Fes travel guide and discussion

Guys, I've been back from Morocco for a week, and my soul still hasn't returned 😤 I really don't recommend going lightly, because once you go, you'll never want to leave! It's not that it's a trap; it's just that this place is so magical and comfortable, the aftereffects are stronger than a breakup. 🏷️ Marrakech ✨ Highlights Jemaa el-Fnaa comes alive in the evening; the atmosphere, mixed with the scent of spices, feels like stepping into a story from One Thousand and One Nights. The Majorelle Blue at the Majorelle Garden is breathtakingly beautiful, and the play of light and shadow is just perfect. 🗺️ Itinerary The best way to explore the Medina is by wandering around on foot; don't obsess over navigation. 🍲 Food Recommendations You must try the freshly squeezed orange juice. A huge cup in the square costs just a few bucks and is sweet enough to melt your heart. ⚠️ Travel Tips For kids offering to show you the way or people who offer to take your photo, just smile, wave, and decline. Don't accept anything "free." 🏷️ Fes ✨ Highlights Diving into the 9,000 alleys of the old city is like playing a real-life maze. The view overlooking the leather tanneries is stunning, even if the smell is intense. 🗺️ Itinerary Hire a car and have the driver take you to the top of the hill for a panoramic view of the old city; it's gorgeous at sunset. 🍲 Food Recommendations Find a rooftop restaurant and try the tagine; the slow-cooked beef with prunes melts in your mouth. ⚠️ Travel Tips They'll hand out mint leaves at the entrance to the tanneries. Don't try to tough it out; the smell is really overpowering. 🏷️ Chefchaouen ✨ Highlights The whole world seems to have been splashed with blue paint. The stairs, door frames, and cats all look like they walked out of an oil painting. Every photo you snap is wallpaper-worthy. 🗺️ Itinerary I recommend staying for one night; the empty blue-and-white town in the early morning truly belongs to you. 🍲 Food Recommendations Goat cheese with flatbread—simple, but the more you chew, the better it tastes. ⚠️ Travel Tips Locals don't like cameras shoved in their faces, so just stick to photographing the street scenes and the cats. 🏷️ Sahara Desert ✨ Highlights Ride a camel into the desert to watch the sunset. At night, lying on the dunes watching the Milky Way—it looks like someone scattered crushed diamonds—and listening to the Berber drums by the campfire will help you completely unwind. 🗺️ Itinerary Booking a 3-day, 2-night private tour is the most comfortable way to go; no need to rough it. 🍲 Food Recommendations The flatbread baked at the campsite tastes extra delicious when eaten with a bit of sand and the evening breeze. ⚠️ Travel Tips The temperature difference between day and night is huge, so bring both a down jacket and dresses. A headscarf is essential to protect against wind and sand. Morocco is truly an addictive drug. Every city is like opening a blind box, with one surprise after another. I'm back, but my heart is still in the Sahara counting stars ✨

The smell of spices, labyrinths, donkeys instead of cars, and the feeling of being transported to the Middle Ages)) 🕌 We'll start at the Bab Bou Jeloud Gate, the main entrance to the Fes el-Bali medina. The outside is lined with azure mosaics (the symbol of Fez), and the inside is green (the color of Islam). It's best to arrive before 9 a.m. to take photos without the crowds)) 📍GPS: 34.0617° N, 4.9841° W 🕌The Bou Inania Madrasa is a masterpiece of 14th-century Marinid architecture. It is one of the few active religious sites in Morocco that admits non-Muslims. Here, you should pay attention to the filigree cedar carvings, stucco calligraphy, and the intricate geometry of zellige tiles.💚 📍GPS: 34.0622° N, 4.9828° W 🕌Al Quaraouiyine University and Mosque. The oldest functioning university in the world. Founded in 859, and by a WOMAN, no less! Although only Muslims are allowed inside, you can peer through the open carved doors into the courtyard with its white marble fountains. 📍GPS: 34.0644° N, 4.9733° W 🕌Chouara Tannery. Well, this is the city's calling card, where leather is tanned using 11th-century techniques. It's here that the giant stone vats containing natural dyes are located. 📍GPS: 34.0661° N, 4.9710° W 🕌 Sunset at the Marinid Tombs is the final panoramic chord of the day. From here, you can see the entire medina, its rooftops turning golden, and the evening call to prayer echoing from all sides... 📍GPS: 34.0679° N, 4.9785° W p.s. And a final tip: connection often drops in the medina's alleys, so it's best to download offline maps.me or organic Maps in advance and enter all the coordinates. #feztravel #moroccotravel #visitmorocco #fezedbali #chouaratannery

#citybreakvsnatureescape If you're choosing between a city break and a nature escape, Fes is for the travellers who love getting lost in history. Walking through the UNESCO-listed Medina of Fes feels like stepping back in time. Narrow alleyways, colourful souks, centuries-old madrasas and the scent of leather and spices make every turn a new discovery. There’s no perfect route here—the magic is simply wandering. ✨ Highlights Explore the maze-like Medina Admire traditional Moroccan architecture Visit the famous Chouara Tannery Shop for handmade ceramics, leather and local crafts My tip: Put Google Maps away for a while. Some of the best cafés, hidden courtyards and photo spots are found when you accidentally take the wrong street. Fes isn’t about dramatic landscapes—it’s about culture, history and experiencing the heart of Morocco, one alley at a time. #Fes #Morocco #MoroccoTravel #FesMedina #TravelKOL #TravelInspiration #CulturalTravel #BucketList

🇲🇦 Moroccan Architecture Morocco is where architecture feels like art—every arch, mosaic, courtyard, and carved doorway tells a story. Moroccan architecture is a beautiful blend of Islamic, Moorish, Berber, Andalusian, and North African influences, known for its intricate details, vibrant colors, geometric patterns, and peaceful courtyards. ✨ Signature features: · 🕌 Zellige — colorful hand-cut geometric mosaic tiles · 🏛️ Riads — traditional homes built around a central courtyard or garden · 🌿 Courtyards & fountains — designed to create shade, privacy, and coolness · 🧱 Tadelakt — smooth, polished traditional Moroccan plaster · 🚪 Elaborate arches & carved doors · 🌸 Geometric and floral motifs inspired by Islamic art · 🟦 Blue, green, terracotta & earthy tones commonly used in interiors and facades · 🕌 Decorative minarets, often square-shaped in traditional Moroccan style 📍 Where to experience it Marrakech — colorful riads, palaces, mosques and the famous red/pink architecture Fes — exceptional traditional craftsmanship and historic medina architecture Chefchaouen — distinctive blue-painted streets and buildings Casablanca — a mix of traditional Moroccan and modern architecture, including Hassan II Mosque Meknes — monumental gates and imperial architecture Aït Benhaddou — traditional earthen architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site

