Less than 60 kilometers from the Mediterranean coast, Chefchaouen is one of the most memorable destinations in all of Morocco. Known as the “Blue City,” this colorful city village has alluring blue-painted old buildings and a serene setting nestled beneath the Rif Mountains. From exploring the lively medina to sampling local oranges, there’s no shortage of things to do in Chefchaouen. Though one of the most popular itineraries for visiting Chefchaouen is via a guided day trip from Fes and Casablanca, the city is definitely worth spending a couple of nights or as a one-night stopover en route to other parts of Northern Morocco, like Tangier and Tamuda Bay. Read our travel guide to learn where to go and help you plan your trip to this picturesque city!
Top Things to Do in Chefchaouen
✨️ Sightseeing in the medina. Not surprisingly, one of the most popular things to do in Chefchaouen is a taking a leisurely stroll around the medina. Full of winding streets and alleyways lined with colorful houses and shops, visitors can shop for traditional Moroccan goods, sample delicious food, and even haggle with the locals. Declared an UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010, the medina also offers attractions such as the Kasbah Garden, Ethnographic Museum (also called the Kasbah Museum), and several mosques that are open to visitors. Of course, since the beauty of Chefchaouen is a photographer’s dream, you absolutely must snap no less than a hundred photos when visiting or do a photo shoot! When taking photos, always be respectful and be mindful that the Chefchaouen medina is a residential community, so each building is inhabited by local people. To avoid crowds, go early.
✨️ Eat and drink. In the Blue City, you’ll find all of the traditional Moroccan foods, including tasty Moroccan pancakes (msemen), donuts (sfenj), and mint tea. Dine at a number of cafes in the main square, Plaza Uta El-Hammam, such as Sofia restaurant, or make your way from the plaza to nearby Beldi Bab Ssour restaurant, popular with both travelers and locals, or Cafe Clock. Aside from pancakes and donuts, another popular food item in Chefchaouen is sweet and juicy local oranges. Not only are the oranges pressed to make fresh juice, but they are also peeled, sliced, and served with honey, sugar, and cinnamon, making them a delicious and refreshing snack. And there are several orange shops, creperies, and cafes serving local oranges!
✨️ Hike to the Spanish Mosque. The structure was built by the Spanish in the 1920s but was never used. Today, it’s one of the most scenic spots in the city. The uphill hike takes about 30 minutes each way and offers the best views of the sunset and surrounding landscapes. There’s also plenty of other hikes that you can do just beyond Chefchaouen, such as Ras-el-Ma.
✨️ Visit Akchour Waterfalls. Take a day trip to this waterfall trail, which offers a scenic hike with several cascades and greenery. Visitors to Chefchaouen can also take an excursion to the nearby Akchour Canyon. This stunning canyon offers beautiful views of the Rif Mountains and is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and swimming. Visitors can also explore the caves and waterfalls located in the canyon. Places like these will make you question whether you’re in Morocco or Eastern Europe.
✨️ Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Chefchaouen. The city is home to a few bars, restaurants and hotels that are popular places for nightlife. One of the best places to go is Parador Restaurant and Bar as well as The Blue Pearl and Hotel Chaouen. In each of these venues, visitors can sample traditional Moroccan cuisine, listen to live music, and take in the sights and sounds of the medina.
For more Morocco trip ideas, you might like: Places to Visit for Unique Holidays in Morocco
How to get to Chefchaouen
Many people flock to Chefchaouen for a day trip from Fes or Casablanca, instead of staying a couple of nights. If you’re traveling from Fes, you can take the Compagnie de Transports au Maroc (CTM) bus, book an organized day tour, or drive in about four hours each way. The options are the same from Casablanca, albeit slightly further away, while those leaving from Marrakech can expect the journey to take around seven hours by car.
Best Chefchaouen Hotels
Without a doubt, one of the best places to stay in Chefchaouen is Dar Jasmine, a modern riad with 13 spacious rooms and additional rooms under construction. The riad has the most amazing views as well as convenient access to a new parking garage across the street for those who wish to drive. This convenience cannot be understated, as Chefchaouen is an extremely difficult place to find parking.
Dar Jasmine’s outdoor spaces are marvelous, offering fabulous views and the perfect poolside hangout for mingling with friends. The hotel’s dining areas have wonderful views, too, and meals are delicious, of course!
Since each bedroom is named after an international city, my room was the Jaipur room, which felt like a little oasis of India. The interior design and decor were stunning, and the room had a private terrace.
It’s worth noting that when staying at Dar Jasmine, you must get your mind right for climbing what feels like a hundred stairs to reach the hilltop property. If stairs are not your thing, it’s best to stay at a riad or hotel in the medina like Lina Ryad & Spa or VANCII Hotel, which is located in the Plaza Uta El Hammam.
Have you done any of these activities? What would you add to our list of things to do in Chefchaouen?
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