I still remember the first time I set foot in Morocco. The mix of smells – spices, mint tea, and warm bread – filled the air as I wandered through the narrow streets of Marrakech. That's the magic of Morocco – it captivates all your senses at once! If you're planning to spend 8 days in Morocco, I'm excited to share this special itinerary with you, focusing on Marrakech and the breathtaking Merzouga Desert.
When friends ask me about the perfect amount of time to explore Morocco, I often suggest an 8-day Morocco trip. It's just enough time to experience the vibrant city life of Marrakech and venture into the golden dunes of the Sahara without feeling too rushed. This itinerary is based on my many journeys across my beautiful country, and I've picked the spots that never fail to amaze visitors.
Day 1: Welcome to Magical Marrakech
Your 8 days in Morocco adventure begins in the enchanting city of Marrakech. On your first day, I recommend diving right into the cultural heart of the city:
Morning: Explore Ancient Palaces
Start your day with a visit to Bahia Palace. I love coming here early in the morning when the sunlight creates beautiful patterns through the colorful stained glass windows. The palace was built in the late 19th century, and its name means "brilliance" – which makes perfect sense once you see the stunning zellige tilework and intricate wooden ceilings.
From there, walk to El Badi Palace. Don't let the ruins fool you – this was once one of the most magnificent palaces in North Africa! Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur built it in the 16th century after a big victory against the Portuguese. When I bring friends here, I always tell them to imagine the palace in its glory days, covered in gold, marble, and precious stones.
Next, visit the Saadian Tombs, a hidden gem that many tourists miss. These tombs were sealed for centuries until they were discovered in 1917. The main mausoleum has the most beautiful cedar wood carvings and marble pillars. Sometimes I just sit there for a few minutes, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Lunch: A Taste of Modern Morocco
For lunch, head to Mandala Society. This trendy café serves delicious fresh food with a lovely mix of Moroccan and international flavors. I recommend trying their avocado toast with a Moroccan twist – topped with local spices that give it a special kick. The fresh juice here is also amazing!
Afternoon: Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
After lunch, it's time to experience the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square – the beating heart of Marrakech. The square transforms throughout the day, but afternoon is when it starts to come alive. You'll see snake charmers, storytellers, and musicians starting to set up their spots.
A little tip from a local: don't immediately pull out your camera or agree to watch performances without knowing the price. Some performers can be quite pushy about payment afterward. Just smile and politely ask "bekesh?" (how much?) before engaging.
Evening: Dinner with a View
For dinner, I recommend Dardar Rooftop. The food is excellent, but the real magic is the view – you can see the sun setting over the ancient medina while enjoying traditional Moroccan dishes. Try the chicken tagine with preserved lemons and olives – it's my favorite!
Day 2: Cultural Treasures of Marrakech
On your second day of your 8 days in Morocco trip, dive deeper into the cultural side of Marrakech:
Morning: Gardens and Fashion
Begin your day at Jardin Majorelle – a peaceful blue garden that offers a perfect escape from the busy medina. French painter Jacques Majorelle created this garden over 40 years, and it later became the home of fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. Come early to avoid the crowds and take your time wandering through the exotic plants and vivid blue buildings.
Next, visit the YSL Museum nearby, which showcases the work of Yves Saint Laurent. Even if you're not interested in fashion, the building itself is an architectural marvel that beautifully blends Moroccan and modern design.
Take a stroll through the Gueliz district afterward. This is the modern part of Marrakech with wide boulevards, trendy shops, and art galleries – quite different from the old medina!
Lunch: Spice Up Your Day
For lunch, head to Café des Epices (Spice Café). Located in a small square in the spice market, this simple café offers great people-watching and delicious food. Their mint tea is some of the best in the city, and the sandwiches with fresh Moroccan bread are perfect for a light lunch.
Afternoon: Spiritual Marrakech
After lunch, visit the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens. While non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque itself, the exterior is absolutely stunning, especially in the afternoon light. The minaret (tower) of Koutoubia has been inspiring architects for centuries – even the famous Giralda in Seville, Spain was modeled after it!
The gardens around the mosque are a favorite spot for locals to relax. I often come here with a book on hot afternoons to sit in the shade of the palm trees.
