Two Weeks in Northern Morocco

Arrive in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city. Consider a more luxurious accommodation beachside to rest up and take it easy, especially if you are prone to jet lag.

While in town, be sure to visit Hassan II Mosque, a functioning mosque with the second tallest minaret in the world. It’s a stunning, towering spectacle of Moroccan architecture which is the only mosque in Casablanca open to non-Muslims.

A recurring theme of this guide are the medinas. A medina is an old or historical district found in many north African cities. Casablanca’s medina is between Hassan II Mosque and the port, and will provide you a crash-course in bazaars (markets.) Start your shopping here but keep it light. Morocco it known for its incredible shopping and you’ll likely want to have space in your luggage to bring things home.

Corniche is an oceanfront neighborhood and promenade that is also home to the Four Seasons Casablanca and is a great place to have dinner or enjoy nightlife.

Transit by car is the best way to get around Morocco. For the really adventurous (hi, it’s me!) a rental car will give you the ultimate experience. Private drivers and car hires are also available if medina driving makes you feel a bit nervous. Either way, hop in the car and head east to Meknes, a 3 hour drive.

If you’re into history, Dar Jamai Museum is home to lots of regional Moroccan artifacts, and the building itself it’s quite spectacular. Plan your visit to Meknes’ medina by entering through Bab El Mansour Laalej, the large and ornamental gate on the south side of the old city between the medina and the Imperia District. Gorgeous Moroccan tilework and architecture is on full display at Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the resting place of the “Warrior King” who was part of the Moroccan Alaouite dynasty.

The crown jewel of Meknes is Volubilis, Morocco’s best preserved Roman ruins and a UNESCO World Heritage Site just outside of the city. I highly recommend going late in the afternoon and staying until close, which is an hour before sunset — golden hour turns Volubilis’ stone into an absolutely dazzling sight.

A one hour drive later and you’ve arrived in Fes. Chouara Tannery is live-performance art — old school processes that still involve cow urine and pigeon poop are on full display as workers meticulously tan and dye hides in vats colored by saffron, poppy, mint, paprika and indigo. Chouara is a must-see in Fes.

Fes medina might be the narrowest and most intricate of all of the medinas on this itinerary — I would know because I was lost in it more times than I can count! You’ll see other guides encourage you to “get lost” in the medina, but I do think it’s important that you only “get lost” in the sense that you let yourself go with the flow - not literally get lost.

Bou Inania Madrasa and Al Attarine Madrasa are historical sites with fantastic architecture also worth a visit.

A trip to Fes would not be complete without visiting the colorful and chaotic souks — Souk Al-Attarine for spices, nuts, fruit and plants; Souk el Henna for argan oils, henna and other cosmetics; Souk Jeld for leather goods; and Souk Tillisse for rugs. Pack light or plan to ship home!

Four hours north on the A2 through Taza and you’re at Al Hoceima, a beautiful coastal town on the Mediterranean that’s perfect for a hassle-free and relaxing few days. Enjoy a day or two on the beach at Plage Calabonita or Sfiha Beach.

The National Reserve of Al Hoceima is a great place for scuba diving and boat trips. Al Hoceima National Park is fantastic for trekking and provides untouched, sweeping views of the rugged mountains that kiss the Mediterranean. If you’re not much for hiking, a scenic drive through the park will provide a similar experience.

Fun fact: Did you know that there are two autonomous Spanish cities on the northern shores of Morocco? Yep! A day trip to Melilla is perfect for visiting Melilla la Vieja, Parque Hernandez, Ensenada de los Galapagos if you want more beach time and enjoying some tapas before heading back to Al Hoceima.

Have you spent hours of your life drooling over photos of the gorgeous “Blue Pearl” of Morocco? Same! Lucky for you — Chefchaouen is only four hours away and is your next stop. There are a million Instagram-worthy spots in Chefchaouen’s medina.

I do recommend simply enjoying a cup of tea at a cafe on the Plaza Uta El-Hammam, strolling the picturesque blue and white neighborhood and keeping your itinerary light. If the weather is clear, a short hike up the Spanish Mosque is a spectacular place to take in a sunset over the Rif Mountains.

You’ve been eating amazing Moroccan food this entire trip. So why not learn to cook some? Moroccan Food Tours offers private and small group cooking classes in the home of a real chef. You’ll meet at Bab Al Ain, go shopping for your ingredients at the market, and cook a three course meal.

Head back to Casablanca to catch your flight home - and start planning your return trip. Next time, you'll head to southern Morocco!