Away With The Steiners

Ultimate 1-Day Chefchaouen Itinerary and Self-Guided Walking Tour.  

Chefchaouen is a beautiful – BLUE – small-city escape nestled in the Rif Mountains of Morocco.  It is most famous for its labyrinth-like blue-hued old walled medina.  But there are plenty of other things to do in Chefchaouen that make it well worth a visit. 

Here are the top things to do in Chefchaouen including a detailed walking tour to plan the perfect Chefchaouen itinerary. 

About Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is a gorgeous mountain city in the north of Morocco.  It is a small city in a valley of the surrounding Rif Mountains with one major feature – everything is blue. 

It is one of Morocco’s prettiest towns.  

The old medina has the trimmings and bottom metres of the walls painted blue.  Some streets are entirely blue, including the street itself.  

The whole town is breathtaking and a photographic paradise for visitors. 

Things to do in Chefchaouen itinerary 1-day for Morocco.
Just some beautifully blue back laneways somewhere inside the Medina.

Where in Morocco is Chefchaouen? 

Chefchaouen is a city in northwest Morocco.  The small city sits in the foothills of the Rif Mountains at 600 metres above sea level.  

The mountain of Jebel el-Kelaa (1616m) is behind it and Jebel Tisouka (2118m) is also nearby. 

Chefchaouen is a 2.5-hour drive from the Port of Tangier and a 3.5-hour drive from Fes. 

History 

The city was founded in 1471 as a base for the Riffian Amazigh (*Berber) tribes to attack the Portuguese in Ceuta.  

It was later settled by Moors and Jews in the Middle Ages, before more recently coming under Spanish rule in 1920 as part of Spanish Morocco. 

Nowadays, its proximity to the port of Tangier (approx. 2.5-hours’ drive) and the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, have made the city a popular tourist destination.  

It used to be a hidden gem in Morocco but since the rise of Instagram and Pinterest, it has fast become a very touristic place. 

*Amazigh/Berber are the people of the native ethnic group of North Africa, predominantly residing in areas of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. 

Why is Chefchaouen blue? 

There is no definitive answer as to why Chefchaouen is blue-tinged.  But like Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India here Chefchaouen has become somewhat of a tourist Mecca thanks to its iconic blue hue. 

There is some evidence that the original ochre coloured old city was painted blue by the city’s Jewish residents.  In Judaism the colour blue signifies divinity and would have distinguished the Mellah neighbourhood of Chefchaouen from the Islamic residences. 

Other stories say the blue colours deters mosquitos or protects against the evil eye.  

However, whatever the deal it is a magnificently charming blue city to experience as a visitor.

Beautiful blue, blue and more blue.

When is the best time of year for this Chefchaouen itinerary? 

Morocco is a year-round destination.  But if you visit Chefchaouen during the low season (from late autumn to early spring), you can avoid the biggest crowds.

For Chefchaouen, the peak tourist season runs between June and August.  However, this is a largely domestic tourism crowd as locals are on summer vacation.  

At this time of year, Chefchaouen is packed with tourists escaping the heat of the desert regions. 

If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy moderate temperatures, the spring from March to May or autumn months between September and November are a pleasant temperature.  

For international tourists from Europe and North America the busiest time to travel to Morocco is during the winter from December to March.  These months are much cooler.  

One year we visited Chefchaouen in April during Ramadan in Morocco with the streets abuzz for shopping before Iftar.

How long do you need? Is a 1-day Chefchaouen itinerary enough? 

If you have one day in Chefchaouen that is plenty to see all the main highlights and soak in the beautifully blue vibes.  All the things to do in Chefchaouen listed below can be done as a walking tour and seen in one day.  

With two days on your Chefchaouen itinerary you can take a day trip to nearby Akchour as well. 

Getting around in Chefchaouen 

All the things to do in Chefchaouen listed below can be explored on foot.  The highlights of this Chefchaouen itinerary are within the Medina and surrounding area.  

Taxis normally drop you at the Hotel Parador just nearby Plaza Uta El Hammam.  Or you can request a drop off or pick up outside the main medina entrance of Bab El Ain.

