Chefchaouen

4.4 /5

Rate

View Chefchaouen Hotels

Chefchaouen Travel Essentials

Rating:

 
4.4 /5 Rate This Destination

Weather:

Ideal duration: 2 - 3 Days

Best Time: Mar to May, Sep to Oct Read More

Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question

"The Blue City"

Chefchaouen Tourism

Chefchaouen, or Chaouen, is a city nestled in the Rif mountains on the northwestern side of Morocco. It is renowned for its old town's eye-catching, blue-washed architecture and the narrow lanes, through which you can hear the call to prayer that echoes throughout the town's mosques. Chefchaouen is an ideal holiday destination for those who like a laid-back vacation with picturesque views.

The inescapable Medina, studded with its winding, small streets, provides an insight into the lives of locals. At the same time, you can munch on delicacies like freshly baked bread and delicately prepared tagines. Another tourist favourite is its museum, which houses a collection of antiquated weapons, some images of the city, and textiles. Additionally, there is the Kasbah, the 15th-century red fortress, located in the heart of the historic area and has lush gardens that offer a haven of freshness. This town has been a backdrop for most Moroccan cliches and enjoys being a tourist favourite in Morocco. Chefchaouen is the best place to begin exploring the villages and surrounding mountains of the Rif; it has got multiple trails that are beginner friendly. Chaefchaoen is a beautiful city to spend a few days in if you want to get away from the hustle of travelling.

Must Know Before You Travel to Chefchaouen

  • The city is compact, and you can walk through almost all of it.
  • Chaouen's status as the hub of North Moroccan marijuana plants adds to the city's expanding tourism industry. However, you must be careful of touts trying to sell these around Medina.
  • Few car parks are available throughout the city, which is managed by individuals who would allegedly call themselves "guardians," yet they are not marked or equipped with meters. Pay your bill when you leave to avoid paying twice.
  • The main bus terminal or gare routière is a 15-minute walk from the medina via Av. Mohamed V. At the entrance, there are typically a few petite cabs waiting for passengers. To enter the medina, don't pay more than Dh 10.
  • Some firms offer private transportation and excursions to Chefchaouen from Tangier with personal cars, minivans, and English-speaking chauffeurs. A private day trip from Tangier to Chefchaouen will typically cost around EUR 110, which can be divided between members of the same group.  Alternatively, you can ride in a Grand Taxi (public taxi), which can accommodate up to six people and often costs approximately 480 Dhs.

Top Hotels In Chefchaouen

More on Chefchaouen Travel

Traveller Tips

  • You can buy leather products, rugs, carpets and other handicrafts as souvenirs from the market around Medina. Moreover, hipster clothes and accessories are quite a popular trend in the city.
  • The leather artisans in Chaouen are particularly well-known, and four or five leather workshops are scattered throughout the town. You can find their products in many neighborhood shops and the larger northern cities.
  • The most popular breakfast includes cafe con Leche, milk coffee and pancakes with honey and olive oil/ butter. Tajine, a vegetable stew with goat or sheep, and harira, an authentic Moroccan Tomato soup and Baissara. Salada variada has eggs, while Salada Marroqui is a cucumber and tomato salad. The region is renowned for its goat cheese, sold almost throughout the city.

Suggested Itinerary for Chefchaouen

Day 1: Start your day by sipping traditional mint tea, and head out to explore the blue town. First, stroll through Medina, visit shops and stores, and buy souvenirs. Then, visit the main square of Place Outa el-Hammam. Next, move on to the main Kasbah or red fortress, which might take an hour or more. Afterwards, you can stop for lunch and head towards the Grand Mosque. If you are interested in the history and culture of Chefchaouen, move on to the Ethnography museum of Chefchaouen next.

To watch a stunning sunset in the blue city, walk towards the Mosquée Bouzâafar, overlooking the magnificent blue city on a hilltop.

Day 2: The best way to spend your time in Chefchaouen is by wandering across the blue lanes of the town and soaking in its beauty. Start your day by having breakfast in a street-side café; try the Moroccan pastries and coffee. Next, head to Ras El Ma, a major water stream running through the Rif Mountains. Here you can enjoy the view and engage in conversations with the locals. Chefchaouen is surrounded by lush forests and stunning waterfalls; book a ride to the Cascades d’Akchour outside the city. Finally, end your day at an authentic Moroccan restaurant and enjoy a wholesome dinner.

Best Time to Visit Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen Photos

Chefchaouen
A stunning sunset from a Chefchaouen viewpoint
The abandoned hilltop Spanish Mosque in Chefchaouen
The stunning blue streets of Chefchaouen

+ 15
photos

Have a Question on Chefchaouen?

Ask a question from the travellers who have
experience.

Chefchaouen Reviews

Your rating
See 379 Hotels