Before I say anything, Ill tell you one thing:
……….and that is that one week in Morocco is not enough time!
Not only is Morocco filled with colours, smells, sights and people but it a vast country that is very spread out. With the Sahara desert on one side, beaches on the other and amazing culture dotted all over, you’ll need to prioritize what you truly want to see.
Another thing to note is that it takes a REALLY long time to get between places. There isn’t many inter city flights and when Google Maps tells you it is 4 hours, it likely is 6.5!
With that being said, we felt our one week stint there was perfect!! But this is after extensive research before we departed to ensure we saw a lot but also didn’t spend the entire time in a car travelling.

Days 1 + 2- Marrakesh

Marrakesh can be summed up in three words- “MAD BUT MAGIC”. It is crazy, chaotic and SO BEAUTIFUL AND INSPIRING! Here is what I would do in Marrakesh once you first land:

Madrassa Ben Youssef – This building was once a coveted Quranic school and education center in Marrakech. It’s now a monument with beautiful tilework and carving. It makes you think that your school growing up was as basic as they come! It’s not a place where you will spend a ton of time ( perhaps around 30 minutes). Must have Dirhams for the entrance fee!

The Badi Palace – This palace is essentially ruins as its contents were stripped and moved to the palace in Meknes in the 1700’s. But it’s interest to walk among them and makes for great pictures. Be sure to walk all the way through the back, past the sunken orange trees. Also climb the building steps for a great view out over the city to the High Atlas and across the medina

Majorelle Garden/YSL Museum –This is a two for 1 event! Majorelle Garderns is a two and half acre botanical garden and house that was once occupied and owned by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge.  I would recommend going early as its gets SO packed! The YSL museum is directly beside it which has special pieces from YSL, the history of the brand and let’s be frank- it is just visually appealing!

Wander around the Medina-  The Medina or also known as  “the souks” comprise alleyway upon alleyway of tiny retail cubicles. The further in you venture the more interesting they become. They are filled with rugs, lamps, tea, juice, herbs and spices, snake charmers, and it is basically sensory overload! There is no real way to prepare someone for it!

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WHERE TO STAY:

Riad Yasmine- Best pool/decor in all of Marrakech. This place feels like you are truly living in a magazine! It is next level cool

Riad Jona– Feels like a 2nd home. The location of this Riad is great because you are close to the “New” city and the “Old” city

La Sultana– If you want to live like a Queen! This place is a little more luxe than a Riad and it made me feel like I was Jasmine from Aladdin. Despite how fancy it is, it still offers an intimate and secluded feel

Day 5 Essaouira

We were on the fence about visiting here. Do we stay over? Do we just do a day trip? Is it worth it?

Verdict? Definitely worth it!!

Essaouria is a seaside, charming little town with a port filled with blue traditional Moroccan boats. It is also where Game of Thrones has been filmed. Yes, go geek out. There is a small medina there which is much more easy to nagivate compared to Marrakech and they have some very hip restaurants there.

I would also recommend stopping on your way to Essaouria to check out the GOATS ON THE TREES!!! Yes my friends..

Day 4- Stone Desert

We looked into going to the Sahara dessert but everyone I talked to said not to do it unless you have 2 weeks. It takes almost 3 days to get there and everyone recommends 2 days in the desert itself. With that being said, if you want the next best thing- head to the Stone Desert which is just 45 minutes outside of the city! It feels like you are hours and hours away. You can set up shop in a glamping style tent, ride camels and we ate the most delicious tangine in the open air listening to traditional Moroccan music.

WHERE TO STAY

Scarabeo Camp

TIP: This place does not have Wifi and they do not serve alcohol. While it was refreshing to be off Wifi, we would have liked to have a heads up about the no alcohol!

Day 5+ 6- Atlas Mountains

This was one of my favourite parts of the trip. We left the stone desert and headed towards the Atlas Mountains-specifically to the town of Imil. It is not only amazing visually as you get stunning views of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa but it is also much cooler there. It is so refreshing after the heat of the city and desert!

The Atlas Mountains have long been home to some of North Africa’s most remote villages where the locals live a simple life. The “Berbere” people as they are referred to live in small houses, work as farmers and are truly the most friendliest people I have ever met. Being in the small town allows you to witness how their daily life which is fascinating. Our hotel was UNREAL because we got to interact with the people who cooked for us ( even though they spoke limited English). We ate dinner with the other guests at the place ( 3 other people) and we gazed at the stars at night together. It was one of those incredible moments that you will never forget.

WHERE TO STAY

Douar Samra

Day 7- One last day in Marrakesh

My husband and I could have spent more time in Marrakesh. It is such a captivating city that we could have honestly just hotel hopped  That’s why I don’t think checking things off a list is the best way to experience the city. Make sure you take time to sip tea, sit on a terrace and read a good book too! Other things I would do if you have time:

Book a Hammam treatment – Moroccans still use the hammam religiously. These traditional baths are a unique experience though you may prefer the more spa atmosphere to the neighborhood version! Be prepared to be SERIOUSLY scrubbed down. My husband and I were brought into a steam room where we were asked to take off all of our clothes. We then were rubbed in a exfoliate which was lathered onto us ( not gently) to remove dead skin. It was the coolest yet most different experience! I recommend La Sultana

Wander the Souks again – Even if you already spent time in the Souks, chances are you will be drawn back in. Each stroll you take you discover new things, new smells and you truly can spend hours!

