The road trip in Morocco starts from Marrakech. As soon as night falls, the central square Jemaa el-Fnaa fills with people, food stalls, smoke from the grills and incredible smells. There we try traditional sausages and various local meats, in an atmosphere that is a real experience. The Jemaa el-Fnaa needs a little attention because several times they tried to pickpocket us. The next day we also try a hammam which was delightful.
Right next to it, in the narrow streets of the city, we find local women making traditional pies at that time with handmade dough, anchovies and spices. This street food is just what you need to get a real taste of the daily life of the people here, before starting for the next places.
After Marrakech we continue west to Essaouira. It is a beautiful seaside town with its own completely relaxed pace. In the old port with the castles, the setting with the blue boats, the seagulls and the cats walking among the nets of the fishermen makes you feel that time has stopped. The imposing walls of the city also have a cinematic history, since filming for the well-known series Game of Thrones took place there, representing the city Astapor.
There at the port we make a stop for fresh seafood. The vendors open fresh oysters on the spot, throw a little lemon and we eat them right there in the hand, next to the wave.
Leaving Essaouira behind, we take the road to the south driving parallel to the ocean. The route has an incredible view, and in some places we pass next to old stone ruins and arches that look straight out to the sea.
The big moment in the south is Legzira beach. This place is magical, with huge red rocks forming large natural arches over the sand. We walk on the sand, feel the power of the ocean and see these giants above us, something that is never forgotten.
Continuing even further south and towards the interior of the country, the road begins to empty and the landscape becomes drier. In some places we meet these big pink gates that look like castles and show us that we are entering a new area.
As we move along the country roads, the images of Moroccan daily life become more and more authentic. On the edge of the road we see locals moving around on small motorbikes, loaded to the top with huge stacks of grass and branches. These simple moments show the true rhythm of life in the countryside, away from the tourist spots.
When night falls, the tranquility of the countryside becomes even more intense under the clear sky. We stay in traditional mud-brick accommodations and huts in the wilderness. The light of the moon and the countless stars illuminate the dark landscape and the trees, creating a perfectly peaceful atmosphere.
We take the path upwards and enter the mountainous local passes of the High Atlas mountain range. Here the car crosses dirt roads in a completely dry and wild landscape, with the high peaks of the mountains in the background. The feeling of isolation is unique.
We stop for food in these places and try simple, authentic flavors, such as a freshly baked omelet with olives, french fries and local bread, on terraces with a view of the bare rocks of the area.
Going up to an even higher altitude, we face huge canyons and vast expanses. We stand on a rock at the edge of the cliff and look at the turns of the road we leave behind us.
On the slopes of the mountains, the inhabitants spread their colorful clothes and carpets on the stones to dry, making a sharp contrast with the gray and brown of the ground.
After that we make a stop at Ait Benhaddou. This ancient village made of clay is like a set from another era and has hosted the filming for many famous movies, such as Gladiator, The Mummy, but also scenes from the series Game of Thrones. Walking among its mud walls and seeing the valley from above is an experience that transports you straight to the cinema.
Further along the road we meet small local open-air markets, where the men from the surrounding villages gather to talk and sell sheep.
After these dry areas, nature changes abruptly as soon as we reach the impressive waterfalls Ouzoud Falls. The water falls with force from a high altitude among lush green rocks, creating a cool environment that reminds nothing of the desert.
We start our day with a rich traditional breakfast in a lush green garden, full of handmade pies, honey, olives and tea, which gives us the necessary energy for exploration. In the forest around the waterfalls, the most special and fun moment is the meeting with the local monkeys Barbary macaque. They are so familiar with the world that they come and climb even on our shoulders, closing in the most unexpected way this part of the journey.
The road trip ends with a return to Marrakech and a flight to Athens.