When people plan a trip to Morocco, they almost always book it straight to the frenetic energy of Marrakech or Fes, which leaves Chefchaouen feeling refreshingly underrated. Tucked high up in the Rif Mountains, this town feels like stepping inside a living, breathing painting where almost every wall, doorway, and staircase is washed in dreamy shades of cobalt and powder blue. The story goes that Spanish-Jewish refugees painted the buildings blue back in the 15th century to symbolise heaven, and the tradition stuck. Beyond the surreal visuals, what makes it so special is its laid-back atmosphere. There are no fast-talking sellers pulling you into carpet shops or aggressive traffic noise; instead, you get quiet cobblestone alleys, hanging flower pots popping against indigo backdrops, and the cool mountain breeze rolling over red-tiled roofs. Getting here is part of the magic, and it keeps the massive tour bus crowds away. Your best move is taking a comfortable, air-conditioned CTM bus from Tangier for about 50 to 70 Moroccan Dirham (around $5 to $7 USD), which takes roughly three scenic hours through the countryside. Once you arrive, you can explore almost everything on foot without spending a dime on local transport. For a local tip, ditch the map and spend your morning getting intentionally lost in the upper medina where the blue walls are brightest. Grab a freshly squeezed orange juice for under a dollar from street vendors, and hit the short trail up to the Spanish Mosque just before golden hour. The view looking down over the blue valley as the sun sets and the evening call to prayer echoes across the mountains is absolute perfection. The real secret to loving Chefchaouen is how gentle it is on your wallet. You can easily travel here on a budget of $30 to $45 USD a day without feeling like you are cutting corners. Charming family-run riads inside the medina offer private rooms with rooftop terraces starting at just $15 to $25 per night. Food is equally cheap and delicious; you can feast on a steaming hot vegetable or chicken tagine served with fresh bread for around 35 to 50 Dirhams ($3.50 to $5 USD) at neighborhood spots away from the main square. Pair that with a pot of sweet mint tea for less than a dollar, and you are golden. If you want a break from the major tourist hubs, Chefchaouen gives you rich culture, stunning scenery, and serious peace of mind without breaking the bank. #Chefchaouen #BluePearl #MoroccoTravel #UnderratedDestinationsns #BudgetTraveler #RifMountains #TravelMorocco #underratedspots

Rabat offers an incredibly laid-back contrast to the chaos of Marrakech or Fes. Walking down the massive stone stairways along the fortified walls or looking out over the Atlantic Ocean and the Bou Regreg river with traditional fishing boats floating below, you get a perfect mix of ancient imperial history, coastal breeze, and serene street art vibes. If you're planning a trip here, local insight makes all the difference! First off, ditch the rush and wander through the Kasbah on foot early in the morning or near sunset when the warm light hits the sandstone ramparts. Pop into a traditional cliffside café for fresh mint tea and local almond pastries while taking in views of the river mouth. Unlike other Moroccan destinations, Rabat’s UNESCO-listed Old Medina is remarkably relaxed and authentic, meaning shopkeepers won't aggressively push you to buy rugs or leather goods, though friendly bargaining is still welcome if you do. For a quiet escape right in the middle of the city, wander into the Andalusian Gardens hidden inside the Kasbah walls. When it comes to your travel wallet, Rabat is wonderfully budget-friendly and gives you serious bang for your buck! Major iconic sites like the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Kasbah of the Udayas with its gardens are completely free to enter. If you want to check out paid historical sites like the Chellah Necropolis or the National Jewellery Museum, expect ticket fees around 60 to 70 MAD (~$6–$7 USD). Daily expenses stay low too: cozy traditional riads or budget hotels cost around $40–$70 USD a night, street snacks like fresh orange juice or warm makouda cost under $2 USD, and a full tagine dinner at a local spot sits around $8–$15 USD. Getting around is equally cheap—trams and local red petit taxis around town usually cost just $1–$3 USD per ride. #Rabat #VisitMorocco #KasbahOfTheUdayas #HassanTower #TravelMorocco #ExploreMorocco #MoroccanArchitecture #HiddenGems #CulturalTravel #Wanderlust

If you want to experience the best of Morocco in one trip—the ocean, the imperial cities, the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the atmospheric Fes, and vibrant Marrakech—save this itinerary! ✈️ 📍 Day 1 — Casablanca → Rabat Arrive in Casablanca and explore the city. After a walk, head to Rabat and check into your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a stroll to feel the atmosphere of the Moroccan capital. 🌆 🛏 Overnight in Rabat. 📍 Day 2 — Rabat → Tangier → Chefchaouen Spend the morning exploring Rabat: the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Hassan Tower, and the capital's beautiful streets. In the afternoon, head to Tangier and then on to the famous blue city of Chefchaouen. 💙 🛏 Overnight in Chefchaouen. 📍 Day 3 — Chefchaouen → Fes Spend the morning in Chefchaouen—stroll through the incredibly photogenic blue streets, browse the small shops, and enjoy the views. 📸💙 Then, travel to Fes. After checking in, take a night walk through the Fes Medina. Experience a totally different vibe: narrow alleys, lights, shops, and constant movement. 🛏 Overnight in Fes. 📍 Day 4 — Fes A full day to explore Fes—one of Morocco's most vibrant cities. Don't miss the famous leather tanneries, madrasas, artisan workshops, and the ancient medina streets. 🕌 🛏 Overnight in Fes. 📍 Day 5 — Fes → Ifrane → Marrakech A long but scenic drive to Marrakech via Ifrane—a unique town often called "Moroccan Switzerland." 🏔️ After arrival, check into your hotel and take an evening walk through Marrakech. The main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, turns into a real spectacle at night: music, street performers, vendors, the aroma of spices, and a massive crowd. 🌙 🛏 Overnight in Marrakech. 📍 Day 6 — Essaouira 🌊 A full-day trip to the atmospheric town of Essaouira on the Atlantic coast. You'll find the ocean, fortress walls, a fishing harbor, the medina, and famous filming locations for *Game of Thrones*. 🌊⚔️ Return to Marrakech in the evening. 🛏 Overnight in Marrakech. 📍 Day 7 — Marrakech → Airport Dedicate your last day entirely to Marrakech. ❤️ Visit the Bahia Palace, Majorelle Garden, and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, wander through the medina and markets for souvenirs, and soak up the Moroccan atmosphere one last time. 🌴🕌 Following the tour, return to the airport. ✨ 7-DAY SUMMARY: Casablanca → Rabat → Tangier → Chefchaouen → Fes → Ifrane → Marrakech → Essaouira. This trip is for those who want to do more than just see Morocco—they want to feel its diversity: the Atlantic Ocean 🌊, blue cities 💙, ancient medinas 🕌, mountains 🏔️, oriental bazaars 🧿, and the incredible Marrakech ❤️🇲🇦 📌 Save this itinerary—it will be useful when planning your trip to Morocco!

Some destinations are like durian—those who love it, really love it, and those who don't, stay as far away as possible—North Africa seems to be just that kind of place! Sasha spent ten days road-tripping through Morocco and unexpectedly discovered that this North African kaleidoscope was truly surprising, shattering many of my prejudices. Starting with the French-style old dreams of Casablanca, we drove clockwise, from the capital Rabat to Tangier, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea; then heading south, we experienced the charm of the White City, Tétouan, and felt the blue fantasy in the Blue City, Chefchaouen; we saw the 2,000-year-old Roman ruins at the Volubilis site; in Fes, we caught a whiff of the "stinky city's" unique scent; and finally, in Marrakech, we got lost in the artistic atmosphere of the Red City. After watching these three minutes, leave a comment and tell us if this is your cup of tea!

If you want to experience the true spirit of Morocco, head to Fez—one of the country's most atmospheric and historic cities. Here you can spend hours wandering the ancient medina, getting lost in the narrow alleys and always discovering something new. 🕌✨ 📍 What to see in Fez: 🕌 1. Medina of Fes el-Bali The city's main treasure is a vast medieval labyrinth of thousands of streets, shops, workshops, and ancient houses. It's easy to get lost here... and that's where the magic lies! 🚪 2. Bab Bou Jeloud—Blue Gate One of the most recognizable symbols of Fez. The magnificent mosaics and famous blue façade are a must-see for photos. 💙 🎨 3. Chouara Tanneries The famous multicolored vats where leather is still processed in the traditional way. A truly unique and memorable sight! 🏺 4. Moroccan Ceramics Factory Here you can see how artisans handcraft painted plates, tagines, cups, and the famous zellige mosaic tiles. And pick up a beautiful souvenir at the same time. ✨ 🌿 5. Traditional Moroccan Tea in a Riad Mint tea, oriental sweets, carved doors, mosaics, and the incredible atmosphere of an old house. This isn't just tea—it's a true Moroccan ritual. 🍵 🏛️ 6. Bou-Inania Madrasa A beautiful historical complex with carved wood, mosaics, and traditional Moroccan ornamentation. 🌙 7. Medina at Night After sunset, Fez becomes completely different. The streets empty, the shops close, the lanterns come on—and a walk turns into a real adventure. Just remember your way back! 😄 🌄 8. Viewpoints in Fez Rise above the city to see the vastness of the Medina. From above, Fez looks like a true medieval fairytale. ✨ Fez is a city you can't just see. You have to experience it. Here, the scents of spices, the aroma of mint, the sound of artisan workshops, vibrant colors, ancient architecture, and true Moroccan hospitality mingle. 🇲🇦❤️ 📸 Save this list and go explore Fez! Where in Fez would you like to visit first? 👇 #fes #morocco #oldtownvibes #moroccotravel #moroccohistory #oldtown #medina

