Fes individuell entdecken: die älteste Königsstadt Marokkos!
Fes individuell entdecken - die älteste Königsstadt Marokkos!
Fascinating

Culture

Culture

Explore Fez and Meknes

Morocco’s Royal City & Spiritual Jewel

Stroll through the world’s largest medieval Islamic old town – and be amazed at its 9,000 winding alleys! Fez medina: UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its richly decorated palaces, breathtaking madrasas, authentic souks and fascinating museums, Fez is considered the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco. Absorb the spirituality of the medina. Fez is the perfect place for fans of art, culture, gourmet cuisine and shopping.

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Highlights

The Beautiful Sights of Fez

The world’s largest medina

A living medieval jewel

Explore the world’s largest medieval Islamic old town. Roam a labyrinth of almost 9,000 alleys. A UNESCO World Heritage Site – and still inhabited! Soak up everyday Moroccan life, passing magnificent historic buildings, markets, shops and 60 fountains adorned with colourful zellige tiles … To find the best spots in the Fez medina without getting lost, you’ll need your Pur Life Maroc Private Concierge.

Let yourself be swept along by the hustle and bustle on El Hedim square, the centre of Meknes medina. Relax in one of the many cafés and find refreshment in the restaurants. From here, you can head straight to the souks and the Ville Impériale.
Fes individuell entdecken Marokko Medina
Fes individuell entdecken Marokko Souk

A spectacular souk!

A Moroccan must-see

Hundreds of little shops stretch out before you on the main axis of the medina, at its centre the Kairaouine Mosque and the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II. Immerse yourself in a world of exotic colours and aromas. Let yourself be enchanted by the extraordinary atmosphere, the work of the artisans, Berber rugs, babouches (leather slippers), colourful souvenirs, and the scent of exotic fruits and spices…

Artfully arranged: olives, lemons, aubergines. Vibrant and enticing: saffron, ginger root, cinnamon, ras el hanout and baharat. The souks of Meknes are among the largest and most attractive in Morocco.

The famous blue gate

Gateway to a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Bab Bou Jeloud is without a doubt the most beautiful way to enter the world’s largest medieval medina. The famous blue gate was constructed in the Spanish-Moorish style and leads directly into the souk. Seasonal vegetables, fruit, fish, meat, live chickens slaughtered before customers’ eyes, boxes filled with snails … food is all around you!

Which is more beautiful: the blue gate of Fez or the equally magnificent Bab El Mansour in Meknes? Decide for yourself which one takes the crown.
Fes individuell entdecken Marokko Medina
Fes individuell entdecken Marokko Medersa Attarine

Al-Attarine madrasa

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981

The Al-Attarine madrasa, a former Islamic school, is one of Morocco’s most beautiful buildings. Gaze in wonder at the splendid tiles and mosaics, the stucco decoration in the entrance and courtyard and the ornamentation on the floors and walls. Incredibly, the Islamic school was built in the early 14th century and was used as such until the start of the 20th century.

Did you know that the madrasas in Meknes and Fez were built at the same time? Their richly decorated interiors are remarkably similar. When visiting Meknes, make sure to take in the astounding view of the city from the roof of the Bou Inania madrasa.

Qarawīyīn Mosque

Over 1000 years old – Morocco’s masterpiece

The Qarawīyīn Mosque, also known as the Karaouine Mosque, is the country’s most historically and politically significant mosque. An architectural masterpiece and almost 1,200 years old, it was commissioned in the mid 9th century by Fatima al-Fihri, the wealthy daughter of a businessman. Although you will not be able to view the interior of this impressive house of worship, it’s still worth a visit.

Fes individuell entdecken Marokko Qarawiyin Moschee
Fes individuell entdecken Marokko Gerberei

La Tannerie

The best leather in the world

It is said that some of the world’s best leather comes from the royal city of Fez. Leather is still tanned by hand in the traditional manner here – using cow urine. It is then dyed using indigo, saffron, or whatever colour is required. The work is hard, and the stench is almost unbearable. So we recommend that you enjoy the view from one of the many terraces while your Private Concierge explains the process.

