Morocco has so much to offer that you should be tempted to remain there for more than just three days.
From huge canyons, white sandy beaches on the Atlantic coast, exciting cities, and the Sahara Desert.
If you do only have three days to spend, use them wisely and create an itinerary that covers those must-see destinations and activities like camel-riding.
There is so much to see that you may well end up booking another trip.
That includes some awesome culture and history, especially on the borders with the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
In this guide, we will look at various three-day itineraries to see the best of Morocco (You might also want to check out Morocco Itinerary 14 Days).
These include a tour of the Sahara Desert, a trek across Mount Toubkal, Fes to Marrakech, Tangier to Fes via Chefchaouen, Casablanca to Marrakech, and a trip to Setti Fatma.
A Tour Of The Sahara Desert
While the cities of Marrakech, Rabat, and Casablanca may take many of the plaudits, Morocco is a great place to experience the sheer majesty of the Sahara Desert.
You can begin your three days in Marrakech which is a great base to start, and end, your tour.
Day 1
The tour begins with a pick-up from your hotel or accommodation in the city of Marrakech and then heads into the High Atlas Mountains through the awe-inspiring Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
There are gorgeous Berber villages to take in along the way and taking photos is encouraged, especially when the local children wave at you.
For those who consider themselves TV and film buffs, spot the filming locations for Game of Thrones and Gladiator at the Kasbah in Ait-Ben-Haddou, which also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After lunch, the journey continues to Ouarzazate, via the Valley of Roses to the Dades Valley and all the rock formations along the way before dinner and a night at the riad.
Day 2
The second day takes in the Sahara Desert via the sea of sand dunes at Erg Chebbi and the village of Merzouga.
The route makes its way to Tinghir and the Todra Gorge which is an awesome canyon, then to Tinejdad in time for lunch, and then the Tafilalet region through Erfoud then Merzouga.
Get ready to jump on the back of a camel to go across the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi for a stunning sunset before dinner at the campsite.
Enjoy songs and drumming music under a star-filled night in a Berber tent.
Day 3
The final day of the tour has an early start for sunrise over the desert then another camel ride. This time back to Merzouga for a quick clean-up to get rid of all that sand.
Then it is time to get back to the big city of Marrakech via the Magoun Valley and Ouarzazate, again through the Atlas Mountains and the Tizi n’Tichka Pass for more great shots of the landscape.
Just like that, the trip is over with the drop-off back in Marrakech.
A Trek Across Mount Toubkal
If it is an elevation that you are after then take a trek to Mount Toubkal. This is another tour that begins and ends in the city of Marrakech.
Mount Toubkal may seem challenging yet you do not need any mountaineering experience and the view from the top is well worth it, just do not forget your walking boots.
Day 1
Within a couple of hours’ drive from Marrakech, you can see the landscape change as the Moulay Brahim Gorges come into view.
Take in the Asni market then onto the village of Imlil which is in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains to the west.
Then begins a short excursion south to Aroumd to take in the small Berber village which features houses built on the moraine spur over fields of barley and vegetables before lunch at Ait Souka and an overnight stay in Dar Ouassaggou.
Day 2
Another trek begins from Imlil along the Mizane Valley going past Aremd and then to the shrine of the pilgrimage site of Sidi Chamharouch.
There are flood plains to cross and mule tracks to traverse then up and up through the rocky cliffs. That’s all worth it for the shrine itself which is a site for pilgrims and tourists alike.
The day takes in around four to five hours of walking which ends with a steady climb to the snowline at the Toubkal Refuge.
Day 3
After an early start, there is the climb up Mount Toubkal to conquer for great views across the Atlas Range.
You can also take in some spectacular views of the Sahara Desert on the way to Imlil.
There are around eight to nine hours of trekking to consider with an elevation of 900m. After that, the downhill trek is around 2,500m before being dropped off back in Marrakech.
Fes To Marrakech
Fes and Marrakech are great destinations on their own yet between the two you can take in the contrasts between Cedar forest and desert.
