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
- Why is it blue?
- Best time to visit?
- How long do you need?
- 1-Day Chefchaouen Itinerary
- Things to do in Chefchaouen
- Things to do in Chefchaouen with kids
- Day trips from Chefchaouen
- Getting there
- Where to eat
- Where to stay
- Parking
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.
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.
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.
- Read about travel to Morocco during Ramadan.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
- Read everything you wanted to ask about a Moroccan hammam.
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.
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.
- Open: 10:00am – 6:00pm (Monday to Sunday)
- Cost: 60 MAD (6 EUR)
- Location: Uta El Hammam Plaza
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Kasbah Museum and Gardens
- Hammam El Meslouhi
- Ethnographic Museum of Chefchaouen
- Maghrab Arabe Souk
- Berber Caravan Market (Monday and Thursday)
- Chefchaouen Cemetery
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.
- Read about things to know and what to bring for a Moroccan hammam.
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.
- Wander the BLUE Medina: Albeit it is a bit of a combination between feeling lost and exploring Chefchaouen with kids. But size-wise it suits wandering with kids and it is such a unique (and blue) place to explore as a family.
- Kasbah Garden: This Andalusian-style Garden has a nice water fountain, several benches, and most importantly, a small playground for kids.
- Walk up to the Spanish Mosque: It’s an easy 30-minute walk uphill from the town’s centre to the historic mosque with views that are worth the hike.
- Sample some orange juice: All the walks in Chefchaouen – whether in the medina or to the Spanish Mosque – pass by the many brightly coloured orange juice vendors. This is always another of Morocco’s highlights for our kids.
- Play with other kids: We saw lots of kids playing games with marbles in the small laneways and splashing in the small cascades.
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.
- Akchour Waterfalls and God’s Bridge: These are two worthwhile natural sites to visit on a daytrip. Akchour is around a 45-minute drive from Chefchaouen.
- Kief (Cannibis) Farm: I had no idea but apparently, Chefchaouen is notorious for being the hashish hub of Morocco. So, for anyone wanting to experience a more authentic encounter with the local cannabis industry, it is possible to arrange a visit to a Kief farm.
- Oued Laou: A picturesque coastal resort in Northern Morocco, Oued Laou is a popular day trip option from Chefchaouen.
- Tetouan: Located towards the north and Mediterranean coast, Tetouan is an underrated Moroccan city that makes an ideal stopover between Tangier and Chefchaouen.
- Tangier: To the north coast, Tangier is a beautiful Spanish-influenced Moroccan city well worth a visit on your Moroccan itinerary.
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.
- Tangier to Chefchaouen: 2 hr 9 min (111.9 km)
- Fes to Chefchaouen: 3 hr 39 min (211.6 km)
- Rabat to Chefchaouen: 4 hr (247.9 km)
Tickets for the bus to Chefchaouen cost between 100 – 250 MAD. These can be purchased online through CTM.
- Book tickets for the bus online with CTM Morocco.
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!
- Snack Fatima: Try the crepes with Nutella in Haouta Square.
- Clock Café: The menu features a delightful variety of dishes, from tagines and couscous. But most famous is their signature camel burger and Moroccan mint tea served on the rooftop terrace.
- Sofia Restaurant: In the heart of the square (amidst the many other restaurants) serving standout delicious home cooking.
- Café Aladdin: Enjoy lunch with a panoramic view of the mosque and Kasbah from a roof terrace in Uta El Hammam Square.
- Bilmos: Offers a variety of vegan dishes. We loved the Arrabiatta Tagine here!
- Toda Creperie: In three visits to Chefchaouen we have officially ranked the crepes here and at Snack Fatima as a necessary addition to your Chefchaouen itinerary.
Plus, there are stands of freshly squeezed orange juice on sale all around the blue city.
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.
- Budget: Hotel Souika
A low-cost budget hostel with private rooms plus a fantastic rooftop terrace with views of the city.
- Budget / Mid-Range: Aparthotel Dar Nowara Chaouen
Immaculate cleanliness and conveniently located opposite the mosque in the centre of the town.
- Mid-Range: La Petite Chefchaouen
A cute boutique guesthouse with accommodation options for both single visitors and families with kids.
- Mid-Range: Casa Blue Star
A distinctly blue-themed riad capturing the essence of Chefchaouen.
- Mid-Range: Casa Perleta
An authentic riad with traditional Moroccan interior design tucked in a small alley just a few minutes from the Bab Souk gate.
- Luxury: Lina Ryad & Spa
Treat yourself with a luxurious place to stay in Chefchaouen complete with an on-site spa and indoor pool!
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.
- Parking Bab el Mahrouk: A small guarded parking at the upper part of the Medina. The cost is 20 MAD for a 24-hour period.
- Parking Place Outa Al Hammam: This is a small private and paid carpark located next to the Parador Hotel on Avenue Hassan II. The cost is 30 MAD for a 24-hour period.
- Allal Ben Abdellah Avenue: A large(ish) outdoor parking area priced at 10 MAD for a day, 20 MAD for a night and 50 MAD for 24 hours. Conveniently situated near the Medina.
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.
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
- Location: Allal Ben Abdellah Avenue
- Type: Parking Lot Day / Night
- Park4Night: #45746
- Cost: 50 MAD 24h
- Facilities: None
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.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before embarking on all the great things to do in Chefchaouen, Morocco!