Atlas to Atlantic: One Week Morocco Itinerary for Outdoor Lovers

Experience the diversity of Morocco on this one-week Morocco itinerary from Marrakech to Essaouira, taking you into the High Atlas Mountains and back down to the Atlantic Ocean. It allows you to experience the energised buzz of the “Red City” and hike through the ruggedly beautiful Atlas Mountains. Then, immerse yourself in the country’s artistic side in Essaouira’s UNESCO-listed medina.

While this one-week Morocco itinerary from Marrakech doesn’t cover a huge number of miles, it does take in some truly contrasting scenery. It’s ideal for outdoor lovers and travellers who don’t like spending long hours driving and prefer to be out discovering their destination on foot.

Whenever I travel from the Atlas to the Atlantic, I’m struck by how diverse the landscapes are, from the snow-capped peaks of the mountain passes to the argan-studded coastal plains. One day, you can be hiking along remote Atlas trails and the next, you’re immersed in the hustle and bustle of an ancient medina.

ONE WEEK MOROCCO ITINERARY OVERVIEW

From Marrakech, journey high into the Atlas Mountains to the charming town of Imlil. Here, where you can tackle the summit of North Africa’s tallest peak or enjoy a more leisurely day hike. Then descend to the seaside city of Essaouira, a whitewashed gem with a UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina that is rapidly asserting itself as an artistic hub. 

This one week Morocco itinerary begins and ends in the storied city of Marrakech, famed for its captivating architecture, legendary souks and highly atmospheric riads.

It’s home to one of the country’s biggest airports and is a great place to rent a car to start your Morocco road trip. Alternatively, this one-week itinerary can also be completed using buses (I’ll provide more details below) or using private transfers.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you make a purchase. Affiliate links cost you nothing and ensure my content stays free!

Highlights

• Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the Marrakech souks
• Discover the architectural wonders of Ben Youssef Madrasa and Bahia Palace
• Hike through the magnificent High Altas Mountains from the mountain town of Imlil
• Experience Morocco’s version of sun, sand and surf on the Atlantic coast
• Get lost in the UNESCO-listed medina of whitewashed Essaouira

Marrakech rental cars can either be picked up from the airport (which is served by a huge number of companies) or downtown offices. Rental cars at Marrakech airport tend to be cheaper!

For more information about self-driving in Morocco, check out my detailed article here. 

For those exploring Morocco by public transport, I find 12Go to be a fantastic resource as it compares all of the options available (buses, trains and private transfers). You can easily book tickets through the site, either before or during your adventure.

If you don’t want to travel independently, there are a variety of tours available at Viator and GetYourGuide. Many take in the highlights of central Morocco, including all of the destinations on this itinerary.

Aside from day and overnight trips from Marrakech to Imlil (including guided hiking adventures), it’s easy to find private transfers between Marrakech and Essaouira.

Day 1 and 2: Marrakech

Begin your one-week Morocco itinerary in the red-hued city of Marrakech, which has good international flight connections from Europe and beyond. For architecture enthusiasts, the city’s historic palaces and museums offer a glimpse into its rich heritage as a hub of trade and culture. Highlights include the 16th-century Ben Youssef Madrasa and the gorgeous Bahia Palace.

Marrakech is also a shopper’s paradise, with its bustling souks filled with colourful textiles, aromatic spices and talented craftsmen showcasing their skills. Foodies will find no shortage of inspiration, whether you want to take a Moroccan cooking class or eat your way through the city on a Marrakech street food tour.

For more recommendations of things to see and do in Marrakech, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Marrakech. More Marrakech travel inspiration can be found here.

While visiting Marrakech, I highly recommend staying in a riad as the city is home to some of the country’s best! From traditional to contemporary, these authentic Moroccan guesthouses come in all styles, many featuring courtyard plunge pools and rooftop terraces.

To make your decision easier, I’ve compiled a list of the best riads in Marrakech and researched some of the most sustainable riads in Marrakech for an eco-conscious stay. 

Best places to stay in Marrakech

Luxury places to stay in Marrakech

Royal Mansour

La Sultana

Mid-range places to stay in Marrakech

Riad Farhan

Riad Le Petit Joyau

Budget places to stay in Marrakech

Riad Salman

Riad Spa Sindibad

You’ll find more inspiring riads in the Marrakech medina here.

Day 3 and 4: Imlil and Atlas Mountains

After a couple of days in Marrakech, you’ll be ready to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head for the mountains. Less than two hours’ drive from Marrakech is Imlil, an atmospheric town in the High Atlas that is renowned as the gateway to Jebel Toubkal – North Africa’s highest peak. 

