What is the best time to visit northern Morocco?

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are perfect. Chefchaouen is pleasant even in summer thanks to its altitude in the Rif (600 m). In winter it can rain in the north but sunny days are equally beautiful.

Northern Morocco Route 2025 | Tangier, Chefchaouen & Fez

The destinations

The 5 Must-Sees of Northern Morocco

Northern Morocco is the greenest, most Mediterranean and most historical part of the country. From Tangier, the gateway to Africa just 35 minutes from Spain, to Fez, the most medieval city in the Arab world, the north offers a deep cultural experience and unique landscapes.

Gateway to Africa

Tangier — The Cosmopolitan City

The city where Africa and Europe meet. Just 35 minutes from Spain by ferry, Tangier combines the Berber Kasbah, the art deco European quarter, the Café Hafa (where Paul Bowles wrote) and Mediterranean beaches. The perfect entry into Morocco from Europe.

Africa's most photographed city

Chefchaouen — The Blue City

The world's most photogenic medina: streets, doors and facades painted in dozens of shades of blue, nestled in the Rif Mountains at 600 metres altitude. Plaza Uta el-Hammam, the Kasbah, the market and the blue fountains. You need at least 2 days to soak up its magic.

2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Fez — The World's Largest Medina

Fes el-Bali is the largest and most intact medieval medina in the Arab world, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 9,400 alleys and 156,000 inhabitants living as they did 1,000 years ago. The Chouara tanneries, Bou Inania Madrasa, the spice souk and Al-Qarawiyyin University (the oldest in the world). Without a guide, getting lost is inevitable.

Imperial City

Meknes — The Moroccan Versailles

The city of Sultan Moulay Ismail: Bab Mansour (considered Morocco's most beautiful gate), the grand ruins of the Dar el-Makhzen palace, the royal stables and the granaries that supplied the entire city. 30 km away lie the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the best preserved in North Africa.

UNESCO World Heritage

Rabat — The Kingdom's Capital

Rabat is Morocco's administrative capital and one of the north's best-kept secrets: a maritime medina, Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohamed V. Calm, elegant and at a more relaxed pace than Marrakech or Fez.

Circuits that include northern Morocco

North-South 7 Days Tangier → Marrakech 8 Days Grand Circuit 10 Days Imperial Cities 5 Days

Frequently Asked Questions

What to see in northern Morocco?

The must-sees: Chefchaouen (the blue city, unmissable), Fez (world's largest medieval medina), Meknes (imperial city, Bab Mansour), Tangier (gateway to Africa) and Rabat (historic capital). Also: Volubilis (Roman ruins) and Tazekka National Park.

How many days do you need for northern Morocco?

With 5–7 days just for the north you have enough: Tangier (1 day), Chefchaouen (2 days), Fez (2 days), Meknes (1 day). If you want to combine north and south (with Marrakech and the Sahara), plan 8–10 days.

Can you travel to northern Morocco by ferry from Spain?

Yes. The Algeciras–Tangier ferry is the most popular option: 35-minute crossing. Also from Algeciras to Ceuta (15 min) with land entry. We can organise the complete tour from your arrival in Tangier.