If you want to experience the true heart of Moroccan craftsmanship, a visit to a ceramics workshop in Fez is a must! Here, a simple lump of clay is transformed into a true work of art. The most incredible part is that the masters still perform almost every step by hand. 🤲✨ First, the clay is shaped, then dried and fired. Afterward, it’s glazed and hand-painted with traditional Moroccan motifs. The geometric patterns, vibrant colors, and delicate lines define this unique style of pottery that you won't find anywhere else. 💙💚💛 🍽️ At these workshops, you can watch the creation of: · Plates and serving dishes · Cups and teapots · Decorative vases · Traditional tagines · Zellige mosaic tiles · Various home décor souvenirs Watching the artists at work is a highlight—some of the patterns are so intricate and tiny that it’s hard to believe they are painted by hand! 😍 📸 Tip: Be sure to snap some photos! The rows of colorful ceramics make for an incredibly vivid and photogenic backdrop. ✨ Fez is more than just its ancient Medina; it’s a city where centuries-old traditions are kept alive by the hands of modern-day artisans. 📍 Fez, Morocco 🇲🇦 💙 This is the perfect spot to pick up an authentic Moroccan souvenir and appreciate the immense skill and effort that goes into every single plate.

If you think there's nothing left to surprise you about in the Medina of Fez, be sure to visit the famous tanneries! 😍 Here, leather has been processed and dyed for centuries using a traditional method that has remained virtually unchanged for hundreds of years. And from above, one of the observation decks offers an incredible view: dozens of round stone vats filled with dyes—from yellow and orange to red, blue, and green. 🌈 The most famous are the Choura Tannery, located right in the heart of the old Medina. 👜 After processing, the leather is transformed into beautiful Moroccan products: bags, belts, wallets, poufs, and the famous leather babouches. 👃 But there's one catch! The traditional process has a rather strong odor—especially due to the natural materials used in processing the leather. That's why visitors to the observation decks are often offered fresh mint to mask the aroma. 🌿😄 📸 Travel tip: climb up to the terrace of one of the tanneries – it's from there that you'll get that famous view of the colorful vats. ✨ This place is simultaneously surprising, a little shocking, and definitely memorable. 📍 Chouara Tannery, Fez, Morocco 🇲🇦 Fez is a city where even leather production is a true work of art. #Fes #morocco #moroccotravel #moroccomagic #moroccohistory #moroccanculture #medina #oldtown

Turn off the touristy street and enter Morocco's Medina—and it feels like you've stepped right into an Eastern fairytale... And it's even easier to imagine yourself as Jade, the heroine of the legendary TV series "Clone." 💃🏻✨ Narrow streets, colorful doors, carved arches, bright fabrics, lanterns, the scent of spices and Eastern sweets... Every turn here feels like a scene from a movie. 🕌🌿 And the most amazing thing is that in the Medina, you don't feel like rushing at all. You can simply wander through the labyrinth of streets, examining the details, peering into small shops, and soaking up that very Eastern atmosphere. 🌙 Imagine yourself in a long, flowing dress, with a beautiful headscarf, among these ancient walls... And music is playing somewhere nearby, and all around you is true Morocco. 💛 If you loved "Clone," a stroll through the Medina will definitely make you feel like you've stepped into an Eastern story for a few hours. 📍 Morocco | Medina 📸 Save a spot for your Jade-style photoshoot! Morocco isn't just about travel. Sometimes it's an opportunity to become the heroine of your own oriental fairytale for a day. ✨🇲🇦 #morocco #moroccotravel #moroccomagic #fes #oldtown #medina #moroccohistory

During the day, the Fez Medina seems simply incredible. But at night... it's a completely different world. 🌙✨ As darkness falls, the shops close, the crowds dwindle, and the endless narrow streets become immersed in semi-darkness. And then you realize: where, exactly, is the exit? 😳 Fes el-Bali is a true labyrinth. There are hundreds of alleys, turns, and dead ends, and some streets are so narrow that they seem deliberately designed to confuse travelers. 🚪It is said that the Fez Medina is intertwined with about 9,400 streets and alleys—a true medieval labyrinth where it's easy to get lost! And the most interesting thing is that historically, the medina gates were closed at night. Therefore, an evening stroll here requires a little more attention: finding the right exit in an unfamiliar labyrinth can be quite challenging. 📍 We walked along these streets, constantly checking our direction, and each new turn looked almost the same. One alley... two... three... and it's completely unclear where we came from. 😂 But that's precisely the magic of Fez at night. ✨ The silence, the ancient walls, the lantern light, the closed doors of the riads—it feels like you're inside a medieval film. ⚠️ Tip: If you're visiting the Medina in the evening, be sure to remember which gate you entered through, save the waypoint on the map, and don't expect to find your way out intuitively. And if you're here for the first time, it's best to walk with a local guide. ❤️ Fez at night is an adventure. The main thing is to remember to find your way back! Would you dare venture into this labyrinth after dark? 👇 #morocco #moroccotravel #moroccanarchitecture #fes #medina #oldtown #nighttrip

There are traditions you want to experience, not just see. In Fez, such a moment is a true Moroccan tea party in a riad—amid the carved doors, zellige mosaics, soft pillows, and warm atmosphere of the old city. The star here is the famous Moroccan mint tea 🇲🇦🌿. It is brewed with green tea and plenty of fresh mint, generously adding sugar. But the special part of the ritual is the serving itself: the tea is poured from a beautiful metal teapot into small glass cups, often raising the teapot high above the cup. In a riad, everything becomes a small ceremony: leisurely conversation, sweets, the aroma of fresh mint, and the feeling that time has stood still. 💚 ☕ What should you try with your tea? 🥮 Traditional Moroccan pastries 🌰 Nuts and dried fruits 🍯 Oriental sweets ✨ Tip: If you're in Fez, be sure to make time for tea at a riad. It's more than just a drink—it's an opportunity to experience true Moroccan culture and the country's famous hospitality. 📍 Fez, Morocco #Fes #morocco #moroccotravel #travelmorocco #moroccoadventure #oldcity #tea #riyadh

Imagine a place where you wander through the labyrinth of an ancient medina in the morning, sip aromatic mint tea on a terrace during the day, and watch the sunset over the golden sands of the Sahara in the evening... 🌅🐪 Welcome to Morocco—a land of vibrant colors, oriental souks, ocean, mountains, and an incredible atmosphere. 🕌 Marrakech—the red city with bustling souks, palaces, and Jemaa el-Fna square, which comes alive in the evening. 💙 Chefchaouen—the famous "blue city," where almost every street becomes a perfect photo location. 🌊 Essaouira—a cozy coastal town with white and blue houses, an ocean breeze, and a relaxed atmosphere. 🏔️ The Atlas Mountains—waterfalls, picturesque villages, and stunning panoramas that are completely unlike the Africa we're used to. 🐪 Sahara – an overnight stay in a desert camp, a camel ride, and a sunset over endless dunes. An experience you'll remember for a long time. 🏛️ Fez is a true portal to the past: one of the most atmospheric medinas in the world, artisan workshops, and ancient streets. 🍊 Morocco also means mint tea, aromatic tagine, couscous, oranges, spices, and markets where you want to examine every detail. ✨ Why should you go? Because Morocco cannot be described in a single photograph. Every city has its own character, every market has its own aroma, and every sunset seems a little surreal. 🔥 This week, I'll be publishing posts about the most vibrant cities in Morocco. Follow and follow along – let's discover this wonderful country together ❤️ #Morocco #Travel #TravelInspiration #Marrakech #Chefchaouen #Sahara #Africa #fes

