Destinations›Fes
Fes, the Spiritual Heart of Morocco
The oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities: a car-free medieval medina, one of the world’s oldest universities and leather tanneries that still work the way they did centuries ago.
About Fes
Discover Fes
Founded at the end of the 8th century, Fes is Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital. Its old city, Fes el-Bali, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world – thousands of narrow lanes where donkeys still carry the goods.
Here you will find the Al-Qarawiyyin mosque and university, founded in 859, beautiful madrasas covered in carved cedar and zellige tiles, and the famous Chouara tannery with its colourful dye pits.
The medina is easy to get lost in, so we always explore it with an expert local guide. Fes is also the link between the north and the Sahara: from here our tours cross the Middle Atlas, its cedar forests and Ifrane on the way to Merzouga.
When to go
The best time to visit Fes
March to May and October to November
Best timeGood timeLess ideal
Spring
20–26°C
Mild and green – the most pleasant time to walk the medina.
Summer
32–36°C
Hot in the afternoon; we visit early and rest at midday.
Autumn
22–30°C
Warm days and clear skies, very good for touring.
Winter
15–17°C
Cool and sometimes rainy, with cold nights (around 4°C).
Temperatures are typical daytime highs.
Highlights
Things to see in Fes
Fes el-Bali
The medieval medina, a maze of souks, fountains and workshops.
Chouara Tannery
Watch leather being dyed in stone pits, seen from the terraces above.
Al-Qarawiyyin
Founded in 859, often called the oldest university in the world still working.
Bou Inania Madrasa
A 14th-century school with stunning carved wood, stucco and tiles.
Bab Bou Jeloud
The “Blue Gate”, the classic entrance to the old medina.
Royal Palace and the Mellah
The golden doors of Dar el-Makhzen and the old Jewish quarter.
Marinid Tombs
The best panorama over the whole medina, especially at sunset.
Day trips
Volubilis, Meknes, Moulay Idriss, Ifrane and the cedar forest of Azrou.
Planning a trip to Fes?
Tell us your dates and wishes – we reply quickly with a private, tailor-made plan.