AHH I’m so excited that I’m sharing Morocco with you all this week! Morocco has been on my bucket list forever, and this trip did not disappoint. Our trip itinerary was organized by Acanela Expeditions. Acanela focuses on a local and boutique experience that partners with artisans and fostering entrepreneurship in the areas they visit. The trip was jam packed as we covered all of Morocco in the short span of a week!
Our first stop was to Fes, also known as the cultural capital of Morocco. With all the colors, designs, smells, Fes inundates all of your senses, and the perfect introduction to Morocco. Keep reading for a visual diary of all my highlights in Fez, and what you must-see!
Stay: Riad Salam Fes
I had only seen and heard about Riads before I visited Morocco and I was honestly so excited to finally stay in one. Riads are a type of traditional Moroccan house / palace usually with a garden and courtyard. Riad Salm Fes was my favorite! It has the dreamiest architecture and details. I’m in love with all the ornate tilework and the greens and blues. Ya’ll know that I love color and Morocco- YOU GET ME.
Shop look below
Visit the Grand Palace
Seven golden gates mark the entrance to the Grand Palace and W-O-W. I’m guilty of #ihavethisthingwithdoors and this was seriously next level. While the inside is not open to public, I could only guess how majestic it must be from the outside. I recommend making a quick 20 minute stop here!
The amazing ladies that I went on the trip with!
We’re all rocking the Fawny Pack from Fawn Design. My jumpsuit didn’t have pockets, so this was a lifesaver that day.
Explore the Medina
The Medina means “old town” and is found in many countries in North Africa, not just Morocco. The alleyways are so narrow that no cars can pass through! This felt in some ways one of the most authentic Morrocan experiences. Many of the shopkeepers in the souks (market) had been perfecting their craft for over 50+ years. From fabrics to handmade chandeliers, slippers to bags, you could get lost in the souks. It was bustling and lively experience, and the perfect way to see such an ancient city.
Remember how earlier I said that Fez is the cultural center of Morocco (and Africa)? It’s also known as the “Athens of Africa,” because it hosts the oldest functioning university in the world, the University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 AD. That was one of the coolest facts that I learned when I was here!
Inside the Medina there are 2 madrasas (Islamic college) that you must also stop by: Madrasa al-Attarine and Bou Inania Madrasa. Stop at either (or both!) and admire the intricate carvings and beautiful design. The latter is one of the few religious buildings that non-Muslims can enter.
Later in the day, we stopped by a carpet shop! Moroccan rugs are famous and they lived up to the expectation. The quality is absolutely insane. I will say that the carpets here are 100% genuine and extremely high quality, but definitely a lot more pricey than if you were to buy it elsewhere in Morocco. If quality is not as big of a concern, and you want it more for decorative purposes, I would recommend buying it elsewhere in some of the smaller souks to save some money!
Fez also hosts the Chouara Tannery, the largest and oldest tannery that has existed since the 11th century. The Tannery is popular for the different round vessels that are filled with different colours of dye offering a colourful and spectacular view. It’s also I guess not so famous for the very unique and pungent smell. The local guides know the best view of the tannery, and they also give you a sprig of mint.. to mask the smell!
They also sell their leather goods here from bags, to jackets, to scarves! It’s polite to buy something, but don’t feel obligated to do so.
Fes was a whirlwind of senses- sweet, savory, old and new. This was one of my favorite regions in Morocco for the diversity in what it offered.
Stay tuned for the next parts of the series on ChefChaouen (the blue city) and the Sahara Desert. Do you have plans to visit Morocco? Let me know in the comments!
xx Molly