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Fes

Luxury Fes Tours made for you

The spiritual heart of Morocco

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.

  • Gate to ancient medina of Fez, Morocco
  • Shop with traditional crafts in the narrow street of Fes, Morocco
  • Bab Lamar (the order gate) situated in front of the main gate of the royal palace in Fes, Morocco, and lying on the parking lot of Mellah neighbourhood. It was called so, because in the past, the orders of the Sultans were avowed publicly by the mkhaznia (the Sultan fellows) in this gate.
  • Fes, typical moroccan door to the old medina
  • Souvenirs on the Jamaa el Fna market in old Medina, Marrakesh, Morocco
  • Colorful cooking Spices and flower in traditional local medina bazaar market in Marrakesh, Morocco

From our experts

Experiences picked by our Fes specialists

Make your own drum with a local craftsman

Visit a specialist drum-maker, choose an unfinished tom tom drum and learn how to attach your chosen hide to it, choosing your own sound.

See the ancient tanneries of Fes at work

Discover more about how the tanneries in Fes work, focusing on methods that have been used for hundreds of years.

Browse Al Qarawiyyin, one of the world's oldest libraries

Browse the exquisite Al Qarawiyyin library, the buildings of which were constructed in 859 AD.

Trek through Ifrane National Park

Explore the beautifully diverse Ifrane National Park on an easy trekking circuit with your expert guide.

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.

Rosie Beckford 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

    We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

  • Authentic experiences

    Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

  • Responsible travel

    Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

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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.

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March–May

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September–November

Sahara camping

October–May

The Best Time to Visit Morocco

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Plan your trip to Fes

Whatever you want from your adventure in Fes, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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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.

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