Evening: A Moroccan Feast
For dinner, I recommend Dar Cherifa – a beautiful restored riad (traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden) in the heart of the medina. The building is over 400 years old, and dining here feels like stepping back in time. Try their pastilla – a sweet and savory pie with pigeon meat, almonds, and cinnamon. It's a traditional Moroccan dish that always impresses visitors!
Day 3: Hidden Gems of Marrakech
Day three of your 8 days in Morocco journey continues in Marrakech, focusing on some lesser-known treasures:
Morning: Museum and Coffee
Start your day at Dar El Bacha Museum, a recently restored palace that now houses a wonderful collection of Moroccan crafts. The building itself is beautiful, with a peaceful courtyard where you can hear birds singing as you admire the traditional architecture.
After the museum, grab breakfast at Bacha Coffee, located in the same building. This elegant café serves over 200 types of coffee from around the world in a stunning setting with black and white tiles and red velvet chairs. Their freshly baked pastries are the perfect complement to your morning coffee.
Midday: The Maze of Souks
Now it's time to dive into the famous Souks of Marrakech! These markets can be overwhelming, so here's my advice: embrace getting lost! The main souks are divided by what they sell – you'll find the metal workers in one area, leather goods in another, and textile sellers in yet another.
If you want to buy something, remember that bargaining is expected, but keep it friendly. Start by offering about half the initial price and work your way up from there. I always tell my friends: don't bargain too hard on small items – sometimes we're talking about the equivalent of just a few dollars that means much more to the seller than to you.
For lunch, stop at Le Jardin – a hidden garden restaurant in the middle of the souks. The contrast between the busy market and this peaceful green space is amazing. Their orange and cinnamon salad is refreshing on a hot day!
Afternoon: Secret Garden and Islamic Art
After lunch, visit Le Jardin Secret (The Secret Garden), one of my favorite spots in Marrakech. This restored riad garden was hidden for centuries before opening to the public in 2016. The Islamic garden showcases the traditional Moroccan art of gardening, where geometric patterns and water features create a sense of paradise.
Next, explore the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a former Islamic college founded in the 14th century. The detailed carving and tilework here are mind-blowing – I discover new details every time I visit. Look up at the wooden ceilings and down at the tile patterns, and you'll understand why this is considered one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in North Africa.
Evening: Dinner in the Medina
For dinner, head to Anzare, a beautiful restaurant serving authentic Moroccan cuisine with a modern twist. Their lamb tagine with prunes and almonds is cooked to perfection – tender meat that falls off the bone with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Day 4: Day Trip Adventure
For day four of your 8 days in Morocco journey, it's time to venture beyond Marrakech. You have two great options:
Option 1: Atlas Mountains & Ourika Valley
This is my personal favorite day trip from Marrakech. The Atlas Mountains offer a completely different landscape and climate – cool mountain air and lush valleys just an hour's drive from the city.
To get there, I recommend taking a shared taxi (grand taxi) from Marrakech. These leave when full and are much cheaper than hiring a private car. The drive itself is spectacular, with the road winding up into the mountains, revealing stunning views at every turn.
You'll visit traditional Berber villages where houses seem to grow naturally from the mountainside. The mud-brick buildings blend perfectly with the landscape. Many families here open their homes to visitors for lunch. Sitting on a rooftop terrace, enjoying a home-cooked meal while looking out over the valley – this is an experience you'll never forget!
The waterfalls in the Ourika Valley are another highlight. The walk to reach them can be a bit challenging with some climbing over rocks, but it's manageable for anyone with reasonable fitness. I recommend wearing proper shoes with good grip for this walk. The reward is worth it – crystal-clear water cascading down the mountain, creating natural pools where some brave souls even swim (though the water is cold!).
Option 2: Agafay Desert Adventure
If you prefer a desert experience without traveling all the way to the Sahara, the Agafay Desert is perfect. Just 30 minutes from Marrakech, this rocky desert offers beautiful landscapes of rolling hills and mountains in the distance.
Quad biking is popular here, giving you the thrill of speeding across the desert terrain. I've done this several times, and the feeling of freedom as you navigate the wide-open spaces is incredible.
If you decide to spend the night, La Pause Luxury Ecolodge is a wonderful place. Their candlelit dinners under the stars create memories that last a lifetime. The contrast between the rugged desert environment and the comfort of the lodge is magical.
