Fez, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital, may have lagged behind Marrakech when it comes to stylish riads and sophisticated restaurants, but a subtle transformation is under way along its medieval alleyways. Ancient buildings are being restored, designers are breathing new life into age-old crafts and chefs are opening exciting restaurants.
And it’s easier to reach too, thanks to new direct Air Arabia flights from Gatwick on Saturdays (from £81 return), and thrice-weekly internal flights from Marrakech (from £46 return), which take an hour, rather than seven-plus by bus or train.
A government agency, Ader-Fès, was set up in 1989 to oversee the ambitious restoration of Fez’s eighth-century Medina. By the end of 2018, 3,370 buildings, some in danger of collapse, will have been made safe. This year, 27 key monuments have been restored, with funding from the World Bank and other supporters. Read More
