Last year, I was craving an adventure.
Not just a trip; an experience. Somewhere with different landscapes, different energy, something that felt far from Europe but wasn’t actually that far away. And then I remembered Morocco. A country that had been sitting on my bucket list for years.
So, like any of us would do, I started researching the best time to go. April and May came up again and again. Perfect weather and ideal conditions for exploring.
There was one thing I knew for sure: I wanted to climb Mount Toubkal; the highest mountain in Morocco, and all of North Africa, standing tall at 4,167 metres. To do that without snow and technical gear, May made the most sense. Decision made.
Those 9 days turned into one of the most unforgettable trips I’ve ever taken. Morocco is wild and beautiful in the best way. Chaotic streets that suddenly open into peaceful riads. Mountains, deserts, and cities full of life. Some of the warmest people I’ve ever met. Food I still think about.
Why This Trip Was So Affordable
To put things into perspective: €700 covered my flights, 9 nights of accommodation, and several tours — including climbing Mount Toubkal and a Sahara desert experience in Merzouga. Honestly, it still surprises me.
Now that I’m sharing travel deals here, I wanted to see if Morocco was still as good a deal as it was last year. The good news? It absolutely is.
Ryanair has been quietly expanding in Morocco and now flies to 13 different airports across the country. Marrakech, Fez, Tangier, Essaouira, Agadir, Rabat and plenty more.
Flying from Malta means a quick connection through Italy or Spain, but that’s actually part of what makes this trip so affordable. Flights from Malta to Italy or Spain are cheap year-round, and flights onward to Morocco are usually just as budget-friendly. I’ve done the digging for you, and below I’ll share the best routes and dates I found.
A quick tip before we go any further: Morocco is big. Really big. With mountains, desert, and cities spread far apart, I’d recommend at least 7 days, more if you can. And instead of flying in and out of the same airport, use two different ones. You’ll be moving around anyway — so why backtrack when you can finish in a completely different city?
You do not need a private driver
One more thing I want to clear up, because it comes up all the time.
You do not need a private driver.
Unless you’re travelling in a big group, it’s usually hard to justify the cost. For solo travellers or couples, shared tours make way more sense — and Morocco has loads of them. Desert trips, city-to-city routes, multi-day journeys… you can start in Marrakech and finish in Fez, or loop back if you want. There are so many good options that a private driver is far from essential.
And now that you know all that — let’s get into the good stuff.
Flight Summary & Notes
- All the below Ryanair flights arrive in Marrakech on a Tuesday and depart from Fez on a Wednesday.
- Tuesday and Wednesday were chosen for the best connection times, keeping total travel around 8 hours from Malta instead of 12+ hours.
- Prices listed are for a small backpack only.
- Adding a 10 kg hand luggage is enough in April/May — the weather is already warm.
- Expect to pay around €80 extra for hand luggage, usually cheaper on flights to and from Morocco.
The Best Flight Deals I Found
⚠️ Disclaimer: Prices listed are accurate at the time of writing. Flight fares may change.
Tuesday, 14th April – Wednesday, 22nd April | €115
- Outbound: Malta – Marrakech
- Step 1: Malta – Milan Malpensa | 10:30 – 12:35
- Layover in Milan: 3h 5min
- Step 2: Milan Malpensa – Marrakech | 15:40 – 18:05
- Total travel time: 8h 35min
- Total price: €53
- Inbound: Fez – Malta
- Step 1: Fez – Milan Bergamo | 14:10 – 17:55
- Layover in Milan: 3h 40min
- Step 2: Milan Bergamo – Malta | 21:35 – 23:35
- Total travel time: 8h 25min
- Total price: €62
Tuesday, 21st April – Wednesday, 29th April | €197
- Outbound: Malta – Marrakech
- Step 1: Malta – Milan Malpensa | 10:30 – 12:35
- Layover in Milan: 3h 5min
- Step 2: Milan Malpensa – Marrakech | 15:40 – 18:05
- Total travel time: 8h 35min
- Total price: €76
- Inbound: Fez – Malta
- Step 1: Fez – Milan Bergamo | 14:10 – 17:55
- Layover in Milan: 3h 40min
- Step 2: Milan Bergamo – Malta | 21:35 – 23:35
- Total travel time: 8h 25min
- Total price: €121
Tuesday, 28th April – Wednesday, 6th May | €207 (1st May PH)
- Outbound: Malta – Marrakech
- Step 1: Malta – Milan Malpensa | 10:30 – 12:35
- Layover in Milan: 3h 5min
- Step 2: Milan Malpensa – Marrakech | 15:40 – 18:05
- Total travel time: 8h 35min
- Total price: €95
- Inbound: Fez – Malta
- Step 1: Fez – Milan Bergamo | 14:10 – 17:55
- Layover in Milan: 3h 40min
- Step 2: Milan Bergamo – Malta | 21:35 – 23:35
- Total travel time: 8h 25min
- Total price: €112
Tuesday, 12th May – Wednesday, 20th May | €138
- Outbound: Malta – Marrakech
