Morocco with Kids: A journey Through Mountains, Medinas and Beaches

From ancient walled cities to surf-soaked beaches, Morocco gave us a trip our family will never forget. This was our journey for the next 10 days.

Day 1-3 Arrival & Taroudant - Stepping Back in Time

We flew from Bristol into Agadir and immediately headed east with our rental car to the town of Taroudant—sometimes called “Little Marrakesh,” but without the frenzy or the tourist crowds. Driving through Taroudant’s maze-like alleys felt like stepping into another century. This walled city is still alive and working, with locals going about their day, many of whom kindly stopped to help when we needed directions.

We stayed at Palais Oumensour, tucked inside the ochre-colored city walls. For an interior designer, it was heaven—French colonial elegance blended seamlessly with Moroccan dreamscapes. Every detail felt intentional. The bathrooms were finished in smooth, natural lime tadelakt, and the traditional wooden shutters were painted a soft, weathered green-blue, beautifully paired with striking encaustic tiles. The riad opened into a peaceful courtyard garden and pool, where deep green unglazed zellige tiles flowed from the garden into the shimmering water, reflecting the greenery of palms and sky above. The space felt as though it had been dreamt into being—lush, intimate, and full of soul. It was the kind of place you don’t want to leave.

Day 3-5 High Atlas Mountains – Tizi n’Test Road to Ouirgane

From Taroudant, we ventured into the Atlas Mountains via the breathtaking Tizi n’Test road—a journey not for the faint-hearted. The road was under widening construction, so we wove between diggers and loose gravel, often stop-starting the car. But the views? Absolutely worth every hairpin turn.

In Ouirgane, we stayed at a stylish hotel nestled in the foothills, where our rooms opened onto olive groves and craggy mountain views. We hired a local guide for a half-day hike through Berber villages. The aftermath of the 2023 earthquake was still visible, but the rebuilding was both impressive and heartening.

That afternoon brought unexpected rain, so we explored further by car, scouting future hiking routes. We found ourselves in a small mountain village—an ideal launch point for a multi-day trek to Jebel Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak. A local shepherd offered his contact details for a guided hike 3-day hike that we are planning to do next year.

Day 5-7 Marrakesh – Old World Meets Spy Movie Hotel Room Feel

After the stillness of the mountains, Marrakesh hit like a rush—vibrant, layered, and buzzing. We stayed at Riad Célia, just minutes from Jemaa el-Fnaa. It had a retro-1970s-meets-traditional-Moroccan vibe—nostalgic, tiled, and candlelit, feeling like a set from a vintage spy film.

Marrakesh has grown since our last visit 15 years ago. It’s busier now, less bike-friendly, and much of the medina is under construction—more Hanoi 2008 than the dreamy Marrakesh we remembered. Yet, its soul remains intact.

The kids wandered wide-eyed through the souks, soaking in the riot of colour, sound, and scent. We were thrilled to find our old haunt, Café des Épices, now expanded but still serving the best avocado toast. The owners now run a lovely little empire—Nomad, Le Jardin, and others—all beautifully designed and wildly popular, so book ahead. We hadn’t, and ended up at a small, family-run rooftop spot near our hotel—simple, warm, and delicious.

A quieter moment came at Le Jardin Secret, a restored 19th-century palace garden in the heart of the Medina. Surrounded by green encaustic tiles that shimmer like water, with a centuries-old irrigation system still in place, the garden is serene and captivating. The kids loved it—both the space and the thoughtful interpretive signs. Come early; the queues build fast.

We also tried our first hammam—a traditional, modest bathhouse near Place des Épices. For £20 per person, it was steamy, grounding, and unexpectedly rejuvenating.

Day 6-9 Essaouira – Breezy Boho Bliss by the Sea

Heading west, we reached Essaouira, a breezy coastal town of blue boats, whitewashed walls, and salty air. We stayed just outside the medina at Tangaro Hip Hotel, a relaxed boutique hideaway. Interiors were a tactile dream—whitewashed walls, creamy tadelakt, woven lighting, and natural textures. The garden was filled with towering and tiny sculptural cacti, adding a wild charm to the laid-back setting.

We ate mostly within the medina—simple, local, and affordable. Breakfast at Snack Mogador cost under £12 for four, and dinners at Jamila Restaurant or nearby cafés were about £20. On Sunday, the souk came alive with spices, textiles, woven baskets, and live music. It all moved at a wonderfully unhurried pace.

