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Excursions & day tours

Best Day Trips from Fes

Photograph: Holger Uwe Schmitt, CC BY-SA 4.0

Ten day trips from Fes, from Roman ruins and an imperial city to cedar forests, a mountain lake and cave houses, with how to get to each.

Day trips: Ten
Closest: Sidi Harazem, about 15 km
Most popular: Meknes & Volubilis
Best seasons: Spring and autumn

The short answer

Which Day Trips from Fes Should You Take?

The best day trips from Fes are Meknes and Volubilis, Ifrane (about 60 km, an hour), the Azrou cedar forests with Barbary macaques, Moulay Idriss Zerhoun and Sefrou (about 28 km, 30 minutes).

Fes sits between the Rif to the north, the Middle Atlas to the south and the Saiss plain running west to Meknes, so imperial cities, Roman ruins, hill towns and cedar forest are all within a day's return. Sefrou and Bhalil are about half an hour away, Meknes is a short train ride, and the cedar forests are within reach for a full day.

The list

10 Best Day Trips from Fes

From a short escape to a full day in the mountains. Timetables and road conditions change, so confirm before you set out.

Imperial city and Roman ruins

Meknes & Volubilis

The most popular day trip from Fes: an imperial city and a Roman town in one day.

Meknes, one of Morocco's four imperial cities, was built up by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century with monumental gates such as Bab Mansour, vast granaries (Heri es-Souani), his mausoleum and Place el-Hedim. The medina is compact and walkable.

Volubilis, north of Meknes, is Morocco's best-known Roman site, with floor mosaics, a triumphal arch and standing columns.

Distance: About 60 km to Meknes, then about 30 km on to Volubilis
Getting there: Train or grand taxi from Fes to Meknes, then a grand taxi to Volubilis. By car, take the A2 motorway.
Best time: All year; spring is best

TipVisit Volubilis first thing in the morning, when the light is good and before the tour groups. Bring a hat and water: the ruins have no shade.

Bab Mansour in Meknes, its tiled facade and horseshoe arch above the stone steps — Bab Mansour, Meknes. Photograph: Steven Lek, CC BY-SA 4.0

Middle Atlas hill town

Ifrane

A French-built mountain town with red-roofed chalets, often called the Switzerland of Morocco.

The French built Ifrane as a hill station in 1929. At 1,665 metres it is noticeably cooler than Fes, with tree-lined avenues, gardens and snow in winter. The stone lion in the town centre is its best-known landmark, and the campus of Al Akhawayn University sits on the edge of town.

Distance: About 60 km, roughly an hour by road
Getting there: Grand taxis from the main grand taxi station in Fes; CTM buses also serve the route. By car, take the N8 south.
Best time: All year; a cool escape in summer

TipCombine with Azrou and the cedar forests for a full Middle Atlas day. In winter, bring warm layers: temperatures fall below zero.

Cedars and Barbary macaques

Middle Atlas Cedar Forests & Azrou

Old cedar forest between Ifrane and Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaques.

The forest around the Cèdre Gouraud, near Azrou, is the best-known place to see Barbary macaques, the only macaque species found in Africa. They are used to visitors and often come close to the roadside. Azrou, below the forest, is an Amazigh market town with a carpet-weaving cooperative.

Distance: South of Ifrane, about 1.5 hours from Fes
Getting there: Grand taxi from Fes to Azrou, then a local taxi to the forest. By car, continue south from Ifrane on the N13.
Best time: Spring and autumn

TipDo not feed the monkeys: it disrupts their diet and makes them aggressive.

A Barbary macaque sitting on a snow-covered branch between cedar trunks — A Barbary macaque in the Middle Atlas cedar forest in winter. Photograph: Faical boutlib, CC BY-SA 4.0

The holy town

Moulay Idriss Zerhoun

Morocco's holiest town, spread over two hills on the slopes of Jebel Zerhoun.

The town grew around the tomb of Moulay Idriss I, who arrived in Morocco in the late 8th century and founded the Idrisid dynasty. Whitewashed houses with green-tiled roofs climb two hills, and the terraces look out over the plain. Non-Muslims cannot enter the shrine, but the town itself is open to explore.

Distance: Near Volubilis, a few kilometres away
Getting there: Grand taxi from Meknes, or a direct grand taxi from Fes. Easily combined with Volubilis.
Best time: All year

TipDress modestly and be respectful around the shrine. Pair it with Volubilis for a half day of history.

River medina and cherry town

Sefrou

A small town south of Fes, known for its June Cherry Festival.

The Oued Aggai river runs through the medina, with old bridges along its banks. Sefrou was home to a large Jewish community, and its mellah (the former Jewish quarter) still stands. The Cherry Festival (Fête des Cerises) is held each June, and there is a small waterfall on the edge of town.

