Wondering where to go for your next adventure? If you’re craving warm hospitality, delicious food, stunning architecture, and a good dose of adventure, this 12 days in Morocco itinerary is perfect for you. 

Located just south of Spain in Northwest Africa, Morocco is a country where Berber, Arabic, North African and European influences blend into something truly unique. It is one of the most intriguing countries I’ve ever been to and one of the few places in the world where I’ve truly felt culture shock!

Morocco’s charm lies in its contrasts. In the bustling medinas, you’ll find maze-like alleyways, colourful souks filled with spices and lanterns, and rustic street food stalls. You may even spot a donkey-driven cart or two! Yet just a short walk away, there are modern neighbourhoods with sleek architecture, trendy cafés, and upscale fine dining. This gives Morocco a fascinating blend of the traditional and contemporary. 

Beyond its cities, Morocco is home to breathtaking landscapes: snow-capped Atlas Mountains, lush forests, and the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert. This guide will show you the best places to visit in Morocco in under two weeks, combining culture, nature, and unforgettable experiences to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.

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How This Itinerary Works 

I have designed this Morocco itinerary with the idea of starting in Fes and flying out of Marrakech. I like the convenience of arriving and departing from different airports – it saves you from doubling back and lets you cover more ground in the same amount of time. That said, this route is flexible and can easily be adjusted to suit your travel plans.

If you know my slower style of travel, you’ll know that I am not a fan of staying in one place for just a day. I prefer to spend at least two nights in each destination, so you can really get a feel for the place while also leaving time to rest and recharge. This itinerary follows that rhythm, giving you space to explore without rushing.

Because of Morocco’s geography, there will be a few transfers and longer journeys, but don’t let that put you off. The routes are straightforward and usually direct, so you can settle in and enjoy the ride.

How to Get Around Morocco

For this itinerary, I recommend making the most of Morocco’s excellent public transport network. Buses in Morocco are the most practical choice for getting between cities. The network is extensive, linking almost every major destination, and the buses are safe, comfortable and punctual. My husband and I relied on them throughout our trip and had a really good experience. 

For longer journeys, consider taking an overnight bus in Morocco, which saves both time and a night’s accommodation. Trains are another possibility, but they don’t run as frequently as buses and don’t reach every city.

If you’re after more flexibility, renting a car in Morocco is a fantastic option. I’ll admit I’m not quite confident enough to drive abroad (yet!), but if you’re comfortable on the road, you’ll be rewarded with incredible landscapes and the freedom to stop in small villages and scenic spots along the way.

You can also fly between some cities, but in my opinion, domestic flights in Morocco usually aren’t worth it. By the time you add up airport transfers, security checks, and waiting around, buses or trains often end up being just as efficient – and much cheaper. Still, if you’re short on time, flying could be a good alternative. 

Once you’re in the cities, walking in Morocco is the best way to soak up the atmosphere – especially in the medinas. Just expect to get lost at least once (it’s part of the adventure!). Morocco’s old towns are an absolute maze of narrow, winding streets, and signage seems to be an afterthought! Google Maps can help you find your bearings, though it doesn’t always cover the tiniest streets.

When to Visit Morocco

The best time to visit Morocco is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasantly warm without being overwhelming. These months are perfect for sightseeing, wandering through the medinas, and taking day trips into the desert or coast.

Summer in Morocco (especially July and August) can be extremely hot – think 40°C (104°F) in cities like Marrakech. Winter brings cooler temperatures and even snow in the Atlas Mountains. If you’re heading to the Sahara, winter can be a magical time with crisp, clear skies and cooler nights. Ultimately, Morocco is a year-round destination, but for the most comfortable experience, aim for spring or autumn.

Where to Stay in Morocco

One of the best things about travelling in Morocco is the accommodation – specifically the riads. These traditional houses are centred around a courtyard, often with a small pool or fountain, and the rooms are arranged in elegant galleries around it. Stepping inside a riad feels like entering a calm oasis, offering some well-needed respite from the busy, bustling world outside their walls. 

Riads come in all shapes and sizes, from budget-friendly options with plenty of charm to opulent, palace-like stays where every detail is designed to impress. No matter your budget, you can expect excellent Moroccan hospitality throughout your stay.

