Day trips · 6 min read
Best Day Trips from Fes: Chefchaouen, Volubilis and Beyond
Fes is a superb base for exploring northern Morocco. Here are the day trips worth your time and who will enjoy each one.
Written by the Morocco Together team · 10 October 2026
After a couple of days in the medina, many travellers want a change of scene. Fes sits close to the Rif mountains and to some of Morocco's most important historic sites, so a good day out is never far away.
Chefchaouen: the blue city
The most popular day trip from Fes. Chefchaouen's blue-washed lanes, mountain setting and relaxed pace are a contrast to the intensity of Fes. It is a long day with a few hours of driving each way, so it suits travellers happy with an early start. Photographers and first-time visitors love it.
Volubilis and Meknes
Volubilis holds Morocco's best-preserved Roman ruins, with mosaics still in place, while nearby Meknes is a quieter imperial city with grand gates. They are an easy reach from Fes and suit history lovers, but they are not offered as a standalone, bookable day trip. The way to visit them is within one of the multi-day circuits that depart from Fes, where the route, timing and guides are already arranged — check the itineraries below to see which include them.
The Fes medina with a guide
Not a trip out of town, but the best way to start. Fes el-Bali is a maze; a local guide brings its tanneries, madrasas and artisan workshops to life without the stress of getting lost.
Combine rather than rush
If you're short on time, consider building Chefchaouen or Volubilis into a multi-day route instead of returning to Fes the same day.
Visiting Volubilis and Meknes
See which of our circuits from Fes include them — or request a personalised itinerary and we'll build a private route around the places you want to visit.
Book from Fes
FAQ
Is Chefchaouen worth a day trip from Fes?
Yes, if you don't mind a long day. Staying overnight gives a calmer experience once the day visitors leave.
Can I visit Volubilis from Fes?
Yes, it is an easy reach from Fes, usually combined with Meknes — but as part of one of our multi-day circuits from Fes or a personalised itinerary, not as a standalone bookable day trip.
Can I go to the Sahara from Fes?
Not as a day trip — allow at least three days, for example on a Fes to Merzouga desert tour.
Plan your days around Fes
Tell us how long you're in Fes and we'll help you pick the right excursions.
Ready when you are
Plan your private Morocco journey
Tell us your dates, starting city and travel style. Our local team will check availability and suggest a route that fits your time — with no obligation.
