Road Trip Morocco: The Ultimate 2-Week Morocco Itinerary

Last updated on May 20, 2026

A trip to Morocco is one of the easiest ways to give kids a rich cultural experience without travelling far from Europe. It’s a country where you can move from barefoot beach days to ancient medinas and starlit desert camps, all within a relatively short distance.

We spent three weeks travelling through Morocco with our two kids (aged 5 and 8), and this is the two-week itinerary I’d recommend (I cut out the bits that didn’t work!). It combines laid-back surf vibes with culture and a touch of adventure, without trying to do too much. Think surf lessons, slow afternoons by the sea, a night under the stars in the desert, and a final dose of Marrakech’s vibrant energy.

This itinerary brings all of that together into a suggested 14-day Morocco road trip that works well for children and adults alike.

Also see our guides to how to plan a family holiday in Morocco, things to do with kids in Morocco, and the most special places to stay. I recommend reading the Morocco trip planning one first.

How to use this Morocco road trip itinerary

This itinerary is designed as a one-way route along Morocco’s Atlantic coast, finishing inland in Marrakech. You could start by flying into Agadir and out of Marrakech, or do it in reverse depending on flight options.

It’s structured around six main stops: Taghazout, Imsouane, Essaouira, the Agafay Desert, the Atlas Mountains and Marrakech. Each offers a different pace and perspective on Morocco, and together they create a well-rounded introduction.

That said, it’s a flexible itinerary. You could easily extend it by adding extra nights at any of your favourite spots, or adding in the Sahara or another location. Or you could shorten it by skipping one stop and focusing on fewer bases.

I’ve included some additional stops at the end that you might like to add if you have more time, including the Sahara.

We travelled as a family, but this route works just as well for couples or groups of friends. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a mix of relaxation and culture.

Our Morocco road trip highlights

• Surfing along the coast in places like Tamraght or Imsouane
• Watching sunset over the Atlantic from a beachfront cafe or rooftop bar (especially good in Imsouane)
• Exploring the laid-back medina in Essaouira
• Staying in a desert camp in Agafay under the stars
• Sandboarding the Timlalin dunes
• Experiencing the buzz of Marrakech’s souks and riads

Morocco road trip itinerary at a glance

• Days 1–4: Taghazout
• Days 4-6: Imsouane
• Days 6–9: Essaouira
• Day 9-10: Agafay Desert
• Days 10-11: Atlas Mountains
• Days 11-14: Marrakech

Morocco road trip map

Our detailed Morocco road trip itinerary

Taghazout and Tamraght

(Days 1–4)

Start your trip on Morocco’s Atlantic coast in Taghazout, a former fishing village turned surf hub around 30 minutes north of Agadir. Tourism has boomed here in recent years and it’s firmly on the traveller trail, but it still retains some of its laid-back surf-town spirit, especially away from the larger resorts.

Compared to somewhere like Agadir, Taghazout feels more creative and characterful, with surf cafés, yoga studios and oceanfront restaurants replacing the big-hotel feel of the city. Nearby Tamraght has an even more low-key, up-and-coming vibe, with design-led cafés and surf houses scattered across the hillside above the sea.

This stretch of coast isn’t polished. Roads can be rough, there’s a visible litter problem in places, and the infrastructure is struggling to keep up with the pace of development. But if you’re happy to embrace a slightly scruffier, slower-paced beach experience, it’s a fun and easy introduction to Morocco’s surf culture. And if you stay somewhere like Paradis Plage, you’re insulated from the “scruffiness”, but close enough to dip into the cooler vibes.

Taghazout is one of the easiest places in Morocco to combine beach time with family-friendly comforts. There’s a good mix of surf houses, boutique hotels and larger resorts, plus plenty to do beyond the beach.

See my full guide to things to do in Tamraght and Taghazout.

Things to do in Taghazout

Surf lessons

This stretch of coast is one of the best places in Morocco to learn to surf, with beginner-friendly beaches and lots of surf schools catering to families. We especially liked Easy Surf Maroc in nearby Tamraght, whose teachers were brilliant with kids.

