The Best Road Trips in Morocco: 7 Routes to Drive

Morocco is made for road trips. In a few hours you can go from Atlantic beaches to snowy mountain passes, from green valleys to desert landscapes. Here are seven classic routes to inspire your trip, all on paved roads suitable for a standard rental car.

1. Over the High Atlas: Marrakech to Ouarzazate

The road through the Tizi n'Tichka pass is one of the most spectacular drives in the country. It climbs to more than 2,200 metres through Berber villages, terraced fields and dramatic viewpoints before descending towards the south.

Don't miss: the fortified village of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, just off the main road near Ouarzazate.

Tip: the road is winding and busy with trucks. Take your time and stop often for photos.

2. The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs: Dades and Todra Gorges

East of Ouarzazate, the road follows a chain of oases and earthen kasbahs. Two side trips stand out: the Dades Gorges, with their famous winding road, and the Todra Gorge near Tinghir, where cliffs rise high on both sides of a narrow canyon.

Tip: start early to enjoy the gorges in the soft morning light and avoid the midday heat.

3. To the Edge of the Sahara: Merzouga and Erg Chebbi

The drive to Merzouga ends at the foot of the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Watching the sunset or sunrise over the sand is a highlight of any trip to Morocco.

Important: a standard rental car should stay on paved roads. Leave it at your accommodation and book a 4x4 or a camel trek for the dunes.

4. The Blue North: Chefchaouen and the Rif

In the north, the Rif Mountains hide Chefchaouen, famous for its blue-washed streets. The region combines well with Tangier and Tetouan, for a trip mixing mountains, medinas and Mediterranean views.

Tip: parking is limited near the old towns. Leave the car in a guarded car park and explore on foot.

5. Imperial Cities and Cedar Forests: Fès and the Middle Atlas

Fès and its vast medina deserve a few days. From there, the road south climbs into the Middle Atlas, through Ifrane, with its alpine-style architecture, and the cedar forests around Azrou, home to Barbary macaques.

Tip: in winter this area can see snow. Check the weather before you leave.

6. The Atlantic Coast: Casablanca, Rabat and El Jadida

A coastal drive links big cities and seaside towns. See the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the historic sites of Rabat, and the Portuguese City of El Jadida, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Further south, the lagoon of Oualidia is a peaceful stop.

Tip: the motorway is the fastest option between big cities; the coastal roads are slower but more scenic.

7. The Souss and the South Coast: Agadir and Beyond

Around Agadir, the coast is known for surf villages such as Taghazout, while inland, Paradise Valley offers palm-lined pools in the mountains. The ramparts of Taroudant make a good cultural stop.

Tip: mountain side roads can be narrow. Drive slowly and give way on tight bends.

Short trips from Marrakech

If you are based in Marrakech, a car also opens up easy day trips: the Ourika Valley, the village of Imlil at the foot of Toubkal, the Ouzoud waterfalls, or the stony Agafay desert.

Planning tips for any route

1. Don't overload your days. Mountain roads are slower than the map suggests.
2. Fill up before remote stretches. Stations can be far apart in the mountains and the south.
3. Avoid night driving on rural roads.
4. Check the season. Our guide to the best time to visit Morocco explains what to expect.
5. Know the rules. Read our driving in Morocco tips before you go.
6. Share your route with us when you book, so we can advise you.

Choose your car

Our fleet of Dacia Logan sedans, a Dacia Sandero, a Renault Express and a Renault Kardian is ready for your road trip - see the photos and details on our fleet page. Prefer to sit back and enjoy the views? Our private driver service takes care of the driving.