Best of the North: One Week Morocco Itinerary

Discover some of the most enchanting towns and cities in Morocco’s north on this one week Morocco itinerary from Tangier to Fes. It takes in ancient architectural landmarks, artsy coastal medinas and rugged mountain scenery, as well as one of the country’s most Instagrammable destinations.

Despite living in southern Morocco, I always love venturing to the north because it feels completely different. The Rif Mountains provide an incredible backdrop as you’re driving around and everything feels so lush and green.

With good train and bus connections throughout northern Morocco, it’s also really easy to travel around by public transport.

ONE WEEK MOROCCO ITINERARY OVERVIEW

After soaking up the Strait of Gibraltar views from Tangier, you can wander the whitewashed streets of Asilah and explore the blue-hued city of Chefchaouen before admiring the picturesque Cascades d’Akchour. End your trip in the labyrinthine alleys of Fes – an ancient city pulsating with the sights, sounds and aromas of Morocco.

This one week itinerary from Tangier to Fes immerses you in some of the top destinations in the country’s north while reflecting the diversity of this North African gem. Aside from being perfect for a road trip in Morocco, this one week Morocco itinerary can also be completed using buses and trains (I’ll provide more details below) or on a guided tour.

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For those exploring northern Morocco by public transport, 12Go is a fantastic resource as it compares all of the options available (buses, trains and private transfers). You can easily book tickets through the site, either before or during your adventure.

Highlights

• Marvel at the whitewashed ramparts of Asilah as they withstand the ceaseless pounding of Atlantic waves
• Step into a living postcard as you explore the “Blue City” of Chefchaouen, where houses in every shade of azure climb the hillside
• Escape the heat alongside local families at the cascading waterfalls of Akchour, a refreshing oasis nestled in the Rif Mountains.
• Lose yourself in the winding alleys of Fes’s ancient medina, alive with the sights and smells of spice merchants, hidden mosques and time-worn tanneries. 

If you don’t want to travel independently, there are a variety of tours available at Viator and GetYourGuide that take in the highlights of northern Morocco, including all of the destinations on this itinerary. You can either join a multi-day tour from Tangier to Fes or make a base somewhere and do guided day trips from there.

Day 1: Tangier

Begin your adventure in the ancient crossroads of Tangier – a city I’ve come to love. This whitewashed Moroccan port on the Strait of Gibraltar has witnessed the ebb and flow of civilisations since the days of the Phoenicians.

With its grand mosque, lively markets and literary mystique, Tangier enthrals while culturally straddling two continents. Lose yourself in the labyrinthine streets, haggle in the souks and soak up the exotic vibe as you get your first taste of Morocco. 

Best places to stay in Tangier

Luxury places to stay in Tangier

Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier

Mid-range places to stay in Tangier

Marina Bay City Center

Budget places to stay in Tangier

Hostel Al-Qurtubi

Day 2: Tangier

Spend the day exploring everything Tangier has to offer. Stroll the whitewashed alleys of its hillside medina to discover Dar el Makhzen. This former palace of Moroccan sultans now showcases the nation’s artefacts.

Nearby, the American Legation Museum documents the early diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Morocco. It lies within the elegant arches of an 1821 Moorish-style building (it once served as the American consulate).

Learn about the storied history of the Grande Mosquée and admire the Moorish architecture of St Andrew’s Church, an important house of worship for Tangier’s Christians. If the seaside beckons, there’s a long stretch of sand where you can take a dip while watching the maritime traffic coming and going from Europe. 

You’ll find more Tangier travel inspiration here.

Day 3: Tangier to Asilah

Less than 50 kilometres to the south of Tangier is Asilah, an atmospheric town and one of Morocco’s hidden gems (in my opinion, at least). Behind Portuguese-built walls, its whitewashed apartments are stacked atop one another in a charming jumble and the street art here is amazing! 

While many Moroccan cities cater overtly to tourists, Asilah retains a refreshingly laid-back vibe as locals go about their daily business. It’s a place made for getting lost in, with a handful of handicraft shops, art galleries and restaurants serving Spanish-influenced cuisine.

Follow the Atlantic Ocean’s roar to emerge at sunset along the waterfront fortifications, an essential Asilah experience.

