A Holy Town: Essential Travel Guide to Moulay Idriss Zerhoun

Looking for the best things to do in Moulay Idriss Zerhoun or highly recommended places to stay? Discover the ideal time to visit, tips for getting around and the best tours in this essential travel guide to Moulay Idriss Zerhoun.

Perched dramatically on the slopes of the Khyber and Tazga hills, Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is a sacred town and pilgrimage destination to the north of Meknes. It was established in 788 AD by Moulay Idriss, a descendant of Prophet Muhammed. And it was here that Morocco’s first Islamic state was founded.

Every August, pilgrims flock to this holy site for the annual moussem, with many showing their devotion by setting up tents around the shrine and mausoleum of Moulay Idriss. Local tradition states that making five pilgrimages to Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is equivalent to completing one hajj to Mecca.

Many travellers to Morocco ask: “Is Moulay Idriss worth visiting?” I think if you’re travelling as far as Meknes or heading to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, then my answer is “Yes”. In fact, all three can be visited in a day, either as a guided tour from Fes or independently with a hire car.

While the holy shrine is only accessible to devotees of Islam, non-Muslim visitors can still experience the peaceful ambiance of the town. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the pastel-coloured medina or hike along the hillside trails to admire the panoramic views of the surrounding hills.

In this Essential Travel Guide to Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, discover everything you need to know about visiting the town. I’ve included things to see and do, how to get there and the best places to stay. 

For more information about things to see and do in Meknes, check out my article explaining why I think it’s worth visiting.

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Best things to do in Moulay Idriss Zerhoun

Make a pilgrimage to the Zaouia of Moulay Idriss I

The most important site in Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is the shrine and mausoleum of Moulay Idriss I, the patriarch of the Idrissid dynasty. It’s marked by a wooden bar where visitors bow their heads upon entering. 

While only Muslims are allowed to enter this holy site, you can climb to the Sidi Abdellah el Hajjam Terrace for a wonderful view of its green-tiled minaret and rooftop.

Admire the cylindrical minaret of the Sentissi Mosque

Built by Sultan Abou el Hassan in the 14th century, the Sentissi Mosque is a hidden gem within the winding streets of the town. Its unique cylindrical minaret, constructed in 1939, stands as a testament to the influences of both Turkish and Arab cultures in Morocco. 

Interestingly, the minaret was originally constructed using materials from Volubilis and is adorned with green ceramic tiles inscribed with the 114 suras of the Quran. It is important to note that only Muslims are allowed to enter the mosque.

Soak up the sights, sounds and smells of the local market

With everything from fresh produce to spices and Moroccan pastries for sale, the market in Moulay Idriss is a sight to behold. It takes place each Saturday and is a hive of activity as local farmers flock to the town to sell their produce.

As the market isn’t set up for tourists, it has a really authentic feel. Plus, the prices here are what locals would pay. 

Moulay Idriss is particularly renowned for its olive oil and goat’s cheese. So keep an eye out for both products while exploring the market. Aside from picking up local artisan goods, the market is a great place for people and donkey-watching. 

Explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis

Located just four kilometres from Moulay Idriss, the ancient ruins of Volubilis are a “must” for history buffs. Deservedly, they are considered the most impressive Roman ruins in Morocco. The towering columns and crumbling temples are perched on a hill and offer a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside.

Volubilis flourished as the capital of the Roman province from AD 24-285 and the majority of the ruins date back to this prosperous period. Among the must-see highlights are the House of Orpheus (adorned with a mosaic depicting the poet himself), the House of the Athlete and the House of the Labours of Hercules.

You can learn more about visiting the ruins in my guide to visiting Volubilis.

What to wear in Moulay Idriss

As Moulay Idriss is a sacred destination, it’s one of the more conservative towns in Morocco. As such, it’s important that visitors dress respectfully. The locals are unaccustomed to seeing a lot of exposed skin and both men and women should dress modestly.

For women, this means long pants or skirts, covered shoulders and no cleavage. Meanwhile, men should wear long pants and a sleeved shirt. 

Best tours to Moulay Idriss

Moulay Idriss is a popular destination on tours from Fes to Meknes, most of which also include a stop at Volubilis. Some include guided walking tours at each destination while others allow you to explore independently. Keep in mind that not all tours include entrance fees for Volubilis (70 DH).

