Clinging to the slopes of the Rif mountains, Chefchaouen is one of the most photogenic towns in the world. Its whitewashed houses painted in every shade of blue, its cobbled alleys and its peaceful pace make it a must on any trip to northern Morocco. Here is what to see and do in Chefchaouen, with tips from our guides.
Why is Chefchaouen blue?
Founded in 1471 by Moulay Ali ben Rachid to defend the region, the town welcomed Andalusian Muslim and Jewish families expelled from Spain over the centuries. Several explanations exist for its colour: a tradition brought by the Jewish community, the blue of the sky and spirituality, or a way to keep mosquitoes away and houses cool. Today, residents repaint their walls every year, which gives the medina its vivid blue.
Highlights of the medina
- Outa el-Hammam square: the heart of town, lined with cafés and restaurants, perfect for mint tea at the end of the day.
- The kasbah: a 15th-century ochre fortress with a lovely Andalusian garden, a small ethnographic museum and a great view from its tower.
- The Great Mosque, with its octagonal minaret, rare in Morocco, right next to the kasbah.
- The blue alleys of the Souika quarter and Callejón el-Asri, the most photographed in town.
- Ras el-Maa: the spring that supplies the town, where women once did their washing, at the foot of the medina.
Sunset from the Spanish Mosque
From Ras el-Maa, a 20-minute trail climbs to the Spanish Mosque, built in the 1920s. It is the best viewpoint over Chefchaouen: at sunset, the blue town turns orange and pink against the mountains.
Hiking around Chefchaouen
The town is the gateway to Talassemtane National Park, covered with cedar and fir forests. The most popular trip leads to the Akchour waterfalls and “God’s Bridge”, a natural arch over the river, about 45 minutes’ drive away. Bring good shoes and allow half a day.
What to eat and what to buy
Try the region’s fresh goat’s cheese, served with olive oil and bread, and the mountain tagines. For crafts, Chefchaouen is known for its hand-woven wool blankets and ponchos, leather goods and blue pigments sold as powder in the shops. To discover the country’s other specialities, read our article on the 10 Moroccan dishes to try.
How to get to Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is about 4 hours by road from Fez and 2.5 hours from Tangier. It fits perfectly into an imperial cities tour or a northern loop. There is no train station: a car with a private driver is the most comfortable option.
Our tips for visiting Chefchaouen
- Stay at least one night: the medina is magical early in the morning and in the evening, once day-trippers have left.
- Photograph the alleys, but always ask before photographing residents.
- The best seasons are spring and autumn; winter is cooler and wetter (see the best time to visit Morocco).
- On Fridays and Sundays, market days, villagers from the Rif come down to sell their produce.
Chefchaouen is part of our 7-day imperial cities tour and our 10-day grand tour of Morocco, with a night in town. Prefer a different route? Ask for your free quote.