Hang out at the skatepark

One of the coolest spots in the area is the oceanfront skatepark in Taghazout. Even if you don’t skate, it’s worth visiting around sunset when the views are spectacular.

Beach and café days

A lot of the appeal here is simply slowing down with beach time, smoothie bowls, rooftop breakfasts and sunset walks along the coast. We especially liked the café scene in Tamraght, which has a more creative, design-led feel than Taghazout.

Walk the promenade

There’s a 5km coastal walkway connecting Taghazout and Tamraght that makes for a lovely stroll, passing surf spots, cafés and beaches along the way.

Paradise Valley

A popular inland day trip, Paradise Valley is a series of natural pools and palm-filled gorges in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. It’s beautiful, but better suited to older kids as the paths can be slippery and the water deep.

Where to stay

Taghazout and the surrounding coast have a good mix of accommodation, from laid-back surf houses to polished resorts and stylish private rentals. Where you stay has a huge impact on the kind of trip you’ll have here.

If you want an easy family holiday with pools, kids’ facilities and more reliable comfort, I’d lean towards one of the resorts around Immi Ouaddar or Taghazout Bay. But if you’re after something with more local character and connection to the surf scene, a surf house or Airbnb in Taghazout or Tamraght is a more interesting option. A private rental is a good middle way.

For families, I’d pay close attention to location. Tamraght can be tricky without a car as it’s hilly and spread out, while Taghazout is much more compact and walkable. It’s also worth checking whether pools are heated if you’re travelling outside summer.

Here are a few places we recommend:

• Paradis Plage – One of the most stylish resort options in the area, with a calm, design-led feel that works well for families wanting a more comfortable beach stay. It’s expensive, but one of the easiest options with kids.
• Easy Surf Maroc – We stayed here in Tamraght and loved the warm atmosphere and surf-school set-up. We were the only family there during our stay so the vibe felt a bit grown-up, but they had a great family room and the instructors were brilliant with kids.
• Airbnb rentals – There are some excellent apartments and villas around Taghazout Bay and Tamraght, many with pools, kitchens and play areas, which can make life much easier with children. See my Tamraght and Taghazout Airbnb recommendations here.
• Family surf retreats – If your dates line up, there are also family-specific surf retreats where organisers rent entire villas and tailor the experience to parents and kids. These tend to feel more family-friendly than standard surf houses. Kin Morrow looks especially good.

Imsouane

(Days 4–6)

Next, head north to Imsouane, our favourite surf village in Morocco. Smaller, quieter and more picturesque than Taghazout, it’s the kind of place that’s all about surfing and slowing down.

Imsouane is famous for having one of the longest waves in the world, which surfers can ride for up to 800m. Even if you don’t surf, there’s something special about the atmosphere here. People gather to watch the waves at sunset, drink tea at beachfront bars, and life moves at a noticeably slower pace.

That said, Imsouane isn’t a hidden gem anymore. Like Taghazout, it’s firmly on the surf traveller trail and has changed hugely over the years. Part of the town was controversially demolished in 2025 as the government reclaimed land that had been built on without permits, which was a major blow to the local community. It’s still rebuilding and there’s a slightly raw feeling to parts of the village, but we found its magical spirit very much intact.

Compared to Taghazout, there’s less to do beyond the beach and surf culture, but that’s part of the appeal. This is a place for slowing down, connecting with the ocean and fully embracing Morocco’s laid-back surf culture.

Things to do in Imsouane

Surf lessons

Imsouane’s long, gentle wave makes it one of the best places in Morocco for beginner and intermediate surfers. We recommend Imsouane Surf Family, who offers both lessons and accommodation.

Beach time

Even if you’re not surfing, the beach here is perfect for slow days by the water, paddling, building sandcastles and watching the surfers arrive across the bay.

Café hopping

Imsouane has a handful of cool cafés and surf houses with incredible ocean views. We especially liked Olo Surf House, Imi Bay and Paradis Wave.

Watch the sunset

Sunsets are a ritual in Imsouane. The whole village seems to gather along the shoreline as the sun disappears over the Atlantic.

