Back from Morocco: The brutal truth
🇲🇦 9 days, 8 nights in Morocco | 4 hidden gems to soak in the colors of North Africa. Visa-free and ready to go! Experience cinematic vibes for just over 10,000 per person. Girls, here's your itinerary 👇
💰 Budget (9 days, 8 nights per person, mid-range comfort)
· International flights: ¥4,500–6,500 (cheapest in low season with layovers in Istanbul/Doha; prices double during peak season/National Day)
· Domestic transport: ~¥1,200 (ONCF train Casablanca ↔ Marrakech + CTM intercity bus + shared 4WD for the desert section)
· Accommodation (8 nights): ¥1,600–2,200 (Riad guesthouses in the old town: ¥280–560/night; luxury desert camp with meals: ¥600–900/night)
· Tickets & experiences: ¥500 (Hassan II Mosque, Jardin Majorelle, Bahia Palace, camel ride + campfire in the desert)
· Food & drink: ¥1,400 (Tagine: ¥30–45/serving; mint tea: ¥5/cup; street food like skewers and snail soup at the square)
· Miscellaneous & shopping: ¥1,000 (bargain for argan oil/ceramics, keep small change for tips)
👉 Total: ¥10,000–12,000. Budget travelers can do the loop for as low as ¥8,000
📍 4 hidden gems (classic, photogenic, and not too touristy)
1️⃣ Chefchaouen: The Blue City 💙
Hit the blue alleys before 8:00 AM for soft light and fewer crowds. Wear a white dress or bright yellow robe to look like a fairytale character. Hike 15 mins to the Spanish Mosque viewpoint; the blue walls turn golden at sunset. Didn't see the Milky Way, but the sunset was worth it.
2️⃣ Sahara: Merzouga Dunes 🐫
Ride a camel into the dunes for an orange sunset. Stay at a Berber camp at night with a campfire, BBQ, and stargazing (best in April–May/October; bring a thick jacket for the temperature drop). Avoid entering the desert at noon to prevent heatstroke.
3️⃣ Marrakech: The Red City 🔴
Visit Jardin Majorelle during the day (YSL blue villa + cacti; wear a white or red dress). Head to Jemaa el-Fnaa square in the evening—snake charmers, henna artists, and smoky grilled lamb chops. Stop by the Bahia Palace to see the mosaic courtyards.
4️⃣ Fes: The Ancient Labyrinth 🧩
Wander through 9,000 alleys. Head to the rooftop of the Chouara Tannery to see the colorful vats (bring a sprig of mint to mask the smell). Take photos at the Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud). When buying hand-woven rugs or copper lamps, start bargaining at 1/3 of the asking price. It's easy to get lost, so stick with the crowd or hire a half-day guide.
🗺️ Route (Fly into Casablanca, out of Marrakech; no backtracking)
Day 1 Casablanca: Hassan II Mosque (sunrise over the sea) → Coastal promenade for photos of the White City
Day 2 Rabat: Kasbah of the Udayas (blue & white alleys) → Head north to Chefchaouen for 2 nights
Day 3 Chefchaouen: Leisurely stroll through blue alleys + sunset at the Spanish Mosque
Day 4 Fes: Old town tanneries + Blue Gate + handicraft markets
Day 5 Fes → Ifrane (Little Switzerland) → Overnight in Midelt
Day 6 Sahara Merzouga: Todra Gorge → Camel ride → Stargazing camp
Day 7 Desert → Ouarzazate (Aït Benhaddou Kasbah) → Overnight
Day 8 Marrakech: Jardin Majorelle + Bahia Palace
Day 9 Marrakech: Jemaa el-Fnaa night market for food & shopping → Departure
🍢 Food recommendations (street food + Riad dining)
· Tagine: Beef or lamb slow-cooked with dried apricots and cinnamon, served with couscous. Tender and not gamey
· Mint tea: Green tea + fresh mint + sugar. Poured from a height into the glass. A great palate cleanser, nicknamed "Berber whiskey"
· Jemaa el-Fnaa night market: Freshly squeezed orange juice (¥3–5), grilled lamb skewers, snail soup (stick to established stalls; be careful if you have a sensitive stomach)
· Couscous: Best enjoyed as a Friday family-style meal with lamb and vegetables
· Tips: Avoid pre-peeled fruit juice from street vendors and tap water. Many restaurants close during the day in Ramadan, so bring snacks
💡 Practical tips
· Chinese passports are visa-free for 90 days. Bring a European-style power adapter. Buy an Orange/INWI SIM card at the airport (10GB for approx. ¥70)
· In the old town, "helpful guides" will likely ask for a tip; politely decline. Always ask locals before taking their photo
· For intercity travel, book CTM bus tickets on their official website. For city travel, insist on using the meter in petit taxis or agree on the price before getting in
· Best time to visit: March–May or September–November. The desert is unbearably hot in summer