Fez, Morocco: a Fauna itinerary through the spiritual heart of the country

Fez, the ancestral soul of Morocco

There are places we visit and there are places that change us. Fez belongs to the second category. To enter its clay walls is not just to move through space, but to travel through time. Here, the ancient soul of Morocco is revealed in its purest form, where the frenetic pace of the modern world gives way to the sound of artisans' hammers, the call to prayer and the silence that fills hidden courtyards.

Founded in the 8th century, Fez was the imperial capital, home to one of the oldest universities in the world and is still the beating heart of the country's culture and spirituality. For Fauna, traveling to Fez is more than a tourist itinerary; it's a deep immersion, an opportunity to reconnect with ancient knowledge and learn to walk slowly again. It's a destination for those who travel not just to see, but to feel and understand.

Planning your trip to Fez

Organizing a trip to such a unique place requires planning that combines the practical and the poetic. Fauna helps you take care of every detail.

Where is Fez and how to get there?

Nestled between the Atlas Mountains and the fertile plains of northern Morocco, Fez developed on the banks of the river that gives it its name.

  • By plane: Fez-Saïss Airport (FEZ) receives direct flights from several European cities and has good domestic connections, making it the most practical gateway.
  • By train: for those already in Morocco, the ONCF rail network connects Fez to cities such as Marrakech, Casablanca and Rabat in a scenic and comfortable journey.

Best time to visit

The Mediterranean climate dictates the rhythm of the city. The best times are spring (April to June) and fall (September to November), when the temperatures are mild and the golden sunlight tints the walls with magical hues. Summer can be intense, with temperatures above 35°C, while winter is colder and wetter.

How long to stay

Fez is not a city to be seen in a hurry.

  • Minimum: 2 full days to see all the essential sights.
  • Ideal Fauna: we recommend 3 to 4 nights for a real immersion. This time will allow you to get lost (and find yourself) in the alleys of the Medina, have a leisurely cup of tea, take part in a craft workshop and let the rhythm of the city guide you.

Where to stay in Fez: The Fauna Curatorship

Accommodation in Fez is an integral part of the experience. Our curators look for places that offer more than just a bed, but a gateway to the local culture.

  • The Riad experience: staying in a riad (a traditional house with an internal courtyard) in the Medina (Fez el-Bali) is our top recommendation. They are oases of silence and beauty, which reveal their charms only after the door opens. For an authentic experience, consider riads that preserve local architecture and hospitality.
  • Other options: for those looking for a more residential atmosphere, Fez el-Jdid offers proximity to gardens and ramparts. The modern Ville Nouvelle, on the other hand, is home to international chain hotels and more cosmopolitan cafés.

Travel Insurance

For a worry-free journey, it's essential to take out good travel insurance. It guarantees assistance in the event of unforeseen medical problems, lost luggage and other eventualities, allowing you to focus solely on living the experience.

Essential practical information

  • Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD). It's useful to have cash for small purchases in the souks.
  • Languages: Arabic and Berber are the official languages. French is widely spoken in commerce and tourism.
  • Voltage and sockets: 220V, with type C and E sockets (European standard).
  • Customs: dress respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees covered). Ask permission before photographing people.

The Living History of Fez

Every stone in Fez tells a story. Founded in the 8th century by the Idrisid dynasty, the city quickly became a beacon of civilization. It was under the splendor of the Merínid and Saadian dynasties, between the 13th and 15th centuries, that Fez reached its apogee, consolidating itself as a capital of power, art and knowledge.

This is where Al Quaraouiyine University was born, founded in 859 by a woman, Fatima al-Fihri, and recognized as the oldest in the world in continuous operation. For centuries, its courtyards have been the epicenter of Islamic knowledge, attracting scholars from all over the world.

Even during the French Protectorate in the 20th century, Fez resisted, preserving its cultural identity and its urban labyrinth. This effort was crowned in 1981 when UNESCO declared its medina, Fez el-Bali, a World Heritage Site, a living treasure to be protected.

What to do in Fez

Get ready for a sensory immersion.

