Morocco is a country of endless beauty, with its towering Atlas Mountains, intricate architecture and design, lush green valleys, and the vast Sahara Desert. One of my favorite places in Morocco is the beautiful Blue City of Chefchaouen.
The Blue City or “Blue Pearl” is most known for its striking blue-washed buildings and cobblestone streets, set against the Rif Mountains. It’s small, walkable, and easily seen in just a day or two. Depending on how much time you have, you can take a day trip there from another city in Morocco, or stay a night and experience everything this beautiful city has to offer. Discover below the top 10 things to do in Chefchaouen, Morocco.
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How to get to Chefchaouen, Morocco
Chefchaouen is in the Rif Mountains in northwest Morocco. Chefchaouen can be a bit of a trek and quite a distance from the more popular Morocco destinations (Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, The Sahara Desert, and Tangier), but it is absolutely worth a visit during your time there. It’s about 2+ hours drive from Tangier, 3+ hours from Fez, 5+ hours from Casabalana, and 7+ hours from Marrakesh. Depending on where you are coming from you should consider the best time to visit Chefchaouen.
The ideal way to get to Chefchaouen is via bus or private taxi. Unfortunately, no flight or train takes you there directly.
We didn’t take the bus, but heard CTM is the most reliable and you can book your ticket online.
There are a lot of private transfer or full-day tour options from the city. Depending on your budget you can book a private or shared transfer. You can easily book something through GetYourGuide.com or Viator.com. Even though it was more expensive, we appreciated the private space and our driver helped us book a local guide for a day tour (which we loved!).
Depending on where you are coming from here are some suggested options:
Fez
- Blue City magic: Affordable Day Trip from Fez to Chefchaouen
- One-way transfer from Fez to Chefchauouen here
Check out my guide on How to Spend 2 Days in Enchanting Fes, Morocco.
Casablanca
Tangier
- Chefchaouen private full day excursion & panoramic of Tangier
- Tangier to Chefchaouen private transfer
Why you should get a local tour guide
While Chefchaouen is easily walkable and explorable by yourself, I highly recommend hiring a local guide who can help share more about the history and local culture. I always appreciate hearing from a local to get more insight into what you may not be able to read online or in a book. I suggest booking with Omar – he was incredible! You can book him through this link: Explore the hidden gems in the blue city. Omar is extremely friendly and knowledgeable and can customize the tour based on what you may or may not be interested in.
Tip: Wear comfy clothing and walking shoes! There are a lot of cobblestone steps and it can get slippery/steep especially if it rains. You should also try to get out early if you want to beat the crowds and take photos without a lot of people. Chefchaouen is a photographer’s dream, with its vibrant blue buildings and alleyways, set against the mountains as a backdrop.
Top 10 things to do in Chefchaouen
1. Enjoy an epic panoramic view of Chefchaouen from the Spanish Mosque
The best time of day to visit the Spanish Mosque is for sunset or sunrise as it sits on a hill east of the city. It takes about 45 minutes to walk to the top. The trail starts from the medina’s eastern gate. At the top, you will get an incredible view of the Blue City and surrounding mountains. You can also purchase and sip on some hot sweet mint tea (a local favorite) while you enjoy the views. This was one of our favorite moments and a top 10 activity you don’t want to miss in Chefchaouen, Morocco.
2. Wander (& photograph!) the blue medina
Wandering the medina is one of top 10 things to do in Chefchaouen. And let’s be honest, this is probably the reason you’re trekking all the way out here! Get lost walking through the beautiful blue alleys, admiring the buildings and unique architecture. There is no shortage of vibrant doors, staircases, or tile work to see. Make sure you start early to get the best photos.
3. Learn about the Andalou-Amazigh history and culture
Chefchaouen’s Andalusian-Amazigh heritage stems from the blending of Andalusian influences brought by Muslims and Jews escaping the Spanish Reconquista with the indigenous Amazigh traditions. This cultural fusion is evident in the city’s unique blue-washed buildings, Kasbah architecture, and the synthesis of Andalusian and Amazigh traditions in its music, crafts, and overall identity. We loved learning more about this from our guide Omar.
4. Check out the Kasbah Fortress & Museum
The Chefchaouen Kasbah was constructed in 1471 by Mulay Ali Ben Mussa Ben Rached, who founded the city of Chefchaouen. Its architectural design follows the Andalusian-Amazigh style, featuring arches, domes, pillars, parapets, and a small prison. Initially, it served as a defense against Portuguese attacks in the northern part of the country and provided refuge for local Muslim and Jewish communities. Inside, there is a small ethnographic museum showcasing a variety of artifacts from the region. Additionally, you can climb the towers for breathtaking views of the city.
