Best Things to Do in Northern Morocco (2026 Guide)

Northern Morocco encompasses the Rif and Atlas mountains, the Mediterranean coast, and the great imperial cities of Fez and Meknes — a region that has been at the crossroads of Berber, Arab, Andalusian, Jewish, and European cultures for over a millennium. Fez is the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco, a walled medina of 156 square kilometres that has functioned continuously since 859 AD and contains the world’s oldest continuously operating university. Chefchaouen, a Rif mountain village of blue-washed buildings, has become one of the most photographed towns in Africa. The Roman ruins of Volubilis, on the Moroccan plain between Fez and Meknes, are among the best-preserved in the world outside Italy.

Best Time to Visit

March through May and September through November are ideal — mild temperatures (18-26°C), clear skies, and shoulder-season crowds. Summer (June-August) is hot in Fez and the plains (38-42°C) but more comfortable in Chefchaouen at altitude (25-30°C). Ramadan affects restaurant hours and some medina rhythms, but provides a unique atmosphere. Winter is cool in the mountains (Chefchaouen occasionally sees snow) but pleasant on the coast and in Fez.

Getting Around

Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport and Fes-Saïss Airport are the main northern entry points; Casablanca Mohammed V (3 hours from Fez by train) serves as the primary international hub. Morocco’s train system (ONCF) connects Tangier, Kenitra, Rabat, and Casablanca efficiently; regional buses (CTM, Supratours) connect Chefchaouen (no train). Meknes and Fez are 1 hour apart; Volubilis is 30km from Meknes and requires a taxi or car. A private car unlocks the most efficient exploration of all northern Morocco sites.

Fez

Fes el-Bali (the medieval medina) is the world’s largest car-free urban zone — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of 9,000 streets, covered souks, 300 mosques, and the famous Chouara tanneries where leather has been worked since the 11th century using traditional dye pits. The medina is best navigated with a local guide — independent exploration is possible but confusing, and a knowledgeable guide provides access to workshops and context that transforms the experience. The Al-Attarine Madrasa (14th century) and Bou Inania Medersa are among the finest examples of Marinid decorative art — carved plaster, zellige mosaic tilework, and cedar woodwork of extraordinary quality. The Kairaouine Mosque (established 859 AD, with the adjacent university considered the world’s oldest) is not open to non-Muslims but its courtyard can be glimpsed from adjacent doorways.

Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen (Chaouen) is a small Rif mountain town founded in 1471 by Moorish refugees from Andalucia — its blue-painted medina became the defining image of Instagram Morocco and draws visitors who barely know Morocco for anything else. The medina is genuinely beautiful and the surrounding Rif mountains provide good hiking. Place Outa el Hammam is the main square; Ras el-Maa Waterfall is a short walk from the medina to a natural cascade used for laundry and recreation. The Akchour Falls, accessible by trail from Akchour village (45 minutes by taxi from Chefchaouen), are a worthwhile half-day excursion through dramatic gorge scenery.

Meknes, Volubilis, and Moulay Idriss

Meknes, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, was the capital of the Alaouite dynasty under Sultan Moulay Ismail (1672-1727) — his grandiose construction programme left the Bab Mansour gate (one of Morocco’s finest), the medina, and a vast network of stables and granaries. Volubilis, 30km north, is a Roman city active from the 1st century BC to the 3rd century AD — exceptionally preserved mosaic floors, the triumphal arch of Caracalla, and stone columns still standing in the North African sun make it one of the finest Roman sites outside Italy. Moulay Idriss, the holy town on the hill above Volubilis, is the burial place of Morocco’s founder and a pilgrimage centre — historically closed to non-Muslims overnight but now with a few guesthouses open to respectful visitors.

Tangier and the Strait

Tangier is the gateway between Europe and Africa, 14km from Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar, and has a history as an international zone and artist haven (Matisse, Delacroix, Paul Bowles) that gives it a different character from the imperial cities south. The Kasbah Museum occupies the former sultan’s palace above the old city. Cape Spartel, 14km west, is the northwesternmost point of Africa — the Atlantic and Mediterranean merge here, and the Caves of Hercules (natural rock caves shaped by ancient quarrying) are immediately adjacent.

Food & Drink

Northern Morocco’s food is among the country’s finest — Fez is the culinary capital of Morocco, with centuries-old recipes for pastilla (pigeon pie in flaky pastry dusted with powdered sugar), bastilla, and refined tagines. The Rif mountains produce the best lamb and goat in Morocco. Fez restaurants in the medina are most authentic (and most pressured by guides who earn commissions); the Batha area has good independent choices. Chefchaouen’s cuisine has a Spanish-Moroccan character; the kefta (spiced mince) and harira soup are strong. Mint tea is poured ceremonially everywhere.

Practical Tips

• Fez medina guides: The official guides from the medina tourist offices are more reliable than the aggressive unofficial guides at the Bab Bou Jeloud gate. A half-day guided tour is strongly recommended for a first visit — the medina is genuinely confusing and guides provide access to craftsmen’s workshops.
• The Chouara tanneries are most easily viewed from the balconies of leather shops above — owners will guide you up in exchange for a brief leather shopping opportunity (declining is fine). The smell is intense; the visual experience is extraordinary.
• Chefchaouen is heavily touristed but the medina is authentic — the blue paint tradition has religious and aesthetic origins, not just tourist appeal. Arrive early morning or stay overnight for a different experience.
• Volubilis: The site covers a large area in full sun — bring sun protection and a water bottle. The best light for photography is early morning or late afternoon.
• Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD). Morocco has strict currency export controls — only exchange what you’ll spend and keep exchange receipts.