Welcome to the incredible Blue city of Morocco, Chefchaouen! Tucked away in the breathtaking Rif Mountains, this place is like a real-life painting with its awesome blue buildings and charming narrow lanes.
In this 2-day travel guide, we’ll show you how to make the most of your time in this iconic Moroccan gem. We’ll cover where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. From strolling through the vibrant souks to indulging in mouthwatering local delicacies, we’ll guide you through the must-see spots and hidden gems of the Blue city. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and let’s dive into an unforgettable journey to Chefchaouen!
Chefchaouen is situated in the Rif Mountains of Northern Morocco, about 110 kilometers (68 miles) southeast of Tangier. It’s close to the borders of Spain and Algeria, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including hills, valleys, and nearby waterfalls.
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Chefchaouen is situated in the Rif Mountains of Northern Morocco, about 110 kilometers (68 miles) southeast of Tangier. It’s close to the borders of Spain and Algeria, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including hills, valleys, and nearby waterfalls.
Day 1: Explore the medina and markets in Morocco’s blue city
1. Wander around the Medina
Kick off your day by exploring the heart and soul of Chefchaouen – the Blue Medina. Every corner reveals a new photographic masterpiece waiting to be captured. Although Chefchaouen is much more relaxing than other popular cities in Morocco, we still recommend getting up early to experience the serenity of the first few hours. This way, you can even avoid paying a photography fee to take photos in front of some of the most beautiful houses. Later in the day, some locals might charge you a few Dirham for that.
As you stroll through the streets, you might wonder why the city is painted blue. While the exact origin remains uncertain, there are several theories about the blue walls. Some believe that the tradition of painting the city blue originates from the Jewish community that settled in Chefchaouen in the 15th century. Blue holds symbolic importance in Judaism, representing the sky and heaven, and painting the buildings blue was a way to create a spiritual atmosphere. Others say that the color blue is believed to repel mosquitoes and other insects. Then there is the theory about the cooling effect of the color blue by reflecting sunlight. Given Chefchaouen’s location in a region with a hot climate, painting the buildings blue may help keep the interiors cooler and more comfortable. And last but not least, some believe that the trend of painting buildings blue was reinforced to maintain the unique identity of Chefchaouen and to attract tourists.
So pick one theory 🙂
2. Explore the vibrant markets of the blue city in Morocco
The souks may not be open when you’re exploring the city in the early morning, but you can always come back after having breakfast in your Riad. Take your time to browse through a wide selection of traditional handicrafts, woven textiles, pottery, and locally made products. You’ll find many shops offering handmade blankets and carpets in various designs and patterns, often decorating the beautiful blue walls. We were pleasantly surprised by the relaxed shopping experience, with no one pressuring us to make purchases.
Haggling is a common practice in Morocco, and it’s considered impolite if you don’t engage in the bargaining game. Before asking the shop owner for the price, it’s a good idea to have a price in mind that you’re willing to pay for the item. Then, offer around 30% less than that price and hopefully, you will meet somewhere in the middle.
3. Explore the history of Chefchaouen
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Chefchaouen, you can visit the Kasbah, a historic fort. It houses an ethnographic museum that showcases local artifacts, traditional arts, and historical exhibits. Usually, you can climb to the rooftop terrace for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscapes. The entry fee is 60 MAD (5.5 € or 6 $) per person. However, we have heard mixed reviews about the Kasbah, and unfortunately, the panoramic terrace was closed during our intended visit, so we decided not to go.
4. Enjoy people-watching at Plaza Uta El-Hammam
The main square of Chefchaouen, Plaza Uta El-Hammam, is a vibrant hub where locals and visitors gather to immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere. Find a comfortable spot at one of the outdoor cafes surrounding the square, such as Marisco Twins, or enjoy the fantastic rooftop terrace of Restaurant Hamsa. Observe the bustling activity as locals go about their daily routines and tourists explore the charm of the Blue City. It’s worth noting that the main square is also home to the Grand Mosque, which is used for religious worship and is not accessible for tourists to visit.
5. Take a break at Ras El Maa Waterfall
Just outside the medina you will find the scenic Ras El Maa waterfall. This peaceful oasis is a perfect place to escape, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of nature. The locals absolutely love it!
Dip your feet in the cool waters or have a refreshing mint tea.- Save this post to your Pinterest board
6. Watch the sunset over the blue city from the Spanish Mosque
Head on a quick hike up to the Spanish Mosque perched on the hill, overlooking the city. It’s a very popular spot to catch the stunning sunset or sunrise.
