Best Day Trips from Fes
in 2026

The combined Meknes and Volubilis day trip is the single most popular excursion from Fes and one of Morocco's must-do experiences. Meknes, one of Morocco's four imperial cities, was built by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century with monumental gates, vast granaries, and a grand square rivaling Marrakech's Jemaa el-Fna. Volubilis, 33 km north, is Morocco's best-preserved Roman archaeological site with stunning floor mosaics, triumphal arches, and columns dating to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD.

Ifrane is unlike anywhere else in Morocco. Built by the French as a hill station in 1929, this immaculate mountain town looks transplanted from the Swiss Alps with its red-roofed chalets, manicured gardens, and tree-lined avenues. At 1,665 meters elevation, Ifrane is noticeably cooler than Fes and even receives heavy snowfall in winter, making it Morocco's unofficial ski destination. The famous stone lion sculpture in the town center is one of Morocco's most photographed landmarks.

The Middle Atlas cedar forests between Ifrane and Azrou are home to some of Morocco's oldest and largest cedar trees, many over 800 years old. The star attraction is the colony of Barbary macaques (the only wild monkey species in Africa north of the Sahara) that live in the Cedre Gouraud forest. These curious primates are accustomed to visitors and often approach for photos. The nearby town of Azrou is a traditional Berber settlement known for its Tuesday and Thursday markets and carpet-weaving cooperatives.

Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is the spiritual heart of Morocco, built around the tomb of Moulay Idriss I who brought Islam to Morocco in 789 AD and founded the first Moroccan dynasty. The town tumbles down two hills in a cascade of whitewashed houses with green-tiled roofs, and was closed to non-Muslims until 2005. While non-Muslims still cannot enter the shrine itself, the town is a fascinating and atmospheric place to wander. The panoramic terrace offers sweeping views over the Saiss plain to the Rif Mountains.

Sefrou is a charming small town just 30 minutes south of Fes, known for its annual Cherry Festival (Fete des Cerises) held every June since 1920, one of Morocco's oldest cultural festivals. The town has a well-preserved medina bisected by Oued Aggay river, creating a unique waterside atmosphere with old bridges and mill houses. Sefrou was historically home to a large Jewish community, and the restored mellah (Jewish quarter) with its synagogue is one of the best preserved in Morocco.

Bhalil is one of Morocco's hidden gems, a colorful hillside town where some residents still live in troglodyte cave houses carved into the rock face centuries ago. Local families welcome visitors into their cave homes, which are surprisingly spacious and naturally cool in summer. The town itself is a painter's dream with its pastel-colored houses tumbling down the hillside, and it sees almost no tourists compared to nearby Fes. Bhalil is also known for its traditional djellaba-sewing workshops.

Taza sits at a strategic mountain pass between the Rif and Middle Atlas ranges, the famous Taza Gap that has been a crucial corridor throughout Moroccan history. The old medina perches on a rocky hilltop with commanding views over the surrounding plains. Taza's Great Mosque dates to the Almohad era (12th century) and is one of Morocco's oldest. The nearby Friouato Caves (Gouffre du Friouato), 26 km southwest, are among the deepest caves in Africa at 272 meters, with a dramatic descent on 500+ steps.

Sidi Harazem is the closest excursion from Fes, a small spa town built around natural thermal springs that have been used for bathing and healing since Roman times. The thermal water is naturally warm and mineral-rich, said to benefit skin conditions and joint pain. The town has a relaxed, local feel with public bathing pools, traditional hammams, and picnic areas shaded by eucalyptus trees. It is where Fassis (residents of Fes) go for a quick half-day escape and is a fascinating glimpse into everyday Moroccan leisure culture.

Immouzzer Kandar is a pleasant Middle Atlas hill town at 1,345 meters, known for its crisp mountain air, apple orchards, and the scenic Dayet Aoua lake nearby. Founded as a French resort town, it retains some charming colonial architecture mixed with traditional Berber houses. The town comes alive during the Apple Festival (Fete des Pommes) in October. Dayet Aoua, a natural lake 9 km from town, is surrounded by cedar and oak forests and is a peaceful spot for walking and birdwatching.

The full Middle Atlas loop is the ultimate day trip from Fes for nature lovers, combining the best of the Middle Atlas in one circular route. The typical itinerary runs south from Fes to Immouzzer Kandar, continues to Ifrane, then southeast to the Cedre Gouraud cedar forest for Barbary macaques, through Azrou for its Berber market, and back to Fes via the N8. This full-day circuit passes through some of Morocco's most varied landscapes: from the Saiss plain to mountain lakes, alpine towns, ancient forests, and Berber highlands.