⭐️ Top 5 things to do in Morocco Marrakech 🕌 — Explore the colorful souks, Jemaa el-Fnaa, palaces and beautiful riads. Sahara Desert 🐪 — Take a desert excursion near Merzouga, ride camels and spend a night in a luxury desert camp. Chefchaouen 💙 — Walk through the famous blue-painted streets and enjoy the mountain scenery. Fes 🏛 — Discover one of the world's largest historic medinas and traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. Casablanca 🌊 — Visit the spectacular Hassan II Mosque and enjoy the Atlantic coast. 🗺 Best first-time route Casablanca → Marrakech → Sahara Desert → Fes → Chefchaouen Best for: 🕌 culture + 🐪 desert + 🍲 food + 🏜 adventure + 📸 photography. Ideal trip: 8–12 days. #morocco🇲🇦 #travel #couplestrip #familytravel #solotravel #africatravel #beachlife #seascapes #naturalwonders #thingstodo #myitinerary #casablanca #localfood #culture #summervacation

Imagine a city where you turn a corner — and instead of the usual white or sandy walls, you're greeted by blue stairs, blue doors, blue walls, and even blue alleyways. And now picture this entire city clinging to the slopes of the Rif Mountains, surrounded by lush green peaks. This is Chefchaouen, or as it's known in Morocco, the "blue diamond." And no, the photos here aren't heavily edited with filters. The city really is that blue. But the most interesting question is — why? ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 💙 WHY IS CHEFCHAOUEN BLUE? Here’s where it gets interesting. There isn’t just one definitively confirmed theory. The most famous story is tied to the Jewish communities that settled in Chefchaouen in the 20th century. According to this version, the blue color symbolized the sky and the spiritual realm. There are other explanations too: some link the color to keeping the heat at bay, others say it repels mosquitoes, while some believe painting things blue simply evolved into a local tradition over time. That’s why I wouldn’t say: "the city is blue for one specific reason." Most likely, it’s a natural blend of history, culture, and local tradition that came together over time. Today, locals continue to keep this unique vibe alive by regularly giving their houses a fresh coat of blue paint. And that’s exactly why Chefchaouen looks like a movie set. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🏔️ WHERE IS THIS CITY LOCATED? Chefchaouen is nestled in northern Morocco, right in the Rif Mountains, not far from the Mediterranean coast. And its location is exactly what makes it even more beautiful. This isn't just a flat city where they simply painted the houses. It literally climbs up and cascades down the mountainside. Because of this, streets turn into steep staircases, houses are stacked on top of one another, and stunning mountain views constantly peek through the blue walls. Sometimes you’ll be walking down a narrow alley and suddenly catch a glimpse of a lush green valley far below. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 📸 WHERE TO FIND THE BEST SPOTS? Here’s my top tip: don't come to Chefchaouen just for that one viral photo. The real beauty here is simply wandering around. 💙 MEDINA The heart of the city. Narrow blue alleys, stairways, intricate doors, potted plants, tiny workshops, and houses that seem to blend right into each other. The most atmospheric streets aren't necessarily where the biggest crowds of tourists are. So sometimes, it pays off to just ditch the main drag and climb a little higher. The further you get from the main square, the more you feel like you've stepped into a real, living neighborhood rather than a tourist backdrop. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🏘️ PLAZA UTA EL-HAMMAM The main square of the old medina. It’s the perfect spot to take a breather, order a traditional mint tea, and just people-watch. Right next door is the Kasbah — a historic fortress complete with gardens and a museum. But even if you decide to skip going inside, the square itself is a great starting point for your medina stroll. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 💦 RAS EL-MAA Now, this is a spot I definitely wouldn't skip. On the eastern edge of the medina, water flows right out of the mountains — this is Ras El-Maa, one of the city's natural mountain springs. Water rushes over the rocks, tiny cafes dot the area, and the mountains tower over it all. This is also the starting point for the hike to one of Chefchaouen’s best viewpoints. It’s here that it clicks why the city was built in this exact spot: blue houses + fresh water + mountains. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌄 SPANISH MOSQUE — THE BEST VIEW OF CHEFCHAOUEN If you want to take in the entire "blue city" at a glance, head up to the Spanish Mosque, also known as Bouzaafar. It sits on a hill just east of the medina. The trail kicks off from the Ras El-Maa area — it takes about 20–40 minutes on foot, depending on your pace and how many times you stop to catch your breath. And this is where you're rewarded with that iconic view that brings so many people to Chefchaouen: 💙 the blue medina 🏔️ the Rif Mountains 🌿 the green slopes 🏘️ the houses cascading down the hillside You get to see all of this at once. 🌅 The best time to go is closer to sunset. But if you want to dodge the crowds, going in the morning is a solid choice. And make sure to bring water and wear comfy shoes: the hike isn't extreme, but the path can get a bit rocky and uneven. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 📷 AND WHERE ARE THE MOST PHOTOGENIC STREETS? A little secret: don't waste time hunting for the "most beautiful blue door." In Chefchaouen, the next gorgeous spot could literally be right around the corner. The upper parts of the medina, the stairways, and the streets closer to Ras El-Maa are especially stunning. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🧭 HOW TO GET TO CHEFCHAOUEN? The easiest route for first-timers is traveling through Tangier or Fes. ✈️ OPTION 1 — VIA TANGIER If you fly into Tangier, you can hop on a bus straight to Chefchaouen. Based on the current CTM schedule, the ride takes about 2–2.5 hours, and tickets start around 85 MAD. This is one of the most hassle-free ways to get there. 🚆 OPTION 2 — VIA FES You can easily pair Chefchaouen with Fes. Direct buses run from Fes to Chefchaouen, and the trip takes around 4.5 hours. This works perfectly if your itinerary looks something like this: Marrakech → Fes → Chefchaouen → Tangier This way, you keep moving north without having to backtrack. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🛏️ HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED? 1 day You can squeeze in the medina, Ras El-Maa, and the hike up to the Spanish Mosque. But it’s going to be pretty rushed. 2 days — ⭐ MY TOP PICK First day: 💙 the medina 🏘️ Uta el-Hammam 💦 Ras El-Maa 🌄 Spanish Mosque The second day can be all about exploring the surrounding areas. For example, head out to Akchour — a mountainous region famous for its waterfalls and scenic hiking trails. That’s when Chefchaouen transforms from just a "blue city" into a full-blown adventure in the Rif Mountains. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🥾 IF YOU’RE CRAVING NATURE Chefchaouen is an absolute dream for those who love mixing city vibes with the great outdoors. It's surrounded by the Rif Mountains and Talassemtane National Park. You can go trekking, chase the waterfalls in Akchour, or simply spend the day unplugged in the mountains. That’s exactly why I wouldn’t treat Chefchaouen as a quick pit stop just to snap some pics and leave. Spend at least one night here. Better yet, make it two. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🍊 WHAT ELSE SHOULD YOU TRY? Don't just stick to taking photos. Chefchaouen has an awesome local crafts scene. You can score some amazing finds here: 🧺 woven baskets 🧶 handmade woolens 🏺 pottery 👜 leather goods 🎨 traditional textiles And you absolutely have to dive into the local food scene. Tagine, couscous, freshly baked bread, and, of course, endless glasses of Moroccan mint tea. The best feeling is sitting on a tiny terrace after hours of walking, sipping tea, entirely surrounded by blue walls and mountains. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🇲🇦 MY ADVICE If you're putting together a Morocco itinerary, don’t treat Chefchaouen as just a "two-hour stop along the way." Book at least 1–2 nights here. Especially if your route takes you through Fes and Tangier. Because after the red hues of Marrakech, the vast Sahara desert, and the golden kasbahs, Chefchaouen will make you feel like you’ve been teleported to a completely different country. Except, it's still Morocco. And arguably, one of its most fascinating sides. 💙 💾 Save this post if you're planning a trip to Morocco — and send it to someone who still thinks Chefchaouen is a skip.