Distance: About 28 km, roughly 30 minutes
Getting there: Grand taxis from Fes leave often. By car, it is a short drive south.
Best time: June for the Cherry Festival; spring

TipCombine with Bhalil, a few minutes away, for a half day in two small towns.

Troglodyte homes

Bhalil (Cave Houses)

A hillside town near Sefrou where some families still live in houses built into the rock.

Bhalil's cave houses are carved into the hillside, and some residents show visitors around their homes. The town's houses are painted in bright colours, and it is known for djellaba sewing.

Distance: About 30 km, close to Sefrou
Getting there: Grand taxi from Fes, or a short grand taxi hop from Sefrou.
Best time: All year

TipIf a resident shows you their cave home, a small tip is customary. Morning light is best for photographs of the town.

Mountain pass and caves

Taza

A hilltop medina at the Taza Gap, the corridor between the Rif and the Middle Atlas.

The old medina sits on a rocky spur above the plains, and its Great Mosque dates from the Almohad period (12th century). The Gouffre du Friouato, in Tazekka National Park outside Taza, is one of the deepest caves in North Africa, explored to about 270 metres and reached by hundreds of steps. It reopened in 2026 after a long closure.

Distance: About 120 km east
Getting there: Trains from Fes run several times a day; grand taxis also cover the route. By car, take the A2 east. The Friouato cave needs a car or local taxi from Taza.
Best time: Spring and autumn

TipCheck that the cave is open before you go, wear sturdy shoes, and expect a steep climb back out.

The closest escape

Sidi Harazem Thermal Springs

A small spa town east of Fes, built around warm springs.

Sidi Harazem has public pools, hammams and picnic areas under eucalyptus trees, and it is where many Fassis (people from Fes) go for a few hours off. It is a glimpse of everyday Moroccan leisure rather than a sight.

Distance: About 15 km, roughly 20 minutes
Getting there: Grand taxis and buses from Fes run often. By car, head east from Fes.
Best time: All year

TipGo on a weekday: weekends are busy with local families. Bring your own towel and swimwear.

Orchards and a lake

Immouzzer Kandar

A Middle Atlas hill town on the road to Ifrane, known for its apples.

Immouzzer Kandar is surrounded by apple orchards and holds an apple festival. Dayet Aoua, a lake nearby, is ringed by cedar and oak forest and is a quiet place to walk; it can shrink or dry out after dry years.

Distance: On the N8 between Fes and Ifrane
Getting there: Grand taxi from Fes, or stop on the way to Ifrane by car.
Best time: Summer and autumn

TipVisit Dayet Aoua early in the morning for birdwatching, and combine it with Ifrane and Azrou.

A full day by car

Full Middle Atlas Loop

Immouzzer Kandar, Ifrane, the cedar forest and Azrou in one circuit.

The usual loop runs south from Fes to Immouzzer Kandar, on to Ifrane, then to the cedar forest near Azrou for the macaques, through Azrou and back to Fes. In a day you cross from the Saiss plain to mountain lakes, a hill town and cedar forest.

Distance: A full-day circuit with several stops
Getting there: Best by hire car or with a driver: by grand taxi you would need a separate taxi for each leg.
Best time: Spring and autumn

TipStart early and pack a picnic. In winter, check road conditions: snow can close mountain roads.

At a glance

Quick Comparison Table

Day trips from Fes compared by distance, transport and whether to go alone or with a guide
Day trip	Distance	Easiest way
Meknes & Volubilis	About 60 km + 30 km	Tour or driver
Ifrane	About 60 km	Grand taxi or bus
Cedar forests & Azrou	South of Ifrane	Tour or car
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun	Near Volubilis	Grand taxi via Meknes
Sefrou	About 28 km	Grand taxi
Bhalil	About 30 km	Grand taxi
Taza	About 120 km	Train
Sidi Harazem	About 15 km	Grand taxi or bus
Immouzzer Kandar	On the N8 to Ifrane	Grand taxi or car
Full Middle Atlas loop	Full-day circuit	Car or driver

How to go

DIY vs Guided Tours: Which Should You Choose?

Many day trips from Fes are easy by grand taxi or train. Others are simpler with a guide and a car.

Best for DIY

Meknes: train or grand taxi.
Sefrou: grand taxi, about 30 minutes.
Sidi Harazem: grand taxi or bus, about 20 minutes.
Bhalil: grand taxi; combine with Sefrou.

Better with a guide or driver

Meknes and Volubilis: Volubilis has little public transport, and a guide explains the ruins.
Middle Atlas loop: several stops; a driver plans the route.
Taza and the Friouato cave: the cave is outside town.
Cedar forests: a guide knows where the macaques are.