Timlalin sand dunes

The Timlalin dunes are right beside Imsouane and make a brilliant family adventure. You can try sandboarding, camel rides and quad biking. Our five-year-old was obsessed and asked if he could go every day!

Hire a skateboard

You can hire skateboards or long boards and have a go on the wide open roads. There are even places that offer lessons, especially popular during golden hour.

Where to stay

Accommodation in Imsouane is much more low-key than Taghazout, with surf houses, apartments and a handful of boutique-style stays rather than big resorts. These are apparently coming later as part of the government plans (although to be honest, I hope not!).

This means it’s not quite as easy for families looking for convenience and facilities, but it’;s perfect if peace and vibes are what you’re after. We found Imsouane especially magical for a few slower-paced days in the middle of our Morocco road trip.

Here are a few places we recommend:

• Residence Imsouane – a modern surf house option with a pool. There are doubles/twins, plus a 4-bed dorm that’s good for families or groups.
• Imsouane Surf Family – Relaxed surf-house accommodation with lessons and a welcoming atmosphere for families.
• Olo Surf House – One of the coolest stays in town, with beautiful styling and incredible sea views (but prices to match too!)
• Airbnb rentals – There are some lovely apartments overlooking the bay, which are especially good if you want self-catering facilities for families. See my Imsouane Airbnb recommendations here.

Essaouira

(Days 6–9)

Essaouira is one of the easiest places in Morocco to visit with kids. Compared to Marrakech, the pace is gentler, the medina is compact and largely traffic-free, and there’s a good mix of stylish places to stay, family-friendly restaurants and beach life.

The medina and souk are manageable to navigate, there are plenty of international restaurants for fussy eaters, and the huge sweeping beach gives kids space to run wild after time in the city. There’s also a creative, slightly bohemian feel that has attracted artists and musicians here for decades.

Life revolves around the ocean in Essaouira, whether that’s surfing, kitesurfing, seafood lunches or sunset drinks by the beach. The wind is a huge part of Essaouira’s identity and sometimes adds to the magic, bringing a wildness to the coastline. But it can also be frustrating, especially outside summer. We visited in April and found the windy days noticeably colder and less pleasant than the calmer ones, so it’s worth choosing somewhere sheltered to stay.

Compared to Taghazout, Essaouira feels more polished and cultural, while still retaining a laid-back beach-town atmosphere. It was one of our favourite stops of the trip.

Things to do in Essaouira

Explore the medina

Essaouira’s medina is one of the easiest in Morocco to explore with kids. Wander the narrow streets, browse the shops and watch artisans carving wood or hammering metal in tiny workshops. A quote from my 8-year-old: “There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the shopping here”.

Beach walks and camel rides

The huge sweeping beach is ideal for long walks, and you’ll likely see people with camels and horses offering rides along the shore.

Surfing and kitesurfing

The wind makes Essaouira one of Morocco’s best kitesurfing destinations, but there are also beginner-friendly surf lessons available.

Visit Sidi Kaouki

Just south of Essaouira, Sidi Kaouki has a wilder, more laid-back feel, with long sandy beaches and excellent surf. We loved the stylish beachside restaurant BAM Kaouki.

Do a creative workshop

We loved doing a bracelet-making and pottery-painting workshop with Soluna, which made a nice change from beach time and sightseeing.

Watch the sunset from a rooftop or beachfront bar

One of our favourite beach spots was Ocean Vagabond, which has excellent sunset views, good cocktails and a trampoline that kept the kids entertained. If you prefer a rooftop, Palazzo has a gorgeous view

Walk the ramparts and harbour

Essaouira’s historic sea walls and cannons are one of the city’s defining features, giving it a cinematic feel (it was used as a filming location in Game of Thrones). The harbour is equally atmospheric, with bright blue fishing boats bobbing in the water and fishermen bringing in the daily catch.

Where to stay

Essaouira has some of the most beautiful boutique hotels and riads we found anywhere in Morocco. Staying in the medina makes it easy to soak up the atmosphere, but there are also gorgeous villas and boutique stays scattered through the countryside surrounding the city.