- Step 1: Malta – Milan Malpensa | 10:30 – 12:35
- Layover in Milan: 3h 5min
- Step 2: Milan Malpensa – Marrakech | 15:40 – 18:05
- Total travel time: 8h 35min
- Total price: €69
- Inbound: Fez – Malta
- Step 1: Fez – Milan Bergamo | 14:10 – 17:55
- Layover in Milan: 3h 40min
- Step 2: Milan Bergamo – Malta | 21:35 – 23:35
- Total travel time: 8h 25min
- Total price: €69
Tuesday, 19th May – Wednesday, 27th May | €152
- Outbound: Malta – Marrakech
- Step 1: Malta – Milan Malpensa | 10:30 – 12:35
- Layover in Milan: 3h 5min
- Step 2: Milan Malpensa – Marrakech | 15:40 – 18:05
- Total travel time: 8h 35min
- Total price: €63
- Inbound: Fez – Malta
- Step 1: Fez – Milan Bergamo | 14:10 – 17:55
- Layover in Milan: 3h 40min
- Step 2: Milan Bergamo – Malta | 21:35 – 23:35
- Total travel time: 8h 25min
- Total price: €89
Where I Stayed in Morocco (and Other Options)
Morocco offers a huge variety of accommodation options, depending on the city and your travel style. One of the most popular choices is staying in a riad; traditional Moroccan homes built around a central courtyard. Riads are especially common in historic cities like Marrakech and Fez, and staying in one really adds to the experience.
In Fez, you’ll also come across “Dar”, smaller guesthouses that feel intimate and authentic, often tucked inside the old medina. Across the country, you’ll find everything from luxury hotels and resorts to budget hostels and family-run stays.
Staying in the Medina (Old Town)
Personally, I chose to stay inside the medina, the old part of the city. I opted for a mix of riads and djar, as this is where most of the action is. Resorts and international hotels tend to be located in the newer parts of cities like Marrakech and Fez; often 3–5 km away from the historic centre. This is something to keep in mind, especially if you’re not driving, like we weren’t.
Marrakech: Riads I Stayed In
In Marrakech, I stayed in two different riads, one before and one after our activities.
- Riad Christina
€60 per night for two people, including breakfast
📍 About a 6-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa - Riad Palais de les Princesses (my favourite stay)
€100 for one night for two people, including an incredible breakfast spread
📍 Less than a 3-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa
Riads I Loved (but weren’t available for our dates)
Based on location, reviews, and stunning Moroccan design, these were on my shortlist:
Through the Desert: Dades Valley & Sahara
On the journey from Marrakech to Fez via the Sahara, we visited some unbelievably beautiful places, including Todgha Gorge, Dades Valley, and Ait Ben Haddou.
The night before reaching the desert, our accommodation was arranged by the tour operator. We stayed at Rose Garden Dades, a beautiful four-star hotel. While we didn’t choose it ourselves, we were more than happy with the stay. It had a full-size outdoor pool, was beautifully decorated, and served one of the best dinners we had in Morocco.
The same applied to our desert camp, which was also organised through the tour. We stayed at Sahara Elegance Camp, and it exceeded expectations. The tents were clean and spacious, and most importantly, we had a private bathroom.
When booking a desert tour, you’ll usually be able to choose between a standard camp and a luxury camp. If your budget allows, I highly recommend upgrading to the luxury option (around €70 extra). The Sahara is absolutely surreal; endless red sand dunes, complete silence, and the brightest stars you’ll ever see. It’s 100% worth it!
Fez: Where I Stayed
For our final two nights in Fez, we stayed at Dar Hafsa, a family-run guesthouse located inside the old medina. It was within walking distance of the Chouara Tannery, one of the main reasons we visited Fez; along with a trip to the Blue City, Chefchaouen.
If you’re planning where to stay in Fez, keep in mind that hotels in the newer part of the city, such as the Marriott or Hilton, are quite far from the medina. Staying inside the old town makes exploring much easier.
Other Fez Stays I Considered
These also stood out based on reviews, location, and aesthetics, but weren’t available for our dates:
My Morocco Itinerary: Tours & Experiences
Here’s how I spent my time in Morocco; a mix of city exploration, outdoor adventure, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences:
- Days 1–2: Marrakech
- Days 3–4: Mount Toubkal
- Days 5–7: Marrakech – Fez via the Sahara
- Days 7–9: Fez & Chefchaouen
Not Climbing Mount Toubkal? Here’s How I’d Split the Trip
If you’re not planning to climb Mount Toubkal, I’d suggest spending more time in Marrakech, as there’s so much to see and do.
Days 1–4: Marrakech
If there’s one thing about Marrakech, it’s that you’ll never get bored. You could easily spend a full week here and still find new things to explore. The city is packed with history, culture, food, and unforgettable experiences.