Getting around

Getting Around: Transport from Fes

Grand taxisShared, leave when full: Shared taxis (six passengers) leave from the main grand taxi station in Fes once every seat is sold. The fare is set per seat for each route. They are the cheapest and most flexible option for Meknes, Ifrane, Sefrou, Bhalil and Sidi Harazem.
Trains & busesONCF, CTM: ONCF trains serve Meknes and Taza. CTM and Supratours buses cover wider routes, including Ifrane and Azrou.
Hire car or driverFor multi-stop days: The best option for the Middle Atlas loop and for Volubilis, which has little public transport. Roads are generally well maintained.

When to go

Best Season for Each Day Trip

Fes has hot summers and mild winters; the Middle Atlas adds altitude and cooler air.

SpringMarch to May: The best season for most trips: green fields at Volubilis, flowers in the Middle Atlas, comfortable walking in Moulay Idriss.
SummerJune to August: Fes is hot, so the mountains come into their own: Ifrane and the cedar forests are cooler at altitude. Sefrou holds its Cherry Festival in June.
AutumnSeptember to November: Warm but comfortable, with fewer visitors. A good time for the full Middle Atlas loop and for Taza.
WinterDecember to February: Mild in Fes, cold in the mountains: snow can cover Ifrane and the cedar forest. Meknes and Volubilis are quieter.

Before you go

Practical Tips for Day Trips from Fes

Book through your riad
Arrange tours through your riad or a reputable agency, and ignore street touts near Bab Bou Jeloud.
Start early
Leave at 7 or 8 in the morning to make the most of the day and avoid the midday heat in summer.
Carry small notes
Grand taxis, tips, entry tickets and small purchases are paid in cash.
Sun and water
Bring sunscreen, a hat and water, especially for Volubilis, where there is no shade.
Arrive early for grand taxis
They leave when all six seats are full, so popular routes move fastest in the morning.
Ask what is included
Before you book a tour, check whether lunch, transport and entry tickets are included.
Dress modestly
Cover shoulders and knees in Moulay Idriss Zerhoun and around religious sites.
Layers for the mountains
The Middle Atlas is much cooler than Fes, so bring a warm layer even in spring and autumn.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best day trips from Fes?

The most popular day trips from Fes are Meknes and Volubilis (an imperial city and Morocco's best-known Roman site), Ifrane (the alpine-style hill town), the Middle Atlas cedar forests with Barbary macaques near Azrou, and Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, Morocco's holiest town. For a shorter outing, Sefrou, Bhalil and Sidi Harazem are all close to Fes.

Can I visit Meknes and Volubilis in one day from Fes?

Yes. This is the most popular day trip from Fes and works well in a single day. Most tours visit Volubilis in the morning, then continue to Meknes for lunch and sightseeing. Independently, take the train or a grand taxi to Meknes, then a grand taxi on to Volubilis. Allow about 2 hours at Volubilis and 3 to 4 hours in Meknes.

How do I get to Ifrane from Fes?

Grand taxis to Ifrane leave from the main grand taxi station in Fes and take about an hour; CTM buses also run the route. By car, take the N8 south. You can combine Ifrane with Azrou and the cedar forests for a full Middle Atlas day.

What is the best season for day trips from Fes?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) bring the most comfortable temperatures and the greenest landscapes. Summer is hot in Fes, but Ifrane and the cedar forests are cooler at altitude. Winter is mild in Fes but cold in the mountains, where snow can fall in Ifrane. Sefrou holds its Cherry Festival in June.

Where can I see Barbary macaques near Fes?

Barbary macaques live in the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas around Azrou and Ifrane. The forest of the Cèdre Gouraud near Azrou is the best-known spot, and most Middle Atlas day trips from Fes stop there. If you drive yourself, the forest viewpoints along the N13 are easy to reach. Do not feed the monkeys: it harms them and makes them aggressive.

Is Moulay Idriss Zerhoun worth visiting?

Yes. Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is considered Morocco's holiest town, built around the tomb of Moulay Idriss I, founder of the Idrisid dynasty. The hilltop setting gives wide views and the whitewashed lanes are good for a wander. Non-Muslims cannot enter the shrine, but can explore the town. It is a few kilometres from Volubilis, so the two combine easily.

Should I book a guided tour or go independently from Fes?

For Meknes alone, Sefrou and Sidi Harazem, going independently by train or grand taxi is simple. For Meknes with Volubilis, a tour or driver is more practical because Volubilis has little public transport. For Ifrane, Azrou and the cedar forests, a tour or car makes the loop easy. Bhalil and Taza work independently, but a guide adds context. Most riads in Fes can arrange a day trip if you ask the day before.