14-day Morocco Road Trip : between ocean and desert

Are you looking for relaxation, sightseeing, and adventure? How about Morocco? Got two weeks ahead of you? Then this 14-day Morocco Road Trip is just what you need!

Starting in Marrakech and passing through Essaouira and Ouarzazate, this itinerary takes you from ocean to desert. Dive into the heart of Moroccan culture and its culinary specialties. Between bustling alleys and the solitude of the dunes, with visits, culture, and unique experiences, this journey is sure to delight you.

Here’s a glimpse of the highlights you’ll discover in this itinerary:

• Explore the unmissable Medina of Marrakech and hunt for great bargains in the souks
• Visit an Argan oil cooperative in Essaouira
• Enjoy the good life riding the waves in Taghazout
• Discover a saffron cooperative in Taliouine
• Admire the typical southern Moroccan architecture in Ouarzazate
• Experience an unforgettable desert excursion

To travel safely during your 2-week itinerary in Morocco, we wholeheartedly recommend Chapka insurance!

Planning to explore the south of Morocco? Check out our 2-week itinerary through Southern Morocco !

Marie and her team organize your trip to Morocco for you.

Marie and her team create your dream trip, tailor-made and budget-friendly! That way, you save both time and money!

 

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2-Week Itinerary in Morocco : Between Ocean and Desert

Marrakech > Essaouira > Taghazout > Taliouine > Ouarzazate

Some Practical Info Before Your Morocco Itinerary

For this 2-week itinerary in Morocco, we recommend renting a car from Sixt. You can rent it in one city and return it in another without excessive costs, and they tend to have fewer hidden fees.

Looking to buy a printed travel guide? We recommend this travel guide ! In our opinion, it’s the most comprehensive, visually appealing, and up-to-date!

Need a road map to help plan your route? This one is our top pick—it’s the most detailed and the easiest to read!

The best time to travel in Morocco is from April to June and late August to October. During these months, the temperatures are milder, there’s less rain, and the sea is perfect for swimming. See more details here.

Aside from the traditional couscous and tajines, there are other Moroccan culinary specialties you shouldn’t miss!
First, try Briouates—crispy pastry triangles filled with either a savory stuffing (usually meat, fish, or vegetables) or a sweet one (often roasted almonds, orange blossom water, or cinnamon).

Then there’s Harira, a hearty soup made with chickpeas, lentils, tomatoes, and spices—absolutely delicious!
Finally, if you’re in Marrakech, don’t miss Tanjia—a dish named after the clay pot it’s cooked in. Typically made with meat, preserved lemon, and spices, it’s a real treat!

Summary: 2-Week Itinerary in Morocco, Between Ocean and Desert

1. Marrakech – Step 1 of the 2-Week Itinerary in Morocco, Between Ocean and Desert
2. Essaouira – Step 2 of the 2-Week Itinerary in Morocco, Between Ocean and Desert
3. Taghazout – Step 3 of the 2-Week Itinerary in Morocco, Between Ocean and Desert
4. Taliouine – Step 4 of the 2-Week Itinerary in Morocco, Between Ocean and Desert
5. Ouarzazate – Step 5 of the 2-Week Itinerary in Morocco, Between Ocean and Desert  
6. Extra tips – For your trip to Morocco
7. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions for Visiting Morocco

Step-by-step 14-day Morocco Road Trip Itinerary: étape par étape

What to Do in Marrakech?

The first stop on your 2-week itinerary in Morocco, Marrakech will charm you with its bustling streets, captivating scents, lush gardens, majestic palaces, vibrant colors, and stunning architecture…

• Wander through the famous Jemaa El-Fna square, both by day and by night. Will you be able to resist the traditional fresh orange juice from the street vendors?
• Get lost in the Medina and its vibrant souks.
• Take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle with a visit to Majorelle Garden, where nature meets stunning architecture.
• Faites un pause avec le chahut de la ville et allez au Jardin Majorelle, qui mêle nature et architecture.
• Admire the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech, then stroll through its peaceful gardens.
• Visit Ben Youssef Madrasa, a former Islamic college that once served as Marrakech’s traditional university—its breathtaking architecture is sure to impress!
• Explore Bahia Palace, one of the most beautiful in the city, with its intricate design, peaceful gardens, and elegant courtyards—a must-see.
• Relax in a traditional local hammam. A heads-up for couples: not all hammams are mixed, so make sure to choose one that suits your preferences if you want to go together.

