Fes (also known as Fez)is one of the most charming and fascinating cities in Morocco.
Fez is the second largest city of Morocco and the old of Morocco imperial cities
One of the great things about Fes is that it makes a great base for exploring the surrounding area.
There are some wonderful places to see and things to do that make a great day trip from Fes. Here are just a few ideas.
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Voloubilis
The ancient Roman city of Volubilis(Arabic: Walili) is a short drive from Fes and one of the most interesting ancient sites to visit in North Africa.
It was one of the main cities of Mauretania in the 1st century AD and had a flourishing trade in olive oil.
Today visitors can explore the ruins including the richly decorated houses and paved streets.The marble triumphant arch and the mosaic of the Four Seasons are particularly beautiful.
At the House of Ephesus the mosaic floor depicting a Bacchus theme is another highlight of this ancient city.
The site was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.
Moulay Idriss
Moulay Idris is a holy town between Fes and Meknes and was built with stones from the ancient city of Volubilis.
It houses the shrine of Idriss I who is the most respected saint in Morocco and a descendant of Mohammed’s son in law Ali and Fatima.
The Zaouia and surrounding area are highlights of a visit to this town, although non-Muslims are not allowed into the sanctuary area.
In August and September each year there is a pilgrimage to this town and the surrounding hills are covered in tents.
The modern minaret is particularly distinctive and well worth the journey to this interesting town.
Ifrane
Ifrane, makes for an ideal day trip from Fes, known as the little Switzerland of Morocco, was built as a mountain health resort and is famed today as the location of Morocco’s English speaking university.
It is also a winter sports resort and even has European style chalets dotted all over the hillsides.
This is an excellent base for hiking and there are some classic walking routes here including Cascade des Vierges and the Vallee des Roches.
Another popular walk is to head out to the picturesque village of Zaouia D’Ifrane.
From December to March Ifrane is snow covered and popular with winter sports.
Rabat
Morocco’s capital city Rabat is a two hour drive from Fes and another interesting option for a day trip.
Some of the popular highlights in Rabat include the 12th century medina and the historic fortress at Oudayas Kasbah.
Walking through the medina will lead to the souk and the bustling markets where there are lots of traditional crafts.
Another famous place to go is the Chellah necropolis, an ancient ruin near the embassy district.
Rabat also has some excellent restaurants and cafes and makes an interesting journey from Fes.
Fes has a lot to attract visitors to its historic city but there are even more fascinating places within a short distance. Why not explore a little when visiting Fes.
Meknes
The rich country of Morocco consists of four imperial cities and while many people tend to visit the more popular Rabat, Marrakech, and Fes, you should consider giving Meknes a chance as well.
It’s a beautiful city, quieter and laid back than its sister cities, but has its own charm and magic.
There are narrow streets waiting for you to take a leisurely stroll and grand, old buildings dating back to the old times.
The beautiful gates, mosques, and extravagant palaces give it a quaint feel and here you will feel like a new age princess who has traveled back in time.
Meknes’s weather is usually warm and humid. For ideal weather condition, the best time to visit Meknes is from April to July or from September to November.
People generally worry about accommodation but there are a lot of choices available in Meknes and pretty much everyone can find a place to stay in their budget.
Chefchaouen
Known as the blue pearl of Morocco, this ancient city is a sight to behold. Located in the northwest of the country, this city is famous all over the world for its blue-washed wall.
The city is gorgeous and you will find yourself lost in the city colored in so many shades of blue.
The backdrop of mountains, relaxed atmosphere, and cool waterfalls all make up for this beauty to be visited at least once in your lifetime.
As Chefchaouen is situated on the mountain, it generally has a good climate around spring to autumn.
People planning their trip to Morocco should try to visit in the months of March to May and then again from September to November.
There are tour guides who will take you to visit the Grand Mosque and the Kasbah Square.
Then you can go to Uta El Hammam where you can find delicious food to eat. You can also visit the Ras el Maa waterfall for the dose of fresh air.
Lastly, all the cities mentioned above are small cities so one-day trip is a wise move to explore them. This will save you a lot of time and money.