Day pass at La Mamounia– This hotel is more of a tourist attraction than a hotel to me. I personally preferred staying at the riads but it is definitely worth checking out because the grounds are spectacular! You can purchase a day pass for around $60 which grants you access to the swimming pool. We did this and we also had a spa treatment. The spa pool is insane but the treatment itself was so-so.

Make sure to check out my post on 10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO MOROCCO which offers more tips!!

#1. Alcohol is not available everywhere.

Being a Muslim country, the purchase of alcohol is definitely frowned upon in Morocco but allowances and acceptance is given to tourists who would like a drink on holiday. If you can, buy directly from supermarkets such as Carrefour as the prices are drastically lower than the cost of alcohol in restaurants, hostels and hotels. Much of this has to do with the high tax of selling alcohol, and also the time and cost associated with stocking it for guests

We found it a bit annoying when we were at a well known restaurant that they didnt have any alcohol!

#2. People will hollar at you in the Souks

You will hear things like “MISS, MISS, CHEAP PRICE” or “YOU FROM QUEBEC?” ( they know one or two things about each country and constantly reference it). A few other times I heard inappropriate things like “NICE BODY” or “SEXY”. Don’t feel like you have to be polite to anyone who’s being rude to you. Be firm in saying no and just walk away, if you’re ever feeling uncomfortable.

#3. Carry Cash

Very few places aside from the larger supermarkets accept credit or debit cards. You definitely won’t be able to use a card to pay for purchases in a souk or local village shop so consider this when going shopping.

#4. Fridays are holy days

Keep in mind that it is a Muslim country, so pay attention to their holidays otherwise you might be there when everything is closed. Also, most shops and attractions are closed on Friday since it’s their holy day. A friend of mine went during Ramadan and told me it was very difficult to eat meals. We happened to arrive in Morocco on Eid al-Adha, where they were slaughtering and sacrificing animals on the street. Shops were also closed that day, and most were closed the following day. Plus, it was a bloody mess, most of which we avoided. Below you can see what is usually a crowded marketplace is deserted.

#5. Watch out for stray animals ( mainly Kittens!!!!)

If you have a soft spot for puppies and kittens, the strays of Morocco are certain to pull on your heartstrings! There was some moments where it was almost nauseating though as we would see Kittens without eyeballs or they would have big cuts on their heads.

#6. You will get lost in the Medina/Souks. Just accept it. 

Medina is the name given to the old walled inner cities of Moroccan and other North African cities. These old cities contain tight meandering alleyways, and only the main streets (of which there are few!) have street names. So to see a lost tourist (or ten) in a medina is not uncommon! We downloaded an app though that was called “Map.me” and it saved our lives. You can use it offline which was HUGE!

#7 Learn to Haggle.

If you’re shopping in the markets or medinas, you will have to learn to haggle. It is part of the culture and sellers will always start much higher in anticipation of this.  I would normally say the price I wanted ( without low balling them and still being respectful) and if they wouldnt negotiate back with a reasonable offer, I would walk away. They would then come running. So basically what I am telling you is walk away!

#8. Stay Away from Strangers Offering Free Tours or Directions.

Even if you don’t hire a local guide, there will be a lot of locals offering you tours while you’re walking around the markets and medinas. If you go with one of them you may end up completely lost and pressed to spend money. Most of the time they will ask for a tip afterward too. This is the same with asking for directions. A lot of them will offer to walk you to where you’re going but then ask for a tip. If you’re so inclined, always have money to pay them off or just plan ahead and ask your hotel or pull up some maps when you have WIFI.

#9. Dress Relatively Conservative

While I was never covered head to toe, I also was never wearing my daisy dukes. Marrakesh is much more modern than other cities but that doesn’t mean to disrepesct the culture. I would stick to maxi dresses or flowly dresses with a scarf just in case you end up somewhere that requires you to be a bit more covered. If you are heading into the rural areas, I would wear a t shirt and long skirt!

Riad Jona

Riad Jona is a perfect mix of traditional Moroccan paired with modern accents. You feel like you are in in the comforts of a secret and quiet riad but you also have the amenities and luxuries of a modern 5 star hotel! It is situated in the walled medina district- close enough to get lost in the Souks and also close enough to head to all the main attractions!

THE GROUNDS

Riad Jona is made up of several mini oasis’.  Together they create one beautiful space. There is a serene upper terrace with lounge chairs, potted plants and cozy nooks if you want to be up high and see the magical Moroccan sky. There is a lower level with a small plunge pool, jacuzzi, and bar if the heat up top is a bit much for you. There is also enclosed areas beneath that are perfect for enjoying some Moroccan mint tea, a book or having a glass of wine in the late evening. It is almost hard to discover all the spots there because there is truly so many!

THE ROOMS

With traditional Moroccan accents and modern furnishings, the rooms at Riad Jona are spacious and inviting. The beds in particular were by far the most comfortable beds we had during our entire trip to Morocco. The over-sized bathroom was also a highlight for us with strong water pressure, a beautiful sink and even a bathtub if we wanted to really unwind.  Everything felt crisp and clean but had that warm Moroccan tilework, cushions and wall decals to jazz it up.

IMPORTANT TIDBITS

Bonus Feature?

The most comfortable daybed to lounge on can be found on the roof!

Best way to book?

Directly on the website HERE