Morocco has Marrakech and Fez, but tucked into the Rif Mountains is a town that feels like a dream you never want to wake from. Chefchaouen is painted entirely in shades of blue. Cobalt, azure, powder, and indigo. Every wall, every stairway, every door. They say it began as a Jewish tradition to remind people of heaven. Whatever the reason, walking through these blue streets feels like stepping into the sky itself. Here is how to explore this azure labyrinth and save money with Trip.com. 1. The Blue Medina at Dawn: Before the Souks Wake The medina of Chefchaouen is small but disorienting. The narrow streets twist and turn, climb and descend, all in blue. By 9 AM, the alleys fill with day-trippers from Tangier and Fez. Come at sunrise instead. The blue walls glow in the soft pink light. Cats stretch on blue steps. Shopkeepers sip mint tea in their doorways. You will have the most photogenic town in Morocco almost to yourself. Pro Tip: Download the Trip.com offline map for Chefchaouen. The medina is a maze, and GPS works poorly in the narrow streets. The map shows you the most beautiful corners, including the famous blue stairway on Rue El Asri and the hidden courtyard of Place El Haouta. 2. The Spanish Mosque: Sunset Without the Crowds On a hill overlooking the town sits the Spanish Mosque, built in the 1920s but never used. The hike takes about 25 minutes. Go in the late afternoon. From the top, you see all of Chefchaouen spread below like a blue carpet, with the Rif Mountains rising behind. Stay for sunset. The call to prayer echoes across the valley, and the blue turns to violet, then to dark. Money Hack: The hike is free, but book a guided sunset walk through Trip.com if you want to learn about the town's history. Guides share stories about the Andalusian refugees who founded Chefchaouen and the Jewish families who brought the blue tradition. It costs little and adds depth to every photo you take. 3. The Cascades d'Akchour: Blue Pools Hidden in the Mountains Most visitors never leave the medina. They miss the most beautiful natural wonder in the region. A 45-minute drive from Chefchaouen brings you to Akchour, where the river has carved turquoise pools into the rock. The hike to the big waterfall takes about two hours, but the smaller pools are closer. Bring a swimsuit. The water is freezing and unforgettable. Budget Advice: Hire a shared taxi through Trip.com instead of a private driver. You split the cost with other travelers and pay a fraction of the price. The driver waits while you hike, and local guides sell fresh orange juice at the trailhead. Pack snacks. The food options near the falls are limited and overpriced. 4. Food That Tastes Like the Mountains Chefchaouen's cuisine is simple, fresh, and mountain-born. Try Tagine of Goat — slow-cooked with prunes, almonds, and a hint of cinnamon. Order Harira — a rich tomato and lentil soup served with dates and chebakia, a honey-soaked sesame cookie. And do not miss fresh goat cheese. Local farmers sell it in the morning market, wrapped in palm leaves. Where to Eat: Skip the rooftop restaurants on the main square. They charge for the view, not the food. Instead, find Restaurant Bab Ssour or Café Clock, where locals eat. The portions are generous, and the flavors are authentic. Check Trip.com for set menu deals — some places include tea and dessert when you book through the app. Where to Stay? Book on Trip.com a riad inside the medina. Look for something with a rooftop terrace. Waking up in a blue room, climbing to the roof, and seeing the mountains bathed in morning light is worth every dirham. Choose a riad in the Bab Souk or El Kharrazine neighborhood. These areas are quiet at night but close to everything. Conclusion: Chefchaouen is not a museum. It is a living town where children play football in blue alleys, where grandmothers hang laundry from blue balconies, and where the call to prayer bounces off blue walls. The blue is not for tourists. It is for the people who live there. It is their sky, their calm, their piece of paradise. Come with respect. Leave with wonder. The Blue City will stay in your memory long after the blue fades from your photos. #trip_com #Morocco #Chefchaouen #chefchaouentravel #MoroccoHiddenGems #BlueCity #RifMountains #BudgetTravel #AfricaGuide #travelafrica #BluePearl #MoroccanMedina

Imagine a journey where in the morning you drink mint tea in an old medina, in the afternoon you cross the Atlas Mountains, in the evening you stand among huge sand dunes, and a few days later you walk along the blue streets of a mountain town. This is Morocco. A country where in one trip you can see the ocean, the desert, mountains, canyons, ancient cities, and Berber villages. I have put together a 10-day itinerary that allows you to see completely different sides of the country—from the Atlantic to the Sahara. And most importantly, this is not the kind of itinerary where you’ll say afterward, "I spent my whole time on a bus." Here, the scenery changes every single day. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌊 DAY 1 — ESSAOUIRA Let's start not with Marrakech, but with the ocean. Essaouira is a blue-and-white city on the Atlantic coast, an ancient medina, a fishing port, fortress walls, and an ocean breeze. The atmosphere here is completely different: calm, slightly bohemian, and very laid-back. In the morning, you can stroll through the medina, head to the port in the afternoon to try some fresh fish, and simply sit by the ocean in the evening. If you're craving some action, surfing and other water sports are quite popular here. 📍 Overnight stay: Essaouira 💡 Essaouira is officially one of Morocco's premier coastal destinations, and the country's tourist office calls it the "Pearl of the Atlantic." ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌴 DAY 2 — ESSAOUIRA → MARRAKECH A little more ocean in the morning, and then we head to Marrakech. The drive takes a few hours, but you literally enter a whole different world. From a peaceful coastal town straight into the red, bustling, and incredibly vibrant capital of the south. In Marrakech, be sure to leave some time just to wander around. In the evening, Jemaa el-Fnaa transforms into a massive open space filled with musicians, street performers, and vendors. And beyond that lies the labyrinth of the medina. Don't even try to navigate it with a map. Sometimes it's better to just get lost. 📍 Overnight stay: Marrakech ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🕌 DAY 3 — MARRAKECH A full day in Marrakech. Start your morning with a beautiful garden, then head into the medina and the souks. You can spend hours browsing here: 🧺 baskets and wickerwork 🫖 Moroccan ceramics 🧿 jewelry 🧴 argan oil 👜 leather goods 🧶 carpets And you absolutely must try the local cuisine. Tagine, couscous, pastilla, mint tea, and fresh orange juice at the market—this is all part of the journey. 💡 Tip: In Morocco, shopping isn't just about buying souvenirs. Many crafts are handmade, and the haggling process itself is part of the local culture. 📍 Overnight stay: Marrakech ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🏔️ DAY 4 — MARRAKECH → AÏT BENHADDOU → OUARZAZATE Now the most beautiful part begins. We leave Marrakech and drive through the High Atlas Mountains. The road itself becomes an attraction. The mountains are gradually replaced by red cliffs, valleys, and small Berber villages. And then a place appears that you've almost certainly seen in the movies. 🏰 Aït Benhaddou An ancient fortified ksar made of clay buildings, looking as though it was designed specifically for a film set. In fact, it is so cinematic that numerous famous movies and TV shows have been filmed here. Aït Benhaddou is a UNESCO World Heritage site. After a walk, we continue our journey to Ouarzazate. 📍 Overnight stay: Ouarzazate ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🏜️ DAY 5 — OUARZAZATE → DADES Today, Morocco starts looking like another planet altogether. We drive through valleys and canyons towards the Dades Valley. Red rocks, palm groves, tiny villages, and roads that literally cut right through the mountains. You can make a stop at the Dades Gorge and take a short hike. This is no longer the Morocco we saw in Marrakech. It's much quieter here. And that’s exactly why I would definitely recommend spending at least one night in a small hotel or guesthouse amidst the mountains. 📍 Overnight stay: Dades Valley ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🐪 DAY 6 — DADES → MERZOUGA → SAHARA Today is the day many people fly to Morocco for in the first place. We head towards Merzouga. The landscape changes gradually. The mountains disappear. There is less greenery. And then they appear: 🏜️ the immense golden dunes of the Sahara. Merzouga is located near the famous desert massif of Erg Chebbi, where the dunes reach impressive heights. Morocco's official tourist office recommends staying overnight in a camp here, taking a camel ride, and trekking through the desert. You can get to the camp by a 4x4 or ride there on camels. After that comes dinner under the stars, music, and a night in the middle of the desert. 📍 Overnight stay: Sahara camp And here, I definitely wouldn't skimp on the camp. It’s better to book a beautiful desert camp with a proper bed and an en-suite bathroom. Because waking up in the morning in the middle of the Sahara is one of those moments you’ll remember for the rest of your life. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌅 DAY 7 — SAHARA → FES We wake up very early. Because sunrise over the dunes is an absolute must-do on the itinerary. When the first rays of the sun begin to illuminate the sand, the Sahara turns practically golden. After breakfast, we head towards Fes. This will be one of the longest drives of the route, so it's best to treat today as a road trip day. Along the way, the landscapes, climate, and even the architecture change. By evening, we arrive in Fes. 📍 Overnight stay: Fes ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🕌 DAY 8 — FES If Marrakech is about energy and color, then Fes is all about history. Its medina is considered one of the largest car-free historic urban areas in the world. Narrow streets. Ancient workshops. Leather tanneries. Madrasas. Souks. Doors concealing hidden riads. It's especially nice here to just walk around without a set itinerary. And be sure to try to find a traditional riad for the night. It's not just a hotel. Often, behind an unassuming door on the street lies a beautiful courtyard with a fountain and plants. 📍 Overnight stay: Fes ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 💙 DAY 9 — FES → CHEFCHAOUEN And right here, the picture changes once again. A few hours later, you will find yourself in a town that looks like it was painted. 💙 Chefchaouen Blue walls. Blue stairs. Blue doors. Blue alleys. The town is nestled in the Rif Mountains, and its famous medina is indeed painted in various shades of blue. Morocco's official tourist office calls Chefchaouen the "blue diamond" and also recommends nearby hiking trails and the Akchour waterfalls. Just take a stroll. Don't look for one specific landmark. Here, the street itself is the landmark. If you have enough energy left, you can hike up to the Spanish Mosque for a panoramic view of the town. 📍 Overnight stay: Chefchaouen ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ✈️ DAY 10 — RETURN Here, everything depends on your return ticket. If you are flying out of Tangier, you can head there in the morning—it's about a 2-hour drive from Chefchaouen.

