🇲🇦 Morocco in 7 Days: Rooftops, Souks & Sahara Sunsets

Morocco is not the kind of trip you simply “take”.

Morocco happens to you.

It is noise, color, dust, mint tea, beautiful doors hidden in complete chaos, golden rooftops at sunset, and that strange feeling of being inside an old movie — but with bad Wi-Fi and way too much going on at the same time.

I used Marrakech as my base and planned a 7-day route through Essaouira, the Sahara Desert and a little bit of the Atlas Mountains. It is not exactly the most relaxing trip, but it is the kind of trip that stays in your head for a long time.

1 Week in Morocco: Marrakech, Essaouira and a Night in the Sahara

Marrakech has two very different moods.

If you want to feel the real intensity of the city, stay inside the Medina. This is where everything happens: narrow streets, souks, hidden riads behind simple doors, and that beautiful mess that only Marrakech can do.

For something more special, I would definitely choose a riad. From the outside, many of them look almost like nothing. Then you step inside and suddenly there is a courtyard, a fountain, tiles, silence and a breakfast so pretty it would be rude not to photograph it.

If you prefer something more comfortable, modern and less chaotic, look at Hivernage or Gueliz. It feels like a softer version of Marrakech: bigger hotels, restaurants, cars waiting outside and a much easier place to come back to after a long day.

Where to Stay in Marrakech

Marrakech needs at least two days. Anything less feels too rushed.

Start with Jemaa el-Fnaa square in the late afternoon. It is confusing, crowded, loud and completely necessary. It is not exactly the most clean-girl-aesthetic place on earth, but it is the heart of the city. Go slowly, keep an eye on your bag and just watch everything happen.

Then get lost in the Medina souks. Rugs, lanterns, spices, ceramics, bags, perfumes… everything looks like a movie set. And yes, bargaining is part of the experience. Do not feel awkward about it. Start lower than the price they give you and play the game with a little patience.

Jardin Majorelle is a calmer stop and very photogenic. That blue really is beautiful in real life. Just do not expect to have the place to yourself, because you will not. Book your ticket online, choose a time slot and accept that everyone else also wants the same photo.

Bahia Palace is also worth it. It is the kind of place where you walk in thinking, “Okay, another palace,” and then suddenly you start noticing the ceilings, the doors, the mosaics, the light coming through the courtyards… quietly stunning.

For food, I loved ending the day on a rooftop. Nomad is a good choice for dinner with a view over the Medina, modern Moroccan food and that golden-hour atmosphere that makes every outfit look better. Le Jardin feels more hidden, green and intimate. Perfect for lunch or a slow afternoon tea.

Days 1 and 2 — Marrakech, Slowly

Essaouira is about 2.5 hours from Marrakech, and the mood changes completely.

After the intensity of the Medina, arriving by the sea feels like a reset. The city is calmer, lighter, windy and much easier to breathe in. You can go with a private driver or a shared van, depending on how much comfort you want.

The walls and the fishing port are beautiful for photos. Blue boats, seagulls, rocks, ocean, fishermen working… very simple, but very cinematic.

Essaouira’s Medina is also much calmer than Marrakech. You can walk, look around, stop for coffee and not feel like someone is trying to sell you something every three seconds.

For lunch, fresh fish by the port is the obvious choice, and it works. Do not expect luxury. It is more about the local experience.

One thing: it gets windy. Very windy. Even if it is warm, bring a light jacket or something to throw over your shoulders, because the wind can change the whole mood of your outfit very quickly.

Day 3 — Essaouira, the Ocean Break

The desert is the most special part of the trip, but also the most tiring.

If you are short on time, Zagora is a closer option. But if you can make it work, Merzouga is much more impressive. The Erg Chebbi dunes are exactly the kind of Sahara image you probably have in your head.

The drive is long, so do not romanticize it too much. It is hours in the car, stops along the way, curves, changing landscapes and that moment when you start wondering if you are still in the same country. But honestly, that is what makes the arrival so beautiful.

