While Marrakech Saturates, Another City Seduces Those Seeking a More Authentic Morocco

Often eclipsed by its southern neighbor, Fès is reclaiming its former glory. Recently distinguished by the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller magazine among the best destinations of 2026, the imperial city seduces with its more human pace. Here, residents outnumber tourists in the alleyways, offering genuine immersion in Moroccan daily life, far from the commercial hustle of Marrakech.

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The experience begins in the heart of Fès el-Bali, the world’s largest medina listed by UNESCO. In this car-free labyrinth, life revolves around artisan workshops and historical monuments. As The Mirror newspaper points out, you encounter both the Chouara tannery and Al-Qarawiyyin University, founded in 859, considered the oldest educational institution still in operation in the world.

Fassi heritage is also discovered through its riads. These traditional dwellings, such as La Maison Bleue, offer havens of peace with patios decorated with zellige and cooling pools. These architectural structures, designed to maintain pleasant temperatures in summer, reflect all the local refinement. The city positions itself as the "cultural and spiritual heart" of the country, sometimes nicknamed the Athens of Africa.

Gastronomy occupies a central place in this sensory journey. Beyond the tables of palace restaurants like L’Amandier at Palais Faraj, the trend is toward cooking classes at locals’ homes. Visitors learn to prepare the famous pastilla, an emblematic sweet-savory dish made with phyllo pastry, spiced chicken and honey, after selecting their fresh ingredients in the surrounding souks.

Fès is also the bastion of exceptional craftsmanship, notably pottery and zellige work. Workshops allow visitors to learn these complex mosaic puzzles whose techniques are passed down from generation to generation. This cultural wealth remains highly accessible financially, with flights from London sometimes starting at just £30, making the destination both distant in its sense of escape and close in price.

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To fully enjoy the experience, spring and autumn are the ideal periods with temperatures ranging between 18°C and 28°C. Fès also serves as a strategic base for exploring northern Morocco, notably the famous blue city of Chefchaouen or the Middle Atlas mountains. Now is the time to take advantage before this living medieval city becomes as crowded as its rivals.