Are you staying in Fez and want to explore the surrounding area? Morocco’s spiritual capital is an ideal base from which to explore a wide variety of destinations. We’ve been amazed by the wealth of things on offer from the city: imperial cities, UNESCO-listed Roman sites, hilltop villages, the Rif mountains and spa getaways. In this article, we share our top 10 day trips from Fez, with practical tips and photos.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Our 3 favorite excursions from Fez
Before discovering our detailed opinions on each of the selected excursions, here are our 3 favorites:
- Meknes, Volubilis and Moulay Idriss, the must-see trio to combine in one day – see prices, photos and availability
- Chefchaouen, the blue city of the Rif – See prices, photos and availability
- Ifrane and Azrou, diving in the Middle Atlas – See prices, photos and availability
1. Meknes, the imperial city and its monumental gates
Why do we recommend this tour?
Meknes is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, and we were seduced by its authenticity. Less crowded than Fez or Marrakech, it offers a different kind of immersion in the country’s history. Its UNESCO World Heritage medina, founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids, won us over with its peaceful atmosphere. Its 15-metre-high ramparts, pierced by nine monumental gates, reflect the Hispano-Moorish influence. The imperial city is also renowned for its vineyards: the region produces such famous vintages as Volubilia, Tandem and Guerrouane.
The city is currently undergoing a massive rehabilitation plan for its medina, with some areas becoming inaccessible.
What you will see
- The Bab Mansour Gate, completed in 1732, is one of the most beautiful in Morocco: its white marble columns, polychrome zelliges and eight-metre-high central pointed arch are well worth a visit (currently hidden by scaffolding and tarpaulins).
- Place El Hedim is the lively heart of the medina, surrounded by cafés, a covered market and traditional pastry stalls.
- Our favorite: the Dar Jamaï Museum – also known as the National Music Museum – housed in a 19th-century palace with colorful zelliges, a lush patio and an interactive collection of wind, string and percussion instruments.
- The Mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl, open to all, whose main room houses four Comtois clocks donated by Louis XIV (undergoing restoration with limited access).
- The Royal Stables, vast 17th-century buildings that could accommodate up to 12,000 horses (undergoing restoration with limited access).
How much time should I allow?
Meknes is about 1 hour’s drive from Fez on the A2 freeway. A full day allows you to visit the main sites on foot. If you wish to combine this tour with Volubilis and Moulay Idriss – which we recommend – plan to leave early in the morning. The classic ONCF train also serves Meknes from Fez, with frequent departures.
2. Volubilis, the UNESCO-listed Roman ruins
Why do we recommend this tour?
Head for one of the region’s most beautiful spots, less than an hour’s drive from Fez! Did you know that the archaeological site of Volubilis is one of the most important in North Africa? Founded in the 3rd century B.C., Volubilis was once the capital of the Mauritanian Tingitana region, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997. The Romans lived here for three centuries, and their presence can still be seen in every vestige. We were impressed by the sheer size of the 42-hectare estate and the quality of conservation of the mosaics.
What you will see
- Remarkably well-preserved mosaics
- The remains of the forum
- The ancient basilica and the almost intact triumphal arch of Emperor Caracalla
- A panoramic view of the Guerrouane Mountain and its vineyards
- A museum undergoing renovation at the time of our visit (until 2026)
How much time should I allow?
Allow 2 to 3 hours on site. A local guide is highly recommended to understand the rich history of these ruins. Make sure you bring plenty of sun protection, as the site is fully exposed, with no shade.
Opening hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in summer, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in winter. Admission is 70 dhs (MAD) per adult and 30 dhs (MAD) per child under 12. Volubilis combines naturally with the village of Moulay Idriss, 4km away, and Meknes, a 40-minute drive away.
From Fez, the mountain road is narrow and quite dangerous. Avoid this road in wet weather, as visibility is poor. The best thing is to take a guided tour with a driver, so you don’t have to drive and can enjoy the sublime scenery!
Opt for a guided tour if you don’t want to drive
3. Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, a hilltop pilgrimage village
Why do we recommend this tour?