I’d recommend spending one morning visiting some of the city’s most beautiful landmarks:
- Bahia Palace
- Ben Youssef Medersa (a must-see — the architecture is stunning)
- Le Jardin Secret
- Majorelle Gardens (tickets must be booked online in advance)
For the rest, tickets are sold at the entrance. If you want to avoid crowds, visit Bahia Palace as early as possible. If you only have time for one place, make it Ben Youssef Medersa; we visited just before closing time and it was peaceful and magical.

Leave the souks for the afternoon. That’s when the energy really comes alive; the smells, sounds, and chaos all blend together in the best possible way. It’s hectic, yes, but also warm, welcoming, and full of character.
One experience I highly recommend is booking a traditional hammam at Mouassine, right in the heart of the medina. It’s authentic, relaxing, and unforgettable.
For the remaining days, the options are endless:
- Hot air balloon rides
- Moroccan cooking classes
- A day trip to Essaouira on the coast
- A nature escape to Ourika Valley for waterfalls and greenery
I’ve shared my exact two-day Marrakech itinerary (including restaurants) here, as well as a list of highly rated day trips and activities here.
Mount Toubkal: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure
If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, I can’t recommend the 2-day Mount Toubkal summit tour enough.
From start to finish, it was incredible and honestly unbelievable value for money.
The best months for this adventure are April, May, June, September, and October.
I’ve written a full post about my Mount Toubkal experience, which you can read here.
Day 5 -7: Marrakech to Fez via the Sahara Desert (3-Day Tour)
This was hands down one of the highlights of the entire trip.
The tour started in Marrakech and, three days later, ended in Fez; covering an enormous stretch of Morocco. Driving straight, the distance between the two cities is already 500+ km, but with all the detours through mountains, valleys, and the desert, the journey topped 1,000 km.
And honestly? Every single kilometre was worth it.
Along the way, we stopped at some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes I’ve ever seen:
- The Atlas Mountains
- The dramatic Tizi n’ Tichka Pass
- Todgha Gorge and Tinghir Oasis
- Dades Valley and the Rose Valley
- Ait Ben Haddou, famous for its film sets
- The golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Sahara Desert
- Ifrane, often called Morocco’s “little Switzerland”
- The Cedar Forest, home to Barbary macaque monkeys
The tour included:
- A private driver
- A guide at all major stops
- All meals, except for lunches
- Two nights of accommodation (linked above)
- One night in a 4-star hotel
- One night in a luxury desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes
Lunches were extra, but incredibly affordable — we paid around €11 on average for a full three-course meal with drinks.
What made this tour even better is that it also worked as a perfect transfer to our final destination. Instead of backtracking to Marrakech, we finished in Fez, the city we were flying home from.
And the best part?
This entire experience cost under €300 per person.
For everything that’s included; the landscapes, the desert, the accommodation, the food, and the sheer scale of the journey, I genuinely cannot recommend this tour enough.


Day 7-9: Fez & Chefchaouen
Fez is one of the most intense cities I’ve ever visited.
It’s best known for its sprawling Old Medina, chaotic souks, and the centuries-old Chouara Tannery. The Old Medina is huge. It’s often described as a labyrinth, and that description couldn’t be more accurate. Expect narrow, dim alleyways, constant movement, sensory overload… and getting lost (probably more than once). Locals don’t even know the exact number of alleys, but it’s estimated there are over 9,000!
There are three main tanneries in Fez, but the one you really want to see is Chouara Tannery; the oldest, largest, and most famous of them all.
Tip: To avoid confusion and truly understand what you’re seeing, I highly recommend booking a guided walking tour. For under €12, you get around three hours with a local guide who helps you navigate the medina and explains the history, culture, and daily life behind the chaos. It makes all the difference.

A Day Trip to Chefchaouen (The Blue City)
On one of our two full days in Fez, we took a day trip to Chefchaouen and wow, did it deliver.
Tucked into the Rif Mountains, this small town is a photographer’s dream. Every corner, staircase, and doorway seems painted in a different shade of blue. It’s calm, charming, and a complete contrast to the intensity of Fez.
I’ve shared all the details on what we did in Fez, as well as how to spend one day in Chefchaouen, in a separate post.

To Close Off
I really hope you found this post helpful.
Morocco is unlike anywhere else I’ve ever visited; completely different from Europe, yet still close enough to reach easily. It’s an adventurer’s paradise, full of contrasts, warmth, chaos, and beauty. A country that surprises you at every turn.
And this itinerary is just one way to experience it.
Beyond everything I’ve shared here, there’s so much more. You could slow things down on the coast in places like Taghazout, near Agadir; perfect for surfing, yoga retreats, and laid-back beach days. I already know that when I return to Morocco, that’s exactly where my next adventure will take me; so make sure you follow along!
Happy Travels! x
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