In Morocco, every region tells its story first at the table. Spices change, so do ingredients, and the best way to discover them is to follow the road from one city to the next, taking time to stop. Here is a gourmet route linking Fes to Essaouira, guided by the specialities that made each stop famous.

Fes, home of pastilla

Start in Fes, whose cuisine is considered among the most refined in the country. Pastilla, a sweet-and-savoury pastry dusted with cinnamon and icing sugar, is an institution here. In the lanes of the medina, let the stalls of olives, preserved lemons and spices guide you.

The Middle Atlas and its orchards

Heading south via Ifrane and Azrou, the road crosses orchard country: apples, cherries in season, and mountain honey sold by the roadside. A perfect stop for a picnic in the shade of the cedars.

Marrakech, tanjia and Jemaa el-Fna

In Marrakech, try tanjia, the city's speciality: meat slow-cooked in a clay jar, traditionally left in the embers of the hammam furnaces. At night, Jemaa el-Fna square becomes a vast open-air kitchen, with grill stalls, snails and freshly squeezed orange juice.

From the Souss to Essaouira: argan and amlou

Between Marrakech and Essaouira, a drive of about 190 km, argan trees become more and more common. Culinary argan oil and amlou, a spread of roasted almonds, argan oil and honey, are the treasures of the area. Many women's cooperatives sell them along the way.

Essaouira, feet in the ocean

Finish in Essaouira, where the fishing port supplies sardines, sea bream and seafood every day, grilled right by the boats. A simple, authentic end to the journey, facing the open sea.

Which car for this route?

For a route mixing medinas, mountains and coast, a comfortable SUV is ideal. The 2025 Maserati Grecale rents at 1800 MAD/day, the 2025 Audi Q8 at 2100 MAD/day, and the 2026 Porsche Macan from 1400 MAD/day depending on duration (1800 MAD/day from 7 days). For a more understated option, the 2025 Mercedes CLA 220 is available at 1000 MAD/day. All are automatic with unlimited mileage, a 3-day minimum rental and a 30000 MAD deposit. You can collect them at Fes airport and return them at Marrakech or Agadir airport during agency opening hours.

Further reading

To add more tasty stops to your route, see the guide Morocco's gastronomic route by car.

Hungry for the road? Book your car on WhatsApp at +212 646 618 020 or on loccor.com.