Step back in time and explore the city of intellectuals and artisans
The city of Fes, Morocco’s second largest, is considered to be its cultural and religious capital.
Divided into three districts, the oldest and most fascinating is Fes el Bali. Founded in the 9th century, venturing through its vast gates into the medina is like stepping back in time. It’s dense maze of some 9000 alleys are plied by donkeys and hand-pulled carts (said to be the largest car-free urban area in the world), with narrow passageways leading through beautiful squares, into the middle of a spice-scented food market or to a dead end and the ruins of an abandoned house. Head up to a rooftop terrace to really appreciate the maelstrom at street level.
It’s in Fes el Bali that you’ll find out why its long been the city of intellectuals, imams and artisans. Among the dozens of madrasas (Islamic schools) is the University of Al Quaraouiyine, the oldest degree-granting university in the world, great mosques such as the Bou Inania Madrasaa and holy shrine to the city’s founder, the Zaouia Moulay Idriss II. Countless workshops and souks are packed between, most pungently in the Tanner’s Quarter where barefoot workers tread hides in dyeing pits. The medina is also famous for its brass and copper crafts, handmade ceramic, Berber rugs as well as its leatherware.
The fresh air of the public Jnan Sbil Gardens connects the old medina to Fes el Jdid, or ‘New Fes’, the 13th century extension which contains the vast Royal Palace and the Mellah which was once home to some 250,000 Jews, many immigrants from Spain. Built by the French at the beginning of the 20th century, the Ville Nouvelle is the third and most modern of Fes’ districts.
With a fraction of Marrakesh’s tourist footfall, Fes and its medina offers a raw, sensuously intense experience of Morocco that isn’t for everyone. For those after an unfiltered insight into Moroccan culture, we recommend a couple of nights here with a private guide on hand to lead you through.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
A word from one of our experts
Follow the trail of history through the medina of this welcoming city. Take your time getting to experience the essence of Fes as you explore the markets, wander its streets and take time getting to know the people who call it home.
Middle East Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Fes
There are many incredible places to stay in Fes. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
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Trip Inspiration
Get inspired with our Morocco example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure.
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Discover more of Morocco
Casablanca
This city is the chief port, the financial, commercial and manufacturing center of the country.
Essaouira
On Morocco’s Atlantic coast, a little under three hours due west of Marrakesh, Essaouira is a laid-back port town cooled by the vents alizés trade winds gently blowing in from the ocean.
High Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains are a rugged chain that span North Africa from the Atlantic coast through Algeria and Tunisia, an imposing barrier between the fertile Mediterranean coast from the vast Sahara Desert.
Marrakesh
With its rich atmosphere, fascinating history and rich Berber culture, the city of Marrakesh encapsulates what draws people from around the world to Morocco.
Moroccan Sahara
Morocco’s corner of the desert lies south of the High Atlas Mountains, a smattering of oasis towns becoming less frequent the further you venture, eventually reaching the golden dune seas that evokes the most romantic images of the Sahara.
Oualidia
200km north of Essaouira, between El Jadida and Safi, is the peaceful town of Oualidia. Overlooking a coastal lagoon frequented by migratory birds, beyond which is the vast expanse of the Atlantic ocean, its setting couldn’t be more idyllic.
Skoura
Skoura is an oasis town that sits south of the Atlas Mountains at the gateway to the Sahara beyond. Once an important trading post where camel trains would offload spices and gold to be hauled over to Fes, its illustrious past can be glimpsed in the sand coloured Kasbahs that still stand here today.
Tangier
Morocco’s northernmost city, looking out across the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain, Tangier is a place with a fascinating history. Known as ‘The Door of Africa’, it has changed hands dozens of times.
Meet your North Africa team
When to visit
Morocco’s varied landscapes mean that the best time to go to Morocco depends on where you want to go and what you want to do.
Spring and Autumn are warm and sunny across the country. This is a great time for exploring cities, climbing mountains or sleeping out in the desert.
Winters are mild and summer is extremely hot, but there are many pleasant retreats that can be found in both seasons.
Exploring souks
March–May
Go hiking
September–November
Sahara camping
October–May
Plan your trip to Fes
Whatever you want from your adventure in Fes, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