Days 1-2: Fes

Let’s start our Moroccan adventure in the northern city of Fes. This charming little city once served as the nation’s capital, and is the perfect place to dive straight into traditional Moroccan culture. It can be a bit overwhelming at first but don’t let that put you off. It is a really fascinating place to explore.

There are plenty of things to do in Fes in two days, but what I enjoyed the most was simply walking around the streets and taking in the sights, sounds and smells. The most interesting area to do this is Fes El Bali, the walled-in medieval old town (which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Reportedly the world’s largest pedestrianized Medina, this complex labyrinth is filled with old-world charm and character. It is a true assault to the senses that will instantly make an impression on you.

In Fes El Bali you’ll find a maze of narrow streets lined with busy souk (market) stalls, selling leather goods, intricately-painted ceramics, and beautiful textiles. I am sure you will want to bring tons of souvenirs back home with you so brush up on your haggling skills before making any purchases!

There are dozens of cosy little cafes here too that you can duck into for a refreshing mint tea or fruit juice, as well as plenty of restaurants offering all manner of delicious Moroccan delicacies like tagine or pastilla (a traditional sweet-and-savory chicken pie layered with flaky filo pastry). In fact, Fes is seen by many as the foodie capital of Morocco, so taking a cooking class might be of interest!

Islamic art and architecture fans won’t be disappointed here, as the Medina is filled with exquisitely-decorated buildings and historic landmarks like Al Attarine Madrasa and Bab Boujloud. I couldn’t stop taking photos of the beautiful buildings, many of which are covered in colourful, patterned tiles that are so synonymous with the Arabic world. 

If you find Fes’s historic centre quite chaotic, you might want to book a guided walking tour. I’m a big fan of walking tours as you are shown around by a local guide, who can give you insight into the city’s history, culture and traditions. It also dramatically reduces the chances of getting lost!

Where to Stay in Fes

Fes offers everything from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts, but for a truly authentic experience, stay in a traditional riad. Here are three riads to consider in Fes, suitable for different budgets.

• Riad Qamar Fez ($) – A cozy, budget-friendly riad with traditional Moroccan charm, offering a peaceful rooftop and easy access to the medina’s main sights.
• Riad Damia Suite & Spa ($$) – Elegant and serene, this mid-range riad features spacious suites, spa services, and a relaxing courtyard just outside the medina.
• Riad Dar Laura ($$$) – A luxurious retreat near the Blue Gate, combining gorgeous Moorish design with modern comforts like a stylish rooftop terrace.

Day 3-5: Marrakech

After an exciting couple of days in Fes, you will head around 500 kilometers southwest to the imperial city of Marrakech. Another of Morocco’s former capitals, Marrakech is Morocco’s most visited city so there’s tons here to see and do to keep you entertained. Check out my dedicated Marrakech guide, which is full of my recommendations and tips, perfect for first-time visitors!

Much like Fes, Marrakech’s Medina is the city’s biggest draw. This UNESCO World Heritage site is exciting, tightly packed, and filled with spectacular sights. Visit historic landmarks like the vast and beautiful Bahia Palace or the ruins of El Badi Palace, admire the impressive 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, get lost in narrow passages and alleyways, or stock up on souvenirs at a busy marketplace like the famous Souk Semmarine.

Another of Marrakech’s most famous spots is Jemaa el-Fnaa, the city’s main square. A hub of activity day and night, it’s a lively place packed with food stalls, musicians, and street performers. I’ll admit – it wasn’t my favourite experience. It’s a buzzing place for sure, but it was just too busy for me. Some vendors are very pushy in their sales tactics. At one point, I even saw a seller grab a woman’s arm to stop her walking away (to which she shouted at him “Too much!” – good for her!). 

If you take photos of any musicians or street performers, keep in mind that you will be expected to give them some money. We also saw some very exploited animals, including snakes, birds of prey and some miserable-looking monkeys, chained up for people to pose next to and photograph. I’d say it’s worth passing through Jemaa el-Fnaa as it’s good for people-watching and taking photos (for the general square, not the poor animals), but I wouldn’t suggest spending hours there.