Day 5: Journey to the Eastern Desert
On day five of your 8 days in Morocco adventure, you'll begin the journey toward the Sahara Desert:
Morning: Ancient Fortress Towns
As you leave Marrakech behind and head east, your first stop should be Aït Benhaddou – a stunning ancient fortified village (ksar) that has featured in many movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. I still remember my first visit here as a child, climbing up the narrow streets to the top of the fortress, imagining what life was like centuries ago when it was an important stop on the caravan routes.
The site is a UNESCO World Heritage treasure, and some families still live within its walls. Take your time exploring the narrow alleys and climbing to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Afternoon: Desert Gateways
Continue your journey to Ouarzazate, nicknamed "The Door of the Desert." This city is home to Atlas Studios, one of the largest film studios in the world. Movies like The Mummy, Kingdom of Heaven, and parts of Star Wars were filmed here. The studio tours are interesting, but the real attraction is the changing landscape as you approach the desert.
Enjoy a traditional lunch in Ouarzazate. I recommend trying rfissa, a Moroccan dish of shredded crepes with lentils, chicken, and a special blend of spices including fenugreek. It's not commonly found in tourist restaurants, but it's worth seeking out for an authentic taste of Moroccan home cooking.
Evening: Oasis Towns
In the late afternoon, continue to Tinghir, an oasis town with thousands of palm trees creating a green line through the rocky desert landscape. The contrast between the lush palms and the barren surroundings is striking.
Nearby, the Todra Gorge offers spectacular scenery with its towering rock walls rising 300 meters on either side of a narrow passageway. If we arrive with enough daylight, a short walk through the gorge is unforgettable. The changing colors of the rock as the sun sets create a natural light show.
Stay overnight in Tinghir at a small guesthouse or hotel. The stargazing here is amazing – far from city lights, you'll see stars like never before!
Day 6: Into the Sahara
Day six of your 8 days in Morocco journey takes you to one of the most magical places in the country – the Sahara Desert:
Morning: Desert Journey
After breakfast, continue your journey toward Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. The landscape becomes increasingly arid, with fascinating geological formations along the way. I always point out the different rock layers to my guests – you can literally see millions of years of Earth's history in the colorful striations.
As you approach Merzouga, the first sight of the golden sand dunes on the horizon is unforgettable. These aren't just any dunes – they're the famous Erg Chebbi dunes, rising up to 150 meters high and stretching as far as the eye can see.
Afternoon: Desert Adventure
Once you arrive in Merzouga, it's time for some desert fun! Sandboarding down the dunes is a must-try experience. It's like snowboarding but on sand – easier to learn but still thrilling! I remember falling many times during my first attempt, ending up with sand everywhere, but laughing the entire time.
As the afternoon progresses, prepare for one of the highlights of your 8 days in Morocco – a camel trek into the desert. There's something special about the slow, swaying rhythm of camel riding. It's not the most comfortable transportation, but it's authentic and gives you time to really absorb the vastness of the desert landscape.
Evening: Magic Under the Stars
The main event of your desert experience is watching the sunset over the dunes. Find a high dune to climb (it's harder than it looks – two steps up, one step sliding back!), and watch as the last rays of sun transform the sand into a sea of gold and red. The silence of the desert at this moment is profound – sometimes the only sound is the wind shaping the sand.
For the night, stay in a traditional or luxury Berber desert camp in Erg Chebbi. After dinner, local Berber guides often play traditional music around the campfire, sharing songs and stories that have been passed down through generations. Looking up at the countless stars while listening to the drums and songs – this is Morocco at its most magical.
Day 7: Desert Dawn to Marrakech Return
Day seven of your 8 days in Morocco experience continues in the Sahara before returning to Marrakech:
Morning: Desert Sunrise
Wake up early to experience a sunrise in the desert – it's worth every minute of lost sleep! The way the first light paints the dunes in soft pastel colors before the bright sun appears is something I never tire of seeing. If you're feeling adventurous, climb to the top of a nearby dune for the best views.
After breakfast at the camp, try quad biking through the desert landscape. This gives you a different perspective of the dunes and lets you cover more ground. The thrill of navigating these powerful machines over the sand is incredible!