5 Must-Visit Countries in Africa You Need to Explore! ✈️ Discover five of Africa’s most unforgettable destinations, where breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, rich history, and vibrant cultures come together. From ancient wonders to world-famous safaris, these countries offer experiences you’ll never forget. Which one is at the top of your travel bucket list? 🇪🇹 Ethiopia · Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches · Simien Mountains National Park · Danakil Depression · Lake Tana & the Island Monasteries · Gheralta Mountains 🇰🇪 Kenya · Maasai Mara National Reserve · Amboseli National Park · Mount Kenya · Lake Nakuru National Park · Diani Beach 🇲🇦 Morocco · Marrakech Medina · Chefchaouen (Blue City) · Sahara Desert (Merzouga) · Hassan II Mosque · Fes Medina 🇹🇿 Tanzania · Serengeti National Park · Ngorongoro Crater · Mount Kilimanjaro · Zanzibar Beaches · Tarangire National Park 🇷🇼 Rwanda · Volcanoes National Park · Gorilla Trekking · Lake Kivu · Nyungwe Forest National Park · Kigali City ✨ Which of these amazing countries would you visit first? Share your dream destination in the comments! #Tripcom #Africa #Travel #Ethiopia #Kenya #Morocco #Tanzania #Rwanda #BucketList #Adventure #Nature #LuxuryTravel #TravelInspiration #ExploreAfrica #Wanderlust

For those who are not used to eat moroccan food every day or just want to go back to something familiar and fresh I’d like to introduce a very fancy place called “BENTHAI&CO” Don’t read reviews, check prices or ponder if it’s worth trying. JUST GO! You will not regret , believe me. Food - 5/5 ⭐️ Service - 5/5 ⭐ Prices - 5/5 ⭐️ Atmosphere - 5/5 ⭐️ Big portions- 5/5 ⭐️ My special recommendation - lemon&mint&ginger juice with vegetarian padthai 🤩 P.s. it might be busy on the weekends and evenings, so make sure to book a table in advance. P.s.s. They offer a special menu during Ramadan. #fes #fesfood #restaurant #restaurantfes #asianfood #asianrestaurant

