Much too often associated to Club Med vacations or a bachelorette party in Marrakech, Morocco is a country that has so much to offer. Its gastronomy doesn’t really vary between the different destinations in this article, but it’s better to favor traditional restaurants over other overly modern ones! Here’s an itinerary that connects Marrakech to Tangiers, two international airports, passing through Morocco’s biggest cities and wonders.
Marrakech
Easily accessible from abroad, Marrakech is the most famous city in Morocco, where English and French are widely spoken. Get lost in the picturesque alleyways of the Medina, passing by the Jemaa El-Fna square, then visit the Bahia Palace, the Majorelle garden (get your tickets online!) and the Menara ones. In search of jetset, go to La Mamounia for drinks and end the evening at the Jad Mahal nightclub. Restaurants change often but you can go to Le Jardin, La Famille (our favorite), Nomad, Al Fassia, the rooftop of Dar Marjana, or Le Café des épices. Le Grand Café de la Poste, paying homage to the movie Casablanca, is the perfect spot for an afternoon mint tea. And rumor has it that the best keftas are at the Afriquia gas station, just before the roundabout on the road to Ouarzazate.
The deserts
The most accessible desert from Marrakech is a bit touristy, but a detour to Agafay, also known as the Marrakchi desert, is still much appreciated. One night at the Terre des Etoiles and a meal at the famous La Pause, and that should be enough to enjoy the Agafay sand dunes. A more authentic desert requires going to the Algerian border, either in the Figuig region or to the Erg Chebbi dunes.
The Atlas region
Just a short drive from Marrakech as you enter the Atlas mountains, the hotel Les Jardin de Taja is a peaceful haven where every little house is decorated with care, and where every meal is served with the utmost delicacy. Take the opportunity to spend a day in the Ourika valley, before eventually going on a trek to see the rest of the Atlas mountains, towards Mount Toukbal or Souss-Massa. The incredible Kasbah Tamadot, a luxury hotel owned by Richard Branson, is the ultimate reward for the trekkers, or at least for all those who managed to get a reservation in due time. Alternatively, the Kasbah Beldi near Lake Lalla Takerkoust is another charming hotel in the Atlas region.
Ouarzazate
Between the Draa and Dades valleys (dubbed the Moroccan Grand Canyon, not to be missed!), Ouarzazate is scattered with small oases and bright red villages. Its many kasbahs make up its charm, and it is also the location for dozens of foreign movies. Have a quiet rest at Dar Ahlam, the most beautiful hotel in the region. And to get to Agadir from Ouarzazate, it would be a good idea to go through the stunning town of Taroudant, nicknamed La Petite Marrakech, in the heart of the Souss valley.
Agadir and Essaouira
Between these two cities on the Atlantic coast, the one with the most charm is Essaouira, with its white medina and small fishing port. Choose between the Villa Anouk or Jardin des Douars hotels, then line up for Adwak’s couscous and Driss’ cornes de gazelle. The most beautiful view of Essaouira can be seen from the Heure Bleue rooftop, and you can also enjoy the view from the Azur Spa after a traditional rhassoul scrub. In the medina, you will find hand-painted plates (some more artisanal than others), as well as objects in thuya wood, which is endemic to this region. Further South, Agadir and Dakhla will please any kite and surfing enthusiasts.
Rabat and Casablanca
Going North up the coast, Casablanca offers the opportunity to visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the few mosques opened to the public. Its museum and library are worth a visit as well, and the best bakery is called Bennis Habous. Even further North is the capital city of Morocco, Rabat, with its miles of coastline, sandy beaches and rocky coves.
Meknes, Fes and Chefchaouen
Meknes is a beautiful imperial city, with a large zellij gate as you enter. Its historical remains are inherited from the greatest Moroccan dynasties that succeeded one another over the centuries: Idrissides, Almoravides, Merinides and Alaouites. As for Fes, it is the most Moroccan city in Morocco, with an immense and energetic medina. Not far from there, Chefchaouen is a mountain village with sky-blue houses: this colour reflects the sun’s rays and keeps the houses cool.
Tangier
How beautiful is Tangier! You can stay at the Dar Sultan, the Dar Nour or the famous Grand Hotel Nord Pinus. Wander in the Kasbah district, around the Grand Socco and Petit Socco souks, visit Saint Andrew’s church and admire the facade of the Gran Teatro Cervantes. To have a cup of coffee, you can choose between Cinéma Rif, Gran Café de Paris, Café Baba, Café Central or Café Hafa. For drinks, the rooftop of North Pinus is unrivalled, but you can also enjoy some music at Les Fils du Détroit, or at the El Morocco Club speakeasy. As for the restaurants, the choice is large: Salon Bleu for lunch, Saveur de Poisson, Chez Hassan Bab Kasbah, El Dorado, or enjoy a couscous on the terrace of Dar El Kasbah.