Our favourite is Baoussala, a beautiful design-led boutique hotel just outside the centre that works brilliantly for families.

Places we recommend include:

• Baoussala – A beautiful design-led boutique hotel between Essaouira and Sidi Kaouki with a heated pool, gorgeous gardens and a family-friendly atmosphere.
• Mama Lova – One of the most stylish stays inside the medina, blending Moroccan craftsmanship with a softer contemporary aesthetic. There’s also a family suite sleeping up to five.
• Jardin des Douars – A polished boutique resort with sprawling gardens and separate family and adult pools. More resort-like than Baoussala, but very easy with kids.
• Le Mouette et les Dromadaires – A stylish beachside guesthouse in Sidi Kaouki with a bohemian feel and popular family Sundays.
• Private villas and Airbnbs – There are some gorgeous family-friendly rentals around Essaouira with pools, gardens and plenty of space to relax. Here are my Essaouira Airbnb recommendations.

Agafay Desert

(Days 9-10)

A trip to the Agafay Desert is the easiest way to experience a desert landscape without the long journey to the Sahara. But it’s important to know what to expect beforehand. Unlike the Sahara’s golden dunes, Agafay is a rocky, lunar-like desert, but it still has a cool sense of space and escape. That said, a lot of people are disappointed that it’s not the sandy desert experience they imagined. And many people complain about the noise from ATVs and party-forward camps (this wasn’t an issue for us).

You can either visit as a day trip from Marrakech, or for the full experience, stay at one of the desert camps, of which there are many to choose from!

Things to do in Agafay

Visit a desert camp

Even if you’re not staying the night, you can arrange to visit the desert camps and join their evening meals and entertainment, which tends to involve live music and fire shows.

Camel rides and quad biking

One of the quintessential Agafay activities is a camel ride. Sunset is the perfect time, away from the midday heat and with stunning light over the desert.

Camel rides are usually done caravan-style with guides leading the camels through the rocky desert landscape. The rides are generally gentle and fairly short, often lasting around 30–60 minutes. You’re surprisingly high up on a camel, so some kids (or adults!) might be scared. My eldest wouldn’t do it.

Quad biking and buggy tours

Quad biking and buggy tours are the more adrenaline-filled option. Buggies are often better for families with younger children as you can ride together, whereas quad bikes are usually individual. That said, many places will allow younger kids to ride with their parents. It’s a really fun way to experience the desert.

Stargazing

With very little light pollution, the night sky is one of the highlights of staying in Agafay. Sitting around a campfire beneath the stars is a magical experience.

Where to stay

There are many desert camps in Agafay, ranging from rustic to ultra-luxurious, and the atmosphere varies hugely depending on where you choose. Some lean heavily into a party atmosphere while others are more family-focussed.

We stayed at Orion Domes and loved it. The geodesic domes are beautifully designed and surprisingly comfortable, and the whole place felt family-friendly rather than just tolerant of children. The boys especially loved feeding the baby goats, and the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains made the whole experience feel magical.

Other family-friendly camps that come highly recommended include BE Agafay, Scarabeo Camp and Inara Camp.

Atlas Mountains

(Days 10–11)

One of the most incredible things about Morocco is how quickly the landscape changes, and the Atlas Mountains are a perfect example. They’re just an hour from Marrakesh, but offer a completely different experience from city life with cooler air, traditional Berber villages and dramatic mountain views in every direction.

This is one of the best places in Morocco to slow down and experience a quieter, more traditional side of the country. Go for mountain walks or hikes to suit your ability, enjoy mint tea with a view, and have long lunches in the peaceful surroundings. It’s a lovely contrast to the intensity of Marrakech and works especially well as a short stop before finishing the trip in the city.

When people talk about the Atlas Mountains, they’re often referring to the High Atlas areas like Imiil, but it does cover a wider region, including the Ourika Valley, which is closer to Marrakech and easier as a day trip

We skipped the Atlas Mountains on our family trip due to time constraints, but Steve and I visited before kids and absolutely loved it.