Both Viator and GetYourGuide are good resources for finding tours to Moulay Idriss. They come complete with reviews from previous travellers to help you make an informed decision.

Private day trip from Fes to Meknes, Moulay Idriss and Volubilis

Including round-trip transfers from Fes, this private tour can be customised to your interests, with the option to spend longer at places that pique your interest.

Small-group tour from Fes to Meknes, Moulay Idriss and Volubilis

Featuring dedicated guides at Volubilis and Meknes, this small-group tour is an affordable way to experience all three destinations.

How to get to Moulay Idriss

By car

Moulay Idriss is around 40 minutes’ drive from Meknes and 1.5 hours from Fes. It’s easy to reach if you have your own car. Many people combine a visit to Moulay Idriss with a stop in Meknes and an exploration of the Roman ruins at Volubilis.

If you’re looking to rent a car in Morocco, I recommend Discover Cars, which compares deals from over 500 suppliers. They have everything from compact automatics to manual vans, ensuring there’s something for all travel groups and driving styles. 

By bus

From Meknes, you can hop aboard bus number 15 to reach Moulay Idriss and enjoy a uniquely local experience. CTM operates regular buses from Fes to Meknes. The journey takes around an hour.

By grand taxi

Grand taxis also make the journey from Meknes to Moulay Idriss and leave once full. They depart from the taxi rank opposite the Institut Francais in Meknes. 

By private taxi

If you don’t want to squeeze into a grand taxi, you can opt for a private taxi to Moulay Idriss from Meknes. Either head to the grand taxi station and negotiate a fare or ask your hotel to arrange a fixed-price transfer for you.

Best places to stay in Moulay Idriss

Most travellers visit Moulay Idriss as a day trip from Meknes or Fes. But there are a handful of places to stay if you want to spend an night or two. Both of the guesthouses below come highly recommended and breakfasts and included in the (very affordable) rates.

La Colombe Blanche

Best hotel in Moulay Idriss for families

This family-run hotel is conveniently situated in the Tazga area in the heart of Moulay Idriss. It’s a five-minute walk from Place Mohamed and features eight guest rooms adorned with traditional Moroccan decor. In addition to breakfasts served on the hotel’s terrace, guests can enjoy delicious Moroccan dinners made with locally sourced ingredients.

“Amazing warm stay in an authentic Moroccan riad” – Sammy (read more reviews here)

Dar Zerhoune

Best place to stay in Moulay Idriss with a terrace

The guest rooms at Dar Zerhoune are beautifully decorated in a classic Moroccan style and overlook a charming interior courtyard. Each room boasts a private bathroom with a shower and there’s a traditional lounge stocked with books and board games. Stays at this highly-rated Moulay Idriss hotel include a delicious breakfast featuring Moroccan pancakes and couscous bread.

“Staying at this place we really felt like we were treated like family.” – Alaa (read more reviews here)

Best time to visit Moulay Idriss

The best times to visit Moulay Idriss are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) due to the idyllic weather conditions. If possible, coincide your visit with a Saturday when the local market is on. 

While winters can get chilly in this part of Morocco, summer can be stiflingly hot. If you want to participate in the annual Moussem festival, plan your trip for August. But unless you are a pilgrim, it’s probably best to avoid this time as Moulay Idriss gets incredibly crowded. 

Is Moulay Idriss worth visiting?

Moulay Idriss doesn’t really have any big-ticket attractions (aside from the mausoleum). But it is a wonderful spot to wander if you want to experience an authentic Moroccan town. Its spiritual significance cannot be understated and for devotees of Islam, the annual pilgrimage is a highlight.

If you’re considering visiting Meknes and Volubilis, then I think it’s worth adding Moulay Idriss to your itinerary. Even if it’s only for an hour to stretch your legs and soak up the views.

About Me

I’m Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I’ve developed an intense love for Morocco, its incredible landscapes, storied cities and the exceptionally generous hospitality of its people.

Malika in Morocco is a place to share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. As a resource for travellers visiting Morocco, I want to encourage others to experience this captivating destination the way they desire, whether that’s independently or under the expert guidance of local tour operators.

I believe strongly in supporting responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives while inspiring travel experiences that are life-impacting and mutually beneficial for both travellers and locals.