The Ultimate Travel Guide to Chefchaouen
- Malika
- Jan 24, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Nestled in the Rif Mountains of northwest Morocco lies Chefchaouen, an enchanting destination that is known simply as Chaouen to the locals. It’s a one-of-a-kind beauty that has been nicknamed the “Blue City”, with its streets and buildings awash in stunning shades of blue.
Meandering through Chefchaouen’s cobblestone lanes feels like walking through a dream and it’s a spellbinding place to spend a few days. The cascades and riverside restaurants of Ras El Maa only add to the experience, providing a cool spot to escape to on hot summer days.
In this Ultimate Travel Guide to Chefchaouen, discover everything you need to know to experience the “Blue City” to the fullest, from the top things to do and inspiring stays to some of my top tour and hiking recommendations.
Looking for more Chefchaouen travel inspiration? Check out my selection of detailed articles here.
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BEST TOURS IN CHEFCHAOUEN
Don't have time to read the whole article? These are my top Chefchaouen tour recommendations:
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Best things to do in Chefchaouen
Explore the medina
Though much smaller than its counterparts in Fes or Marrakech, Chefchaouen's medina captivates with its labyrinth of blue laneways. Lose yourself amidst the azure hues as you uncover local treasures: hand-crafted leather goods, traditional wool garments and fragrant soaps. The relaxed pace of Chefchaouen allows you to stroll and really soak up the experience while breathing in the fresh mountain air.
At the heart of the medina is Plaza Uta el-Hammam, a cobblestoned open space that fuses Arabian and Spanish influences. Watching over is the Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen with its uniquely octagonal minaret. Although only Muslims may enter this 15th-century landmark, its beauty can be admired from the outside and listening to the call to prayer echo through the streets is an experience in itself.
Want to explore Chefchaouen with a guide? This Private walking tour of Chefchaouen receives rave reviews for its friendly and knowledgeable guides.
Best things to do in Chefchaouen
Visit the Kasbah Museum
Nestled in the heart of Chefchaouen's medina is this small museum, which has (let's be fair) mixed reviews. There's a small collection of ethnographic artefacts to browse (with signage in French and Darija only), including pottery, musical instruments and everyday objects.
The highlight really is the tower, which offers wonderful views across Chefchaouen's medina, plus the small Andalusian Garden. That being said, the entrance price is quite steep (it's currently 80 DH) and not everyone feels that it's worth it.
Best things to do in Chefchaouen
Soak up the views from the Spanish Mosque
Perched on a hill overlooking Chefchaouen's medina, the Spanish Mosque provides the perfect vantage point to take in the beauty of this colourful town. Built in the 1920s, the mosque can be reached via a short but scenic hike that’s well worth it for the views and photographic opportunities.
Once at the top, you can marvel at the sea of blue and white buildings that blanket Chefchaouen, with the Rif Mountains framing the scene. Hiking to the Spanish Mosque is a fantastic opportunity to get a dose of nature if you've been medina hopping the last few days and just need to reconnect with the great outdoors.
Best things to do in Chefchaouen
Watch the local women washing at Ras el-Ma
Located where the crisp mountain streams meet the valley, Ras el-Ma is a small but scenic waterfall on the edge of Chefchaouen. Where the rushing waters tumble, local women have long gathered to wash clothes and trade gossip, although you'll find more orange juice pressing and fruit cup selling these days.
Though modest compared to the grand waterfalls found further afield, these cascades provide a refreshing oasis from the heat in the summer months. There are a couple of restaurants where you can dine riverside, as well as the above-mentioned vendors selling fruit cups, juices and elaborate yoghurt creations.
Admire the Cascades d’Akchour
Just a 30-minute taxi ride from Chefchaouen will bring you to a trail that leads to the picturesque Cascades d’Akchour. These scenic waterfalls cascade over the cliffs into inviting rock pools where you can refresh with a dip in the summer months.
