Fantastic things to see around Marrakech, a quick trip of a few days, will not be enough to visit all the sights around Marrakech. The reality is that this city is located at the geographical intersection of the sea, the desert, and the impressive Atlas Mountains. Fascinating and seductive places in equal parts, which explains its historical importance.
Naturally, choosing when to go is as crucial as figuring out what to visit near Marrakech. There are specific times of the year. Go to the high mountains in the middle of winter or the desert in the middle of summer. Here are some of the best road trips departing from Marrakech.
Magical route to the Sahara desert from Marrakech.
The Sahara is undoubtedly a must-see place near Marrakech, in 3 days desert trip from Marrakech. It is difficult to forget an unforgettable night in the desert. Merzouga desert is a unique place to see and enjoy.
Most travelers choose to travel to the Erg Chebbi desert, a few days’ drive from Marrakech.
There are enough sights and activities to keep you busy, with stops at Berber communities, oases and well-known movie sets. When you reach the Sahara Desert, the fun gets even more fun.
The town of Merzouga, about 40 kilometers from Erfoud, is where the Erg Chebbi dunes are located. On average, they rise up to 150 meters over an area covering about 28 kilometers from north to south.
Here is a list of the best activities to do during your visit to the Sahara Desert.
Numerous excursions from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert. Whether to Erg Chigaga, Erg Chebbi or Zagora.
The fastest way to discover Erg Chebbi and other fascinating regions of the southeast. Ait Ben Haddou and Todgha Gorges, would be to take a 3 day Tour from Marrakech to Fez. You could continue your Morocco trip in the direction of Fez, the blue city of Chefchaouen or other tourist destinations in the nation. One of the best ways to get to know the Sahara is by this means.
you can go camel riding, quad biking, horseback riding and sand surfing in the dunes of Erg Chebbi. highly recommended, to ride a camel and spend the night in a desert tent.
If you wanted to drive directly to the dunes of Merzouga from Marrakech, it would take a full day and nine hours.
Essaouira the atlantic city, Artisan port of Morocco
One of the most incredible places to see near Marrakech is Essaouira Mogador, a distinctly Portuguese-looking town overlooking the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean.
Even from a distance. Whitewashed houses with geometric tile details, streets with the characteristic Portuguese paving, colorfully painted wooden doors and windows, a wall built with golden stones, etc. To all this, we must add the existence of several artisans, and artists.
When the Portuguese ruled this region of Morocco in the 15th and 16th centuries. Was one of the most important ports in the country. This brought wealth that explains the splendor of the medina, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2001.
The beaches of the neighborhood are as charming as the city itself, and offer all the beauty and pleasure of swimming in the sea or practicing water sports, weather permitting.
By way of illustration, consider the urban or Diabat-Thagarte beach, which has six kilometers of golden sand and the ruins of the Black Sultan’s Castle (from the 17th century) nearby.
Ouarzazate, Hollywood Morocco
One of the most picturesque places to visit near Marrakech is Ouarzazate. Not for nothing have several filmmakers chosen this city and its province as the backdrop for internationally acclaimed TV shows and movies. By way of illustration, consider the following: Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Gladiator, The Mummy and Lawrence of Arabia.
Most of these projects were technically. Assisted by Atlas Studios. Considered the Moroccan Hollywood. And the red earthen ramparts of this city, considered the Gateway to the Desert, served as the backdrop for several sequences.
Several trips into the Sahara to spend the night in tents actually start from this place. In addition, in the surrounding area there are some trails that cross valleys and climb the huge Atlas Mountains.
As for Ouarzazate itself, any visitor should not miss a stroll through its intricate medina and see its Kasbah Taourirt, a fortress that includes countless chambers and corridors profusely embellished with plaster and tiles. One of the best post to see arond Marrakech.
kasbah Ait Ben Haddou
About 30 kilometers from Ouarzazate, you will find the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. But one of the most intriguing attractions from Marrakech. Kasbah ai ben Haddou as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Situated on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside, the southern part of Ait Ben Haddou still possesses several educational buildings, such as a masjid and a kastil tua berkubah, in addition to numerous berbenteng menaras. On the contrary.
Las Cascadas de Ouzoud day trip from Marrakech
Among the attractions near Marrakech. One of the natural destinations of Morocco, the Ouzoud waterfalls. They are undoubtedly the most refreshing. Provided that the river bed has not dried up -something that happens in the hottest and driest summers-.
These Ouzoud waterfalls, located near the village of Tanaghmeilt, offer more than just a place to bathe. They also serve as a useful guide for excursions in the middle of the mountains and, for many Moroccan families, are simply a pleasant place to relax.
In fact, the number of hotels and other commercial establishments that have appeared in the region is striking. For example, there are restaurants where customers can eat with their feet in the water by placing their tables directly on the river bank.
Village of Imlil, Mountains near Marrakech
Is it possible to see snow in Morocco? Yes, you can see it here. Marrakech is only 70 kilometers away. There are several trails through the green flora of this small community, nestled at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. You will think you are in another country!
What to See and Do in Ourika Valley from Marrakech
There are a number of worthwhile tourist attractions in the Ourika Valley, including the following:
Setti-Fatma: A small community from which you can access the Ourika River waterfalls. You will find it easy to hire a local Spanish-speaking guide once you arrive.
Ourika Waterfalls: This will undoubtedly be the highlight of the trip if you like outdoor activities. As you might guess, the river is icy, but many people take advantage of it to bathe in it. You will have to be a bit more daring. Pprepared to “climb” and wear appropriate footwear to reach the other waterfalls; the first one is easily accessible.
Typical Berber house: This is essentially a glimpse into the way of life of the Berbers living in the mountain settlements. When you arrive, you discover that what they were trying to sell you is actually an assembly of tourists, as is common in many areas. It is usual for the father of the family to give you a tour of his house and make you a mint tea. When you leave the house, they will try to sell you some handicrafts.
Traditional markets: The best known in the region are the Aghbalou market on Thursdays and the Ourika market on Mondays. There are other attractive markets in Tahanaout on Tuesdays and in Asni on Saturdays if you access the valley through the mountains.
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