
Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in Fès, Morocco
1. Chefchaouen
A picturesque blue-painted mountain town known for its artisanal crafts and stunning vistas.
- Artisan Market: Explore local arts, textiles, and pottery in the bustling market.
- Meditative Ambience: Relax and unwind amidst the calming blue-washed streets and mountain backdrop.
- Hiking Opportunities: Enjoy the crisp mountain air while hiking through nearby trails.
2. Meknes
An imperial city boasting ancient ruins, grand gates, and a lively souk.
- Historical Sites: Visit the Bab Mansour Gate, Moulay Ismail's Mausoleum, and the Ruins of Volubilis.
- Souk Exploration: Immerse yourself in the vibrant souk offering local produce, spices, and handicrafts.
- Horse-Drawn Carriages: Experience a unique ride through the city in a horse-drawn carriage.
3. Rabat
Modern coastal city with historic landmarks, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture.
- Historic Kasbah of the Udayas: Explore this beautifully restored fortress dating back to the 12th century.
- Beach Relaxation: Unwind on pristine beaches such as Océan and Sala.
- Museum of Modern Art: Discover contemporary Moroccan art in this inspiring museum.
4. Asilah
A charming seaside town known for its whitewashed buildings, blue doors, and lively festivals.
- Art Festivals: Join the annual cultural festival in July and August featuring music, art, and dance.
- Beautiful Beaches: Relax on the pristine beaches with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Museums and Galleries: Visit museums like the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Asilah (MACA) for a taste of local art.
5. Tangier
Culturally rich coastal city offering diverse attractions, including the Kasbah, capes, and beaches.
- Kasbah Museum: Explore the historical Kasbah Museum showcasing artifacts from Tangier's rich past.
- Cape Spartel: Visit this stunning cape for incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Strait of Gibraltar.
- Local Cuisine: Savor traditional Moroccan dishes like harira, tagine, and pastilla at local eateries.
6. Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
Holy city nestled in the rolling hills, offering spiritual peace and stunning landscapes.
- Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II: Pay your respects at the mausoleum of this revered 8th-century saint.
- Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic hiking trails offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Local Crafts: Pick up handmade pottery and other traditional crafts at local shops.
7. Midelt
A gateway to the Atlas Mountains, offering stunning vistas, Berber villages, and zagora.
- Atlas Mountain Views: Experience breathtaking views of the majestic Atlas Mountains.
- Berber Villages: Visit traditional Berber villages and learn about their customs and way of life.
- Zagora Desert: Embark on an adventure through the stunning Zagora desert.
8. Ifrane
Charming alpine town modeled after Swiss architecture, featuring forests, wildlife reserves, and ski resorts.
- Cedar Forest of Azrou: Explore the ancient cedar forest home to Barbary macaque monkeys.
- Winter Sports: Enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts.
- Alpine Scenery: Marvel at the picturesque alpine scenery and charming chalet-style architecture.
9. Beni Mellal
A bustling city surrounded by verdant countryside and ancient kasbahs.
- Kasbah of Beni Mellal: Visit this historic fortress showcasing a blend of Berber and Islamic architecture.
- Chaouia-Ouardigha National Park: Explore the diverse wildlife, waterfalls, and scenic vistas in this national park.
- Local Cuisine: Sample traditional dishes like lamb tagine and couscous at local restaurants.
10. Marrakech
Vibrant city featuring iconic landmarks, bustling souks, and lush gardens.
- Jardin Majorelle: Stroll through the stunning Yves Saint Laurent-designed garden.
- Djemaa el-Fna: Experience the hustle and bustle of this iconic square filled with street performers, vendors, and food stalls.
- Saadian Tombs: Visit these beautifully preserved royal tombs dating back to the Saadi Dynasty.
11. Ouarzazate
Film-set town offering stunning desert landscapes and ancient kasbahs.
- Atlas Film Studios: Explore movie sets from famous films like Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones.
- Kasbah Taourirt: Visit this impressive kasbah showcasing traditional Berber architecture.
- Aït Benhaddou: Wander through the stunning ksar (fortified village) of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
12. Essaouira
Charming coastal town offering beaches, historic sites, and a bustling seafood market.
- Skala de la Kasbah: Stroll along the ancient ramparts overlooking the ocean.
- Seafood Market: Sample fresh seafood at the bustling market or one of the nearby restaurants.
- Artisan Workshops: Explore local artisans workshops, particularly for woodcrafts and jewelry-making.
13. Agadir
Modern coastal city offering beautiful beaches, golf courses, and a souk.
- Souk El Had Draa: Discover local produce, handicrafts, and textiles at this bustling market.
- Beach Relaxation: Relax on the pristine beaches like Agadir Beach or Taghazout Bay.
- Golf Courses: Play a round at one of the many beautiful golf courses in the area.
14. Taroudant
Quiet oasis town with a historic kasbah and surrounding palm groves.
- Kasbah of Taroudant: Explore the well-preserved red-brick fortress showcasing traditional architecture.
- Palm Groves: Stroll through lush palm groves and discover nearby Berber villages.
- Souk El-Horst: Shop for local crafts, spices, and textiles at the bustling souk.
15. Erg Chebbi
Stunning sand dunes offering camel rides, desert camps, and stargazing.
- Camel Rides: Experience a traditional camel ride through the stunning desert landscape.
- Desert Camps: Spend a night in a luxurious desert camp under the stars.
- Stargazing: Marvel at the incredible night sky, free from light pollution.