Perched on the hills of Mount Zerhoun, about 1 hour from Fès, Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is one of Morocco’s most important holy sites. The village is home to the tomb of Moulay Idriss I, founder of the country’s first Muslim dynasty and descendant of the Prophet. We were struck by the serenity of its white streets and the hospitality of its inhabitants. It’s one of our favorite excursions in the region.
What you will see
- The mausoleum, whose green glazed roofs dominate the main square, is the spiritual heart of the village (interior access reserved for Muslims), and its meditative atmosphere can be felt from the outside.
- The cylindrical minaret of the Mosque, the only round minaret in Morocco, decorated with green and white zelliges.
- The ascent to the panoramic terraces, at the cost of some 200 steps
- A breathtaking view of the white houses clinging to the hillside
- The lively main square
- A confectioner with preserved know-how offers nougats and caramel croquants made to ancestral recipes
How much time should I allow?
Half a day is enough to visit the village; allow a full day if you combine it with Volubilis, 4km away (10min by car). The alleyways are steep, with many steps: bring good shoes. Pay parking is available 5 minutes’ walk from the center, near the Collège Idriss Ier.
For a fee, local guides can take you up the inner lanes to enjoy panoramic views of the village and the hillside.
Avoid visiting on Fridays, the busiest day for pilgrims.
4. Chefchaouen, the blue pearl of the Rif
Why do we recommend this tour?
Chefchaouen is one of the most sought-after destinations from Fès, and we can see why. Perched in the Rif mountains, this little blue town seduced us with its colorful alleyways, waterfalls in the heart of the medina and soothing atmosphere. Did you know that painting the walls blue keeps insects away and the air cool? The journey from Fez takes around 3h45min, making it a long day trip if you get up early. We recommend that you leave at dawn, and preferably opt for an organized tour to make the most of your time there and tire yourself out as little as possible. This is one of the easiest ways to get there (see here).
What you will see
- Explore the medina on foot from Place Outa El-Hammam
- The 15th-century Kasbah, a fortress that houses an ethnographic museum and a terrace offering a beautiful view of the city.
- Going up to the north-east of the medina, the Ras El Ma spring and its small waterfalls are a natural spectacle that we really enjoyed.
- Chefchaouen’s markets for Rifian carpets, spices and natural cosmetics
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day for an early start from Fez. The medina is hilly, with many steps, so bring good shoes. The old town is not accessible by car: paid parking is available at the entrance (bring change in dhs (MAD)). For restaurants, we recommend Restaurant El Cielo, nestled in a lush garden, or Restaurant Morisco on the main square.
5. Ifrane and Azrou, the Middle Atlas between hundred-year-old cedars and monkeys
Why do we recommend this tour?
For a contrast with the atmosphere of the medina, head for the Middle Atlas. This excursion offers a complete change of scenery: forests of hundred-year-old cedars, populations of free-roaming magot monkeys and the surprising architecture of Ifrane, nicknamed “Morocco’s Little Switzerland”. You’ll marvel at the eight-century-old Gouraud Cedar as you pass through a clearing in Azrou. This mountain escapade reveals a side of Morocco that many travellers are unaware of.
What you will see
- The town of Ifrane, built under the French protectorate, with its slate roofs, chalets and flower-filled parks, resembles an Alpine village transplanted to Morocco.
- A lake and several pleasant green spaces for a break
- Azrou, a cedar forest home to groups of Barbary macaques, often seen along the roadside.
- Immouzer Kandar, a small high-altitude resort with a waterfall, to admire the landscapes of the Middle Atlas on the way from Fez.
- For winter sports enthusiasts, Michlifen is one of the region’s most popular ski resorts, 25 minutes from Ifrane by car.
How much time should I allow?
Ifrane is about 1h from Fès, Azrou 1h15min. A full day allows you to visit both sites comfortably. Roads are generally good, but the journey is more pleasant by car, with free stops in Berber villages. Note that it can snow heavily in winter in the area. Several organized tours from Fez include Immouzer, Ifrane and Azrou in a single day. On site, be careful around the monkeys, who have been known to grab your belongings (bag, phone, hat…) and don’t feed them for their well-being.
