Things to Do in Northern Morocco

A mound of whitewashed buildings framed by lush mountains and olive groves, the hilltop town of Moulay Idriss is a striking proposition, and it’s a suitably picturesque setting for one of Morocco’s most important pilgrimage sites. The town takes its name from one of Morocco’s most revered saints, Moulay Idriss I, famous for bringing Islam to Morocco and founding the country’s first dynasty. Today, the grand Mausoleum of Idriss I is the focal point of pilgrim’s visits and plays an important role in celebrating the annual Festival of Moulay Idriss.

Although traditionally non-Muslims were unwelcome at the holy site, attitudes have relaxed considerably in recent years (although non-Muslims are not permitted access to the mausoleum) and Moulay Idriss has become a popular addition to tourist itineraries, often combined with a visit to near Meknès and Volubilis.

A cultural melting pot and one of Morocco’s most unique cities, Tangier’s cosmopolitan roots date back to the post-WWII years, when the city was designated as an “International Zone” co-governed by France, Spain, Britain, and six other countries. Today, the European influence remains, from the elegant French architecture of the Ville Nouvelle (New Town) to the French and Spanish that are spoken alongside the native Arabic, and its strategic location on the Strait of Gibraltar draws a constant stream of cruise visitors and expatriates.

Few visitors fail to be enchanted by the White City of Tangier, so-called for the row upon row of whitewashed buildings that line its streets, as it’s a city that oozes character. With its buzzing port, sun-soaked beaches, colorful art galleries and cluster of hookah cafés, Tangier’s bohemian vibe is alive and well, and it’s easy to see why so many iconic figures have visited—Tennessee Williams, William S. Burroughs, Truman Capote and of course, the Rolling Stones have all been inspired by its magic. 

Located west of Tangier, Cape Spartel is the northwesternmost point of Africa, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. Rising 1,000 feet (305 meters) above sea level, Cape Spartel is known for its stunning views and dramatic coastal roads, and includes a lighthouse dating from 1864.

 

Known in antiquity as the Cape of Vines, this scenic promontory is famous for its breathtaking views over the Strait of Gibraltar. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the coast of Spain, from the Rock of Gibraltar to Cape Trafalgar. With numerous walking and hiking trails and sandy beaches nearby, visitors can easily spend a few hours here. Highlights include the Hercules Cave, located near the cape, and the Spartel Lighthouse. Bird watching is also a popular activity here.

 

Many guided tours stop at Cape Spartel and typically include nearby Hercules Cave and other top Tangier attractions, such as the Kasbah. It’s also possible to visit as part of a shore excursion from Tangier, or even on a day trip from southern Spain.

 

 

The easiest way to visit Cape Spartel is as part of a guided tour. To visit on your own from Tangier, it’s best to take a taxi. There is also one sightseeing bus from Tangier that stops near the cape.

 

Cape Spartel is a popular attraction. July and August are peak season and see the most visitors. During this time, arrive in the early morning on a weekday to avoid the crowds. Visit just before sunset for spectacular sunset views.

The north coast of Africa, and Cape Spartel in particular, was dangerous for ships to navigate. In 1864, the Sultan of Morocco built a lighthouse here, with international support. And in 1865, the governments of Austria, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United States signed an agreement with Morocco to contribute funds toward the upkeep of the lighthouse, and received assurances that the lighthouse would remain neutral in times of war.

In the heart of the medina, close to the carpenters’ souk, Nejjarine Square is one of Fez’s most beautiful historic squares, best known for its distinctive centerpiece – the Nejjarine water fountain. Elaborately decorated with ornate carvings and zellij tilework, it’s the kind of drinking fountain normally seen fronting mosques or palaces.

Also taking prize place on Nejjarine Square is the exquisite Fondouk el-Nejjarine, an impressively preserved 18th-century funduq (historic traveler’s inn), now home to a fascinating carpentry museum. Inside, the interiors are decked out with magnificent wood-carved balconies and sculpted pillars, while the permanent exhibition houses a remarkable collection of wooden arts, crafts and carpentry tools, dating back as early as the 14th century.

Established in 1438, the Fez Mellah (Jewish Quarter) was the first of its kind in Morocco, a walled Jewish quarter that segregated the Jewish community from the predominant Muslim communities, and was locked during the evening hours to ensure the safety of its residents.

After WWII, the majority of Fez’s Jewish population left, with the quarter’s schools, synagogues and markets falling into disrepair, but a small, yet vibrant Jewish community still remains and the district is being slowly restored thanks to UNESCO funds. For visitors, a walk around the mellah offers a glimpse into one of Fez’s most unique neighborhoods, with contrasting architectural styles to the rest of the old medina.  Highlights include the newly restored Ibn Dahan synagogue, which dates back to the 17th-century, the Jewish Cemetery and the Gold souk, as well as a number of quality antique furniture stores.