Cascades d’Akchour comprises two main falls (a lower and an upper), plus several smaller cascades that tumble along the same stream. Also not to miss is the Bridge of God, a towering rock arch that spectacularly spans the Oued Farda. Beside the waterway are a handful of open-air restaurants serving traditional Moroccan fare.
If you don't have your own transport, this Full-day excursion to Akchour Waterfalls and Talassemtane National Park is a great way to experience the cascades and the surrounding landscapes.
Best things to do in Chefchaouen
Go hiking in the Rif Mountains
For nature lovers, the Rif Mountains offer an unforgettable hiking experience, whether you're an avid hiker or a casual wanderer. Though overshadowed by the more famous Atlas range, these peaks rising above the Mediterranean Sea boast some of North Africa's top hiking trails.
Adventurous travellers can embark on the popular two-day trek to Talassemtane National Park, a spectacular natural destination offering magnificent views. In three to four hours, you can scale the highest peak in the Rif Mountains, Jebel Tidirhine, or spend a day trekking to the rocky summit of Tissouka.
Top tours in Chefchaouen
Top tours in Chefchaouen
For more detailed information about the above tours, check out my Best Tours in Chefchaouen article.
Top tours in Chefchaouen
How to get to Chefchaouen
With buses running daily from Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca and Fes, getting to Chefchaouen is relatively straightforward. Of these transportation hubs, Tangier is the closest at just three hours away.
From Fes, it’s around four hours while Rabat is a five-hour journey. Travelling by bus from Casablanca to Chefchaouen is around nine hours, so it’s recommended you break up the journey with a night or two in Fes.
CTM is the main bus company connecting to Chefchaouen and operates a fleet of comfortable vehicles. Tickets can be booked online in advance and departures are generally on time.
If you’re coming from Tangier, the other option is to grab a grand taxi, a shared ride that is relatively inexpensive, although it can be squishy. Be aware that you may need to change grand taxi in Tetouan, which is located partway between Tangier and Chefchaouen.
The most comfortable and convenient option is booking a private transfer, especially if you're travelling in a group. You'll get door-to-door service directly to your hotel or riad, avoiding the hassle of lugging bags to a bus station or negotiating fares with taxi drivers.
Chefchaouen travel guide
Best places to stay in Chefchaouen
As with many places in Morocco, staying in riad is the best way to experience Chefchaouen. These converted homes (also known as dars) are often centuries old, offering an authentic glimpse into Morocco's past. Step inside and you'll find cosy rooms ornately decorated in traditional styles, with many surrounding tranquil interior courtyards. Each with a unique character and story to tell, staying in a riad or dar is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture of Chefchaouen.
For a more detailed article about Chefchaouen stays, check out my Best Places to Stay in Chefchaouen (for every budget) or splurge at one of these luxury Chefchaouen hotels.
Luxury places to stay in Chefchaouen
Mid-range places to stay in Chefchaouen
Affordable places to stay in Chefchaouen
Best places to stay in Chefchaouen
Best time to visit Chefchaouen
Whenever you visit, Chefchaouen rewards travellers with its blue-washed buildings and inviting mountain setting. Be top tip is to just come prepared with the right clothing and travel plans for the season!
If you're craving warm weather and don't mind crowds, visit Chefchaouen during the summer months of June through early September. Temperatures can soar to 32°C, so plan outdoor activities for the cooler early morning and late afternoon hours. Book accommodations well in advance, as the summer is peak tourist season.
For pleasant weather with fewer tourists, aim for spring (mid-March to May) or autumn (late September to November). Daytime highs range from around 17°C to 28°C, perfect for exploring Chefchaouen's winding alleys and mountain trails. In autumn, you'll be treated to dazzling displays of fall foliage, although be prepared for cool evenings.
Budget-conscious travellers will appreciate the lower prices and smaller crowds of winter (December to early March). But be ready to bundle up for chilly temperatures that drop as low as 4°C to 6°C. That being said, you may just be rewarded with snow blanketing the surrounding Rif Mountains.
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About the author
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 majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.