Honeymoon in Morocco: itineraries, timing and tips
Morocco is a wonderful choice for a honeymoon: just a few hours’ flight from much of Europe, it brings together hidden riads in the medinas, nights beneath the stars of the Sahara, Berber villages in the Atlas and the Atlantic breeze of Essaouira, all in a single trip. In this guide we explain when to go (with particular attention to the summer months, when so many couples get married), which 7- to 12-day itineraries work best and which romantic experiences you really shouldn’t miss.
Why choose Morocco for your honeymoon
The ideal honeymoon blends rest, excitement and a few discoveries to talk about when you get home. Morocco offers all of this without long-haul flights or jet lag. In a matter of days you move from the lanes of Fes and Marrakech to the dunes of Erg Chebbi, from mud-brick kasbahs to ocean beaches.
- Short distance: several airlines, low-cost carriers included, generally fly direct to Marrakech from a number of European airports; from Italy the flight takes around two and a half hours. Routes and frequencies change with the seasons, so check the airline’s website.
- Variety: historic cities, desert, mountains and sea in one trip.
- Intimacy: riads, traditional houses built around an inner courtyard, often have only a handful of rooms and a secluded feel, quite unlike large hotels.
- Freedom: on a private tour with a driver, you set the pace, the stops and how many nights to spend in each place.
When to go: the best months for a honeymoon
Spring (April and May) and early autumn (September and October) are the most pleasant times to travel around the whole country: warm but comfortable days, cool nights in the desert and beautiful light for photos. May and September, both popular wedding months, are therefore an excellent choice.
Getting married in July or August? It works, with a little planning
We want to be honest: in July and August inland Morocco is very hot. In Marrakech average highs are around 37–38 °C and climb above 40 °C during heatwaves; in the Sahara it can be hotter still. That doesn’t mean giving up, just planning carefully:
- visit medinas and monuments early in the morning and after sunset, keeping the middle of the day for the pool or a rest in your riad;
- in the desert, ride your camel at sunset and sunrise and limit your stay to one night;
- end the trip in Essaouira, where summer highs usually stay around 27–28 °C thanks to the ocean and the constant wind (bring a jumper for the evening);
- alternatively, treat yourselves to a few nights in the High Atlas, where the altitude brings cooler temperatures.
Honeymoon itineraries from 7 to 12 days
Here are three ideas built around our tours. Think of them as starting points: with a private car and driver in Morocco you can extend the most romantic stops and add extra nights wherever you like.
7–8 days: Marrakech, the desert and Essaouira
Two nights in a Marrakech riad to settle in, then the 4-day tour from Marrakech with 2 nights in the Sahara, crossing the Atlas and the Dades Valley to the Merzouga dunes; in high summer you can ask to cut the desert to a single night. Afterwards, a day or two unwinding in Essaouira before your flight home. It’s the ideal formula if you’re short on holiday time.
10 days: from the blue north to the Sahara
The 10-day tour from Casablanca takes in Chefchaouen, the blue city, the medina of Fes, the desert and finally Marrakech. It’s a rich yet balanced trip for couples who want to see a lot without rushing.
12 days: imperial cities, the Sahara and the ocean
If you have the time, the 12-day tour from Casablanca with Essaouira is perhaps the most complete option for a honeymoon: imperial cities, nights in the desert and a finale on the Atlantic, perfect for slowing down and enjoying your last days together.
| Length | Reference tour | Main stops | Starting price per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 days (+ extra nights) | Marrakech to the south and the desert | Atlas, Dades, Merzouga | from €200 |
| 10 days | From Casablanca | Chefchaouen, Fes, Sahara, Marrakech | from €500 |
| 12 days | From Casablanca | Imperial cities, Sahara, Essaouira | from €600 |
The most romantic experiences to share
A night in a luxury camp in Merzouga
This is often the most vivid memory of the whole trip: a private tent among the Erg Chebbi dunes, with a proper bed and en-suite bathroom, a candlelit dinner and a sky full of stars. Among our standard and luxury camps in the Merzouga desert you can choose the level of comfort that suits you.
A camel ride at sunset
Reaching camp on the back of a dromedary as the sand turns orange is a moment you’re unlikely to forget. You’ll find the different options in our camel excursions in Merzouga.
A riad in the medina and a hammam
Staying in a riad means coming back in the evening to a quiet courtyard with a fountain and a roof terrace. Many riads and spas offer a private hammam for couples: a lovely way to relax after a day in the souks. Bear in mind that traditional neighbourhood hammams are separated for men and women.
The Atlas and the kasbahs
A walk through Berber villages, mint tea with a view of the peaks, the kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou at sunset: the Atlas offers peaceful moments and spectacular scenery just a few hours from Marrakech.
Practical tips for newlyweds
Budget
Per-person starting prices for our tours range from €200 for the 4-day southern tour to €500 for the 10-day tour and €600 for the 12-day tour. The final quote depends on the season, the number of nights and above all the category of accommodation: a boutique riad or a luxury camp will naturally raise the total. On top of that come flights, meals not included and personal expenses. And there’s no need to pay the full amount in advance.
Behaviour in public
Morocco is a welcoming Muslim country. Holding hands is fine, but kissing and public displays of affection are considered inappropriate, especially in the medinas and villages: save them for your riad. Clothing that covers shoulders and knees is appreciated in traditional neighbourhoods and at religious sites.
Documents
For tourist stays of up to 90 days, EU and UK citizens generally need only a valid passport, with no visa; the passport must be valid for your whole stay, ideally with a few months to spare. Read our guide on travelling to Morocco with a passport and always check the latest rules on your government’s travel advice website before you leave. Book flights and accommodation with your names exactly as they appear on your passports.
A special touch
- Let us know you’re on honeymoon: we can suggest places and moments that suit a couple.
- On request, your driver or guide can speak Italian; in Fes and Marrakech you’ll be accompanied by local guides.
- Leave at least one day with no plans at all: doing nothing is part of the trip too.
Plan your honeymoon with us
Tour al Marocco is a local agency based in Marrakech: we create private tours with a driver departing from Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, Tangier and Merzouga, tailored to your dates and wishes. Tell us how you picture your honeymoon and ask for a personalised itinerary: we’ll get back to you with a proposal made just for you.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for a honeymoon in Morocco?
With 7–8 days you can combine Marrakech, the desert and a little time by the sea. With 10–12 days you can add the imperial cities and travel at a gentler pace.
Is Morocco suitable for a honeymoon in August?
Yes, as long as you plan visits for the cooler hours, spend just one night in the desert and set aside a few days in Essaouira or the Atlas, where it’s less hot.
Is the luxury camp worth the extra cost?
For many couples it is: a private tent, en-suite bathroom and extra comfort turn the night in the Sahara into a truly special moment.
Can the tour be just for the two of us?
Yes, our tours are private: you travel with your own driver, with no other participants, and the itinerary adapts to your pace.