Best Day Trips from Fes

The classic Fes day trip combines the impressive Roman ruins of Volubilis (mosaics, arch and columns), the sacred hilltop town of Moulay Idriss (an important pilgrimage site with a lovely setting), and the imperial city of Meknes (Bab Mansour, granaries, medina) — roughly an hour from Fes and easily done together in a full day.

It’s a rich combination of Roman, religious and imperial Morocco. Go by organised tour, grand taxi or private driver, ideally with a guide at Volubilis.

Head south into the Mid-Atlas for a complete change of scenery: Ifrane, a tidy, alpine-style town nicknamed “Little Switzerland” with chalets and gardens; the cedar forests around Azrou, where you can see (and shouldn’t feed) wild Barbary macaques; and pretty lakes and cool mountain air — a refreshing contrast to the medina, especially in summer.

It’s about 1–1.5 hours to Ifrane; a half- or full-day loop works well.

For Volubilis especially, a guide brings the ruins to life. Bring water and sun protection (little shade at Volubilis), and dress modestly for Moulay Idriss. A private driver lets you combine sights at your own pace; shared grand taxis are cheaper for single destinations.

These trips pair well with a 2–3 day Fes stay, giving you the great medina plus its varied surroundings.