5. Eat a pastry from a traditional public oven
In Chefchaouren, community members use a communal oven to bake their breads and other baked goods. They are run by workers whose job is to bake the locals’ baked goods. Few families have ovens in their home and this helps save them time and money. You will come to learn that Moroccan’s love fresh bread and there is no shortage of it at pretty much any restaurant you visit. If you visit a public oven while on a walking tour you may be able to try a treat, or take a quick photo inside.
6. Shop in the souks (market) or local boutiques
Shopping in Chefchaouen’s souk (open Monday’s and Thursday’s) and local boutiques is a vibrant experience filled with colorful displays of traditional Moroccan crafts, such as handwoven rugs, intricate pottery, and vibrant textiles. All the crafts and home goods are so beautiful in Morocco, we wanted to take it all home. Shopping in the souks and supporting the local artisans is one of the top 10 things to do in Chefchaouen, Morocco.
The narrow streets of the medina offer an array of boutique shops and stalls selling everything from spices and leather goods to locally produced artwork. Haggling is a common practice, so work up your courage otherwise, you may not get the best price. Also, shopping in Chefchaouen is much more low-key than the other Moroccan cities (Marrakech or Fez). For the most part, shopkeepers leave you alone and it doesn’t feel as overwhelming as it did in the other souks we visited. If you are interested in buying souvenirs, this may be the best place in Morocco to do it!
7. Take a walk to the Ras el-Maa waterfall
Walk along the springs to the Ras el-Maa waterfall, located at the Northeast gate of Chefchaouen. You can admire the lovely natural springs where local women still do their washing. It’s a great place to hang out and relax, and you may see locals picnicking. It’s also very close to the entrance of the trail climbing up to the Spanish Mosque.
8. Dine at a local Moroccan restaurant
Dining in Chefchaouen is a culinary adventure that captures the essence of Moroccan cuisine amidst the city’s blue-washed charm. Restaurants and street vendors offer a variety of flavorful dishes, from traditional tagines and couscous to savory kebabs and aromatic mint tea. Many of the restaurants have a great terrace with views of the city.
Best Restaurants in Chefchaouen
- Cafe Clock: Cafe and small Moroccan chain. Sit on the terrace and make sure you try the camel burger!
- Restaurant Bab Ssour: Traditional Moroccan dishes. Ask to sit on the terrace for a beautiful view of the city. Try the Kefta Minced Meat dish.
- Restaurant Lalla Messaouda: Authentic Moroccan food.
- Restaurant Chourafa: Traditional Moroccan food, specializing in fish dishes.
9. Have a drink or coffee on a restaurant or hotel rooftop
One of the best ways to see a view of the Blue City is by enjoying a coffee or drink on the rooftop of a local restaurant or hotel. This is a great alternative to watch the sunset over the city, if you aren’t up for the 45 min walk to the Spanish Mosque.
10. Get a massage or visit a hammam
After a potentially long day of travel, it’s never a bad idea to treat yourself to a massage or a few hours at the spa. In Chefchaouen there are plenty of spots to immerse yourself in the age-old tradition of a hammam experience. A hammam is a traditional Moroccan bathhouse or spa where locals clean themselves, socialize or relax. This is also a great option if it’s raining out!
Hammam’s or Spas to Visit
Best Places to Stay in Chefchaouen
As usual, Scott and I do a lot of research to find the best boutique or unique luxury hotels. We stayed at Lina Ryad & Spa and loved it! I have a few other suggestions as well below.
- Lina Ryad & Spa: In the heart of Chefchaouen, Lian Ryad & Spa is thoughtfully designed and decorated and offers a rooftop terrace and on-site spa with an indoor pool, a hammam and a hot tub. They also have delicious Moroccan cuisine and a lovely daily breakfast.
- Casa Amina
- Dar Echchaouen Maison d’Hôtes & Riad
- Dar Jasmine
Tip: Luckily, your hotel will likely help you with your bags as there are no cars allowed in most of the Medina and it may be a few minutes walk through the cobblestone streets to get there. Call them when you arrive, or have your driver call for them to meet you.
Best Time of Year to Visit Chefchaouen
The best time to visit Chefchaouen is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Because Chefchaouen is in the mountains, it is a bit cooler than some of the other Moroccan cities, but it can still get very hot in summer!
After spending two weeks in Morocco, I can truly say Chefchaouen was one of the most memorable, special places we visited. I hope you enjoyed this list of the top 10 things to do in Chefchauoen, Morocco! Check out my guide on How to Spend 2 Days in Enchanting Fes, Morocco. Drop a comment or question below.
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