Fes The Mediterranean Coast And The Rif, Morocco Travel Guide
This city is a place of deep traditions and warm hospitality. You find yourself drawn into its rhythm, whether exploring the famous tanneries, sipping mint tea in a quiet riad courtyard, or bargaining for treasures in the souks. Fes is a testament to Morocco's enduring heritage, a destination where old-world charm meets everyday activity. An experience stays with you, long after you leave its ancient gates.
Fes, or Fez, sits in the north-central part of Morocco, within the Fès-Meknès administrative region. It is an inland city, about 180 kilometers (110 miles) east of the Atlantic Ocean.
To its west lie the Middle Atlas Mountains, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) away. The Mediterranean coast is approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) to the north. The city rests in a valley, with the Oued Fes (Fes River) flowing through it. Its elevation is roughly 410 meters (1,350 feet) above sea level. North of Fes, the Rif mountain range stretches, acting as a natural barrier between the city and the Mediterranean Sea. This inland position gives Fes a distinct climate and character, different from Morocco's coastal cities. The surrounding plains are fertile, supporting the region's agricultural economy. The geographical setting, nestled between mountains and fertile lands, historically made Fes a strategic trade and cultural hub.
Fes boasts a long and layered history. Idris I founded the city in the 8th century, and it later served as Morocco's capital multiple times under the Idrisids, Marinids, and Alaouites dynasties. This history shaped Fes into a center of learning, culture, and trade. The University of Al-Karaouine, established in 859 CE, stands in Fes. UNESCO and Guinness World Records recognize it as the oldest continually operating higher education institution globally. This university made Fes a symbol Islamic scholarship, drawing students and scholars for centuries. The city's intellectual influence spread far and wide, contributing significantly to Islamic civilization.
Fes el-Bali, the old medina of Fes, holds UNESCO World Heritage status. It is one of the largest car-free urban areas worldwide. This medina retains much of its medieval layout and atmosphere. Its narrow, winding alleys, ancient gates, and traditional workshops offer a direct connection to the past.
Tourism, traditional crafts (leather, pottery, textiles), and agriculture.
Moroccan Dirham (MAD or Dh)
Moroccan Arabic (Darija)
Berber also spoken; French widely understood; English increasingly common.
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), UTC+0, with seasonal daylight saving time.
The city's sustained importance as a religious, academic, and artisan hub has kept its historical character alive, making it an unique example of a preserved medieval city.
Fes is renowned for its traditional crafts, including intricate leather goods from its famous tanneries, exquisite pottery, and hand-woven textiles.
Image: A wide shot of the Fes medina at sunset, showing the sprawling city and rooftops.