Things to do in the Atlas Mountains

Go hiking

There are walks for all levels in the Atlas Mountains, from gentle strolls between villages to more serious mountain hikes. Many hotels can arrange guides, and some also offer mule or donkey support for younger children.

Visit Berber villages

One of the highlights of staying in the Atlas Mountains is getting a glimpse into Berber life. Villages are scattered across the hillsides, connected by walking trails and winding roads.

Drink mint tea with a view

A lot of the joy here is simply soaking up the scenery. Many hotels and guesthouses have terraces overlooking the mountains, perfect for slow breakfasts or sunset tea.

Where to stay

Accommodation in the Atlas Mountains tends to be smaller-scale and more nature-focused than elsewhere in Morocco, ranging from rustic guesthouses to beautiful boutique lodges hidden among the hills.

Places we recommend include:

• Kasbah Toubkal – One of Morocco’s most iconic mountain stays, perched above Imlil with extraordinary views and a luxurious feel. Steve and I stayed here pre-kids and it remains one of our most memorable hotel experiences.
• Berber Family Lodge – A warm, homely guesthouse run by a local family, offering a more low-key and authentic mountain experience. The view is stunning.
• Kasbah Bab Ourika – A beautiful eco-lodge with panoramic terraces, gardens and one of the best views in the Atlas Mountains. This one is in the Ourika Valley rather than the High Atlas.

Marrakech

(Days 11–14)

Marrakech is a place that hits the senses with its colours, scents and sounds, but nowadays it’s a far less intense experience than it once was. There’s still the chaos of its labyrinthine medina, where people, donkeys and motorbikes jostle for space amid the souks. But tourism has changed the city over the years and we found people far less pushy than when we first visited 15 years ago. Gentrification has also seeped in and there are some refined pockets of the city, filled with beautiful stays and restaurants. We especially loved the Bab Doukkala area.

Compared to somewhere like Essaouira, Marrakech is undeniably more intense, but it’s also one of the most rewarding places to experience Moroccan culture. Our boys were completely enchanted by the spectacle of it all, from the lantern-filled souks to the rooftop dinners. It gets more overwhelming, and certainly less charming, the closer you get to Jemaa el-Fnaa, but there are also calm, beautiful corners of the city that feel surprisingly easy with kids.

How you experience Marrakech depends hugely on where you stay. A riad inside the medina gives you the full immersion, while a resort in the Palmeraie offers a calmer base with pools and gardens to retreat to after sightseeing. I personally think combining both is the best option.

Things to do in Marrakech

Explore the souks

Getting lost in the souks is part of the Marrakech experience. The maze of alleyways is filled with spices, lanterns, ceramics, textiles and leather goods, plus endless little workshops where artisans still make things by hand.

Visit the gardens

Jardin Majorelle is Marrakech’s most famous garden, known for its iconic cobalt-blue buildings and links to Yves Saint Laurent. It’s stunning, but you do need to plan ahead as tickets sell out in advance and it can get extremely busy, especially mid-morning.

For something a little calmer, we also loved Le Jardin Secret in the medina. The elegant Islamic gardens and shaded courtyards are a lovely respite from the souks.

Enjoy the food scene

Marrakech has some of Morocco’s best restaurants, ranging from traditional tagines to modern, design-led spots. Rooftop dining is especially magical in the evenings. El Fenn is the most famous, but we also loved Nomad Marrakech and Azulik I Inla.

Take a hammam

A hammam is another classic Moroccan experience and Marrakech has everything from traditional bathhouses to luxurious spa versions. Be aware that the staff aren’t shy of scrubbing away dead cells and some find it a bit much. I loved the end result though with baby-fresh skin!

Do a cooking class

There are lots of family-friendly cooking classes where you can learn to make tagines, salads and Moroccan pastries. Here are some on Get Your Guide.

Slow down

It’s tempting to cram too much into Marrakech, but slowing down is an important part of the magic. Mix sightseeing with downtime at the hotel pool or long rooftop lunches.