We spent ages planning our trip, carefully handpicking every single spot to visit! We wanted to listen to the crashing waves of the Atlantic, soak up the vibrant local vibes in the Atlas Mountains, and enjoy dinner in a Berber village at sunset in the desert. ✈️ We flew into Casablanca and checked into our hotel. Pro tip: stay in the Maarif district—it's the city's liveliest, trendiest, and most central neighborhood. It makes getting to all the landmarks a breeze, whether by taxi or on foot. 🔸Day 1: Casablanca - The largest city in Morocco, often treated as just a layover spot by travelers. But trust me, there's plenty to see here. 📍What to see: Hassan II Mosque, El Hank Lighthouse, the Corniche promenade, Arab League Park, Mohammed V Square (where you'll find the giant 'Casablanca' sign for a photo op), the Medina and its vibrant markets, including the seafood market. You absolutely have to try the fresh oysters—locals sell huge ones right on the street downtown for just 10 dirhams a pop! The city has a really unique vibe and feels incredibly diverse—especially when you explore it on foot! 🔸Day 2: Rabat - Morocco’s capital. Compared to Casablanca, it's so much calmer, cleaner, and more organized! I absolutely loved this town and its laid-back rhythm. Wandering through the old Medina is pure bliss, soaking in the charming, narrow streets painted in striking blue and white. 📍What to see: We took the high-speed train from Casablanca and started exploring on foot. There’s some amazing street art on the buildings along the way to Nouzhat Hassan Garden. Next up were Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V—the city's crown jewels of architecture. You should also stroll through the Medina and the Salé neighborhood. And Kasbah of the Udayas? Totally mind-blowing! It’s an ancient citadel right in Rabat, boasting stunning Moorish architecture from the Almohad era. Don't miss a walk along the Rabat Corniche to watch the locals cliff-jumping off the citadel walls into the water). 🔸Days 3-4: Tangier - A historically rich city sitting right at the gateway to Europe. Fun fact: you can actually see the coast of Spain perfectly from the city’s promenade! It’s surreal! This town is fascinating, boasting a totally different flavor and architectural aesthetic. Honestly, it barely feels like Morocco. By this point, we’d picked up a rental car, met up with friends, and made a beeline for Paradise Beach Kaf Lahmam. 📍What to see: A trip to Cape Spartel is a must. Climb to the top of the lighthouse (hold onto your hat, the wind is no joke up there)—this is the northwesternmost tip of Africa where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. It’s breathtaking. If you have time, check out the Caves of Hercules, a mythic spot with epic views. (Though, full disclosure, it felt a bit too touristy for our taste). The city itself deserves a shoutout because the boutique accommodations here are one-of-a-kind. Definitely book a place with a rooftop terrace—the views are to die for. 🔸Day 5: Chefchaouen (Chaouen) — Hands down one of the most picturesque spots in Morocco. This is the iconic "Blue Pearl," completely drenched in azure tones. After wandering the streets, you’ll look up and swear the sky itself looks a little less blue by comparison!) 📍What to see: Spend your morning just getting lost in the maze of its narrow alleyways. The whole town is an absolute photographer's dream. Every few steps in the old Medina, locals will offer you access to cute little photo sets they’ve created just for tourists, usually for about 10 dirhams. It’s basically snap-snap-snap everywhere you look. 🔸Day 6: Heading to Fes. This is the longest drive of the trip, taking around 4-5 hours. You can break up the journey with stops at the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and the city of Meknes. Meknes is famous for its excellent gray wine, and the city itself is well worth exploring. Fes is Morocco's spiritual and cultural heartbeat, famous for its sprawling medieval Medina packed with an endless maze of streets and alleys! Your head will literally spin, so brace yourself. 📍What to see in Fes: Block out an entire day to tackle the Fes Medina—one of the largest urban labyrinths on the planet. The absolute highlight is checking out the ancient Chouara Tanneries to see a leather-making process that hasn't changed in centuries. And yes, this is where everyone gets those iconic photos, but expect to tip for the view! Fair warning: the smell is pretty intense since the tanning techniques are genuinely medieval. But it’s a totally unique spectacle and 100% worth it. Pro tip: This place is incredibly easy to get lost in. Be ready for pushy "helpers" offering to guide you for cash. We opted to hire an official guide and spent about 6 hours touring the city as a group. 🔸Days 7-8: Marrakech (via the Atlas Mountains and Ait Benhaddou). Brace yourself—this will be the most action-packed and visually stunning day of the trip. Head out from Fes bright and early. · Atlas Mountains: The drive south winds through the Tizi n'Tichka pass (sitting at 2,260 m) and dishes up jaw-dropping panoramic views - the journey can take about 8 hours with stops . 📍What to see in Marrakech: The most tourist-heavy, high-voltage city in Morocco! It’s pure chaos and noise, with everyone hustling and trying to sell something to someone! : Here you need to immerse yourself in the chaos and colors of the medina, visit the buzzing Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the opulent Bahia Palace and the ruins of El Badi Palace . You can also pop over to the Mellah (the historic Jewish quarter). 🔸Day 9: Atlas Mountains and Agafay Desert A One-Day Adventure: This is the perfect way to experience Morocco's striking natural contrasts all in a single day. 📍What to see: Atlas Mountains: Drive out to the foothills, for example, to Imlil village — the "gateway" to Toubkal National Park. You'll get to see traditional Berber villages, sweeping mountain vistas, and hike out to some local waterfalls . Agafay Desert: Just 30 km outside of Marrakech, you'll find a rocky desert dotted with white dunes that gives off major Sahara vibes. It’s the perfect place for a short camel trek to catch a stunning desert sunset. 🔸Day 10: Back to Casablanca. Hotel with a Pool. · This is your downtime day. The drive isn't too long, so use this time to soak up the ocean views and decompress from all the noise and hustle! We took a detour through the coastal town of Essaouira, though we ran out of time to hit up the resort city of Agadir. Maybe next time. Plan your time carefully, as the driving distances are pretty hefty overall. You want to make sure you aren't rushing! You can't pack everything into just one post, so I’ll be dropping more content soon covering specific cities, the food scene, and local quirks 🥘 🐫 🦪 stay tuned for new posts! 💡 Essential Road Trip Tips · Rentals and Roads: The highways connecting major cities are solid, and there are toll roads available. However, absolute chaos reigns in the cities; traffic laws are frequently ignored, especially in Marrakech and Fes . Consider renting an all-wheel-drive vehicle, especially if you're planning on tackling the mountains or the desert. · Safety: Avoid driving at night, particularly on winding mountain passes . Also, use extreme caution during rain or snow (up in the passes), as roads can shut down without much warning . · Parking: Trying to park in the Medinas (old towns) is a massive headache. Your best bet is to leave your car in a secure parking lot near your hotel and rely on taxis to navigate the city . Speed cameras and cops are literally everywhere on the roads, especially right before toll booths—we actually snagged a few speeding tickets ourselves. Fines run anywhere from 150 to 400 dirhams. So seriously, stick to the speed limit strictly! This itinerary ties together Morocco's greatest hits, giving you the ultimate cross-section of the country—from the crashing ocean surf to soaring mountain peaks and rugged deserts. Have an amazing trip, and I hope my guide helps you out!

Planning to visit Morocco? Check this out! · - · - 📝 Itinerary: Day 1: Majorelle Garden -> Bahia Palace Stroll through Marrakech’s popular garden and ancient palace to experience Morocco’s classical charm. Day 2: Hassan Tower -> Mausoleum of Mohammed V Visit Rabat’s landmark and royal tomb to learn about the Moroccan royal history. Day 3: Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate) -> Fes Medina -> Chouara Tannery -> Fes Royal Palace -> Volubilis Explore the thousand-year-old city of Fes, visit the Blue Gate, wander the medina, watch traditional leather crafting, and check out the ancient Roman ruins. Day 4: Chefchaouen -> Tetouan Medina -> Tangier Kasbah -> Cape Spartel -> Caves of Hercules Discover the fairy-tale blue city, visit the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, and explore the magical Caves of Hercules. Day 5: Mohammed V Square -> Corniche in Casablanca Walk around Casablanca’s iconic square and seaside boulevard to enjoy the romantic coastal atmosphere. Day 6: Jemaa el-Fnaa Square Experience Marrakech’s lively night market and local performances. · - 🌍 First, get a local Morocco SIM card. In July, it covers all scenic spots and lets you navigate and share moments anytime, much cheaper than roaming. 🔌 Don’t forget a power adapter. Morocco uses European round-pin sockets. You’ll need it to charge your phone and camera. Bring a spare just in case. 🪪 Although visa-free, your passport must be valid for at least six months. Also, save an electronic copy in the cloud to avoid losing it. 👚 July in Morocco is very hot. Bring lightweight sun-protective clothing, a sun hat, and quick-dry clothes. These also help block sand during desert trips. 🧴 Sunscreen and insect repellent are a must! The desert and coast have strong UV rays, and repellent works great against local bugs. · - If you want to get more details about group tours in Morocco, follow us and stay tuned!

Morocco is a country where cats are everywhere. They bask in the sun by the walls of ancient medinas, perch on spice stalls, and watch you from the shadows of narrow streets. They are an integral part of the landscape, like minarets or the scent of mint in tea. 🐱☕️ My wife and I walked through Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Fez, Marrakech, and Essaouira. And everywhere we saw them—the furry guardians of the cities. Thin (sometimes not so thin 😁), but proud. Hungry, but accepting treats with dignity. Why is Morocco a country of cats? 😻 Islamic tradition holds these animals in high regard. It is believed that the Prophet Muhammad himself loved cats, and once even cut off the sleeve of his robe so as not to disturb a sleeping kitten. That's why they're not chased away or mistreated here; on the contrary, they're fed and given a place by the fire. 🐈 We couldn't stay away. In every town, we bought a little food and treated the local furries. This post features the best shots of our chance encounters. Some of them were taken with a vintage Zenit film camera; check out the vibe! By the way, we have Pyaterik, a tabby mix, living at our house; we picked him up at a Pyaterochka store. And when I look at Moroccan cats, I see his distant relatives. The same grace, the same independence. Only instead of a litter box, they have the sands of Africa, and instead of food delivery, they have the generosity of passersby. 😸 Advice for cat owners: If you go to Morocco, bring a bag of dry food with you. It's the best way to meet the locals. Just don't be surprised if a whole procession follows you. 🤣 #moroccocats #catsofmorocco #Morocco #CountryOfCats #streetcats #travelwithcats #catlovers #StreetCats #FilmPhotography #zenitet #filmphotography #travelphotography #catphotography #moroccotravel #tripmoment Do you have any cat photos from your travels? Share them in the comments 👇🐾

