The moment I entered the medina in Fes, I was met with a lot of annoyances. A simple “thank you” with a smile didn’t work, so I ignored the scammers and hawkers. The first scammer told me that the hostel I’ve booked had already been closed a week ago. He then recommended me a very nice one for a cheaper price. The second scammer pretended to be helpful by showing me the way to my hostel, but I was very quick to tell him nicely that I’d be fine to find the hostel on my own. We had a little argument until he realized that I wasn’t going to let him win. He looked at me like he could crush me in one blow.

The medinas in Morocco almost have the same thing to offer. They awaken your five senses in all corners along potholed alleys and narrow main streets. The shops are alive with colours and pungent smell of spices and food drift the air. These scenes are delightful but I was curious to see the medina without people going around. So, I decided to explore it early morning, long before the shopkeepers display their goods.

With empty streets, the souk looked so abandoned.

The Medina in Fes looks like this in the morning.

An early walk at the medina in Fes, Morocco.

The bare, cobblestoned streets seem to have their own dramatic beauty.

An early walk at the medina in Fes, Morocco.

The beams of light and the play of shadows create a sense of place you’ve been longing for.

An early walk at the medina in Fes, Morocco.

When the medina is deserted, there are no distractions from vendors and hawkers.

An early walk at Fes medina in Morocco.

And I discovered surprises I won’t have noticed with a crowd.

An early walk at the medina in Fes, Morocco.

I noticed this incredible doors.

An early walk at the medina in Fes, Morocco.

This stunning, century-old exterior ornaments.

An early walk at the medina in Fes, Morocco.

This beautiful graffiti.

An early walk at the medina in Fes, Morocco.

This fountain with a pretty design.

An early walk at the medina in Fes, Morocco.

And these hardworking donkeys.

An early walk at the medina in Fes, Morocco.

I met these early risers.

An early walk at Fes medina in Morocco.

And hardworking humans, too.

An early walk at Fes medina in Morocco.

I spotted things that were just left outside. Like these animal skins.

An early walk at Fes medina in Morocco.

And these vegetables.

An early walk at Fes medina in Morocco.

Without colours from the shops, this street really looks so neglected you would never think it’s still being used.

An early walk at Fes medina in Morocco.

Some streets fit the description, “There’s light at the end of the tunnel.” 😀

An early walk at Fes medina in Morocco.

Sometimes, you’d never fully know the beauty of a place until you see it unoccupied.

An early walk at Fes medina in Morocco.

As travelers, we tend to go and follow the crowd because we have fears we’d miss something out if we won’t follow them.

An early walk at the medina in Fes, Morocco.

But, as you can see in these photos, the crowd surely missed this experience I had.

An early walk at Fes medina in Morocco.

Where to stay in Fez

Dar Elinor is few meters from the world-renowned medina in Fez. It’s clean and beds are comfortable. Staff are nice and so willing to help your stay memorable.

DISCOVER MOROCCO

Not into travelling solo or alone?  Discover Morocco via Intrepid Travel. They have tours that aren’t crowded but limited participants. Choose from the different itineraries they have, exploring part of or the whole country. You’ll love their tours!

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