Take a day trip to the Middle Atlas and explore the monkey forest!
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Maroc
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Adapt your choice of vehicle to your itinerary!
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
6. Moulay Yacoub, a spa getaway 30 minutes from Fez
Why do we recommend this tour?
After a few days wandering the narrow streets of the Fès medina, a rejuvenating break is in order. Just a 30-minute drive away, the spa village of Moulay Yacoub has been renowned for centuries for the virtues of its hot sulfurous waters. It attracts both curists and travelers in search of relaxation. The natural setting – between hills and olive groves – gives this place a special gentleness, a world away from the hustle and bustle of the medina.
What you will see
- The village of Moulay Yacoub
- Breathtaking mountain scenery
- Traditional baths, accessible and popular with locals
- A modern spa offering pools, treatments and massages in a more comfortable setting
How much time should I allow?
Half a day is sufficient, and can easily be combined with a visit to Fez in the morning or afternoon. Half a day is enough to enjoy the baths and lunch on site. The tour is also suitable for families and those seeking a cultural alternative to the region’s historic sites.
Want to relax in the thermal waters? Opt for a fully catered excursion.
7. Séfrou and Bhalil, “little Fès” and its troglodyte houses
Why do we recommend this tour?
Just a 30-minute drive south of Fès, Séfrou is often nicknamed “little Fès” for its ancient medina, lively souks and authentic atmosphere, far removed from mass tourism. The town is crossed by the Aggaï wadi, whose waterfalls bring life to the historic center. Every June, it hosts the famous Cherry Festival, a testament to the region’s agricultural wealth. Bhalil, just a few kilometers away, boasts a surprising array of dwellings, some of them carved out of the rock – a living tradition of troglodyte dwellings of which the inhabitants are proud.
What you will see
- The medina of Séfrou, with its historic gates, modest tanneries and artisan stalls
- The waterfalls, accessible from the center, offer an appreciable natural setting.
- The village of Bhalil
- Troglodyte houses
How much time should I allow?
Allow half a day for both villages, or a full day if you combine them with Ifrane and Azrou. The road from Fès is short, hilly and pleasant. Driving time: 35min to Bhalil, 40min to Séfrou(via route nationale N4).
See tour options from Fez including Séfrou and Bhalil
8. Rabat, the capital between ocean and heritage
Why do we recommend this tour?
Rabat, the Kingdom’s capital since the 20th century, is about 2? hours’ drive from Fez. It’s an excursion that’s best suited to travelers with a car, or those wishing to take the ONCF train, which links the two cities comfortably. We were charmed by this unique blend of historic heritage and modernity, with its authentic medina, UNESCO-listed kasbah and top-notch museums. The city is often less crowded with tourists than Fez or Marrakech, which makes for a very pleasant visit.
What you will see
- The UNESCO-listed Kasbah des Oudayas, founded by the Almoravids in the 12th century
- Its white and blue streets, its ramparts overlooking the mouth of the Bouregreg and its Hispano-Moorish garden make it an unmissable stopover.
- The monumental Hassan Tower-Mohammed V Mausoleum complex is impressive: the unfinished 12th-century minaret, intended to be the world’s tallest, stands alongside the mausoleum of King Mohammed V and his sons, guarded by the Royal Guard in traditional costume.
- The Chellah, an ancient Roman city that became a Merinid necropolis, adds a poetic dimension to the visit with its gardens populated by storks.
- A walk along the Bouregreg to the Salé marina
How much time should I allow?
Rabat is about 2.5 hours’ drive from Fez via the A2 freeway. The ONCF train is a convenient and comfortable option for this journey. A full day is needed to see the main sites. You’ll need ID to enter the gardens of the Royal Palace. See the guided tours available in Rabat.
9. Casablanca, the cosmopolitan metropolis and its Hassan II Mosque
Why do we recommend this tour?
Casablanca, Morocco’s economic powerhouse, is about 3h30min drive from Fez – or 4h15min by conventional train. It’s a long trip, but it opens onto a Morocco that’s very different from Fez: cosmopolitan, heterogeneous, marked by colonial Art Deco and turned towards the Atlantic. We were seduced by the contrasts between its architectural heritage and its contemporary dynamism. Be sure to leave early and take the train to make the most of your time here.
