Fez: Uncover Morocco’s Hidden Gem on Foot in UNESCO-Listed Medina

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medina of Fez is best discovered on foot, particularly its famous souks and historic palaces. It covers 279 hectares and is composed of 9,400 narrow and winding alleys, reserved for pedestrians and donkeys. Tourists also flock to the medina for its palaces, mosques, fountains and schools that are several centuries old.

The Bab Boujloud gate is the main entrance to the old city. The Dar Batha palace-museum houses an excellent collection of local objects, including textiles and embroidery, as well as a garden with a mosaic patio and fountain. Visitors can have a unique experience in the many riads of the city, and discover the richly decorated library of the Al Quaraouiyine mosque.

Choosing a destination without a car is a way to both save on fuel and contribute to the protection of the planet. In addition to Fez, travelers can explore the island of Rottnest in Australia, Tunø in Denmark, Mackinac Island in Michigan, or Trogir in Croatia, a small Adriatic island listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, all without a vehicle.

"Traveling without a vehicle reduces the stress of route planning under pressure, headaches and the cost of finding parking in crowded city centers, and allows people to slow down and immerse themselves in a destination at the pace of walking," says Paul Melhus, CEO and co-founder of ToursByLocals, which organizes trips to car-free areas.