The oldest imperial city, its cultural and religious heart. It is home to the world's largest medieval medina, where life is organized almost exactly as it was hundreds of years ago. Fez still has tanneries operating almost entirely without modern technology, using natural dyes: saffron, indigo, mint, and poppy seeds (it stinks terribly; people are given mint to mask the odor). Fez is one of the main centers of pottery and is renowned for its unique ceramics. Craftsmen use ancient methods: wheel molding, sun drying, and kiln firing. Many workshops, for example in the Art D'Argile district, offer tourists the opportunity to witness the entire creation process – from sculpting to painting. The University of Al-Karaouine is considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world, founded in 859. Incidentally, it's the oldest university in the world founded by a woman. 💪 One to two days will be enough to see all the highlights. 😌 #morocco #moroccotravel #fes #fesmedina

This is where the city’s true character is felt: artisan streets, markets, narrow alleys, workshops, the scent of leather and spices, the clatter of carts, and the sensation of being inside a living labyrinth 🤎 📍 Start at the Medina entrance. It is better to enter through one of the famous gates, such as Bab Bou Jeloud. This makes it easier to get your bearings and arrange a meeting point if you’re with a guide. The gate itself is beautiful, and right beyond it, Old Fes begins: shops, arches, crowds, scents, movement, and the first narrow streets. 📍 Walk through the artisan quarters. Fes is fascinating not just for its architecture, but because many traditional crafts are still practiced right there on the streets. You can see artisans working with leather, fabric, metal, wood, and copper. This isn’t a staged museum display; it’s authentic city life, and that is what makes it so captivating. 📍 Visit the leather tanneries. The tanneries of Fes are among the city’s most famous spots. It’s worth going if you want to see the authentic process of treating and dyeing leather. The smell can be intense, so sprigs of mint are often handed out at the entrance. Visually, however, it’s a powerful sight: round stone vats, vibrant colors, artisans at work below, and panoramic views from the terraces. 📍 Step into a Madrasa or historic building. If you need a moment to breathe away from the street chaos, add an old madrasa or a beautiful courtyard to your itinerary. After the noisy medina, these places feel like a peaceful pause: intricate tiles, carvings, arches, tranquility, and details that invite you to linger. 📍 Leave time for a Riad. If you’re staying overnight in Fes, a riad is a vital part of the experience. After the medina, it’s particularly lovely to return to an inner courtyard with a fountain, tiles, plants, and silence. I think without a riad, Fes would feel like a completely different city. What to know beforehand 👀 The Fes Medina is massive and incredibly confusing. GPS can be unreliable, some passages aren't on the map, and it’s best not to venture into the narrowest alleys after dark. That’s why, for a first visit, I’d really recommend hiring a guide. It makes the experience calmer, clearer, and much more interesting, as they’ll take you to workshops and spots you’d easily miss on your own. Fes isn’t the easiest city to explore, but it’s definitely one of the most memorable in Morocco. If you give it time and don’t just expect a postcard view, it reveals itself in a powerful way ✨

Before embarking on my journey to this new country, I knew only a few facts about Morocco. First, that it's located in Africa. Second, that it's a former French colony. Third, that the hit TV series "The Clone" was filmed there. That was enough to make me want to go, completely unaware of just how absolutely enchanting it truly is. Don't be fooled into thinking it's just a desert here. The scenery changes multiple times a day. Picturesque local villages are followed by lush "Swiss-style" pastures for grazing livestock, which then give way to a unique cedar forest, rugged steppes, a volcanic plateau, and scorching sand dunes. During our trip, we saw the Atlantic Ocean, the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert, one of the tallest minarets in the world, ancient medinas, breathtaking oases, a modern capital, a blue city, the ruins of the westernmost city of the Roman Empire, and the Moroccan Hollywood. We even managed to visit 6 out of the 9 UNESCO World Heritage sites. For our 12-day road trip, we chose the following route: Casablanca ➡️ Rabat ➡️ Asilah ➡️ Chefchaouen ➡️ Meknes ➡️ Fez ➡️ Midelt ➡️ Errachidia ➡️ Merzouga ➡️ Tinghir ➡️ Ouarzazate ➡️ Marrakesh ➡️ Casablanca. Traveling in April, we caught both gorgeous 79 °F (+26 °C) weather and a crisp, pleasant 54 °F (+12 °C). We got incredibly lucky. We actually touched snow in Africa with our own bare hands! We were almost blown away by the fierce winds up in the mountains. We also discovered what it's like to be caught in the rain in the Sahara! (Which didn't dampen our spirits or ruin our experience in the slightest.) It really is a melting pot of cultures: Berber, Arab, and European. It's like a kaleidoscope. And it leaves you with the lingering feeling that you've visited not just one country, but several.

——🤩 This season feels absolutely perfect! ‼️ Visa-free + direct flights, fewer crowds, the blue town Chefchaouen, Marrakech, Chefchaouen... all picture-perfect spots, and Fez and the Sahara are even more magical. 👉 Booking a knowledgeable private custom tour is the smart way to maximize your fun — 💎 luxury accommodations throughout + local hidden gems + Chinese-speaking guide, this trip will truly be worth it. 🏆 Why is “customization” the key to unlocking Morocco’s soul? ❌ Group tours rushing through, being forced to buy at Fez leather shops ❌ Desert tents with no hot water, freezing at night counting stars (it’s really cold) ❌ Getting lost in the old city for 3 hours, then being charged by “helpful locals” for guidance ✅ 1-on-1 exclusive custom planner: designs a unique route based on your holiday, budget, and preferences ✅ Group of 2, one car one guide: optional Chinese guide who tells history, avoids pitfalls, and takes you to hidden photo spots ✅ Luxury accommodations throughout: not ordinary hotels, but Amanjena, riad palaces, and desert luxury tents ✅ 24-hour travel concierge: from airport pickup to drop-off, feel as safe as having a local friend with you 💎 All stays are in luxury accommodations 🏤 Amanjena Near Marrakech, the rose-colored Amanjena. Water channels, arcades, olive groves, like the real-life ladies of “Sex and the City” 🏤 Villa Mabrouka in Tangier Private home transformed by a former YSL designer, with a full view of the Strait of Gibraltar, minimalist Moroccan style 🏤 Riad BE A hidden palace in Marrakech’s old city, just a few rooms, pool under the stars, like living in “One Thousand and One Nights” 🏤 Palais Faraj Suites The highest point in Fez, open the window to panoramic old city views. Once a palace, now you are the owner 🏤 Atlas Oscar Hotel A movie-themed castle in Ouarzazate, near filming locations of “Gladiator” and “Game of Thrones,” stay right on set 🏤 Imperial Glory Lodges A luxury desert camp on the edge of the Merzouga desert, each tent with bathroom + heater, stargazing at the Milky Way like diamonds scattered 🌟 Deep connection with stunning views and experiences 💛 Cultural ancient city tours Marrakech, dive into the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square Explore Fez with a professional guide through thousand-year-old alleys for shopping Chefchaouen, snap blue and white scenes everywhere, a cultural Instagram hit Casablanca, see half of the Hassan II Mosque hanging over the sea 💚 Natural wonders ✔️ Deep into the Sahara, ride a dromedary camel over the Erg Chebbi dunes ✔️ Cross the Atlas Mountains, canyon roads + Hollywood filming site Ait Ben Haddou red mud castle 💜 Exclusive custom experiences 🔸 Marrakech antique sidecar rides, shuttle between new and old city 🔸 Private sunset afternoon tea atop Sahara dunes 🔸 Private traditional music session in Fez’s secret courtyard 🔸 Visit Berber nomad tents deep in the desert/valley How to get/customize your itinerary 👇 Tap the bottom left for free consultation, send [number of people + dates], and a custom planner will arrange 1-on-1 💬