Other Things to Do in Marrakech

• Do you enjoy cooking—and Moroccan cuisine in particular? Then why not take a cooking class and impress your friends and family once you’re back home?
• If you’re into photography or simply love beautiful images, this visit is for you! The Maison de la Photographie in Marrakech offers a fascinating journey through time with its collection of photographs that reveal Morocco’s rich history.
• Stroll through the Secret Garden, and don’t miss the chance to climb the tower for one of the best panoramic views of the city, with the Atlas Mountains as a breathtaking backdrop.
• History lovers, don’t miss the ruins of El Badi Palace. It took 16 years to build and originally had over 360 rooms! The scale of the palace is truly impressive. You can also explore old photographs of Marrakech and archaeological artifacts on display there.

What to Do Around Marrakech?

• The vast Palmeraie of Marrakech is one of the city’s must-see spots. For a less traditional experience, why not explore it by quad bike or camel ride?
• Spend half a day outside the city center and enjoy a peaceful camel trek through this iconic landscape.
• Marrakech is quite close to the Atlas Mountains, so why not dedicate a full day to discovering them? Whether by 4×4 or on foot, breathtaking scenery is guaranteed! 
• Located 157 km from Marrakech, the Ouzoud Waterfalls are another must-see. At 110 meters high, they are among the most spectacular in Morocco. You can easily visit them on an organized day trip.

Where to stay in Marrakech? 

For your accommodation in Marrakech, choose a traditional riad in the Medina! We recommend picking one with a terrace… Breakfast with a view like that is priceless! Here are our two top recommendations:

• Mid-range: Riad Dar Sirine has everything to please, with views over the city and the Atlas Mountains, a delicious breakfast, beautiful décor, and a lovely terrace… what more could you ask for?
• High-end: Step up your stay at Les Jardins de la Koutoubia, a luxurious hotel with welcoming staff, a spa, very comfortable beds, and a great restaurant — it has everything you need! If it’s out of your budget, you can still visit to enjoy a drink or take a stroll through the gardens.

What to do in Essaouira?

Essaouira, known as the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” with its historic ramparts, is a city that will captivate you, blending culture and adventure.

• Visit the Medina of the second stop on your 2-week Morocco itinerary. To make sure you don’t miss anything, consider joining a guided tour.
• Stroll along the ramparts and admire the kasbah.
• Get lost in the bustling souk.
• Art lovers will be delighted! Essaouira is full of art galleries, with the oldest being Espace Othello.
• For thrill-seekers and sports enthusiasts, try kitesurfing along the city’s windy coastline.
• Take some time to enjoy a stunning sunset over the ocean and watch the colorful reflections on the water.
• Looking for a night out? We recommend Le Mega Loft or Le Café Taros.
• Want to dance? Take in some Gnaoua music. If you’re there in June, the Gnaoua and World Music Festival will broaden your musical horizons.
• If you want to relax on a sunny beach while listening to the sound of the waves, we suggest either the city’s main beach or Diabat-Thagarte Beach, 10 km south of Essaouira.
• Horse lovers—or anyone tired of walking—can enjoy a horseback ride along the beach with Ranch de Diabat, located 7 km south of Essaouira.
• Essaouira is in the heart of Morocco’s argan oil region. Visit a women’s cooperative to see how argan oil is made and to buy authentic products! We recommend the Coopérative Marjana.
• When heading to your next destination, take the scenic Route des Crêtes—it’s truly breathtaking.

Where to stay in Essaouira?

• Mid-range: For a stay in a modern riad with warm staff, delicious food, a swimming pool, and an excellent location in the Medina, head to the Suite Azur Hotel—without a doubt !
• High-end: Stay at Riad Chbanate, loved for its attentive staff, beautiful décor, delicious restaurant, and its proximity to the ocean.

What to do in Taghazout?

Small fishing village and surfer hotspot, Taghazout will be a very pleasant stop on your 2-week Morocco itinerary.

• This village was a favorite stop for Julien during his trip to Morocco, which is why we decided to make it a stop on this itinerary.
• It is a very charming small fishing village, so take a walk through its narrow streets.
• Surf lovers will be well served, as this village is considered one of the best spots on the coast!
• Take advantage of this stop to relax and swim in the Atlantic Ocean.
• Skateboard enthusiasts? The Taghazout skatepark is made for you! It is a charming meeting place where skaters and spectators mingle, all with a view of the town’s bay. At sunset, it is even better!
• A unique experience to live in Taghazout is a horseback ride on the beach at sunset. It’s magical!
• Thirty minutes south is the much better-known city of Agadir. We recommend taking a trip there, even though it is very touristy. Don’t miss the Medina, the souk, and the kasbah. It is also possible to join a tour to visit the city.
• Take your car and go explore the magnificent Paradise Valley.
• Make a stop at the Imouzzer Ida Outanane waterfalls. In the village of the same name or along the road that leads there, you will surely find stalls selling delicious honey, whether lavender, wildflower, or thyme flavored!

