The medina, a pedestrian world

Morocco's medinas, such as Fès el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are mazes of narrow lanes, often too narrow for a car. People get around on foot, among craftsmen, donkeys and handcarts. Arriving in a rental car is no problem at all, as long as you accept one simple rule: the car stops at the gates of the medina, and the visit continues on foot.

Approaching the medina

Around the medinas, traffic becomes denser and slower. Streets narrow, pedestrians walk in the road and delivery vans double-park. Drive slowly, leave space on each side and do not follow your GPS blindly: it may lead you into a street that ends in a dead end or steps. It is better to identify a car park near one of the main gates in advance.

Where to park

There are usually car parks, attended or not, at the gates of the medinas and along the main boulevards. In many towns, parking attendants, often recognisable by their vest, watch over cars parked in the street for a small tip. Ask about the rate on the spot beforehand, and choose well-lit spaces if you return late. Follow the signs carefully: painted kerbs, no-parking zones and reserved spaces are enforced.

A few useful reflexes

  • Leave no valuables visible inside the car.
  • Note or photograph where your car is and which medina gate you entered by.
  • Avoid rush hours and market days when entering or leaving town.
  • If you are staying in the medina, ask your accommodation in advance where to park and how to reach the entrance.

Which car for the city

Near the medinas, a reasonable size makes manoeuvring easier. The Mercedes CLA 220, an automatic saloon, is available from 1000 MAD/day. If you prefer a compact SUV, the Porsche Macan is available from 1400 MAD/day for longer rentals (base rate 2000 MAD/day, 1800 MAD/day from 7 days, 1500 MAD/day from 15 days, 1400 MAD/day from 30 days). All our cars come with unlimited mileage, and the minimum rental is 3 days for these models.

Collection in Fès

Handy for visiting the Fès medina: the Mercedes CLA 220 and the Porsche Macan can be collected at Fès airport, as well as at the airports of Casablanca Mohammed V, Rabat, Marrakech, Agadir, Tanger, Nador and Oujda, or at the Casablanca agency (Maarif), with return during the agency's opening hours.

Book your car

Want to discover the medinas at your own pace? Book your car via WhatsApp on +212 646 618 020 or on loccor.com, from each model's page.