Morocco road trip: Rabat to Marrakech via Chefchaouen

The 1571 km route covers the main attractions of Morocco: the capital Rabat with its medina and the mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the Blue City of Chefchaouen and Marrakech with Jaama El Fna Square. The journey connects the Atlantic coast, mountainous regions and local culture.

Distance
1571.0 km
Mode
route
Start
Attractions in Rabat
End
Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur
Stops
11
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Attractions in Rabat — The capital of Morocco, where the royal palace, ancient medinals and the fortress of the Kasbah Oudaya with a panorama of the Atlantic Ocean are located.
  2. Medina (Casablanca) — The historic core of Morocco's largest port city, with narrow streets, traditional markets and colonial architecture.
  3. Trying a camel — Experience horseback riding and camel riding in the desert regions of Morocco, popular with tourists on the way to the Sahara.
  4. Chefchaouen (Blue City) — A picturesque mountain town in the Rief, known for its blue walls of buildings, tranquil atmosphere and traditional Berber craft.
  5. Jaama El Fna Square (Marrakech)
  6. Medina (Marrakech) — An ancient labyrinth of narrow streets with palaces, mosques and traditional markets, surrounded by red brick walls.
  7. Hassan II Mosque — Magnificent mosque in Casablanca combining traditional Islamic architecture, capacity for 25,000 worshippers.
  8. Minaret Hassan (Hassan Tower) — One of the two symbols of Rabat, incomplete minaret from the 12th century.
  9. Rabat Medina (Old Town) — Historic central quarter and main attraction of Rabat.
  10. Casablanca Medina — Historic old medina district distinct from typical tourist medinas.
  11. Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur — Bonus attraction and notable landmark in Casablanca.

Useful for your trip

Avoid
Avoid arriving at Marrakech airport - there are long queues at passport control (up to 3 hours) and problems getting a car. It is better to fly to another city.
Save money
An apartment on the first line of the Atlantic Ocean in the capital costs about 23 euros per day per person (1100 euros per week for 7 people). The budget for accommodation is very affordable.
Save money
Car rental costs from 20 euros per day. It is a very affordable option for traveling around the country.
Timing
Tourists can enter the Hassan II Mosque only after 15:00. Until that time, only Muslims can be inside. The entrance ticket costs 14 euros.
Tip
At the entrance to the mosque, you need to take off your shoes. You can walk in socks or barefoot. You will be given a shoe bag.
Tip
Tourists at the Hassan II Mosque are not allowed to take a regular camera, only a GoPro or mini cameras. Tourists can only visit the prayer hall.
Tip
In Moroccan (especially Rabat), the sellers are not intrusive – they won't come up to you until you ask something yourself. This is different from Turkish or Egyptian bazaars.
Food
In the medicines of the city of Rabat, you can taste the local cuisine. The markets sell spices, clothing, fabrics, carpets and leather goods.
Tip
Casablanca means 'White House'. The main attraction of the city is the Hassan II Mosque with a minaret 210 meters high, the tallest in the world.
Tip
Kazba Udaya in Rabat offers views of the Atlantic Ocean and the city of Sali from the observation deck. This is one of the main places to see.
Tip
The Minaret of Hassan and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V are the main symbols of Rabat. At the entrance to the mausoleum there are royal guardsmen, who cannot be touched, but you can take pictures.
Tip
The medina in every city in Morocco is unique. Rabat has a more relaxed atmosphere than bustling Marrakech. The streets are a labyrinth with shops, mosques and craftsmen's workshops.

Video on this route

MOROCCO – The most beautiful place in Africa! Ocean, Mountains and the Sahara

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