Marrakech Day Trips
I loved my stay in Marrakech! I spent a week slowly discovering the city, getting lost in its maze of winding streets, trying out its restaurants, and drinking liters of mint tea with the locals…
In addition to being stunning, the city has so much to offer tourists! It’s also an excellent base for exploring the rest of the country.
In fact, it’s within a reasonable distance from the beach, the mountains, and ancient kasbahs where time seems to have stood still!
If you’re planning to visit the Red City, I recommend 5 Marrakech day trips that will allow you to experience a different side of Morocco.
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Why take a one-day excursion from Marrakech?
If you’ve already visited my blog, you know that I’m a fan of slow travel and that I’m always the first to advise you to take your time discovering the places you visit.
However, I also understand that sometimes vacations are short and need to be optimized. That’s why one-day excursions are perfect solutions to more easily explore a country.
They’re also very helpful if you’re afraid to travel alone, worried about not speaking the language, or not a pro at organizing trips.
An organized outing will allow you to:
- Save time, since transport is usually included.
- Be less stressed because you don’t have to worry about logistics.
- Learn all the most useful anecdotes to better understand the place.
- Meet other travelers and share great moments.
That said, to take care of the planet and effectively support local communities, remember that slow travel is always the option to prioritize.
If that’s not possible for you, here are the 5 getaways I recommend from Marrakech!
ALSO READ: The complete guide to discovering Marrakech
5 Marrakech Day Trips
Of course, there are many other day tours from Marrakech, but I have selected 5 that I believe provide a good overview of the diverse faces Morocco has to offer.
1. Essaouira, the Seaside Getaway
If you want to enjoy a relaxing time by the sea, head to Essaouira!
This small fishing village is located on the Atlantic coast, about 180 km from Marrakech.
Surrounded by ramparts and caressed by the trade winds, it blends Berber, Arab, and European influences in a peaceful atmosphere.
The destination is especially popular for its UNESCO-listed medina, its alleys lined with artisan workshops, and its beaches where you can surf and eat freshly grilled fish.
Duration: 9–10 hours
Travel time: 2.5 hours each way
Price: from 23 euros
Includes: transport, visit to an argan oil factory, lunch
2. The Ouzoud Waterfalls, a beautiful escape into nature
For a nature outing just a few kilometers from Marrakech, the Ouzoud Waterfalls are the perfect choice!
Located in the heart of the Middle Atlas, they are especially spectacular with their impressive 110-meter height.
After descending winding trails, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the falls during a boat ride.
Then, it’s time to cross olive groves to visit an argan oil cooperative.
You’ll also enjoy a late Berber lunch in a local restaurant overlooking the falls.
Duration: 10 hours
Travel time: 3 hours each way
Price: from 22 euros
Includes: transport, visit to an argan oil factory, boat tour
3. Ouarzazate and Aït-Ben-Haddou, between culture and history
If you’re looking for a complete change of scenery, this is the excursion I recommend!
Set off to discover the Atlas film studios, the largest in the world, famous for hosting the shoots of many films and series, including Gladiator 2.
Next, head to the UNESCO-listed Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou, which transports you back in time. It’s impossible to remain indifferent to such beauty! This site has also been the backdrop for numerous feature films.
Duration: 11 hours
Travel time: 3 hours each way
Price: from 30 euros
Includes: transport
4. Agafay, The beautiful escape to the desert
For anyone interested in desert trips Marrakech, this is the best option.
Start the visit at an argan oil cooperative to learn the secrets behind the famous oil before hopping on a camel and exploring the beauty of the desert.
Then it’s time for dinner, followed by a traditional show listening to Berber music around the campfire.
Duration: 6 hours
Travel time: 40 minutes each way
Price: from 29 euros
Includes: transport, camel ride, dinner with show
5. The 3 Valleys, a mountain getaway
If the Atlas Mountains catch your attention, I recommend exploring the three valleys on this private excursion.
After a camel ride, you’ll stop to enjoy a cup of tea and Moroccan cake in the Imlil Valley.
You’ll also have the chance to visit the home of a Berber family in Ait Souka before ending the day in Moulay Brahim, near the Asni Valley.
Duration: 7 hours
Travel time: 2 hours each way
Price: from 30 euros
Includes: transport, camel ride, tea
Comparison chart of day tours from marrakech
Essaouira, the seaside getaway
Type: history / nature
Duration: 9-10 hours
Price: from 23 euros
Perfect for: lovers of the sea
The Ouzoud waterfalls
Type: nature
Duration: 10 hours
Price: from 22 euros
Perfect for: nature enthusiasts
Ouarzazate and Aït-Ben-Haddou
Type: culture / history
Duration: 11 hours
Price: from 30 euros
Perfect for:cinema lovers
Agafay, the escape to the desert
Type: nature
Duration: 6 hours
Price: from 29 euros
Perfect for: those who enjoy wide open spaces
The 3 Valleys, a mountain getaway
Type: Nature
Duration: 7 hours
Price: from 30 euros
Perfect for: fans of beautiful landscapes
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Morocco is a stunning country, hiding a great variety of landscapes and an extremely rich history. So, even though Marrakech is an incredible city, I recommend taking at least one tour to discover more.
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