Formerly the main residence of the sultan, the Royal Palace (Dar el Makhzen) is still used by the King of Morocco when he is in the city of Fez. Surrounded by high walls, it spans an area of 195 acres (80 hectares). It is closed to visitors, who can only admire the imposing and ornate main entrance from the outside.

 

Located in the center of the Fes el Jadid quarter, the palace was originally built in the 13th century. Although visitors cannot go inside the palace, it is still worthwhile to see the exterior, and in particular the magnificent ornate gates at the entrance. There are seven brass doors of different sizes with matching knockers and intricate geometric patterns, surrounded by fine zellige (mosaic tilework) and carved cedar wood.

 

Make the most of your time in Fez and visit as part of a full-day tour, which includes stops at the Royal Palace as well as other top attractions such as the Medina, Borj Sud, and the famous tanneries of Fez. It’s also possible to visit as part of a multi-day tour from Tangier.

 

 

The Royal Palace is located at Place des Alaouites, in the center of the Fes el Jadid quarter. It’s easiest to visit as part of a tour. It’s also very close to the Jewish quarter, and many visitors will make a stop at both places.

 

The Royal Palace is a popular attraction and on most tour itineraries. Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds.

 

Located very close to the Royal Palace is the Jewish Quarter, or Mellah. Today, most of the Jewish population has left, but visitors can still see the distinctive architecture of the buildings, a gold souk, and charming antique shops. There’s also an ancient cemetery and a museum housed in a former synagogue.

A sea of startling blue buildings set against a backdrop of the rugged Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen (pronounced “shef-sha-wen”) is a real gem in Northern Morocco. There’s no mistaking where the “Blue City” gets its nickname—with its brightly painted walls, doors, and stairways and red-tiled roofs, it’s a city begging to be photographed.

The real highlight of Chefchaouen its UNESCO World Heritage–listed Old Medina, where the lively cafés, cobbled souks, and distinctive handicrafts stalls show off the town’s unique heritage—an intriguing blend of Spanish, Moroccan, and Riffian cultures. While there’s enough to see to warrant a multi-day visit, most travelers explore Chefchaouen on a day tour from either Tangier or Fez.

The easiest and most convenient way to get to Chefchaouen is on a guided small-group or private tour. Those who wish to visit independently can catch a bus from Fez, Tetouan, Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Tangier, or Ceuta. The town’s main bus station is a 15-minute walk from the medina.

The best weather for exploring the medina and surrounding mountains is in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). Since Chefchaouen is cooler than lower-elevation destinations in Morocco, it can get busy with Moroccan vacationers in summer.

While the main appeal of the Blue City is simply soaking in the atmosphere, there are a few points of interest worth checking out. A short hike leads from the medina’s eastern gate to the ruins of a Spanish Mosque, which is perched on a hilltop above town. For a little history and context, visit the Musée de Chefchaouen (Chefchaouen Museum), housed within a 15th-century kasbah in Outa el Hammam. This central square is also home to the town’s Grand Mosque.

Bab (meaning ‘gate’ in English) Boujloud was built by the French during their occupation of Morocco in 1913. It serves as the gateway into the heart of the bustling streets of the Fez medina. Right next to it stands the original 12th­-century gate, built with an indirect entrance on a slant to block battering rams from entering.

Bab Boujloud is Mauresque­-Andalusian in style. Its grand horseshoe arches are decorated with Fassi mosaic blue tiles on the outside and green ones within. From the main archway, two minarets are revealed in the distance: one is part of the crumbling 20th-­century Sidi Lazzaz mosque, while the smaller one, topped by two golden orbs, belongs to the recently restored 14th­-century Bou Inania Medersa.

Throughout the day, the area around Bab Boujloud bustles with local life, and as such this is one of the best spots in the city to observe everyday life in Morocco, with mules, and mopeds filling the streets as much as the locals. There are several cafes and restaurants on both sides of the gate, providing a relaxed setting from which to soak up the local atmosphere.

Located 7 miles (14 kilometers) west of Tangier, near Cape Spartel, Hercules Cave is one of the area’s top attractions. Discovered in 1906, the cave extends for 18.6 miles (30 kilometers) and is both natural and manmade. It features two openings, one to land and one to sea, with the latter known as the “Map of Africa” for its distinctive shape.

 

The cave system takes its name from the mythical hero Hercules, who allegedly slept in the cave before one of his 12 legendary labors. It’s been in use since prehistoric times, most recently by the Berbers to make millstones, which helped to enlarge the cave system. You can see still the indentations on the cave walls and ceiling. The “Map of Africa” is believed to have been created by the Phoenicians and is one of the most intriguing aspects of the cave. Don’t forget to take in the wonderful ocean views from inside the cave.

