Part of our Morocco guide.
This page gathers two itineraries: a 48‑hour plan for Essaouira and a road trip from Marrakech to Merzouga.
Related travel guides: Marrakech Travel Guide, The Ultimate Marrakech Travel Guide, and Hidden Gems: The Best Riads In Marrakech.
How To Spend 48 Hours In Essaouira
Start your first day exploring the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, then head to the port to watch the blue fishing boats and the seagulls. In the afternoon, walk along the ramparts built by French engineers in the 18th century and visit the Skala du Port for views of the Atlantic. For dinner, try grilled sardines at one of the stalls near the port.
On day two, take a morning walk on the beach – Essaouira’s long sandy stretch is popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers. After lunch, browse the souk for argan oil products and thuya wood crafts. If you have time, visit the Jewish quarter, the Mellah, and the Moulay Hassan Square. This itinerary covers the historic fortifications and the relaxed coastal vibe. Essaouira is often listed among the hidden gems in Morocco for its laid‑back atmosphere and strong winds.
Marrakech To Merzouga: Our Moroccan Road Trip Itinerary
From Marrakech, drive east over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass. The road descends into the Dadès Valley, where you can stop at the Kasbah Amridil in Skoura. Continue to the Todra Gorge – the canyon walls rise 300 metres on either side. Spend the night in a guesthouse near the gorge.
The next day, head toward Merzouga. The drive takes you past the palm groves of the Ziz Valley and the town of Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops. Arrive at the Erg Chebbi dunes in the late afternoon. Camel treks into the dunes are offered by local camps, and many include dinner and overnight stays in traditional tents. The desert night sky is exceptionally clear, and several camps offer guided stargazing – these are Morocco's Merzouga desert Star gazing camps revealed on our site.
On the third day, watch the sunrise over the dunes before driving back toward Marrakech. The return route can follow the same path or take a different road through the Draa Valley, passing the Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, a fortified village that appears in many films. The whole round trip covers roughly 1,100 kilometres and can be done in three to four days. For practical tips on what things cost in Morocco - is it expensive, check our related guide.
