5 days in Marrakech, Ourika & Essaouira Itinerary

You won't run out of things to do in Marrakech, a city where you can spend days exploring grandiose palaces and mosques, photogenic gardens, sacred tombs, and traditional mansions that evoke a bygone era.

Marrakech is known for parks, shopping, historic sites, spas, and museums. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: admire the natural beauty at Jardin Majorelle, contemplate the long history of El Badi Palace, hunt for treasures at Jemaa el-Fnaa, and admire the striking features of Ben Youssef Madrasa.

For other places to visit, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Marrakech trip itinerary app .

The Route module can give you travel options from your home to Marrakech. In January, daytime highs in Marrakech are 22°C, while nighttime lows are 6°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 17th (Thu) so you can go by car to Ourika.

Start off your visit on the 18th (Fri): stop by La Source de Tapis, then make a trip to Le Savo'art Fer, then take in nature's colorful creations at Le Paradis du Safran, and finally take in nature's colorful creations at La safraniere de l'Ourika.

To see where to stay, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Ourika trip itinerary builder .

Drive from Marrakech to Ourika in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle. In January, daily temperatures in Ourika can reach 22°C, while at night they dip to 6°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Fri) early enough to drive to Essaouira.

The laidback town of Essaouira, known for its forceful trade winds, attracts Moroccan and foreign tourists alike with its sweeping beaches and atmospheric, labyrinthine medina, a World Heritage Site.

Start off your visit on the 19th (Sat): don't miss a visit to Essaouira Ramparts, then wander the streets of Medina of Essaouira, and then trot along with a tour on horseback.

To find more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Essaouira trip maker website .

You can drive from Ourika to Essaouira in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or do a combination of shuttle and bus. Traveling from Ourika in January, plan for a bit warmer nights in Essaouira, with lows around 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Sat) early enough to drive back home.