Midday: Berber Culture
Before leaving the desert region, visit a Berber village near Merzouga. Many visitors to Morocco see only the tourist sites, but spending time in a local village gives you insight into how people actually live in these harsh environments. The resilience and hospitality of desert communities always impresses me.
For lunch, stop at La Grotte Dunes, a restaurant built to resemble a cave, offering shelter from the midday heat. Their slow-cooked lamb is tender and flavorful – perfect fuel for the journey ahead.
Afternoon: Return to Marrakech
In the afternoon, begin the journey back to Marrakech. This is a long drive (about 8-9 hours), so I recommend breaking it up with stops along the way to stretch your legs and take photos. The changing landscapes provide a beautiful summary of Morocco's diverse terrain – from desert to mountains to fertile plains as you approach Marrakech.
If you prefer, there are also domestic flights from Ouarzazate to Marrakech that can save you travel time, though you'll miss the scenic route.
Day 8: Relaxation and Final Explorations in Marrakech
The final day of your 8 days in Morocco journey is perfect for relaxing and picking up any experiences you missed in Marrakech:
Morning: Coffee and Wellness
Start your last day with coffee at Kesh Cup, a trendy café serving excellent coffee in the medina. Their avocado toast makes for a perfect light breakfast.
After breakfast, treat yourself to a traditional hammam and spa experience at La Maison Arabe or Les Bains de Marrakech. A hammam is more than just a steam bath – it's a purification ritual where an attendant scrubs your skin with a special black soap and a rough glove (kessa). The first time I experienced this, I was shocked at how much dead skin came off! You emerge feeling completely renewed.
Afternoon: Last-Minute Shopping
For lunch, choose between Nomad or Atay Café. Both offer rooftop seating with beautiful views over the medina. Nomad serves modern Moroccan cuisine with international influences, while Atay Café has more traditional options in a cozy setting.
Spend your afternoon exploring the souks for shopping. Now that you're familiar with the city, you'll find it easier to navigate and bargain. This is your chance to pick up souvenirs – perhaps a leather bag from the tannery district, colorful spices, argan oil products, or a handwoven carpet (if you have space in your luggage!).
A tip from a local: for fixed-price, high-quality crafts without the pressure of bargaining, check out the Ensemble Artisanal, a government-sponsored craft center.
Evening: Farewell to Morocco
For your final dinner, I recommend L'Mida – a stylish restaurant serving refined Moroccan cuisine. Their seven-vegetable couscous is wonderful, and they make excellent mocktails with fresh local fruits.
As you enjoy your last Moroccan meal, take a moment to reflect on all the experiences from your 8 days in Morocco journey – from the bustling streets of Marrakech to the silence of the Sahara, from ancient palaces to traditional villages. Morocco has a way of staying in your heart long after you leave.
Practical Tips for Your 8 Days in Morocco
Getting Around
- In Marrakech: Walking is best for exploring the medina. For longer distances, use petit taxis (small red cars).
- Between cities: For this itinerary, hiring a driver or joining a tour is most practical. Public buses and trains are available but don't reach the desert areas.
What to Pack
- Comfortable walking shoes for city explorations
- Lightweight, modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees)
- A scarf for women (useful for sun protection and visiting religious sites)
- Sunscreen and a hat (the Moroccan sun is strong!)
- Warm layers for desert nights (temperatures drop dramatically)
Money Matters
- Have cash (Moroccan dirhams) for markets and small establishments
- Major hotels and restaurants accept credit cards
- ATMs are widely available in Marrakech but scarce in remote areas
Language Tips
- Arabic and Berber are the official languages
- French is widely spoken, especially in tourism
- Basic Arabic phrases that will be appreciated:
- "Salam" (Hello)
- "Shukran" (Thank you)
- "La, shukran" (No, thank you)
- "Bekesh?" (How much?)
I hope this itinerary helps you plan your perfect 8 days in Morocco! From the moment you step into the colorful chaos of Marrakech to the peaceful nights under desert stars, Morocco offers experiences that will stay with you forever.
Have you been to Morocco before? Are you planning a trip soon? I'd love to hear about your experiences or answer any questions in the comments below!
Note: This itinerary is based on my personal experiences and knowledge as a local guide. Attractions, restaurants, and accommodations mentioned are current as of April 2025, but it's always good to double-check opening hours and availability before your trip.