18 Top things to do in Chefchaouen 

This Chefchaouen itinerary is written in order for a walking tour through the Medina. The compact size of the Medina makes Chefchaouen an ideal place for a self-guided walking tour!

It starts at the Bab El Ain passing all the best things to do in Chefchaouen in one day. 

1. Bab El Ain – Chefchaouen Medina Gate

Start your Chefchaouen itinerary entering through one of the main gates to the medina. 

This gate is called Bab El Ain.  The word ‘Bab’ means gate and the name Bab El Ein means the ‘Eye Gate’. This double storied structure gets its name from where the guards used to watch over the Medina.

It is a 15th century edifice of beige sandstone built during the reign of Mullay Bin Rashid from 1471 – 1511. 

Men wearing traditional Djelba (hooked cloaks) exiting Bab El-Ain.

2. Horno El-Haouta – Al Haouta Oven  

Next up is Horno El-Haouta, not far from Bab El Ain.  This is a traditional bakery built at a similar time to the main gate (1540 – 1560) to the medina and is still in action today in its traditional operation. 

It is a communal oven and one of the most famous things to see in Chefchaouen.  Locals (still) bring their bread dough and bastilla (savoury-sweet pies) to bake here.

Follow the scent of the wood fired oven smoking! 

Delicious pastries and Chebakiya (sweets) at the Horno El-Haouta bakery.

3. Place El Haouta 

Continue in a slightly uphill direction towards Place El Haouta.  This is a smaller square in size than the main Uta El Hammam Square.  But the surroundings of El Haouta are beautiful and with a quieter and quaint atmosphere. 

In the centre of the square the main feature is a century-old ornate water fountain. 

The square has a few small juice shops and a creperie.  Try Snack Fatima for a sticky Nutella crepe!  Otherwise, this is a good chance for a first coffee stop on your Chefcahouen itinerary.  

Shops and cafe seating surrounding the central public water fountain.

4. Bab Souk – Market Gate 

Walk up to join back onto Avenue Hassan I past Bab Souk (Market Gate).  Bab Souq is one of the primary gates into the old city with its entrance from the northwest.  

From here the Chefchaouen Souk stretches outside the old medina with a local target market.  It is worth a peek even if you don’t need any incense, household items or a live chicken(!). 

Then continue back inside the medina along Avenue Hassan I where the shops from Bab Souk become touristic again. 

We love the markets in Morocco and recommend a wander through the souk at some stage on your Chefchaouen itinerary.

Friendly (and a little shy) vendors at the Souk.

5. Callejon El Asri

Callejon El Asri in Chefchaouen is a picturesque little alleyway in the medina. This street is famous for its walls painted in shades of blue.  

It is one of the most iconic things to do in Cehfchaouen and is a popular Instragram photo stop on any Chefcahouen itinerary.  

6. Hammam El-Blad – Public Bath 

Take the winding narrow stairs down in the direction of Plaza Uta El Hammam.  Just before the entrance to the square is the understated doors to Hammam El Balad. 

Hammam el-Balad was the city’s first public bath dating back to the 16th century.  

If you haven’t yet tried a Moroccan hammam you are missing out!  I highly recommend the experience while in Morocco.  

However, if now is not the time on your Chefcahouen itinerary, it is worth a peek inside.  

There are separate areas for men and women.  But the set-up of this hammam is traditional in the style of historic Moroccan hammam. 

If you haven’t yet been to a Moroccan hammam it is worth a peep inside Chefchaouen’s oldest.

7. Plaza Uta El Hammam – Uta El Hammam Square

Uta El Hammam is a large square fringed with numerous vibrant restaurants and shops.  This is the main town square of the Chefcahoeun medina and is a bustling, cobbled and busy plaza. 

The Kasbah and Grand Mosque are also accessed from the square. 

Make the most of a stop here on your Chefchaouen itinerary for lunch or a coffee and soak in the atmosphere. 

Restaurants fringe the busy Plaza Uta El Hammam.

8. Kasbah of Chefchaouen 

In Chefchaouen, the magnificent Kasbah dates to the 15th century.  The word ‘Kasbah’ comes from the Arabic word qasaba, which means fortress or citadel.  A Kasbah is a common part of historic fortified cities in North Africa.  

