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 vibrant dream and it’s a spellbinding place to spend a few 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:
Things to do in Chefchaouen
Explore the medina
Though smaller than the bazaars of 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 allows you to meander between stalls and savour 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 intricately decorated, 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 an unexpected treasure: the lush Andalusian Gardens. This tranquil oasis of greenery provides a soothing contrast to the medina's signature blue hues. Stroll through the gardens and you'll find the Chefchaouen Ethnographic Museum, also called the Kasbah Museum.
Inside, discover a one-of-a-kind collection of regional artefacts that brings the area's cultural heritage to life. From intricate pottery to traditional musical instruments, the museum showcases a fascinating array of objects that offer a window into the history of Chefchaouen and the local way of life.
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 ultimate photos.
Once at the top, marvel at the sea of vivid blue and white buildings that blanket Chefchaouen, with the Rif Mountains framing the scene. While no longer in use or open to visitors, the Spanish Mosque offers a bird's eye perspective of Chefchaouen that you won't want to miss.
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. Though modest compared to the grand waterfalls found further afield, these cascades provide a refreshing oasis from the heat in the summer months.
Admire the Cascades d’Akchour
Just a 30-minute taxi ride from Chefchaouen will bring you to a scenic trail leading to the breathtaking Cascades d’Akchour. These picturesque 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. Though overshadowed by the more famous Atlas range, these peaks rising above the Mediterranean Sea boast some of North Africa's top hiking trails. Whether an avid hiker or casual wanderer, the Rif enables you to gain a better appreciation of Morocco's natural wonders.
Adventurous travellers can embark on the popular two-day trek to Talassemtane National Park, a stunning destination with unrivalled panoramic vistas. From the towering heights, the scenic cityscape of Chefchaouen and its surrounding landscape unfold beneath your feet. 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.
If you’re coming from Tangier, the other option is to grab a grand taxi, a shared ride that makes traveling between cities inexpensive. You'll split the fare and could make some friends along the way. 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 traveling 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. 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.
Budget-conscious travelers 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. 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.