Best places to stay in Asilah

Luxury places to stay in Asilah

Dar el Maq

Mid-range places to stay in Asilah

Dar Jean

Affordable places to stay in Asilah

Casa Bahia

ALSA runs daily buses from Tangier to Asilah (check the LI2 line) or private transfers are available.

Day 4: Cascades d’Akchour

Leaving behind the coastal charm of Asilah, a scenic 2.5-hour drive southeast will transport you to the Cascades d’Akchour, one of northern Morocco’s most popular waterfalls. The road hugs cliffs exposing the area’s geological past while passing by picturesque rural communities.

The short walk that leads to the Cascades d’Akchour reveals a series of beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes where locals weekend in nature’s splendour. Pause for mint tea and a tagine at a trailhead cafe before continuing to the natural rock arch known as the “Bridge of God”. 

Best places to stay in Chefchaouen

Luxury places to stay in Chefchaouen

Dar Echchaouen

Mid-range places to stay in Chefchaouen

Riad Nila

Affordable places to stay in Chefchaouen

Casa Blue Pearl

For more accommodation inspiration, check out my list of the 10 best places to stay in Chefchaouen (for every budget).

Travelling from Asilah to Akchour by public transport is not easy and would require a private transfer. If you’re travelling on a budget, it’s best to return by bus to Tangier and get a connecting CTM bus straight to Chefchaouen.

Day 5: Chefchaouen

Just 30 minutes’ drive from the Cascades d’Akchour is Chefchaouen, one of Northern Morocco’s most alluring destinations. With its distinct blue-washed houses and winding alleys, its magical medina appears like it’s straight out of a fairytale.

The strong Andalusian and Moroccan architectural influences give Chefchaouen a unique flair, making it like nowhere else in the country.

At the heart of the old medina sits Plaza Uta el-Hammam, home to Chefchaouen’s restored kasbah and an abundance of restaurants. Make your way uphill through the blue maze of surrounding streets to fully experience its charm.

On the medina’s eastern edge, women have long gathered at the cascading Ras el-Maa falls to wash clothes on traditional washing boards. From here, hike to the hilltop Spanish Mosque for breathtaking views over Chefchaouen and the surrounding mountains.

Want to discover more things to do in Chefchaouen? Check out my Essential Travel Guide to Chefchaouen. It details everything from the best time to visit and incredible places to stay to top tours in Chefchaouen.

Day 6: Chefchaouen to Fes

After breakfast, embark on the 200-kilometre-long drive to Fes, taking in stunning mountain views along the way. Prepare to be enthralled as you approach the 1,200-year-old city where dynasties have risen and fallen, leaving behind a fiercely proud population.

Traversed by caravans of donkeys, the bustling medina is a maze of mosques, food stalls and artisan workshops, all enclosed by impressive walls. Lose yourself in the labyrinthine streets to uncover hidden gems and soak up the elevated views across the city’s famous tanneries. 

Marvel at the intricate architecture of the Bou Inania Madrasa and Al Quaraouiyine Mosque before admiring the woodcarvings, textiles and ironwork on display within the newly restored Dar Batha Museum. Also not to miss are the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Crafts and the tranquil Bou Jeloud Gardens. 

Want to discover more things to do in Fes? Check out my Essential Travel Guide to Fes or browse my travel articles dedicated to this ancient city.

If you’re not driving, regular CTM buses make the journey between Chefchaouen and Fes.

Best places to stay in Fes

Luxury places to stay in Fes

Riad Fes – Relais & Châteaux

Mid-range places to stay in Fes

Riad Fes Aicha

Affordable places to stay in Fes

Riad Al Bartal

For more Fes accommodation inspiration, check out my article featuring 8 of the best riads in Fes.

Day 7: Fes

Spend your final day exploring the imperial city of Fes on your own terms. With its winding alleys, vibrant souks and historic architecture, it offers endless opportunities for discovery.

If you’re ready for the next leg of your Moroccan adventure, Fes also serves as the perfect launching point for visiting Rabat and Casablanca. 

Find out more about travel options from Fes to Casablanca, Marrakech and Rabat here.