If you want to shop for leather handbags, jackets or accessories, head to the shops around the tanneries in Fez.

The perfect day

With the Private Concierge Service

Practical information from arrival to departure

For the cultural, foodie and shopping paradise of Fez

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Location

Fez is situated in the north of Morocco. With around a million residents, it is the country’s third-largest city. It is also the capital of the Fez-Meknes region.

  • Fez – Rabat: about 2 hours (200km)

  • Fez – Casablanca: about 3 hours (300km)

Climate

Fez has an average temperature of 25°C. The sun shines practically all year round here. Summers are very hot and dry, winters consistently mild.

Fez – the sizzling royal city
Average daytime temperatures in Celsius

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
15 18 20 22 26 31 36 36 32 26 20 16

Activities and experiences

The best of Fez and surrounding area

Visit the royal city of Meknes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. A magical, well-preserved old town with Morocco’s most beautiful city gate and the imposing mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the Moroccan Sun King who wanted to build a second Versailles.

In the ancient city of Volubilis, near Meknes, marvel at Roman ruins that are 2,000 years old. Explore the ancient houses, stunning mosaics, arcades, and even thermal springs among old olive presses. This is a tour you simply can’t miss!

Continue with your Private Concierge or Chauffeur to Moulay Idriss, an important pilgrimage site. Every August, thousands of people come here to pray before the tomb of the descendants of the Prophet Muhammed, particularly Idris I, the city’s founder.

Discover the secrets of Moroccan cuisine in Fez, the country’s culinary heart! Head to the souk with the chef de cuisine: take in the aromas and buy the very best ingredients. Then it’s time to start cooking your main dish – perhaps a tagine, Morocco’s national dish – plus starters (mezze) or a sweet dessert such as a pastilla. This is more than a cooking course – this is an authentic experience! And the best thing? You get to sit down together and enjoy your meal. An ode to cookery – or a culinary fairy tale …
The medina: an azure spectacle and one of Africa’s most beautiful old towns. Fresh, clear mountain air at 600m above sea level and a labyrinth of narrow streets, mosques, memorials and enchanting blue and whitewashed houses. Chefchaouen is definitely worth the effort, despite being 200km from Fez.
Fragrant cedar and cork oak forests. Waterfalls. Bathing lakes and reservoirs. Authentic Berber villages. The Middle Atlas mountain range is a place of nature, breathtaking views, clear air and traditional Moroccan culture. Your Private Concierge will take you to the most beautiful spots. You will also visit Ifrane, known as Morocco’s ‘Little Switzerland’. This idyllic Alpine town was built by the French in 1930. Immerse yourself in French architecture – a real contrast to the Berber villages! Your Private Guide will take you back to your riad in Fez (travel time around 75 minutes).
After exploring Fez, head to Sefrou, just 40 minutes away! Your Private Concierge and Chauffeur will reveal a region famous for its waterfalls, caves, cool air and diverse landscape. Delve into the region’s idyllic nature, Berber culture, religion, history, archaeology and, of course, its authentic cuisine. Swim, relax and discover this gorgeous spot to the south of Fez!
Better than walking! Your guide will arrange a relaxing sightseeing tour through the enormous grounds of the Ville Impériale in Meknes, which has many kilometres of fortification walls. The horse-drawn carriage will provide 360° views, allowing you to get a feel for the extraordinary dimensions of the palace and fortress.

Hotels

The best accommodation in and around Fez

Restaurants

The best restaurants in and around Fez

© Unsplash, Freepik, Pixabay, iStock, Said Boumahdi, Conseil Régional du Tourisme Fès, iStock / Xavier Ramau, Barbara Rieser, iStock / Alexander Hafemann