Private car transfer from Chefchaouen to Fez

Stop at Ouazzane to see its well-preserved mix of Andalusian, Moroccan, Jewish, and Muslim influences. Then there's Moulay Idriss, the holiest site in Morocco which has stayed untouched by time thanks to the protection around the burial site of the great-grandson of the prophet Muhammed.

After touring these or any of the many other fascinating sights along the way, your driver will deliver you to your accommodation in Fez, leaving you ready to explore Morocco's spiritual capital.

Fes el-Bali, the oldest part of the city, is home to the oldest and continuously functioning university of the world, Al-Qarawiyyin University. The medina of Fes el-Bali is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest car-free urban space on the planet. Navigate the labyrinth of narrow alleys to discover historic mosques and markets that are a riot of colors.

In Fes el-Jdid, or “New Fez”, you’ll find the Royal Palace and its magnificent golden doors. The former Jewish quarter, known as the Mellah, is now mostly Muslim but preserves its distinctly different character with its balconies and open windows, in contrast to the enclosed residential styles of the rest of the city.

In the modern face of Fez, the Ville Nouvelle, you will be greeted by wide boulevards, gardens, restaurants and cafes. Here, you’ll experience a more contemporary Fez just a short distance from the medieval medina.

Beware of cultural etiquette

While exploring the small towns or rural areas you might pass through on your way to Fes, remember to respect local customs and dress modestly. This is especially important in more conservative areas outside major cities. Greet people with a simple “Salam” to express your respect for the people and their culture. If you want to be ready for spontaneous mosque visits, keep headscarves and djellabas (robes) in your travel bag.

Keep water and snacks handy

During the trip from Chefchaouen to Fez, there are stretches without many places to stop for food or water. Pack plenty of water and some snacks for the road. Pay extra attention to this if you’re traveling with children or have specific dietary needs. Stocking up on Moroccan snacks like dates, nuts, or local pastries is a great idea.

Chefchaouen to Fez by bus

There are direct buses from Chefchaouen to Fez, mainly run by CTM. The ride usually takes four hours and 15 minutes, and with tickets as low as $8 per person, this is the cheapest way to get from Chefchaouen to Fez. However, buses aren't the most comfortable, especially in warmer months when they're hot and crowded. You also won't have the flexibility to explore other towns and sites along the way and will need to figure out how to get from the bus station to your accommodation in Fez.

Chefchaouen to Fez by private car service

If you want to tour as much of Morocco as possible, a private car ride from Chefchaouen to Fez with Daytrip is the best option. Your English-speaking driver will pick you up at your accommodation in Chefchaouen (assuming it's car accessible), load up your luggage, and whisk you away to Fez. You'll be much more comfortable than in a bus, with complete control over every aspect of the ride. Communicate with your driver about any of your preferences, or just chat about local culture.

Along the way, you can stop for sightseeing so you can experience much more of Morocco than taking the bus. At the end of the trip, your driver will drop you off at your accommodation in Fez or help you navigate the medina if you're in the car-free zone.

Chefchaouen to Fez by rental car

If you didn't drive a rental car from Fez or aren’t returning to Chefchaouen, this isn’t a great option. Private rental car agencies usually require you to return your car to the same location and any that allow a different city dropoff will have an additional fee for this. That said, driving from Chefchaouen to Fez is one of the more flexible options.

The route to Fez follows national roads, such as the N13. You’ll need to be comfortable navigating Moroccan roads, which can be winding and narrow, especially in the mountainous areas around Chefchaouen. Once you get to Fez, the medinas are car-free, so parking and getting to your accommodation can be very difficult.

Explore the Medina of Fez

The Fez medina is the historic heart of the city with 1000 years' worth of culture and monuments to uncover. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the largest car-free area in the world, navigating the labyrinth of alleys to discover market stalls, local artisans, ornate fountains, and local hammams is an adventure in itself.

There are a few points you should GPS though, like the Chouara Tanneries, where leather is still made using medieval techniques. And the University of Al-Karaouine, the world’s oldest university. While non-Muslims can only admire it and its giant mosque from the outside, you can visit the historic Medersa Bou Inania College to marvel at the stunning stucco work, intricate wood carvings, and mesmerizing mosaics.

Enjoy a traditional Moroccan hammam

For a truly local experience, visit a traditional Moroccan hammam in Fez. These bathhouses are a place for relaxation and community and an integral part of Moroccan culture. A visit involves a ritual of bathing, scrubbing, and sometimes a massage, leaving you refreshed and ready to walk more in the streets of Fez. Try the Hammam Moulay Yacoub, located outside of Fes, which is renowned for its thermal waters and luxurious service.

Go for a Sahara tour

If you have a few days, book a Sahara tour for a taste of the Bedouin lifestyle. Most tours are two to three days long, and bring you through the Middle Atlas Mountains, the Ziz Valley, and various Berber villages before reaching the vast dunes of the Sahara Desert. To get the full experience, opt for a tour that includes an overnight stay in a traditional Berber tent camp.

Attend the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music

If your visit coincides with the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music in early June, you're in for a treat. This annual event brings together musicians from across the globe, presenting a diverse range of religious and spiritual music in venues throughout the city, including the historic Medina. It's a wonderful cultural exchange and a unique way to experience the spiritual depth of Fez.