Fez: Day Trips

Ifrane Home to Morocco’s most well-to-do university, Al-Akhawayn, Ifrane is like a slice of Switzerland in North Africa. Cedar forests and lakes abound, and there’s even a ski mountain. In the summer, lakeside walks and lolling at cafés are popular pastimes. Less than 40 miles south of Fez.
family | outdoors | forest

Lac de Sidi Bourhaba A freshwater nature preserve just inland along Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Lac de Sidi Bourhaba is a forested area rife with walking trails. A major stop-off point for migrating birds between Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, the lake here is considered Morocco’s best birdwatching domain (spot black-shouldered kites and barbary partridges). About 80 miles west of Fez; 011-212-37-74-72-09; www.spana.org.ma (French only)
hiking | wildlife | daytrips | bird-watching

Meknes Often considered more accessible to outsiders than Fez, the smaller imperial city of Meknes is home to impressive souks, mosques, and museums – all on a manageable scale. 37 miles southwest of Fez
history | souks | imperial city

Moulay Yacoub The sulfuric odors are as strong as the alleged healing benefits at these natural thermal pools, where the water bubbles up from 4900 feet below the surface. This is the ideal antidote to the Fez medina’s grit and grime. 14 miles northwest of Fez
family | thermal pools

Route des Lacs (Lake Circuit) Exit the road a few miles north of Ifrane for a 40-mile tour of Morocco’s most scenic lake country. Spot bountiful birdlife, picnicking Moroccan families and adventuresome mountain bikers. Roughly 30 miles south of Fez
outdoors | views | mountain biking | nature | family friendly | daytrips | picnic spot | lake

Volubilis Annexed to Rome in 44 A.D., Volubilis was originally settled by Carthaginian traders in the third century B.C. The Roman ruins here – ancient steam rooms, temples, and tiled mosaics – are Morocco’s biggest archeological drawcard. Less than 50 miles northwest of Fez.
architecture | history | ruins