover in Marrakech. After taking the train to Marrakech from Casablanca Voyageur train station, you will head to the nearest CTM bus station to take a trip to Essaouira.
Read also: Morocco’s Many Modes of Transportation and How to Use Them Like a Native
A short 2.5 hour bus ride from Marrakech will bring you to Morocco’s gnaoua music capital of Essaouira. The city is somewhat of a hidden gem on Morocco’s Atlantic Coast. Mohammed Zefzaf, a world-renown Moroccan author, describes the wonders of Essaouira in great detail in his book “The Fox that Appears and Disappears.”
The city is perfect for tourists as it is relatively inexpensive and offers a good first look at the authentic traditions and culture of Morocco. In addition, thousands of tourists pass through the city during Morocco’s peak travel season so most of the locals are familiar with foreigners and are extremely hospitable.
Spend the rest of the day exploring the medina of Essaouira and do not forget to try some of Morocco’s fresh seafood, caught daily at the port of Essaouira.
On the second day in Essaouira, thrill-seekers should head to the beach to check out the windsurfing scene. Essaouira is known as the windy city and many adventurous souls flock to the destination to catch the wind and waves.
For those that wish to take in more of the city, head to one of the many local art galleries within the walls of the city. Essaouira has an artsy feel to it and the sounds of street musicians often fill the air.
History buffs will enjoy the old city’s Portuguese-inspired architecture such as the Portuguese church located in the medina near the Sqala Kasbah. Originally named Mogador, the city was home to Portuguese settlers in the 15th century.
Day 4 – Marrakech
After spending a day and a half in Essaouira, return to Marrakech and spend the day seeing the awe-inspiring Jemaa El Fnaa. The huge, open square in Marrakech is one of the most recognizable in Morocco and even inspired Place Lahdim in Meknes.
The square has attractions for everyone. From street performers to snake charmers and horse drawn carriages, the square embodies Morocco’s charm.
For those that wish to see another side of Marrakech, head to the Yves Saint Laurent gardens just outside Marrakech’s luxury quarter of Gueliz. Morocco’s famous French painter Jacques Majorelle designed the garden in 1920 and did not spare any expense on the number of exotic plants and marble that fill the garden.
End the evening in Marrakech at the italian masterpiece, La Trattoria. The fine-dining establishment will seat you poolside, under a sky of Moroccan lamps, while offering some of Morocco’s most authentic italian food.
Day 5 and 6 – Tangier
Early birds will enjoy an early train ride from Marrakech to Tangier. Thanks to Morocco’s new high-speed rail option, Al Boraq, it will only take nearly five and a half hours to arrive in Tangier. However, please note that the first half of the trip will be aboard Morocco’s standard train, Al Atlas, until you reach Casablanca and change trains.
Once in Tangier, walk along the Tangier Marina from the train station to the medina and bask in the glorious juxtaposition of Spanish design mixed with Moroccan architecture.
Tourists often head directly to Cafe Baba, which is known for hosting international travel extraordinaire Anthony Bourdain. However, getting lost in the streets of the medina and perhaps passing by the American Legation museum will make for the best day under the Andalusian skies of Tangier.
The American Legation was the US’ first diplomatic mission outside of the States following the American Revolution. Moroccans are especially fond of the US-Morocco relationship for this reason.
Read also: The American Legation in Tangier: Symbol of 200 Years of US-Morocco Ties
After a day of wandering in the streets of Tangier, head over to the Marina peninsula and enjoy Tangier’s nightlife and cuisine. Due to the city’s geographical situation, there is a wide variety of Spanish seafood dishes and Moroccan cuisine to end the night with a bang.
Before COVID-19, the Marina was extremely lively and full of tourists and Moroccans alike.
However, the tourism industry is slowly coming back to life and you are certain to enjoy the lowlights of Tangier paired with a beverage of your choice.
Day 7 – Fez
After an intense week of travel throughout Morocco’s western coast, a stop over to Morocco’s second-largest city of Fez is a must. Fez features the largest medina in the world, boasting over 9,400 alleyways and thousands of storefronts.
Spend the day exploring the Fez medina and see historical sites such as the world’s oldest university, University of al-Qarawiyyin, which Fatima al-Fihiri established in 859 A.D. After visiting the university, head over to the world-renown Fez tanneries.
Fez is home to some of the world’s oldest leather tanneries. By simply asking around, locals will guide you to the tanneries where you can observe the tanning and drying process from atop a Fassi rooftop. The tanneries are still operational and produce high quality leather products such as jackets, handbags, belts, and more.
End the day in Fez by dining on the rooftop of the Foundouk Bazaar restaurant in the medina. The restaurant offers traditional Moroccan food in a gourmet style and the prices are extremely affordable. Additionally, the rooftop offers a panoramic view of the old medina and Fez’s roving hills and valleys.
Due to the magnitude of Morocco, travel within the kingdom requires much more than just a week. However, for those making a quick pit-stop in the North African paradise, MWN wishes you safe travels and we hope this itinerary will help you in all of your endeavors!
