
Every Morocco expedition cannot go without visiting these magical places. You simply have to go there to get to know and experience and touch the history, culture and true atmosphere of Morocco. In the first episode – Fes.
Every Morocco expedition has to start somewhere. Although Morocco can be explored far and wide, the usual starting point for the expedition is the same – Tangier. It is to this port city in Morocco that most ports sail, but the further stages of the journey depend only on us.
During the Rayo Expedition 2024, we started our adventure with Morocco by choosing the direction south. Before we got there, we had to travel half of Europe and spend a few days on a ferry. The first real stage of the expedition was a trip to Chefchaouen. However, we will describe this beautiful city in another episode, which it fully deserves. From Chefchaouen we headed further south to…
Al-Karawijjin – meczet i najstarszy uniwersytet na świecie w jednym
Fes is a unique city that combines rich history, fascinating culture and the authentic atmosphere of traditional Morocco. It is not only a must-see for tourists, but also an ideal place to stop during long expeditions such as Rayo Expedition.
The city of Fes is a kind of gateway to the vast expanses of the desert areas of Morocco, such as Erg Chebbi, Erg Chigaga or the hamadas, and this is where we were heading during our adventure. However, Fez is not only a transit point, but also a unique place full of magic. Why is Fes worth visiting? Here is a full guide that will answer all your questions.
Fes is one of the oldest and best-preserved cities in the Arab world. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, it delights with medieval architecture, labyrinths of narrow streets and authentic crafts that can be found on every corner, street and square.
Although it has over a million inhabitants, it is a city that allows you to feel the real Morocco, far from the commercialism and crowds that we find in Marrakesh, for example. For off-road teams such as Rayo Expedition, Fes is a natural stop on the way south – a place to regenerate, get to know the local culture and prepare for the challenges of the desert routes.
Bab Bu Dżelud – mury obronne z przejściem do Medyny
When traveling to Fes by off-road vehicle, you have several accommodation options, adapted to different needs. You can choose between campsites, hotels and riads – depending on your requirements. From the following, you will certainly choose the most suitable accommodation for your needs and requirements:
Camping Diamant Vert
o Location: Quiet area on the outskirts of Fes.
o Facilities: Places for off-road vehicles and campers, showers, toilets, access to electricity.
o Why is it worth it? Quiet surroundings, ideal for relaxation and calm, catching up after a long journey.
Camping International de Fès
o Location: Close to the center of Fes and the medina.
o Facilities: Electricity, toilets, easy access to the city.
o Why is it worth it? A good place to stay if you plan to explore the medina intensively. Here you will spend the night in the very center of the action.
Camping Ain Chgagg
o Location: About 15 km from Fes.
o Facilities: Quiet atmosphere, places for off-road vehicles, access to water and electricity.
o Why is it worth it? If you like peace and quiet, this is the place for you. Away from the city in the middle of nowhere. Great for those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city.
drogowskazy mogą podpowiedzieć mniej zorientowanym jak odnaleźć się w chaosie tego miasta – Rayo Morocco Expedition 2024
Riad Fes Maya
o Description: A luxurious riad in the medina, offering beautifully decorated rooms, typical Moroccan architecture and local cuisine.
o Why is it worth it? A perfect experience of authentic Moroccan style in the heart of Fes.
Palais Ommeyad Suites & Spa
o Description: A hotel combining modern comfort with traditional style. It offers a spa, pool and restaurant.
o Why choose it? Ideal for those looking to relax in luxury after days spent in the desert and rejuvenate in the spa.
Dar Bensouda
o Description: A charming riad in the medina, with a terrace overlooking the city and a warm atmosphere.
o Why choose it? An intimate setting in the heart of the medina.
Architektura jednego z najstarszych arabskich miast zadziwia
Fes was founded in 789 by Idris I and its development dates back to the 9th century, when Idris II made the city the first capital of Morocco. Since then, Fez has become a commercial, religious and intellectual centre of the Maghreb (a region stretching across northwestern Africa – present-day Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia). It was here that Al-Karaouyyin, the oldest university in the world, was founded and is still in operation today.
In the Middle Ages, the city attracted scholars, artists and merchants from all over the world, which shaped its unique character. On the other hand, Fes, as a holy city in the Middle Ages, was considered one of the most fanatical Islamic cities.
Throughout the next millennium, Fes was at the center of events in this region of Morocco. Alternately, it lost its status as the capital with Marrakesh, only to regain it under the rule of other dynasties, then was again the subject of fights and riots, and became the capital again.
Historical turmoil and changes among the ruling dynasties contributed to both the size and development of Fez and its problems, but today Fez is still one of the most important cities in the region – a cultural, spiritual and scientific capital.
Although formally the capital was moved to Rabat during the colonial period by the French, Fes’s status as one of the most important cities in North Africa remains unchanged.
The best time to visit Fes is in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). During these periods, the weather is mild, with temperatures around 20-25°C. In summer, temperatures can exceed 35°C, making sightseeing difficult. In winter, on the other hand, nights can be cool, although there is less tourist traffic and prices are lower.
Rzemiosło w czystej postaci
For teams like Rayo Expedition, who travel across Morocco in 4×4 vehicles, Fes is a strategic point on the route from the ports of Tangier and Ceuta south towards desert areas such as Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga. The city’s location makes it a natural stopover where you can refuel, rest and immerse yourself in Moroccan culture. The route from Fes takes you through the picturesque Atlas Mountains to reach vast desert areas, including rocky hamadas.
Fes is the culinary capital of Morocco, offering both traditional dishes and local specialities:
• Bastilla: Filo pastry with chicken, almonds, cinnamon and powdered sugar – a combination of sweet and salty.
• Tajine: Different versions of stews, such as lamb and prunes.
• Harira: Soup with chickpeas and lentils, served with dates.
• Seffa: Sweet couscous with cinnamon and raisins. Don’t forget to try fresh juices, mint tea and local sweets such as chebakia and makroudh.
Owoce w Maroko są tanie, soczyste i smaczne
Fes is a paradise for lovers of handicrafts and local products:
Dywany to jeden z najpopularniejszych towarów handlowych w Fezie
Fes is a city that should be visited by anyone who wants to experience authentic Morocco. History, culture, cuisine and amazing views make Fez unforgettable. For participants of expeditions such as Rayo Expedition, it is a place that allows for a moment of rest and getting to know the spiritual capital of the country. This is a city ideal for shopping, photography and immersion in the local atmosphere.
This is a must-see on every Morocco expedition, regardless of whether you are traveling as a tourist or like the Rayo Expedition team – off-road style. Not only is the city full of history and attractions, it also fits perfectly into the route from the ports to the south of the country, towards the majestic desert areas such as Erg Chebbi, Erg Chigaga and the rocky hamadas. Fes is the essence of Morocco and should not be missed.
Biwak pod gołym niebem pozwala nabrać dystansu