The Ultimate Day Trips from Marrakech

Day trips from Marrakech are the perfect addition to what will be a stunning getaway to one of the most beautiful citities you’ll ever visit. A Feast for the Senses and Gateway to Adventure. Step into Marrakech, and you’re instantly transported into a vibrant tapestry of life, color, and culture. This enchanting city is a whirlwind of excitement, where narrow alleyways lead to hidden treasures and every corner holds a new surprise. Day trips from Marrakech will add to this vibrancy and excitement.

Imagine yourself wandering through bustling souks, the air filled with the aroma of exotic spices and the melodic calls of vendors. Picture sipping mint tea in a serene riad courtyard, or marveling at the intricate beauty of Islamic architecture. From its rich culture to its exquisite food scene, Marrakech is a city that truly engages all your senses.

But here’s the best part – Marrakech isn’t just an amazing destination in itself, it’s also a perfect base for exploring some of Morocco’s most stunning locations. After a few days of soaking in the city’s vibrant energy, you might find yourself craving a change of pace. And that’s where the magic of Morocco really shines! Pack up your bags and head out on a day trip from Marrakech to enhance your holiday experience.

We’ve picked out three of our favorite day trips from Marrakech that showcase the diverse beauty of this incredible country. Whether you’re looking for a seaside escape, a mountain adventure, or a glimpse into traditional Berber life, we’ve got you covered.

1. Essaouira

Glowing a soft blue, boats shifting and leaning in the bay, a cool breeze blowing through the spice-scented lanes and stairways, Essaouira is an immediate soothing of the senses. Pretty much off the beaten track to most tourists thanks to the winds that make the beach less than ideal for sunbathing, it’s a beautiful slice of laid back life and clean sea air, ready-made to replenish.

An artists paradise, the idyllic little lanes, and atmospheric port make for one of the most pleasant towns to potter around we’ve ever been to. Take a stroll through the beautifully constructed, deliciously laid back medina, or relax in the harbour and watch as the little royal blue fishing boats set out towards the golden sunset on the vast horizon.

2. Ouzoud Falls

Drive in the opposite direction to the coast, and you’ll run smack bang into the towering wall that are the Atlas Mountains. Jaw-droppingly massive, jagged peaks sit heavily above brown dusty valleys and otherworldly rock formations. In amongst this sea of orange-brown dust that gently rises into the pure mountain air are oases of green.

One of them in Ouzoud Falls. The highest waterfalls in Northern Africa, a rush of clear, cool mountain water cascades through this rugged territory, digging out impressive canyons and leaving a carpet of lush green in its wake. A trip out here to hike in the open, surrounded by huge skies, followed by a dip in a cool river to wash off the grime of city life, is a trip worth taking.

3. Ourika Valley

Also nestled within the same dramatic valleys and between twisting mountain passes, you’ll find another ribbon of green spreading across the valley floor. High in the mountains, in the pure air and scattered with tumbling farmhouses and authentic, isolated Berber communities, Ourika Valley offers precious escape from any oppressive summer heat, and offers tremendous hiking opportunities.

Take a dip in the cool Ourika River, crisscrossed with ancient stone and newly fashioned rope bridges, or stop at an authentic cafe for a coffee as you watch the wind fall gently from the high peaks to this stunning strip of fertile land. And, what with being a mere 50km from Marrakech, Ourika Valley probably represents by far the most accessible, instant escape if the sense-pounding city just becomes a bit too much.