  • Explore the Medina of Fez el-Bali: with more than 9,000 streets and alleys, this is the largest car-free urban area in the world. The best tip? Keep your map and get lost. It's by straying off the main path that you'll find a hidden workshop, a quiet square or the smile of a local.
  • Visit the Chouara tanneries: one of Fez's most iconic sights. From the terraces of the leather stores, you'll have a panoramic view of the colorful dyeing tanks, a method that has remained almost unchanged for centuries. The smell is strong, but the scene is unforgettable.
  • Crossing the Blue Gate (Bab Bou Jeloud): this imposing gate of blue (on the outside) and green (on the inside) mosaics is the main entrance to the medina and the landmark that divides the old city from the new.
  • Visit the Koranic Schools (Medersas): they are jewels of Merinid architecture. The MedersaBou Inania and the Medersa Al-Attarine are stunning examples, with their marble courtyards, carved stucco walls and cedar wood details.
  • Admire the Royal Palace (Dar el-Makhzen): although you can't go inside, its seven immense gates of gilded bronze are worth a visit. Each gate represents a day of the week and the sumptuousness of royal power.
  • Stroll through the Jewish Quarter (Mellah): with its distinctive architecture, wrought iron balconies and synagogues, the Mellah tells the story of the vibrant Jewish community that once flourished in Fez.
  • Discovering Museums and Gardens: The Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Art and Crafts, housed in an old caravanserai, is spectacular. For a break from the hustle and bustle, the Jnan Sbil Garden offers a haven of peace with its fountains and bamboo groves.

Fauna Experiences: immersion, culture and sustainability

We believe that traveling is about creating bonds. So for a deep connection with the true essence of Fez, consider the following experiences:

  • Fassi cooking classes: How about learning the secrets of an authentic tajine? You can find classes in local riads and family homes, where the experience goes from buying the ingredients in the souk to sharing the meal.
  • Craft workshops: get to know the work of a maalem (master craftsman) up close. You can visit ceramics, leather or metal workshops, where you can not only observe, but also get hands-on and understand the depth of these ancestral skills.
  • Supporting the community: traveling consciously is fundamental. We encourage the search for women's cooperatives and social projects, such as the Medina Children's Library, a community library that does incredible work and accepts donations.
  • Tea with locals: Moroccan hospitality is legendary and manifests itself in the mint tea ritual. Consider seeking out opportunities to be welcomed into a local home, in a genuine exchange that goes far beyond tourism.

Suggested itineraries to optimize your visit

  • 1-day itinerary in Fez (the essentials): start at the Blue Gate (Bab Bou Jeloud), walk along the main street Talaa Kebira, visit the Medersa Bou Inania, head to Al Quaraouiyine University (external view) and end the day at the Chouara Tanneries.
  • 2-3 day itinerary (complete immersion): on the first day, follow the essential itinerary. On the second, explore the Mellah, the Royal Palace and the Jnan Sbil Garden. Dedicate the afternoon to a handicraft workshop. On the third day, venture into the less explored alleys of the medina, visit the Nejjarine Museum and finish with a cooking class.

Culture and everyday life: the soul of Fez

The real soul of Fez is not in the monuments, but in the life that pulses around them. It's the sound of the maalems ' work echoing in the workshops, the smoke from the communal bread ovens, the children running through the alleyways. The five daily calls to prayer organize the time and fill the air with an atmosphere of devotion.

Hospitality is a pillar. Accepting a glass of mint tea is accepting a connection. Negotiating in the souk is not just about prices, but a social dance, an art learned with patience and good humor.

Fassi cuisine: the flavors of Fez

Considered the most refined in Morocco, Fez's cuisine is a feast for the senses, mixing Arab, Berber and Andalusian influences.

  • Dishes you need to try:
    • Pastilla: a sweet and sour puff pastry, traditionally made with pigeon meat and almonds.
    • Tajine with dried fruit: cooked slowly in a clay pot, combining lamb or chicken with apricots, prunes and spices.
    • Fassi couscous: the local version of the famous dish, often served with seven vegetables or in a sweet version with cinnamon and raisins.
  • Where to eat in Fez: Fauna suggestions: For an authentic gastronomic experience, consider restaurants that value local ingredients and traditional recipes. Some suggestions range from sophisticated options in elegant riads, such as Dar Roumana and La Maison Bleue, to authentic, family-run experiences like Dar Hatim, and places with a modern cultural edge, such as Café Clock.

Beyond the walls: tours and surroundings

  • Meknes and Volubilis: a perfect day trip. Explore Meknes, another imperial city, and then travel back in time to the impressive Roman ruins of Volubilis.
  • Ifrane: nicknamed "Moroccan Switzerland", this city in the Atlas Mountains offers a completely different landscape, with its gabled roofs and well-kept parks.
  • Chefchaouen: the famous blue city is a dream for many travelers. You can visit it from Fez, but the journey is long (about 4 hours each way). The ideal is to stay overnight to enjoy the city at your leisure, but an intense round trip is feasible for the more determined.

Fauna Essence: conclusion

Fez is a destination that challenges and rewards us in equal measure. It teaches us that beauty lies in imperfection, that history is alive and that the best way to get to know a place is by allowing yourself to slow down. It's a city that embodies Fauna Travel's philosophy: travel to connect, learn and return transformed.

Here, time bends, the craft is preserved and silence teaches. Fez is not just to be seen, but experienced with all the senses.

Want to know more about our consultancy and personalized itineraries for Fez? Get in touch.