If the chaos of the Medina gets too much for you then you can escape through the old city walls to the newer part of the city. The modern district of Gueliz, for example, is home to contemporary dining options, as well as the pretty and peaceful Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.

Where to Stay in Marrakech

You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation in Marrakech! There are tons of places to suit every type of traveller, from backpacker hostels to five-star palaces. Here are some well-rated places to check out:

• Riad Dia ($) – Budget travellers will love this colourful hostel with a pool and social vibe just steps from Jemaa el-Fnaa.
• Riad Nesma Suites & Spa ($$) – A great mid-range option, offering stylish rooms, a rooftop terrace, and an on-site spa at an affordable price.
• La Mamounia ($$$) – Marrakech’s most prestigious hotel, famous for its opulent décor, lush gardens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts and full-service spa.

How to Get to Marrakech from Fes

To get from Fes to Marrakech, you can either take the train (about €40, just under seven hours, scenic and comfortable but time-consuming) or the coach (cheaper, slightly longer, but with the handy option of an overnight sleeper bus arriving at 6am). 

The train isn’t ideal for overnight travel, as the last one arrives in Marrakech around 1am, so if you want to save time, the sleeper coach is your best bet. We took the sleeper coach and it was comfortable, safe and on time. Ultimately, it comes down to what suits your budget and schedule.

Day 9-11: Essaouira

After a nice lie-in, it’s time to escape the hustle and bustle of Marrakech and head to the relaxed coastal city of Essaouira. This cool port city on the Atlantic Ocean has a completely different character to the previous destinations in this itinerary. Morocco was part of the hippy trail between the 1950s and 1970s, and Essaouira was a major hub for flower power children. While the true hippy days are long gone, the city has retained some of its bohemian vibes, making it a perfect place to chill for a few days – especially if you have a sore bum from the camel ride and long van journeys! 

Essaouira is a really beautiful place to unwind, with the city’s historic Medina filled with pretty white-washed buildings with bold blue shutters that are reminiscent of Greek islands. There are plenty of historic landmarks to admire around here too, such as the impressive Port of Essaouira Sqala. Fellow nerds may recognise this fortress from Game of Thrones as it was used in the filming of the city of Astapor.

This coastal city is home to a beautiful 6km stretch of beach. You can swim in the Atlantic if you’re feeling brave, but be prepared – the water is chilly, and the winds and currents are strong. While that might not make for the most relaxing dip, it does make Essaouira a fantastic destination for watersports. Surfing is especially popular thanks to the powerful waves, and you’ll find plenty of schools offering surfing lessons if you’d like to give it a try. I didn’t do this as I have terrible balance and would last about three seconds before falling in, but it certainly looked like fun!

Essaouira is a great place to enjoy some unbelievably fresh seafood too, with plenty of restaurants here serving up tasty dishes like fish tagine, grilled sardines, and deliciously plump prawns. Many of these eateries can be found along the harbour. Like in other areas you will get surrounded by sellers, but that’s just how it is here. Try not to feel pressured, and check for prices first to make sure you’re happy. For more ideas about how to spend your time in this coastal city, check out my Essaouira travel guide.

Where to Stay in Essaouira

Essaouira offers a fantastic mix of accommodation, whether you’re travelling on a shoestring budget or looking for luxury by the sea. Here are some well-rated riads and hotels, suitable for different budgets:

• Dar El Pacha Hostel ($) – This colourful, sociable spot in the Medina is ideal if you’re seeking a lively backpacker vibe. 
• Riad Baladin ($$) – A stylish riad with bright, airy rooms and a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy sweeping sunset views over the city. 
• Heure Bleue Palais Relais & Châteaux ($$$) – This gorgeous hotel blends Moroccan design with five-star indulgence. Expect an elegant spa, rooftop pool, and sophisticated suites that make it one of Essaouira’s most iconic hotels. 

How to Get to Essaouira

Getting to Essaouira from Marrakech is relatively straightforward. You cantravel by bus with companies like Supratours and CTM, which offer daily, direct services that take about 3 hours. You can purchase tickets online through the companies’ websites or in-person at their terminals. To avoid any potential language barriers, you can also book via 12Go. I use 12goasia whenever possible as the website is really easy to use, you can compare prices and schedules, pay online and download your bus ticket as an e-ticket. 

