Top 5 Day Trips From Marrakech

Choosing Marrakech for your Moroccan holiday destination is the right choice for sure. We have already written about many possibilities which this magnificent city has to offer. One of them is a proximity to so many beautiful places in Morocco, the places which will take you breath away. Mountains, countryside, desert, seaside – the choice is yours. If you can’t decide where to go, read our guide to some of the most wonderful places and trips aroundMarrakech.

1. Ourika Valley: It is a valley where not only tourists come to find some refreshment, but also many locals. Starting less than 45 minutes drive from the city and situated at around 1,200-1,500 metres it offers a pretty escape from the summer heat of Marrakech and it’s the most suitable area for gentle hiking and trekking. It is famous for the 7 waterfalls atSetti Fatma village and the ski station of Oukaimeden at its head, and is a lush valley with green terraced fields beside the river that contrast strongly with the rocky valley sides of the foothills of the mountains.
2. AïtBenhaddou Kasbah: This historic Kasbah is one of the nine UNESCO world heritage sites of Morocco and was used as a backdrop for shooting more than 20 films. Enough reasons to see it, right? However, there is much more in AïtBenhaddou– you will learn about life that was lived many centuries ago, you will see Berber beds, rugs and dishes, and not to mention a wonderful nature on the way.
3. Ouzoud Cascades: At 150 kilometres northwest from Marrakech, shaded path of olive trees leads to the bottom of beautiful waterfalls which are often topped by a rainbow thanks to the spray of water falling on the rocks.This is not just a beautiful place for romantic trek or relaxing rest near the water, but also a perfect way to see the Moroccan countryside along the way.
4. Essaouira: You will fall in love with this amazing “Wind City of Africa”. It is a perfect place to escape from hot Marrakech. Refreshing breeze from the Atlantic Ocean and a laid-back atmosphere will give you some rest from hustle and bustle of Marrakech. DiscoverMedina, Jewish cemetery, Skala du Port, wooden handicrafts, kitesurfing, windsurfing and many more places and activities in Essaouira!
5. Horse riding in the Atlas Mountains: Exploring wonderful nature, breathing in the wild air and enjoying the company of gentle and elegant animals – it is something a little bit different, right? This kind of tour is joyful and fulfilling, just what you need after some time spent in the big city.

Moroccan Culture and Society

As it is a Field study experience in Morocco, students are required to produce three main different activities under the guidance of their instructor:  1. A journal (40%) that records summaries of the students’ cultural experiences in Morocco. A cultural journal is not a record of personal activities, attitudes or relationships, its primary purpose is to record the details of multiple aspects of culture on a daily basis, at the moment when lectures, people, performances, places and their perceived cultural themes and implications are clear to the writer. The Journal should include the following:
• Topics discussed by the guest speakers during their lectures
• Interesting facts about the city of Fes; • Family life as perceived in the home stay experience;

• Details about every site visited during the trips in addition to all cultural geography and other cultural and social issues discussed with instructors during the excursion. • Religious and national holidays and any cultural/social performances such as weddings etc… to which students are invited while in Morocco.  • Their experience of the linguistic diversity of Moroccan culture. 2. Final Exam (30%) students will have to choose to write an essay on one of the topics given within two hours.  3. Creation of a blog (30%)  “Minnesota in Fes” in which each student, who is going to become also an expert on one walk from Bab to Bab, will contribute with one entry to the blog every week either by guiding his/her friends in the alleys of Fes or talking about a facet of his/her experience in Morocco.  

morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco

taxi to the caves of hercules

Cap Spartel and the Cave of Hercules

Cap Spartel and the Cave of Hercules, are located just outside of town on the Atlantic coast. The best way to travel there is by taking a Grand Taxi. Grand Taxis to the Cave of Hercules leave from the park next to the Grand Mosque Mohammed 5th. (see the map).
Cave of Hercules, Tangier, Morocco
View from the cave of Hercules
The Cave of Hercules
The Cave of Hercules is said to be the place where the Legendary Hero Hercules rested after one of his twelve epic labors. Today, it offers an amazing view of the Atlantic ocean, including it’s famous cavern which faces the sea. The sunset seen from the cave is one of the iconic images of the city of Tangiers.
Above ground you’ll find a wide assortment of restaurants that provide seafood and tradional moroccan meals, although they are on the pricey side, and don’t offer the best food. Camel rides are also available for around 50 Dh.
A trip to the cave might be best paired with a day at the nearby beach of Achakar, or with an extended stay at Le Mirage hotel resort, located just next door.
Cap Spartel
In ancient times, this location was considered the end of the world. Today it’s a great view and an interesting lighthouse. There is a place to park and several clean looking restaurants nearby to enjoy, but it probably won’t hold your attention for more than a few hours. The well paved hillside above Cap Spartel is a popular ascent for cyclists, and is said to be quite a challenge.


morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco

Modern Moroccan women

Images correspondant à As a woman traveling in Morocco, you want to strike a balance between appropriate modesty and easy comfort. You can model yourself after modern Moroccan women, who may whiz by you on motor ... Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images.

Signaler des images inappropriées

Moroccan Women's Clothing, information about and photos of women's clothing ... mixes between traditional Muslim/ Moroccan and modern women's clothing ...

22 sept. 2007 - Moroccan Women's Clothing, Photos and VideoSeptember 22, ... Again, this photo is an example of the blending of traditional and modern ...

1940) Mernissi was born in Fès and is a contemporary Moroccan teacher and ... the wives of the prophet Muhammad, interviews with Moroccan women, and an ...

As a woman traveling in Morocco, you want to strike a balance between appropriate modesty and easy comfort. You can model yourself after modern Moroccan women, who may whiz by you on motor ... Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images.

morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco