Taza.
Taza sits two hours east of Fès by train along the mountain pass between the Rif and Middle Atlas. It is known for its high-walled Almohad medina overlooking the valley and the limestone karst landscapes of Tazekka National Park. The Ville Nouvelle handles the daily modern traffic down below, while the old upper town retains a quiet, unbothered rhythm. Taza is worth visiting if you want to explore monumental Almohad fortifications and cave systems without the tourist crowds of Fès. Look elsewhere if you want upscale riads, lively nightlife, sprawling artisan souks, or easy public transport into the national park.
Last updated 12 Sept 2026
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What to do in Taza Fès & Meknès Morocco
Taza splits cleanly between the cliff-edge old town of Taza Haut and the energetic commercial grid of Taza Bas. Days here revolve around morning walks along medieval stone bastions, afternoon excursions into the gorges and cedar slopes of Tazekka, and evenings lingering over spiced coffee on lively lower-town terraces. It suits travellers who prefer functional Moroccan mountain towns to staged historic spectacles.
24 hours in Taza Fès & Meknès Morocco
Start early in Taza Haut, following the Almohad walls past the Grande Mosquée to Bab er-Rih for sweeping valley views. Head down to Place Aharrach for a lunch of hot kefta and lentil stew, then spend the afternoon exploring the cave entrance at Gouffre de Friouato, twenty minutes south by grand taxi. Select 1 Day above to see it.
2 days in Taza Fès & Meknès Morocco
Dedicate your second day to the mountain loop of Tazekka National Park. Hike through the cork oaks to the summit of Jbel Tazekka, take lunch at a roadside café near Bab Bou Idir, and return for a slow dinner of lamb tagine with mountain prunes back in the lower town. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
3 days in Taza Fès & Meknès Morocco
A third day allows an unhurried trip east to the river town of Guercif or deeper into the Rif foothills along Oued Innaouen. Spend the late afternoon tracking down local Berber weavers selling un-dyed wool carpets, finishing with sweet mint tea as the sun drops behind the pass.
Taza Fès & Meknès Morocco itineraries by interest
Fortified Architecture in Taza Fès & Meknès Morocco
Walk the twelfth-century Almohad ramparts, the Borj el-Bessatine bastion, and the fortified gates of Bab er-Rih overlooking the pass.
Caving & Karst in Taza Fès & Meknès Morocco
Descend into the limestone chasms of Gouffre de Friouato and the underground chambers of Grotte du Chiker in the Middle Atlas foothills.
Mountain Hiking in Taza Fès & Meknès Morocco
Trek the trails around Jbel Tazekka through Barbary macaque habitats, cork oak groves, and high-elevation cedar forests.
Sacred Architecture in Taza Fès & Meknès Morocco
Inspect the Grande Mosquée de Taza, built in 1142 with its massive bronze chandelier cast from an Andalusian church bell.
Old Quarter Walking in Taza Fès & Meknès Morocco
Navigate the quiet alleys of Taza Haut, passing the medersa Abu al-Hasan and covered market lanes free of aggressive sales pitches.
Regional Stews in Taza Fès & Meknès Morocco
Eat slow-simmered beef tajine with prunes and almonds or lamb shank with seasonal artichokes at simple family-run grills near Place Aharrach.
Street Food in Taza Fès & Meknès Morocco
Order hot sfenj donuts fried in oil in the morning or fresh grilled kefta skewers stuffed into crusty khobz bread with cumin and harissa.
Market Produce in Taza Fès & Meknès Morocco
Browse the weekly souk stalls for Middle Atlas mountain honey, dried figs, pickled green olives, and fresh goat milk cheeses.
Scenic Drives in Taza Fès & Meknès Morocco
Follow the paved loop road R507 through Tazekka National Park, winding past the Ras el-Ma waterfalls and limestone gorges.
Traditional Weaving in Taza Fès & Meknès Morocco
Seek out Beni Ouarain wool rugs and heavy Berber blankets woven on upright wooden looms in small village cooperatives.
Public Squares in Taza Fès & Meknès Morocco
Sit with mint tea or espresso on Place Moulay Hassan at dusk as the lower town gathers to talk, stroll, and watch football.
Day Trips in Taza Fès & Meknès Morocco
Drive northeast to Guercif on the Moulouya River plains or south to the thermal bath springs of Ain Skhouna.