The Kasbah in Chefchaouen has served many purposes throughout history, including as a military stronghold, royal residence, prison. and administrative centre.  

It was built in 1471 by Rachid Ben Ali to protect the city.  Today it is an important historical monument in Morocco and has been restored several times over the centuries. 

The Kasbah is located just off Plaza Uta El Hammam and houses the Ethnological Museum as well as an interior garden, fountains and patios. 

The historic Kasbah of Chefchaouen.

9. Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen 

The Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen is the oldest mosque and the main historic Friday Mosque of the city.  It is also located just off Uta El Hammam Plaza.  

Though as most mosques in Morocco it is not open to non-Muslim public.  However, it is worth stopping to admire the historic mosque on your Chefchaouen itinerary. 

The Grand Mosque leading off the busy Plaza Uta El Hammam.

10. Sidi Bellehsen Square – Wool Market

Just to the right of the Kasbah and between the side entrance to the Grand Mosque is a narrow laneway leading towards Sidi Bellehsen Square.  (It is also signposted towards the public toilets just off Uta El Hammam Plaza). 

This historic square was also known as the wool market of Chefchaouen.  

There are a few small plaques on the surrounding buildings detailing the historic nature of the square and residents.  

Behind the Kasbah in the historic Wool Market.

11. Chefchaouen Mellah – Jewish Quarter 

From the wool market square below the Kasbah, wander down between the buildings to the Mellah neighbourhood. 

The Mellah is the Jewish quarter of the old walled cities in Morocco. 

The Jews, of Iberian origin and Haketia speakers, were once a third of Chefchaouen’s population.  Their Mellah encompasses the southern quarter of the medina between the Kasbah and Bab el-Ain.  This was the place of residence historically assigned to the Jewish community.  

It is debated whether the Jewish influence on the style of Chefchaouen has contributed to the reason of the blue hue for the city.  From around 1760 under the rule of Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdallah, the Jews were ordered to move into the Medina.  They built ochre houses in classic Andalusian style but added indigo to the whitewash to contrast the Mellah against the traditional green of Islam.  

Walk down through the Mellah to the Bab Mellah gate to exit the walled city onto Avenue Hassan II.  Or head back up to Plaza Uta El Hammam and follow the medina laneways towards the Portuguese Bridge and cascades.  

Colourful Djellaba (hooded cloaks) on sale in the Mellah.

12. Plaza Sebbanin – Things to do in Chefchaouen

We found the Mellah an interesting part of the medina and one of the lesser known (less busy) things to do in Chefchaouen.  So, each time we exit the old city and take Rue Sidi Ahmed El Ouafi through Plaza Sebbanin towards the Portuguese Bridge.  

More blues and blue souvenirs in Plaza Sebbanin just outside the Medina.

13. The Portuguese Bridge – Things to do in Chefchaouen 

The Bridge of the Sabbanin Valley was built buy the Portuguese prisoners who attached the coasts of Morocco during the reign of the Ben Rashid rulers between 1471 – 1560.  It is otherwise known as the ‘Portuguese Bridge’ of Chefchaoeun. 

Walk across the bridge and follow the river upstream towards the small cascades. 

The historic Portuguese Bridge over Ras al-Ma’.

14. Ras al-Ma’ – Small Waterfalls

Ras al-Ma’ is the city’s traditional water source.  It is located east of the Medina, outside its former walls. Though it was the original source of water for the city. 

Nearby and downstream are located an old mill, a communal bakery and the Portuguese Bridge which links the two shores of the stream. 

The small cascades and water channels of Ras al-Ma’.

15. Lavadero de la Ciudad Ras al-Ma’ – Communal Laundry

Just a short walk upstream from the small cascades you will find the Lavadero de la Ciudad.  Also known as the ‘City Laundry’, this was once the place where locals went to wash their clothing in the river. 

Nowadays, Lavadero de la Ciudad is still sometimes used for laundry.  We watched some women washing heavy blankets in the stream and using the stone sinks to scrub the fabric.  

Though it is more popular as a lookout stop on the way uphill to the Spanish Mosque.  The small square above the laundry area is a good spot for a freshly squeezed orange juice.