From sand to natural springs which take in tiny villages, this is a similar trip if you want to take in the Sahara Desert.
Day 1
The tour begins in Fes with the journey to Merzouga which will go through the Cedar forest featuring Barbary macaques, also known as Barbary apes.
Passing through Zaida, there’s a lunch stop at the town of Midelt past the middle Atlas Mountains and the Ziz Valley with some spectacular palm groves.
The next stop is Erfoud on the way to the Sahara desert which is an ideal spot to see fossils before heading to Erg Chebbi then a camel ride.
Take in the sunset at desert camp for a decadent dinner underneath the stars with Berber music enjoyed at the campfire.
Day 2
With an early start, you can enjoy the sunrise over the dunes and try some sand boarding.
Another camel ride will take you to Rissani to explore their souk then onto Tinghir while taking in even more Berber villages and the Todra Gorge.
You can enjoy a relaxing stroll on your own two feet along the Todra River. There is one final decision on your second day, to stay in a hotel or a local riad at the Dades Gorge.
Day 3
On the final day, you can take in the Film Atlas studio on the journey from Dades all the way to Ouarzazate and the Ait-Ben-Haddou Kasbah.
These earthen buildings pre-date the Sahara and you will have time to explore with lunch. Most of the day is taken up with five to six hours of driving amongst the Atlas Mountains.
The final stop is at the summit of the Tizi n’Tichka Pass for a stunning view of the range before heading back to Marrakech.
Tangier To Fes Via Chefchaouen
If the cities of Fes and Chefchaouen are on your must-see list, start in Tangier and get there the grand way.
Day 1
The tour begins with the early road trip to Tetouan via the Rif mountains (You might want to check out the nearby Tamuda Bay). After that, it’s south onto Chefchaouen with a stop at the Waterfalls of Akchour and a few hours of hiking.
Once you get to Chefchaouen, you can find Plaza Uta el Hammam, a picturesque location full of cafés and restaurants where you can sit back and enjoy the view.
Make sure you take the time for a walk through the streets and markets before enjoying the sight of the sunset over the mountain (Check out these Amazing Mountains In Morocco).
Day 2
On Day 2, you can take in the two imperial cities of Fes and Meknes with another early start to view the streets before the crowds arrive.
Then onto Fes where you can stop and enjoy the Ancient Roman Volubilis ruins which are UNESCO protected. The building may be incomplete but still features some gorgeous effects.
On the way to Meknes, there are more sights to behold at Bab El-Mansour, then the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and finally the Royal Stables before staying at a cozy local riad.
Day 3
As the oldest of Morocco’s four imperial cities, you can enjoy the wonders of Fes with a private tour for half of the day.
This starts in Morocco’s oldest medina where you can sample their many markets.
Explore the city’s two parts; Fes el-Jdid, but also the Great Slope in Fes el-Bali which is an essential sight.
Finally, make sure you visit the Al-Attarine Madrasa which is an old school close to the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, another sight to visit.
Casablanca To Marrakech
Some of the coastal views of Morocco are simply unforgettable and you can cling to the Atlantic coast on the way from Casablanca to Essaouira then head inland to Marrakech.
Day 1
Once you have met your tour guide in Casablanca, your journey begins with a trip to Safi. Enjoy lunch with a view of the argan trees then it is off to Essaouira.
The old city is welcoming yet the trip there includes some stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Take in the shops, the port, and Skala de la Kasbah which is a set of seafront ramparts dating from the 18th century.
The medina itself is UNESCO-protected and it is well worth sampling the seafood on the street while relaxing on the beach, enjoying the sunset, and staying at a local riad.
Day 2
Once you have enjoyed a delicious breakfast, it is time to head inland to Marrakech. You can take your time in the city as you will have more than one day to explore.
For your first day, take in the marketplace of Djemaa el Fna in the old city which is still Marrakech’s main square and is mainly populated by tourists and the locals.
Take in all the sites of Marrakech that you can, including Koutoubia Mosque, which is the city’s largest and most impressive mosque.