Oasira

If you’re travelling with kids and need an easy activity, Oasiria is Marrakech’s best waterpark, with slides, a wave pool and splash areas. It’s surprisingly aesthetic and we had all had a blast!

Visit Bacha Coffee

Bacha Coffee is undeniably over-touristed and you can expect waits of around two hours if you want to sit down and have a drink! But if you can get in, it’s worth it. The glamorous coffee spot inside the Dar el Bacha palace has exquisite interiors and coffee to match. The good news is that the queue system is pretty good. After buying your ticket, you register for the café and are given a pager, so you don’t actually have to stand in line the whole time. Instead, you’re free to wander around while you wait. You can also buy combined Dar el Bacha museum and cafe tickets, so you can explore the historic house and its exhibits while you wait.

Where to stay

Marrakech has some of the most beautiful hotels in Morocco, from intimate riads hidden within the medina to sprawling palm-filled resorts on the edge of the city. Where you stay has a huge impact on your experience.

Places we recommend include:

• Riad Botanica – Our favourite family-friendly riad in Marrakech, combining stunning design with a genuinely welcoming atmosphere for kids. The family suite with bunks is brilliant.
• Lodge K – A beautiful boutique retreat in the Palmeraie with Bali-style tropical gardens and one of the most atmospheric pools we saw in Morocco.
• Riad Bahia Burgos – A gorgeous private riad rental with a heated plunge pool, ideal if you want more privacy and space with kids.
• Berber Lodge – A peaceful, design-led escape around 40 minutes outside the city, blending rustic Moroccan style with understated luxury.
• Oasis Lodges – A family-focused resort next to Marrakech’s most aesthetic waterpark.
• Private villas and Airbnbs – Marrakech also has some incredible riads and villas available as private rentals, many with pools and staff included. Here are some favourites.

Morocco road trip FAQs

When to go to Morocco

Late spring and autumn are ideal for this route, with warm but manageable temperatures and good conditions for both sightseeing and beach time. We visited in April and were surprised by how variable the weather could be. Marrakech was properly warm, but the coast was often breezy and much cooler than expected. On sunny, sheltered days, it felt glorious, but when the wind picked up in places like Essaouira and Taghazout, it could suddenly feel chilly enough for fleeces.

Summer brings reliably hot weather and warmer sea temperatures, but Marrakech and inland areas can become intensely hot, especially in July and August. Winter is quieter and still often sunny, but evenings can be cold and many pools are unheated, which makes a big difference if you’re travelling with kids hoping to swim.

One thing that surprised us is that Morocco isn’t quite the guaranteed “hot winter sun” destination many Europeans imagine. Packing layers is definitely a good idea.

How to get around Morocco

You can self-drive this route, but many people opt for private transfers or a driver for ease. Roads are generally in good condition and driving is manageable, but journeys often take longer than expected and you need to stay alert. We encountered everything from stray dogs to motorbikes weaving unpredictably through traffic.

Police checkpoints are common, especially around towns and cities. And it’s commonplace to be pulled over and fined for “speeding”.

One thing I definitely wouldn’t recommend is driving in the Marrakech medina. The narrow streets, scooters, pedestrians and general chaos make it incredibly stressful. We ended up returning our car early and relying on taxis instead, which worked much better.

If you don’t want the stress of driving, hiring a private driver is a really good option in Morocco and very popular with families.

How many days do you need?

Two weeks is a great amount of time for this Morocco itinerary, giving you a good balance of movement and relaxation without constantly packing and unpacking. It’s enough time to experience the contrast between Morocco’s surf coast, desert landscapes and cities while still leaving room for slower days.

If you have longer, I’d recommend stretching the itinerary out a little more, especially on the coast, where places like Essaouira and Imsouane are best enjoyed at a slower pace. You could also add in a trip to the Sahara or a city like Rabat or Fez.

If you only have a week, I’d simplify things and focus on fewer stops, perhaps combining Marrakech with Essaouira and either Agafay or the Atlas Mountains. Morocco is one of those destinations where trying to do too much can quickly become exhausting, especially with kids.