Located in the heart of the Toubkal Valley, the journey from Marrakech to Imlil is nothing short of awe-inspiring. It offers a completely different take on Morocco after the medina. As you wind your way up the mountainous road, the landscape undergoes a breathtaking transformation, from dry plains to lush green foothills and majestic rocky peaks.

Imlil serves as an ideal starting point for trekking expeditions in the High Atlas Mountains, with many trails beginning directly from the village itself. While the most popular two-day route leads to the summit of Jebel Toubkal, there are also shorter day hikes available.

For more info about the treks available from Imlil, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Imlil. It includes detailed information on how to get there, where to stay and things to do in the mountain town, as well as recommended options for guided treks. 

If you’re travelling by public transport, the best way to reach Imlil from Marrakech is by grand taxi. Grand taxis depart from a stand on the southern edge of Djemaa el-Fnaa and cost around 50 DH per person. Private transfers from Marrakech to Imlil are also available.

Best places to stay in Imlil

Mid-range places to stay in Imlil

Riad Dar Imlil

Riad Atlas Bangalo

Budget places to stay in Imlil

Berber Family Lodge

Atlas Prestige

Day 5 and 6: Essaouira

From Imlil, make the 3.5-4 hour journey to Essaouira, an enchanting whitewashed city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Once known as “Mogador”, the historic gem will transport you back to the 18th century, with ancient ramparts and atmospheric alleyways lined with stores selling aromatic spices and brightly coloured handicrafts. 

Spend the next two days wandering the UNESCO-listed medina, which seamlessly blends Arab, Amazigh and European influences. Though once a bustling trade hub and seaport, Essaouira saw its prominence fade after Sultan Moulay Hassan reopened the port of Agadir in the late 1800s.

Essaouira never fails to captivate with its old-world charm and character – it’s one of my favourite places in Morocco! Not only is it home to an increasing number of inspiring restaurants, cafes and bars but also art galleries celebrating North African creatives.

While you’re there, be sure to watch the sunset from the ramparts of Skala du Port and, if possible, coincide your visit with the Gnaoua World Music Festival. Essaouira is also a great spot for kite surfing, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. 

For more info about things to see and do in Essaouira, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Essaouira. Additional Essaouira travel inspiration can be found here.

If you’re travelling from Imlil to Essaouira by public transport, it’s best to return to Marrakech the way you came (by grand taxi or private transfer). Then get a bus from Marrakech to Essaouira.

Several bus companies travel the route, including Supratours and CTM. As Supratours stops closer to the Essaouira medina, it’s usually more convenient. Tickets start from around 100 DH.

Best places to stay in Essaouira

Luxury places to stay in Essaouira

Villa Des Arganiers

Riad EspritBleu

Mid-range places to stay in Essaouira

Riad Dar Maya

Riad Emotion

Budget places to stay in Essaouira

Maison Des Arts

Noqta Space Coworking Coliving Space

Day 7: Marrakech

End your journey back in Marrakech where you can indulge in some last-minute shopping or stroll through the photogenic Jardin Majorelle. If time allows, I’d also recommend visiting the Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum. It boasts a gorgeous courtyard and stylish tea room (in addition to its food-related exhibits).

In the evening, head to Djemaa el-Fnaa to experience its after-dark entertainment and dine at one of the food stalls. Fringing the square are several rooftop cafes where you can watch the sunset over the medina and enjoy a different perspective on the action down below. 

If you’re travelling by public transport, you can easily get from Essaouira back to Marrakech by bus.

Best places to stay in Marrakech

Luxury places to stay in Marrakech

Royal Mansour

La Sultana

Mid-range places to stay in Marrakech

Riad Farhan

Riad Le Petit Joyau

Budget places to stay in Marrakech

Riad Salman

Riad Spa Sindibad

Optional add-ons:

If you have an extra day or two, make the drive over the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass to the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou, taking in the “Hollywood of Morocco” – Ouarzazate. Alternatively, experience some of the country’s most beguiling scenery on an adventure through the gorges of Dades and Todra, including a stop in the “Rose Capital” of Kalaat M’Gouna. 

Renting a car for a one week Morocco itinerary

About Me

I’m Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I’ve developed an intense love for Morocco, its incredible landscapes, storied cities and the exceptionally generous hospitality of its people.

Malika in Morocco is a place to share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. As a resource for travellers visiting Morocco, I want to encourage others to experience this captivating destination the way they desire, whether that’s independently or under the expert guidance of local tour operators.

I believe strongly in supporting responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives while inspiring travel experiences that are life-impacting and mutually beneficial for both travellers and locals.