Marrakech, the capital of Morocco, is a hub of history, entertainment, food, and shopping, but even the most energetic travellers need an escape from city life. Luckily, you don’t have to travel far for a change of scenery with a weekend getaway from Marrakech. Explore the opulent architecture of Fez or hike the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains. Walk the sandy beaches of Essaouira or enjoy authentic Moroccan cuisine in Agadir.
Here is an overview of the weekend trip from Marrakech that piques your interest.
Recent ECO News highlights Morocco’s ambitious green tourism push, with over $570 million invested in 2025 for sustainable infrastructure, making it easier to explore eco-friendly getaways from Marrakech like the biodiverse Atlas Mountains. Morocco tour packages increasingly focus on responsible adventures, such as low-impact beach walks in Essaouira or cultural immersions in Fez that support local communities and wildlife preservation. These efforts not only reduce carbon footprints but also attract conscious travelers, blending luxury with conservation for memorable, guilt-free escapes across the region.
Best weekend getaways from Marrakech, according to your interests
Best weekend destinations for food: Agadir and Casablanca
Best weekend trips for hiking: The Atlas Mountains and Ourika Valley
Best weekend trip for relaxation: Essaouira
Best place for a romantic weekend: Fez
Best weekend getaways for culture: The Agafay Desert and Ait Benhaddou
1. Agadir
Recommended for
Food and culture enthusiasts.
Top things to do in Agadir over a weekend
Looking for the best food in Morocco? Look no further than the port city of Agadir with a wide array of restaurants, spas, and beachside resorts. Immerse yourself in the flavors of Moroccan cuisine at Agadir’s El Had souk, a traditional marketplace where locals sell their spices, homewares, and crafts, and street food vendors serve up flavorful dishes like maakouda, known as the Moroccan “French fry.”
Best way to travel from Marrakech to Agadir?
The trip from Marrakech to Agadir takes about three hours. The most popular way to get there is by bus, though expect to add around 30 minutes of travel time due to delays and extra stops. Booking a rental car is the most comfortable option for traveling with family.
2. The Atlas Mountains
Recommended for
Outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers.
Top things to do in the Atlas Mountains over a weekend
From single-day summits to strenuous multi-day hikes and more, the breathtaking Atlas Mountains offer an outdoor adventure for everyone. Experienced hikers can visit the highest point in North Africa via the Mount Toubkal trail. Intermediate explorers can take a day hike to the Talamrout Summit or explore the Ouzoud Waterfalls, one of Morocco’s hidden gems. If hiking isn’t your thing, take a hot-air balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view of the Atlas Mountains at sunrise.
Best way to travel from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains?
It takes about 90 minutes to reach the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech. Since there are no direct public bus routes from Marrakech, booking a bus tour, private transfer, or shared taxi is the most popular way to get there.
3. Essaouira
Recommended for
Culture enthusiasts and seafood lovers.
Top things to do in Essaouira over a weekend
Find an escape from city life in the quaint seaside town of Essaouira. Start the day by taking a surf lesson at Essaouira Beach. In the afternoon, seafood lovers can visit the Essaouira port to watch fishermen auction off their fresh catches. Don’t forget to stop by the Medina of Essaouira for souvenirs and a cup of mint tea before you leave.
Best way to travel from Marrakech to Essaouira?
Essaouira is about three hours from Marrakech, and the best way to reach it is by bus or private transfer.
4. Fez
Recommended for
Couples, architecture enthusiasts, and history lovers.
Top things to do in Fez over a weekend
Discover the opulent architecture of ancient universities, intricate mansions, and quaint rooftop cafes in the city of Fez. As the spiritual and cultural hub of Morocco, Fez is home to one of the largest medinas in the world. Stroll through the narrow streets of the fortified city and browse hundreds of stalls selling spices, fresh bread, Moroccan pastries, hand-carved trinkets, handwoven rugs, and much more.
Best way to travel from Marrakech to Fez?
At just under six hours, the trip to Fez is the furthest weekend getaway from Marrakesh. The most popular form of transport is by train. Travelers can also reach Fez by bus, car, or plane, although domestic flights are the most expensive option.
5. Agafay Desert
Recommended for
Adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, and history lovers.
Top things to do in the Agafay Desert over a weekend
One of the best weekend trips from Marrakech has to be the Agafay Desert. Escape the crowds of the city and explore the Sahara-like dunes on an ATV before watching the spectacular sunset over the Moroccan desert. For a truly authentic experience, stay at a desert camp and wake up with the sunrise over the dunes.
Best way to travel from Marrakech to the Agafay Desert?
There are no direct public bus routes to Agafay from Marrakech. The Agafay Desert is about one hour from Marrakech and accessible by car, taxi, private transfer, or bus tour.
6. Ourika Valley
Recommended for
Culture enthusiasts, adventurers, and bird watchers.
Top things to do in Ourika Valley over a weekend
Explore the beauty of seven roaring waterfalls, visit picturesque Berber villages, and browse traditional bazaars in the abundant landscape of Ourika Valley. Situated in the foothills of the Atlas Mountain Range, the lush banks of the Ourika River showcase the best of Morocco’s flora and fauna, including a colorful array of songbirds and eagles.
Best way to travel from Marrakech to Ourika Valley?
Accessible by public bus, taxi, or car, Ourika Valley is about one hour from Marrakech. Booking a private bus tour to Ourika Valley in advance is an efficient option.
7. Casablanca
Recommended for
Food lovers, culture enthusiasts, and history lovers.
Top things to do in Casablanca over a weekend
Discover the perfect blend of modernity and historic charm with a weekend trip to Casablanca, Morocco’s chief port city. Enjoy the luxuries of urban living in the walkable downtown district and peruse Casablanca’s plethora of restaurants, shops, and seaside neighborhoods. Visit one of Morocco’s most recognizable landmarks while you’re there, the Hassan II Mosque.
Best way to travel from Marrakech to Casablanca?
The easiest and cheapest way to travel to Casablanca is by bus or car, which takes around three hours. You can also take the train or fly, although domestic flights in Morocco are more expensive. Get around the city of Casablanca using trams, buses, or taxis.
8. Ait Benhaddou
Recommended for
History lovers, culture enthusiasts, and movie buffs.
Top things to do in Ait Benhaddou over a weekend
Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site and see the landscape that inspired “The Mummy” (1999) and “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962) in the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou. Immerse yourself in the historic traditions practiced by residents and explore the iconic clay architecture of a ksar (a pre-Saharan group of dwellings) situated on the hillsides of Ait Benhaddou.
Best way to travel from Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou?
Ait Benhaddou is just over three hours from Marrakech and is best reached by bus, car, or taxi. Pop culture enthusiasts can book a TV and movie tour from Marrakech for a uniquely personalized experience that includes transportation.