Where to stay in Taghazout?

• Mid-range: For a stay full of encounters, book your nights at Auberge Taghazout. Located right in the heart of the fishing village, this surf-oriented guesthouse is dreamy with its direct view of the ocean. Tested and approved 100% by Julien!
• High-end: The Taghazout coast being stunning and highly sought after, many 5-star hotels have sprung up. We recommend Paradis Plage Surf Yoga & Spa for a stay in a more unique hotel with undeniable quality of service. If you prefer to be closer to town, Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay is a safe bet.

What to do in Taliouine?

A small town that is ideal to stop in on the road between Taghazout and Ouarzazate.

• Taliouine is known as the saffron capital of Morocco, so stop by the Souktana saffron cooperative, and don’t hesitate to buy some while you’re there, as you will get quality. It’s a must-see on this 2-week Morocco itinerary! If you visit at the right time, you’ll even have the chance to see the fields in bloom, contrasting with the mountains in the background. The harvest takes place from mid-October to mid-November.
• Go see the ruins of the old Glaoui kasbah.
• Feeling like wide open spaces? Take a hike at Djebel Siroua, an ancient volcano that left behind astonishing landscapes.

Where to stay in Taliouine? 

• Mid-range: Experience a timeless stay at the guesthouse Escale Rando Taliouine. You will be welcomed as if you were part of the family, and served meals that are simply amazing! All of this in a beautiful setting, with typically Moroccan architecture.

Your tailor-made trip to Morocco starting from €150

Marie and her team take care of your custom-made trip for you: flights, accommodations, local transportation, activities… This way, you save both time and money! 

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What to do in Ouarzazate?

Gateway to southern Morocco, Ouarzazate and its surroundings will make your 2-week Morocco itinerary unique.

• Stroll through the town.
• Get lost in the souks.
• Visit the Taourirt Kasbah, one of the most beautiful kasbahs in Morocco, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in the 17th century, it is one of the first major Berber constructions in Morocco. Its reddish-orange exterior and richly decorated interior will surely charm you!
• Are you a cinema lover? Head to the Atlas Film Studios, where you can see behind the scenes of well-known films such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra, and more…

What to do around Ouarzazate?

• Don’t miss the Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, which is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! It gathers several buildings within its fortified walls and is an excellent example of southern Moroccan architecture.
• Take a trip to the Fint Oasis, located 20 km south of Ouarzazate.
• In the middle of the surrounding dryness, seeing a bit of water always feels good! Stop by the El Mansour Eddahbi dam lake, 17 km east of Ouarzazate, where the blue of the water contrasts beautifully with the reddish-orange surroundings.
• Going to Ouarzazate without taking a short trip into the Moroccan desert would be a real shame! So, in this itinerary, we suggest spending 3 days exploring Ouarzazate and its surroundings, and then heading out for a 3-day desert excursion (which you can adjust depending on your preferences), so you don’t miss out on this amazing experience.
• For this, we recommend going on a trek or an organized tour, which will also give you the chance to spend a night in the desert. We suggest this 2-day tour, or this 3-day option. You can also do your own research to find the excursion that best matches your desires!

Where to stay in Ouarzazate?

• Mid-range: Treat yourself to a few nights in a kasbah with traditional decor, such as Kasbah Dar Daif. You’ll enjoy a stunning view from the terrace, along with spacious and comfortable rooms. The little extra we love: the kindness of the owners and their great tips for making the most of your stay in Ouarzazate.
• High-end: Enjoy a slightly more upscale kasbah, like Dar Amoudou, with a warm and welcoming staff, beautiful rooms—some with balconies—and above all, the incredible panoramic terrace!

Learn more to prepare your 2-week itinerary in Morocco…

• Want to know everything you need for your 2-week Morocco Road Trip ? Find out everything you need to know to visit Morocco!
• Then, to rent a car at the best price, we recommend Sixt.
• To compare and book your accommodation in Morocco, use Booking!
• For cheap flights, we recommend Skyscanner.
• And to find even more activities in Morocco, trust GetYourGuide!
• Looking for reliable travel insurance for your 2-week trip to Morocco? We recommend Chapka Insurance!

Feel free to share your feedback with us after your trip. We can’t wait to hear about your adventures!

If you have any tips, suggestions, or simply want to share your opinion about this itinerary, feel free to leave us a comment at the bottom of the page! The whole team would be happy to hear from you!

Frequently asked questions for your 2 weeks in Morocco