If you don’t fancy taking a bus, you can also book a private taxi ride via 12goasia. These cost around €60 and only take two hours, getting you there even earlier.

Day 12: Chill Day in Marrakech

If you’re travelling out of Marrakech on the 13th day, then day 12 of this itinerary is all about chilling! You will have already seen and done a lot on this trip, so it’s time to relax and recharge. Book yourself into one of the city’s absolutely gorgeous riads – preferably with a pool – and enjoy some peace and quiet while doing absolutely nothing. Enjoy some top notch Moroccan hospitality, sip on some mint tea on a rooftop terrace and pamper yourself silly with some spa treatments. 

If you want to head outside, you could go for a calming walk in one of Marrakech’s many pretty parks, like Cyber Parc Arsat Moulay Abdeslam. And if you’re really not one of those “take it easy” types, why not end your Marrakech trip with a cooking class? You’ll learn how to prepare authentic Moroccan dishes and take the flavours home with you to enjoy long after the holiday ends.

Have More Time in Morocco?

If you’re lucky enough to have more time in Morocco, there are lots of day trips you can do from the destinations in this itinerary. You can take to the skies, floating over Atlas Mountains on a hot air balloon flight or take a guided hike of the Ouzoud Waterfalls near Marrakech. You can visit the super-photogenic Chefchaouen from Fes (known as the blue city because every building is painted in gorgeous shades of blue!). You can go horse-riding along the beach in Essaouria, or take to the sand dunes on a quad bike. However you plan to spend your extra days, I’m sure you’ll have a great time!

Morocco Travel Tips

Safety in Morocco

Morocco is generally a safe country to travel in, but it helps to know what to expect. For men, day-to-day travel is usually straightforward. The most attention my husband got on the street was from male market vendors calling him “Ali Baba!”, due to his bushy beard. 

Women should be prepared for unwanted attention, such as comments or stares. While this is often more annoying than threatening, it definitely made me feel uncomfortable. I dressed very modestly and avoided isolated places (day and night) to minimise attention and hassle.

Solo travellers in Morocco, whether male or female, should stay alert in crowded places (like markets and bus stations) where pickpocketing can happen. Saying a firm but polite “No, thank you” to persistent vendors can make your trip smoother and more relaxing.

What to Wear in Morocco

When deciding what to wear in Morocco, comfort and modesty are key. Morocco is a Muslim-majority country, so while tourists aren’t expected to cover up completely, dressing respectfully goes a long way toward blending in and avoiding unwanted attention. 

For women, loose-fitting tops with sleeves, long skirts, dresses, or trousers work well, especially in rural areas and religious sites. A lightweight scarf is handy for covering shoulders or hair if needed. 

Men are fine in T-shirts and trousers or knee-length shorts, but tank/vest tops are best avoided outside of beach towns. No matter your gender, breathable fabrics are your friend in Morocco’s heat, while layers are useful in cooler evenings or in the mountains. 

Comfortable shoes are an absolute must. I recommend hiking shoes; although you won’t be going on any hikes in this itinerary, you’ll be doing a lot of walking, especially through the medinas’ winding alleys.  I love my comfortable Jack Wolfskin hiking shoes and my husband can also recommend the Merrell Moab range, which are super comfortable and supportive. 

For a more in-depth list of what to take with you to Morocco, check out my post: Morocco Packing List: What To Pack & Wear In Morocco.

Shopping in Morocco

If you are looking to buy some of the wonderful craft goods sold at Moroccan souks (marketplaces) then you need to know that haggling is the name of the game here. Prices are often shown on products found in markets, but they will typically be massively inflated. Think of them as an initial starting price for the negotiation, and haggle the price down to whatever you’re comfortable paying. Check out my Haggling Tips for First-Time Visitors to Morocco to make sure you don’t get ripped off!

I hope this itinerary has helped you plan your time in Morocco, and consider which places and activities really spark your interest. Of course in less than two weeks, you won’t have time to see or do everything, but this guide shows you the highlights of Morocco.

Ciao for now
Izzie, the Curious Sparrow