7. End your first day in the blue city of Morocco with a delicious dinner
Wrap up your first day in the blue city of Morocco with a mouthwatering dinner. Treat yourself to the local cuisine at one of the Medina’s many restaurants. We highly recommend checking out the family-run restaurant Lalla Messaouda. If you’re looking for other options, you can try Restaurant Tissemlal of Casa Hassan or Bilmos which even have vegan and vegetarian dishes. These cozy cafes and traditional restaurants will give your taste buds a delightful treat. We’re sure you’ll enjoy the aromatic tagines, the fluffy and light couscous, and the refreshing mint tea, all filled with the amazing flavors of Morocco’s spiced cuisine.
Day 2: Explore the surroundings of Morocco’s iconic blue city
Ready for your second day in Chefchaouen? It’s time to go beyond the city’s blue exterior and discover the breathtaking natural wonders that await just outside!
Option 1: Hike to God’s bridge and the Akchour waterfalls
Grab your trusty hiking boots and your swimsuit and get ready to explore Talassemtane National Park. It’s a 2-hour hike (round trip) from Akchour to the God’s Bridge, an incredible natural limestone arch that we never expected to find in Morocco. Seriously, nature at its finest!
How to get to Akchour?
- Another option is to take a taxi, which typically costs around 20 to 30 MAD for a one-way trip (1.8 € - 3 € or 2 $ - 3 $). Don’t forget to discuss the price with the taxi driver before you enter the taxi. Alternatively, you can join a guided tour
As you follow the picturesque trails, you’ll be surrounded by stunning mountain views, lush green landscapes, and babbling streams. Along the way, you’ll encounter several cafés where you can enjoy a refreshing mint tea or indulge in a tajine. However, it’s a good idea to bring enough water and snacks with you, just in case. Also, make sure to wear sturdy hiking or water shoes, as there are a few spots where you might need to get into the freezing water to cross the river.
Option 2: Hike to the top of Jebel Al Kalaa
For those seeking a moderate to challenging trek, hiking to the summit of Jebel Al Kalaa is another option. If you’re comfortable with several hours of uphill hiking, Jebel Al Kalaa is the perfect choice. The hike starts from the campsite Azila in Chefchaouen and gradually ascends towards the summit, taking around 4 to 4.5 hours to reach the summit.
The terrain is rugged, with steep sections, so wearing appropriate hiking gear is crucial. Remember to bring enough water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views.
How to get to Chefchaouen?
- The nearest international airport to Chefchaouen is Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport (TNG). From there, you can take a taxi or arrange a private transfer to Chefchaouen, which is approximately a 2-hour drive away. Tangier is well-connected to major European cities, making it a popular entry point for travelers
- While there is no direct train service to Chefchaouen, you can take a train to either Tangier or Fes. From there, you can catch a bus operated by CTM, one of the major bus companies in Morocco, which offers regular services to Chefchaouen for around 11 $ (10 €). You can easily check the bus schedule and book your ticket online. Other big bus companies in Morocco are ALSA and Supratours, in case you want to check their options as well. However, last time we checked we only found good options to Chefchaouen on CTM
- The journey from Tangier to Chefchaouen takes about 2.5 hours by car, while it takes approximately 3-5 hours from Fes. Despite the fact that driving in Morocco can be unpredictable, the country is in our opinion generally safe for travel by car
Before you start your journey to the Blue City of Morocco, make sure to ask your Riad in Chefchaouen for the exact address where you should navigate to for parking. Most Riads are located within the medina and don’t have parking facilities directly in front of their hotel. That means you may need to park at a guarded or public parking area.
Keep in mind that locals may approach you when you’re searching for a parking spot. They might ask about your hotel and offer to guide you to your Riad while helping with your luggage. They can be persistent, but having some assistance with your luggage isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Just remember to discuss the tip for their service before they handle your luggage, which shouldn’t exceed 20 MAD (around 2 € or 2 $).
If you’re short on time or prefer a guided experience, booking a guided tour from Tangier is a great option. We recommend to choose a guided tour from Tangier rather than Fes since the drive from Fes to Chefchaouen takes around 4 hours one way, leaving you with limited time to explore Chefchaouen.
Where to stay in Chefchaouen?
Here is an overview of a few selected hotels and riads you can choose from for your stay in the Blue City of Morocco. Click on any of these options to be directed to Booking.com for more information and bookings.
Best time to visit the blue city of Morocco?
The best time to visit Chefchaouen is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the city is less crowded. We went in April during Ramadan, which was already quite warm but still very pleasant.
We hope you have a wonderful time in Chefchaouen, just as we did. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us on Instagram. Don’t forget to check out our other blog posts about Morocco, especially the important travel tips that will give you an overview of how to get around and what to keep in mind. And if you’d like to read more interesting blog posts about other destinations as well, you’ll find them on the homepage of our blog.