What you will see
- The Hassan II Mosque is one of the main attractions: built between 1987 and 1993, it boasts the world’s highest minaret at 210 meters. It is the only mosque in the world to allow visits by non-Muslims. Its architecture combines Agadir marble, Atlas cedar and zellige mosaics, all created by 10,000 Moroccan craftsmen.
- The Habous district, built at the beginning of the 20th century, offers a stroll through narrow streets with typical arcades.
- The Bennis Habous patisserie for an unmissable gourmet stopover
- Place Mohammed V and its Art Deco buildings
- The Parc de la Ligue Arabe, a 30-hectare historic public space, is one of Morocco’s most beautiful landscaped parks.
- The Museum of Moroccan Judaism, the only one of its kind in the Arab world
- The Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museum, one of the city’s best museums
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day’s journey from Fez, starting as early as possible. The train is highly recommended for this trip: the ONCF line connects Fez to Casablanca in around 4h15min and serves several stations in town. The Hassan II Mosque requires advance booking, especially in high season. Book your ticket now!
Read our article on how to get to Casablanca here
10. Midelt and the Ziz gorges, a step towards the desert
Why do we recommend this step?
If you’re on your way to the Merzouga dunes, the crossing to Midelt is much more than just a journey: it’s the starting point for your Saharan adventure! Located around 3h30 drive from Fez, this small mountain town nestled in the Middle Atlas marks a spectacular transition between the verdant landscapes of the north and the ochre hues of the pre-Saharan plateaus. Rather than hurrying, enjoy this itinerant journey where the road becomes the show, culminating in the grandiose Ziz gorges – deep rocky incisions where the wadi flows amidst a verdant palm grove.
What you will see
- High mountain landscapes
- Cedar forests and Berber villages
- The high plains
- Midelt, famous for its apple orchards, Berber carpets and handicrafts made from local minerals
- The Ziz gorges, accessible along the way, the Ziz oasis and the valley below.
How much time should I allow?
This itinerary is ideal for a road-trip to southern Morocco. Allow 3h45min for the drive to Midelt via the N13 national road.
Given the distances involved (approx. 7h for a round trip from Fez), we strongly advise against making this trip on a single day. To get the most out of the trip and drive with peace of mind, it’s essential to plan an overnight stay in Midelt or in the gorges. The N13 road is well maintained but winding in places, requiring careful driving. It’s the perfect prologue to the rhythm of changing landscapes, for any traveler who likes to stop freely before reaching the gates of the Sahara. Discover our car rental options
See guided tour options to Merzouga via Midelt
Other excursions from Fez
Immouzer Kandar
Just a 40-minute drive south-east of Fès, Immouzer Kandar is a small high-altitude resort set in lush greenery, with orchards and a seasonal waterfall. It’s a pleasant stopover on the road to Ifrane and Azrou, ideal for a lunch break in a natural setting after a visit to the medina of Fès. The landscapes of the Middle Atlas gradually unfold on the way from the city, making the journey itself a pleasure.
Taza
Taza, around 1h20min drive east of Fès, is one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities, often overlooked by conventional tourist circuits. Its medina, perched on a rocky outcrop, offers beautiful views of the natural corridor between the Rif and the Middle Atlas – the “Taza corridor” – through which the great Moroccan dynasties have passed since the 11th century. A 40-minute drive from Taza, the Friouato caves, among the deepest in Africa, are a spectacular natural attraction for lovers of caving or simply unusual underground landscapes.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
- Best of
Must-See Places in Morocco
Most Beautiful Riads
Most Beautiful Cities
Most Beautiful Medinas
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Landscapes
Most Beautiful Gardens
Best Museums
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Beaches
- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Morocco
Driving tips
Where to Stay in Morocco
- The must-dos
Marrakech
Casablanca
Fez
Meknes
Chefchaouen
Essaouira
Rabat
Tangier
Tetouan
Agadir
The Sahara Desert
