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What NOT to Miss on Your 5 Days in Morocco: Fes and Chefchaouen

 

This 5 days in Morocco itinerary is authored by Chloe.

Morocco is an exciting yet totally underrated country.

It has so much diversity; never-ending deserts, soaring mountain ranges, hundreds of miles of coastline and tons of medieval architecture. Although I only covered Northern Morocco, I saw enough to make me want to come back.

Make sure NOT to miss these two spots when exploring the north of Morocco for 5 days…

5 Days in Morocco: Fes

Day 1

Take a Petit Taxi into the Medina (old city) in Fes. Keep in mind that the inner core of the city is like a giant labyrinth. It’s made up of 9000 narrow streets so be prepared to get *wonderfully* lost a lot.

If it’s in your budget, book one night at a traditional Moroccan Riad. Otherwise, book a bed in a cheap hostel. I stayed in Dar Lalla Kenza and absolutely loved it. Once checked in and given customary Moroccan mint tea, head out into the medina.

TIP: Always bring a map with you (paper or offline). It’s extremely easy to get lost in Fes. Also, beware of unofficial guides in the Medina. Many will persuade you to follow them and then they ask for money at the end. I even got shouted at and chased by an illegal tour guide for simply declining his offer.

Things to do in Fes

Chouara Tannery

Make your way to the famous Chouara Tannery to watch the strenuous work done by locals. You may want to hold your nose for this one. Animal hides hung up to dry fills the air with an unpleasant aroma. Still, it’s a very interesting aspect of Moroccan culture.

The lamp stores in Morocco are gorgeous!
Even with only 5 days in Morocco, it’s impossible to miss the lamp stores while roaming the souks!
Souks

Afterwards, wander around the souks (Arab markets) to buy souvenirs such as argan oil cream or spices. Don’t be afraid to barter.

The Blue Gate

Then head to the main square. Relax in a cafe with a mint tea while admiring Bab Boujloud, the massive Blue Gate.

Eat a traditional meal

Find a local Moroccan restaurant or cafe to have dinner. Cuisines range from African to French to Middle Eastern to Mediterranean. I ate at a random corner cafe which had great food. However, if you want to find the best local spots, just ask a local!

Prep for day 2

Bus tickets to Chefchaouen sell out fast so buy one the day before leaving Fes. Gare Routiรจre Principale is a 7-minute walk from the Blue Gate. Buy a CTM bus ticket from Fes to Chefchaouen for the next day for around 75 dirhams (ยฃ6). Buses depart daily at either 8 am, 11 am and 16.15pm, but double check times here and at the station.

5 Days in Morocco: Chefchaouen

Day 2

Take a Petit Taxi to the CTM bus station. The journey from Fes to Chefchaouen lasts around 4 hours so bring plenty of water and snacks.

Travellers tend to only spend a day in Chefchaouen, which I will never understand! Immersing yourself amongst the beautiful blue buildings and cobbled lanes surrounded by the Rif mountains is a treat for the senses. It’s one of the most intriguing places I’ve ever been to. If you have time, stay 2 nights or longer.

Things to do in Chefchaouen

Explore the Medina

Once checked into your accommodation, head out into the magical blue pearl of Morocco. Wander around the old city and get your bearings. It’s a bit of a maze, but nowhere near as difficult to navigate as Fes.

Plaza Uta-el Hammam

The big plaza holds a massive 14th-century fortress (Kasbah museum), the Grande Mosque and also boasts a beautiful view of the Rif mountains. I wouldn’t recommend eating in the main square as I got crippling food poisoning there…

Shopping in the souk

The medina is full of small shops with a range of perfume, spices, jewelry, handmade blankets, slippers and hand-painted portraits and ashtrays. The traditional products are cheaper and far better quality than those in Fes. If you need to buy any gifts, Chefchaouen is the best place to do it!

Day 3

Cascades d’Akchour

Prepare food and plenty of water for a 2-hour trek to see beautiful waterfalls. Take a 30-minute taxi ride to the starting point and begin your hike. The views on the way up are absolutely spectacular. A round trip can take between 4 to 5 hours. Allow plenty of time as the trails aren’t marked well, and try to go early morning before it gets too hot.

There are two separate routes to the waterfalls and God’s Bridge. You could do two hikes on different days if you have time. An alternative is to go back on yourself once you’ve reached the waterfalls and then take the other route to the natural arch.

5 days in Morocco HAS to involve the Blue City, it's beautiful!
Besides being a beautiful blue city Chefchaouene is surrounded by the gorgeous Rif Mountains.

5 Days in Morocco: Back to Fes

Day 4

Again, it’s probably best to buy your bus ticket back to Fes the day before if possible. After the painful tiring 4 hour journey back to the big city, check in to another riad.

Things to do in Fes

Borj Nord

Walk up to the fortress of Borj Nord for a panoramic view of the ancient city. This one of the best lookout spots in Fes!

Jardin Jnan Sbil

Enjoy a peaceful break in this small oasis hidden within the giant maze of Fes.

Hammam

Experience a traditional hammam in the heart of Fes. In other words, get scrubbed until you feel like you’ve shed every inch of your skin.

Fes is a must during your 5 days in Morocco.
Don’t miss the chaos in Fes while spending 5 days in Morocco!

Day 5

Day trip to Azrou

Flag down a Grand Taxi in Fes to take you to the small town of Azrou. Buy lots of snacks and water beforehand as there won’t be many shops on the way. It cost me 30 dirhams (ยฃ2.50) for a one and a half hour journey from Fes to Azrou.

Cรจdre Gouraud Forest

Once you arrive in Azrou, find another taxi to take you to the Cedar Forest. Make sure you negotiate a price which includes them waiting for you at the forest. There weren’t any extra taxis to take tourists back to Azrou.

Follow the forest trails and watch families of Barbary apes runabout. Don’t be fooled by their appearance. They love to steal food. I actually wrestled with an ape as it tried to steal my bag! In hindsight, that was a poor choice. Luckily it didn’t bite me!

The Cedar Forest isn’t a touristy place, so take advantage of the silence before returning to Fes.

Where to next? Here’s info on Marrakesh if that’s your next stop or maybe you want to visit Rabat?

What are you most looking forward to with your 5 days in Morocco? Let us know in the comments!



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>>>Bio:

Chloe is a Northern Irish travel and mindfulness blogger. On Journey with Chloe, she shares travel tips and experiences as well as advice on veganism, health, and mindfulness to inspire your own inner and outer journey.


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