The fast-running cascades of Ras Al-Ma’ with blankets out to dry above the Laverie.

16. Spanish Mosque 

The Spanish Mosque is a disused mosque overlooking the town from a hill to the east. It was built by the Spanish in the 1920’s and sits on a hill that perfectly overlooks Chefchaouen’s medina.

This will be best done as the last of things on your Chefchaouen itinerary.  It is a popular thing to do in Chefchaouen just on sunset for golden views over the blue-hued city and valleys below.  

Views over the blue-hued city from the Spanish Mosque.

The verdict? 

This is an ideal Chefchaouen itinerary to make the most of a full day in the beautifully blue city.  Albeit it isn’t a big city by Moroccan standards.  But it is well worth staying 1-2 nights to make the most of all the things to do in Chefchaouen in one day exploring. 

Plus, you need more than a day trip or stopover visit because one of the best things to do in Chefchaouen is to enjoy the sunset from the Spanish Mosque! 

Other things to do in Chefchaouen 

There are plenty of other historic, cultural and food-things to do in Chefchaouen if you have more time. 

Some of the most popular tours to do in Chefchaouen are a photography tour or a cooking class at Clock Café. 

Though we reckon on of the best things to do in Chefchaouen after a day of exploring is to experience a Moroccan hammam. 

Signs for one of the local Hammam outside the Medina.

Other things to do in Chefchaouen with kids

There are plenty of things to do in Chefchaouen for kids of all ages.  Most of the key things to do in Chefchaouen with kids are within the medina and old city.  

It isn’t a modern destination for travel families, so it is without the mod-cons of amusement parks or things like that.  But it is very family friendly.  There are some playgrounds to explore and plenty of treats for kids to enjoy tasting inside the medina. 

Chefchaouen is another of Morocco’s proudly friendly cities.

Day trips from and things to do near Chefchaouen 

If you would like to explore some beautiful places in the nearby Rif Mountains, foresee at least a couple of days in the region.

Getting there

It is relatively easy to reach Chefchaouen by public transport.  However, there is no train line to this mountainous small town.  Instead, the most economical way is by bus. 

CTM is the main bus company operating between Chefchaouen and Tangier, Fes, Rabat or Casablanca. 

Tickets for the bus to Chefchaouen cost between 100 – 250 MAD. These can be purchased online through CTM. 

Beautiful views in the Rift Mountains somewhere en route from Akchour.

Where to eat / Restaurants and cafes in Chefchaouen 

The cuisine of Chefchaouen will be influenced by the availability of sheep meat, dairy products and produce from the surrounding Rif Mountain region.  However, there are some vegan and vegetarian options to hunt out too. 

If you haven’t yet tried Bessara Soup, made from pureed fava beans seasoned with cumin and paprika, this is a popular dish in this part of Morocco and well worth a try!  

Plus, there are stands of freshly squeezed orange juice on sale all around the blue city. 

The blue city view from the rooftop of the Clock Cafe.

Where to stay in Chefchaouen 

There is a good choice and range of accommodation in Chefchaouen from backpacking hostels to affordable traditional Riads and a few luxury hotels. 

Where to park your car in Chefchaouen

There are several options to park your car in Chefchaouen if your accommodation doesn’t have parking included. 

Otherwise, there is some free parking on the streets outside the medina.  There is also one very small indoor carpark (Parking Jour Et Nuit).  Though the space is miniscule and I’m not sure I would confidently recommend it with a rental. 

Overnight parking for motorhomes just a short walk from the Medina entrance.

Where to park your motorhome in Chefchaouen

The most popular place to park overnight with a motorhome in Chefchaouen in in the Allal Ben Abdellah Avenue Park4Night.

Chefchaouen – Av. Allal Ibn Abdellah

About: This is a guarded carpark, and it is very close to the medina and other shops and restaurants.  However, it is very basic and not particularly clean.  

It is nothing to write home about.  But we have stayed here on three visits to Chefchaouen in our motorhome and had no problems.  

Where to after Chefchaouen on your Morocco itinerary? 

Chefchaouen is within a day’s drive to some of the other most famous cities in Morocco. 

More about planning for travel in Morocco and beyond

These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel. 

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