Marrakesh may be the first place that springs to mind for a trip to Morocco, but visitors really shouldn’t miss out on the spectacular Fez-Meknes region in the north of the country. Boasting around 35% of Morocco’s historic monuments, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone who truly wants to immerse themselves in Morocco’s history and culture.

The area also offers multiple opportunities to discover the country’s rich culinary tradition, including its little known wine industry. 

Here, Features Writer Cath Pound reveals 10 reasons why this enchanting region should be added to your bucket list …

The oldest city in Morocco, and its capital until 1925, Fez remains its undoubted centre of culture and heritage. The city consists of two parts, Fez el-Bali, the original city dating back to AD 789 and Fez Jedid established in 1276. 

Fez el-Bali is home to the famous medina; comprising 220 hectares of alleys, it’s the largest car-free zone in the world. In fact, exploring its warren-like layout will transport you to another era. Getting lost here is seen as an essential experience for many, but if the idea doesn’t appeal the Regional Association of Tourist Guides in Fez can connect you with an official guide. 

Knowledgeable guides can give you fascinating insights into Fez’s rich history and culture (prices start at 350 MAD (£30/$40) for half a day and 700 MAD (£60/$80) for the whole day). Iconic sights for your itinerary should include the Al Attarine Madrasa (pictured) with its stunning cedarwood arches, and the Bab Bou Jeloud gate, tiled blue – the colour of Fez on one side, and green – the colour of Islam, on the other.

But it’s also intriguing to learn the history of the many humble wooden doors with two knockers. In the past, the upper knockers would be used by men so the women inside would know to be appropriately dressed. 

The largest of the city’s many tanneries, the iconic Chouara Tannery has been operating since at least the 16th century. Multiple leather shops are members of its co-operative and many will allow you to walk up their stairs to view it from the terraces. 

A sprig of mint is offered to protect you from the worst of the odours, before you step forward and witness a scene that has hardly changed in centuries. There’s no pressure to buy afterwards but prices are reasonable and, if you have the time, items can be made to order too. 

Founded in 1994 by the Moroccan philanthropist Faouzi Skali, with the aim of creating cultural bridges between Muslims, Christians and Jews, The Fez Festival of World Sacred Music is a 10-day event that takes place between May and June. It has attracted global stars including Joan Baez, Patti Smith and Björk.

But the festival’s main appeal lies in its culturally diverse programme which gives you the opportunity to discover genres of music you’re unlikely to see at home. This year’s line-up included mugham Azerbaijani folk music, Kazakh singing and the spiritual jazz of Haitian and Canadian multi-instrumentalist Joseph Omicil (pictured).

Established in the 11th century, Meknes served as the capital of the Alaouite dynasty from the 17th century until the death of Sultan Moulay Ismail in 1727. The sultan left a significant architectural legacy and considered the Heri Es Souani, a massive 18th century barrel-vaulted granary, his finest project.

An undoubtedly imposing structure, it borders the Agdal Basin (pictured) which once served as a reservoir for his gardens and a pleasure lake. However, it is his magnificent mausoleum with its series of spectacular courtyards containing beautiful fountains and dazzling zellige tiles, that is the real highlight of any visit here.  

Meknes is also the only place in Morocco where you can find the decorative form of metal work known as damascene. The labour intensive process involves etching geometric or arabesque designs into dishes, pots and decorative objects before beating in delicate silver thread with a tiny hammer. Items are then placed in a furnace to melt the threads.

Once cooled they are polished to remove any unevenness and sometimes rubbed with lemon juice to create a shine. Damascene’s origins are shrouded in mystery, but it is thought the technique may have been brought to Morocco by Jewish artisans expelled from Spain in the 14th century.

Once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Mauritania, Volubilis was founded in the 3rd century BC and became a major outpost under Roman rule. The magnificent ruins that date from that era saw Volubilis listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Many important structures remain including the triumphal arch (pictured), basilica, forum and thermal baths. The site is particularly notable for its many spectacular mosaics, the most stunning of which can be found in the House of Orpheus. Make sure you bring a hat, sturdy shoes and water to make exploring in the heat bearable.

Morocco is not the first country that springs to mind as a wine producer, but it has a history dating back to the Roman era. Revived during French rule, it has undergone something of a renaissance of late.

Château Roslane is the oldest and largest wine producer in Morocco and also has an elegant boutique hotel set among its stunning vineyards. Over lunch or dinner you can sample French influenced cuisine paired with four premium wines, a red, white, Morocco’s only sparkling wine and a dessert wine. Afterwards you can tour the cellars and maybe pick up a bottle or two to take home.

It’s not always easy to find truly authentic Moroccan food outside of the country, so you should make a point of indulging while you’re here. However tempting, try not to fill up on the myriad different salads served as an appetiser – you’ll need room for the truly sublime tagines made with chicken, lamb or beef combined with dried fruits and nuts.

There are also elaborate stuffed fish dishes and mouthwatering pastilla – a type of pie filled with delicately spiced chicken. Such fine food requires equally fine surroundings and the Palais Mnebhi (pictured) or Riad El Amine won’t disappoint. 

In such a region so rich in history, it seems appropriate to stay in a historic hotel, and the Riad Maison Bleue run by the El Abbadi family, is a particularly beautiful option. Renovated from ruins, it is now home to 18 rooms and suites featuring stunning Moroccan tiles and painted doors.

The building has an intriguing history too. It once belonged to Moulay Bel Arbi El Alaoui, an eminent judge and professor of theology. Famous Moroccan philosopher Aziz Lahbabi was also born and raised in the house. Standard rooms are available from 1700 MAD (£137/$184) per night. 

There are two direct flights per week between London Stansted and Fes-Saïss, operated by Ryanair UK. Return flights start at £50. There are also direct flights to Mohammed V International Airport (Casablanca) from various US states, starting from $492.

Cath visited in May 2025 as a guest of the Moroccan National Tourist Office.