One day we headed north to Sidi Boulabibah, a quiet fishing village. The bay was calm—perfect for swimming—and we watched donkeys hauling fish baskets from blue wooden boats. Though the cafés were closed (it was Sunday), the charm was well worth the visit.

A major highlight: a sunset horse ride along the beach. Organised by a Johnny Depp lookalike, as we trotted in to the sunset and evoking thoughts on how Bob Marley had looked at these same Castles in the Sand and whilst the sun sank into the Atlantic.

Day 9- 10 Imsouane – Surf and shock of demolition

From Essaouira, we followed the coast south, through unexpectedly dramatic landscapes—cliffs, wildflowers, and turquoise waves. We paused briefly at Sidi Kaouki, a quiet surf beach we’ll definitely return to.

In Imsouane, the wind was fierce and recent beachfront demolitions had taken some of the edge off its charm. But its essence remained: sleepy, surfy, slow. The waves rolled in forever, and the atmosphere encouraged stillness and reverie. We didn’t stay long, but it lingered with us.

Taghazout – Petrol Panic and the Last Day

The road to Taghazout gave us one last small adventure. Running low on fuel, we pulled into a station—only to find it closed. An elderly man appeared from nowhere and kindly offered to help, leading us down a dusty side road to an old-school garage. There, we filled up the old fashioned way using a hand pump.

Taghazout, once a quiet fishing village, it became a magnet for surfers in the 1970s—hippies, artists, and wave-chasers drawn to its laid-back vibe and consistent Atlantic swells. You can still feel the echo of that era in the pace of life here. Though development has started to creep in, the heart of Taghazout remains open and very friendly.

We arrived in the afternoon, the beach dotted with surfers and families alike for our last swim, surf and strecth on the beach before heading for our late night flight. Taghazout has the feel of a place from a few decades ago—no frills, no rush, just soft sand and long waves that welcome you without fuss.

There’s something incredibly soothing about Taghazout. It doesn’t try too hard—it just is.

We didn’t have time to explore the nearby cliffside Amazigh villages or the newer eco-retreats tucked into the hills—but they’re firmly on the list for next time. There’s a raw beauty here, one that balances the nostalgic with the now.

Final Thoughts – Morocco with Family

We loved everything about Morocco—the smells, the colors, the sounds, the kindness of strangers. The kids are seasoned travellers, so the usual discomforts didn’t faze them. Here a few tips to help you on your journey:

1. Go Slow & Stay Flexible

Morocco rewards a slow pace. Don’t try to cram too much in—give each location a few days to unfold. Some of our favourite moments came from unplanned detours or weather-induced improvisations.

2. Choose Smaller, Characterful Stays

Riads and boutique hotels often offer more charm, warmth, and authenticity than larger resorts. Look for places with natural materials, traditional finishes like tadelakt or zellige, and lush gardens—especially if you’re design-inclined.

3. Eat Where the Locals Eat

The best food we had wasn’t in the trendiest restaurants but at simple, family-run spots. Ask your hosts, guides, or even shopkeepers where they eat. You’ll often find tastier, more affordable meals.

4. Prepare for Mild Tummy Upsets

Pack rehydration sachets and kid-friendly stomach medicine. Even seasoned travellers can get caught out by a new spice or unfamiliar water.

5. Embrace the Hammam

A traditional Moroccan bathhouse is a great way to unwind after a long travel day. Opt for modest local hammams for a more authentic (and affordable) experience. Our kids loved it more than we expected!

6. Pack Light—but Smart

Layers are key, especially in the mountains where temperatures can shift quickly. Add sun hats, comfortable sandals for wandering medinas, and a scarf or wrap for both sun and modesty when needed.

7. Learn a Few Words

French is widely spoken, but even a few Arabic words (hello = “salaam”, thank you = “shukran”) go a long way and are appreciated.

8. Book Design-Forward Dining in Advance

Places like Nomad and Le Jardin in Marrakesh are worth it—but very popular. Book ahead if you’re hoping to eat at one of the city’s best-designed spots.

9. Souks = Sensory Overload (in a good way)

For kids, the souks are an adventure—bright, busy, noisy, and full of surprises. Set a budget for small souvenirs and let them pick their own treasures.

10. Leave Room in Your Suitcase

Whether it’s hand-painted ceramics, woven baskets, or textiles, Morocco is a dream for interiors lovers. You’ll want to bring pieces home (and wish you’d packed an extra bag).