Chefchaouen is a small city in the north west of Morocco known also as the blue city. It is located in the heart of the Rif mountains. It is known for its blue painted houses and streets. That is the main reason why it is called the blue pearl. The city is also known as one of the most attractive cities for tourists, either for visitors looking for cultural experiences or ones looking for adventure and hiking experience.

Why is the city painted in blue?

There are many theories to why Chefchaouen’s houses and streets are painted blue. Some says that it’s due to the Jewish community that was in the city in the past, others believe that its painted like that to keep the houses cool during the summer.

Whatever the reason after the blue color of Chefchaouen, the locals still apply a fresh coat of blue paint on there houses and streets twice a year giving the blue city in Morocco its iconic beauty.

How to get to Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is only accessible by car or by bus. The best way is to take the bus of th CTM which is a reputable company. There are many departures from the main cities:

• From Fes, expect a 4-hour ride
• From Tangier, expect a 2.5 – 3 hour ride
• From Casablanca, expect a 5-6 hour ride
• From Marrakech, expect a 7-8 hour ride
• From Rabat, expect a 4 – 5 hour ride

Hiring a private driver or taking a taxi is a great option if you are traveling with a group or family and you want to have the flexibility to leave and stop as you please. Also you can rent a car to get the same flexibility.

How many days to spend in Chefchaouen

If your journey in Morocco is not long enough, one day trip to Chefchaouen will give you few hours to enjoy the city without seeing everything in the “What to do” list. However, we recommend to spend more than one day in Chefchaoun, you will need at least 2 days to explore the city and to visit the surrounding areas. The ideal is a 3 day trip to visit it all.

The best time to visit Chefchaouen

The best time to visit Chefchaouen is in the spring months (March, April and May) or in the automne months (September, October and November). Also, you can plane to visit it during the summer to enjoy the summer weather and to swim in the surrounding rivers and waterfalls. However expect it to be more crowded during this period.

Tip: When planning your visit to Morocco in general consider the holly month of Ramadan which comes in different time each year as it is related to the Islamic calendar. During Ramadan the life is different in Morocco as restaurants, transportation, and attractions may have different working hours (restaurants are closed during the day time). Check our article about travelling to Morocco during Ramadan.

What to do in Chefchaouen

1. Get lost in the city streets

The old medina of Chefchaouen is one of the most beautiful ones in Morocco. It’s a paradise for photographers with its narrow blue streets, beautiful doors and dead’end alleys. By walking through the streets you will learn more about the local people and their way of life. However, be respectful when it comes to taking photos, especially towards women and children. Always ask for permission to take photos of people. If you want to take pictures of empty streets, you should hit them before 9 am.

Chefchaouen streets are also full of cats, many cats! which is very interesting for photographers and cat lovers.

2. Shopping in the Medina

When walking through the streets of Chefchaouen, you will encounter many small bazaars that sells local crafts, pieces of art, souvenirs and traditional clothes. It’s beautiful to see and interesting for shopping lovers. You will also find many workshops where you can see the craftsmen making their beautiful goods.

3. Visit the big mosque of Chefchaouen: The Spanish mosque

The big mosque of Chefchaouen is located on a hill to the east of the city and it is 45 min walk to get there. This is the best place to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

The best time to visit this place is on a clear day before sunrise or sunset. You will enjoy a spectacular view over the city and the Rif mountains. If you can’t reach this place you still can enjoy the sunset and sunrise from one of many rooftop terraces around the city (Many hostels and hotels have one).

4. Visit Ras el-ma

Ras el-ma means the head of water, and this is the point where the fresh mountain water trickles into the town.it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists. For locals it’s a place of gathering where they can wash their clothes and have nice conversation. These falls are a place to escape the heat during the summer and to discover the town life.

5. The Kasbah museum & gardens

In the center of the city lies the Kasbah museum, a beautiful and tranquil Andalusian Garden. Within these gardens you will find the Kasbah Museum which is an Ethnographic museum where you can enjoy a collection of art crafts from the region. This is one of the best places to know more about the city, its history, customs and culture.

6. Place Outa El Hammam

A nice place where to enjoy your evening, Outa El Hammam, located in the heart of the city. This square is the main one in Chefchaouen and it is surrounded with many restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine, or take Moroccan mint flavored tea. Also in this place you have a good chance to find a local band playing music.

In this square you will find two main streets leading up and through the medina. The main Kasbah is also located in this place.

7. Take a trip to Akchour

This one is the top listed activities to do when visiting Chefchaouen. It’s a MUST! A day trip to Akchour which is just 45 min from the city. Akchour water falls offers a lot to do, from hiking, swimming on clear waterholes and canyoning. You can also taste a Moroccan Tagine in one of many river restaurants with the water flowing just under your feet.

It is recommended to visit it during the summer, early in the day to avoid being there at the same time as a large number of local tourists (being school holiday period in Morocco, Akchour ca get busy during the summer)

8. Explore Talassemtane National Park

45 min away from Chefchoun you will find the Talassemtane National Park, a perfect place for nature lovers to explore the natural beauty of northern Morocco. Tha park covers about 60 hectares (About 146 acres). This park is home to more than 50 mammals such as the magot monkey, the otter and the genet, but also more than a hundred species of birds such as the golden eagle.

The mountainous landscape dominates the park, with significant orography and abundant springs. The limestone ridge which constitutes the relief of the park is the most important aquifer in the Rif.

The park sector mainly supplies the Mediterranean watersheds, with the creation of formidable water reservoirs within the limestone massif.

How to get there? Most guides will take you to Ras El Ma, either from a meeting in El Haouta Square, or from Outa El Hammam Square. In any case, the discovery of the park will generally be done from Ras El Ma. You will then find yourself in the wilderness inhabited by many native species.

Chefchaouen is one of the most beautiful cities of Morocco, especially for nature and hiking lovers. We hope that our article will help to guide you during your journey to this charming city. Welcome to Blue city Morocco.