 

Hercules Cave features on many guided tours, whether half-day or full-day, which typically include nearby Cape Spartel and other top Tangier attractions such as the Kasbah. It’s also possible to visit as part of a shore excursion from Tangier, or even on a day trip from southern Spain.

 

 

The easiest way to visit Hercules Cave is as part of a guided tour. To visit on your own from Tangier, it’s best to take a taxi. There is also one sightseeing bus from Tangier that stops near the caves.

 

The cave system is open daily, year-round. July and August are the peak season and see the most visitors, including at the nearby beaches. Visit early morning on a weekday during peak season to avoid the crowds. Or visit in the late afternoon, then stay for the sunset at a nearby café.

 

Legend has it that Hercules rested in this cave before his 11th labor, to obtain golden apples from the garden of Hesperides, located in nearby Lixus. On his way to the garden Hercules had to cross the Atlas Mountains, but instead of doing so, he smashed through them and as a result created the Strait of Gibraltar.

Travelers seeking the typical Kasbah experience will find it at the 17th-century destination known as Amrdil. This well-preserved (and equally well restored) structure offers impressive views of nearby landscapes, including the Skoura palm groves, and showcases an ancient slice of life that’s difficult to find anywhere else.

Visitors can tour the grounds of the main sand-colored structure and visit the popular museum, where handmade tools, historic wells and traditional bread ovens. It’s possible to explore the grounds solo, but travelers will likely find local and informal guides eager to offer up their services at a reasonable price. 

Located at the entrance to Fez’s sprawling spice and perfume market, the exquisite Al-Attarine Madrasa (the ‘Madrasa of the Perfumers’) paints a striking picture against the ramshackle stalls and timeworn cobblestones of the surrounding souks.

Built by the Marinid Sultan Uthman II Abu Said in the early 14th century, the madrasa was once an important center for learning and spirituality. The show-stopping central courtyard is the main highlight of a visit - a sumptuous example of Islamic architecture, with ornate pillars, expertly carved stuccos and magnificent zellij fashioned from hand-cut glazed tiles. Visitors can also peek into the lavish prayer hall and the comparatively sparse student quarters that look out over the courtyard.

The historic core of Fez and the seat of the Moroccan government until 1912, Fez Medina (Fez el-Bali) remains the city’s biggest draw – a sprawling district of jumbled souks and snaking alleyways, dotted with grand mosques, palace and madrassas. The old medina is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage site, still surrounded by its 13th-century city walls and reached via a series of monumental gates, most notably the 20th-century Bab Boujeloud, celebrated for its striking blue tilework.

With the medina largely pedestrianized, the best way to explore Fez Medina is on foot and there’s plenty to see, starting with the rambling souks, home to the famous Tanner’s Quarters, the soul of the city’s leather trade, where animal hides are soaked in gigantic pots of natural dye. Additional highlights of Fez el-Bali include the Kairaouine Mosque University, known as the world’s oldest university and dating back to 859; the exquisite Madrassa Bou Inania and Al-Attarine Madrasa; the Talaa Kebira water clock; and the Mellah Jewish Quarter.

One of Fez’s most notable museums, home to a vibrant collection of Moroccan arts and crafts, the Dar Batha Museum (Museum of Moroccan Arts) makes a worthwhile additional to any sightseeing trip, offering a unique insight into Fez’s artistic heritage.

The vast permanent collection includes everything from hand-painted ceramics to antique Berber carpets to gold-plated astrolabes, alongside traditional jewelry, leatherwork, earthenware, woodwork and embroidery, with artifacts dating from the 14th century to modern-day. The surroundings are equally impressive, with the museum housed in a beautiful Hispano-Moorish palace built by Moulay el Hassan in the 19th-century and featuring a tranquil garden and café.

As Morocco’s second-largest mosque and the oldest Islamic building in Fez, it’s hardly surprising that the Kairaouine Mosque is one of the city’s most admired monuments. Founded in 857, the mosque adjoins the historic university of the same name, and is considered Morocco’s holiest mosque, making it an important spiritual center for Muslims.

Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the mosque, which can hold up to 20,000 people at prayer, but it’s still worth a visit to admire its exquisite façade, with its striking green roof and ornate minaret.

Built in the 9th-century to house the tomb of Moroccan ruler and city founder Moulay Idriss II, the Zaouia de Moulay Idriss II was completely restored in the 14th century and now stands as the city’s holiest shrine. The shrine is an important place of pilgrimage for Moroccans, who believe that its blessings can bring good luck and fertility.

Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the mausoleum, but it’s worth a look if only to admire the elaborate exteriors, including exquisite wooden arches, carved plasterwork and an ornately tiled mzara, where alms are passed through a brass slot. A peek through the door offers a glimpse of the richly decorated tomb, often surrounded by freshly lit candles and incense.