Fes or Fez is the third largest city in Morocco, after Casablanca and Rabat, with a population of almost a million. It is one of the four ‘Imperial cities’, the others being Marrakesh, Meknes and Rabat.

Fez has long been considered the spiritual, cultural and intellectual capital of Morocco, and there is so much to see and do.

There are two medinas in Fez, the medina of Fez-al-Bali, is the larger of the two medinas in the city, spanning around 2,500 acres. Filled with activity, the sounds of traders bartering, the smells of huge mounds of a 1000 spices, amongst jostling customers, donkeys, children and goods. There is no access for cars, so goods, and produce are carried by donkeys and carts around the narrow medieval streets.

The medina, Fez-al-Bali has been declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations, in order to preserve this amazing place. It is advisable to take a guide, orgaised by your hotel, as it is easy to get lost inside the maze of bustling streets.

The city is also home to the famous mosque, the Kairaouine, which was the largest in Africa until 1993, with the completion of the mosque Hassan II in Casablanca.

The city is also famous for its traditional craftsmanship in Fez blue pottery, carpets , copper trays and leather work. A visit to the tannery and workshops is a unique and absorbing experience.

Once a year, Fez is host to the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music which brings musicians and visitors from all around the world.

It is definately worth staying in Fez for a least a few days, there is a range of accommodation from budget to five star.