Day 3
On your second day in Marrakech, you can take your time to see some of the sights that a lot of people miss.
That includes Jardin Majorelle, a gorgeous botanical garden spanning two and a half acres with a landscape garden for tourists.
Next up is the Islamic Madrasa, a college that is now a historical site. Try not to miss Bahia Palace and the Saadian tombs which is another historical site that is well worth a visit.
Setti Fadma
If you landed in Marrakech, it should be quite easy to take on a trek that ends there too. Setti Fatma is a gorgeous little village by the river in the Ourika valley.
Day 1
The journey starts in Imlil with a one hour and 45 minute trek to the east, taking in Tizi n’Tamatert and its surrounding barley fields.
There are apple, walnut, and cherry trees to take in too before a path that leads from the village and goes through juniper and pine woods.
Amidst several Berber villages, you can enjoy the view over the Imnane and Imlil valleys before heading further up towards the villages of Ouanskra and Amagdoul which are carved into the slopes, a great spot for a picnic.
After a short rest, the afternoon involves another two-hour hike traversing the valley and mule trails until getting to one of the oldest Berber villages for an overnight stay.
Day 2
With an early start and breakfast, you should be set for the six-hour hike to Timichi at the west of the Ourika valley.
The day includes a slow hike to Tizi N’Tacheddirt for an unforgettable view of Jebel Aksoual with Bouignouane and the Verdant valley down below.
After heading through the pass for a couple of hours, there is the Berber village known as Laabbassen which is an ideal stop for another village by a spring.
Throughout the afternoon, more hiking awaits before the final destination of Timichi is reached and it is well worth it for the charm of the town and their ancient nut trees.
Day 3
On the final day of the tour, fuel up during breakfast as a four or five-hour hike awaits taking in walnut groves and corn fields along the Ourika valley.
The streams flow down from the slopes above and the villages of Anfli then Tadrat lie at the end.
Then there is the Berber village of Setti Fatma itself which has even more waterfalls and nut trees to enjoy.
After that epic hike, there is a rest stop for a picnic on the outskirts of the village before a short hike back to the vehicle to whisk you back.
Final Thoughts
Though three days does seem limiting for a trip to Morocco (Check out How Many Days Do You Need To See Morocco?), you can still pack in a lot.
From traversing across the Sahara Desert on the back of a camel to heading to the waterfalls of Setti Fatma.
You can also enjoy the journey from Casablanca to Marrakech or Tangier to Fes via Chefchaouen or a trek across Mount Toubkal.
Morocco is a diverse country known for its desert but also the sights along the Atlantic coast, its wildlife including Barbary macaques, and its mountain ranges.
Some of these itineraries are quite leisurely so you may find yourself with a few hours to spare in a major city or a tiny village.
Take the time to explore as some of these sights are ancient and have been exceptionally well-preserved.
Some of the journeys tend to make the most of the daylight, including early breakfasts and early starts.
Whichever route you take, ensure that you take regular breaks to take in the views and snap a few photographs for the memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Days Should You Spend In Morocco Ideally?
These three-day itineraries pack in a lot and it is worth taking your time when visiting Morocco. There are so many sights to behold that you need to spend at least a week, ideally ten days, for a full vacation.
With that number of days, you can take in the country at a relatively leisurely pace to go across the desert and then take in the majesty of the imperial cities.
While enjoying the Atlantic coast should be on your list of things to do, so should trekking in the Atlas Mountains.
During Which Months Of The Year Is It Ideal To Visit Morocco?
As Morocco is in North Africa, it can get quite hot during the summer. There are also months when there are fewer visitors so the crowds should be smaller.
If you want to visit Morocco during the spring, then time it for the months of April and May. After summer, the months of September and November are ideal to visit.
Bear in mind that the ideal months of the year may depend on where you plan to visit in Morocco.
This is especially true for the Sahara desert and the mountain ranges where the climate can vary from month to month.
If in doubt, check with your booking agent to get a sense of what weather conditions you can expect when you arrive.