The camel ride to the camp is touristy, yes. But it is still beautiful. Especially when the sun starts going down and the dunes turn gold.

Sleeping in a desert camp was one of my favorite parts. It does not have to be ridiculously fancy, but choose somewhere comfortable. After so many hours on the road, you will be very grateful for a proper bed, a decent bathroom and a warm dinner.

And wake up early for sunrise. I know it sounds like every travel blog sentence ever, but here it is actually worth it. The silence of the desert in the morning feels different. Like the world has not started yet.

Days 4 and 5 — The Sahara Desert

On the way back to Marrakech, or even as a separate day trip, the Atlas Mountains are the perfect contrast after the desert.

Ourika Valley is an easier option, with small villages, waterfalls and simple restaurants near the river. The Tizi n’Tichka pass feels more dramatic, with mountains, curves and huge landscapes.

What I liked most about this part was seeing another side of Morocco. Less Medina, less souk, less rooftop. More road, Berber villages, mint tea with a view and that feeling that life is moving at a completely different rhythm.

Day 6 — The Atlas Mountains

Some places that fit this trip really well:

Nomad
Modern rooftop, good food and a beautiful view over the Medina. Best around sunset.

Le Jardin
Green, hidden and charming. A good place to slow down a little.

Al Fassia
More traditional, known for Moroccan food prepared by women. A good choice for a more classic dinner.

Café des Épices
Simple, nice and with a view over the spice souk. Great for a break between shopping and walking.

Where to Eat in Marrakech

Bring cash. A lot of places accept cards, but in souks, with drivers, smaller cafés and local shops, dirhams make life easier.

Bargain without guilt. It is part of the culture. Just do not turn every small purchase into a war. A smile, calm energy and a little patience work better.

Think about your outfits before going. In hotels, rooftops and tourist areas, it is usually fine. But outside those places, I prefer covering shoulders and knees. It is not about losing style. It is about reading the room.

Avoid peak summer if you can. March to May and September to November are much better. Summer heat can make everything feel heavier, especially in the desert.

And clear some space on your phone. Morocco is extremely photogenic. Doors, shadows, fabrics, tiles, food, streets, cats, dust, sky… everything asks for a photo.

Tips I Would Actually Use

Morocco is a mix of languages, which makes the trip even more interesting. The official languages are Arabic and Amazigh, but you will hear a lot of Moroccan Arabic, called Darija, in everyday life.

French is also very common, especially in restaurants, hotels, shops and signs. In tourist areas, many people speak some English too, but knowing a few simple Arabic words makes everything feel easier — and honestly, people appreciate it.

You do not need to speak perfectly. Just trying already changes the energy.

Salam — Hello
Shukran — Thank you
La, shukran — No, thank you
Afak — Please
Bslama — Goodbye
Naam — Yes
La — No
Labas? — How are you?
Labas, shukran — I’m good, thank you
Bghit… — I want…
Chhal? — How much?
Ghali bzaf — Too expensive
Fin…? — Where is…?
Fin toilette? — Where is the bathroom?
Ma fhemtch — I don’t understand
Atay — Tea
Ma — Water
Mzyan — Good / nice
Yallah — Let’s go / come on

My most used ones were definitely shukran, la shukran and chhal? — especially in the souks.

And one small thing: say everything with a smile. Morocco has a lot of negotiation, movement and strong energy, but a calm attitude helps more than any perfect pronunciation.

Words and Phrases to Know Before Visiting Morocco

Morocco is intense.

It is not polished, perfect or quiet. It has chaos, dust, pressure, beauty, hidden luxury and moments that feel completely outside your normal life.

Maybe that is why I liked it so much.

Coming from Dubai, where everything works, shines and feels planned, Morocco reminded me that some trips do not need to be comfortable all the time to be unforgettable.

Sometimes, the best itinerary is the one that takes you a little out of control.

— Nastya

@nastyaontour

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