Morocco's "Blue Pearl": The Essential Travel Guide to Chefchaouen
- Malika
- Jan 24, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: Aug 11
Looking for the best things to do in Chefchaouen or highly recommended places to stay? Discover the ideal time to visit, tips for getting around and the best Chefchaouen tours in this essential travel guide.
Nestled in the Rif Mountains of northwest Morocco lies Chefchaouen, an enchanting destination that is known simply as Chaouen to the locals. It’s a one-of-a-kind beauty that has been nicknamed the “Blue Pearl”, with its streets and buildings awash in stunning shades of blue.
Meandering through Chefchaouen’s cobblestone lanes feels like walking through a dream and it’s a spellbinding place to spend a few days. The cascades and riverside restaurants of Ras El Maa only add to the experience, providing a cool spot to escape to on hot summer days.
In this Essential Travel Guide to Chefchaouen, discover everything you need to know to experience the “Blue Pearl” to the fullest, from the best things to do and inspiring stays to some of my top tour and hiking recommendations.
Looking for more Chefchaouen travel inspiration? Check out my selection of detailed articles here.
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BEST TOURS IN CHEFCHAOUEN
Don't have time to read the whole article? These are my top Chefchaouen tour recommendations:
Best things to do in Chefchaouen
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Best things to do in Chefchaouen
Explore the medina
Though much smaller than its counterparts in Fes or Marrakech, Chefchaouen's medina captivates with its labyrinth of blue laneways. It's a wonderful place to lose yourself as you uncover local treasures: hand-crafted leather goods, traditional wool garments and fragrant soaps. Personally, love the red-and-white textiles that local women wrap around their waists - they can serve a multitude of functions back home.
The relatively relaxed pace of Chefchaouen allows you to stroll at your leisure and soak up the experience while breathing in the fresh mountain air. The only places where you might find bottlenecks are at the most popular photographic spots. Keep in mind that some of these are designed and decorated by locals who ask a small fee (10 or 20 DHs) if you want to shoot there.
At the heart of the medina is Plaza Uta el-Hammam, a cobblestoned open space that fuses Arabian and Spanish influences. Watching over is the Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen with its unique octagonal minaret. Although only Muslims may enter this 15th-century landmark, its beauty can be admired from the outside and listening to the call to prayer echo through the streets is an experience in itself.
Want to explore Chefchaouen with a guide? This private walking tour of Chefchaouen receives rave reviews for its friendly and knowledgeable guides.
Best things to do in Chefchaouen
Visit the Kasbah Museum
Occupying the historic Kasbah in Plaza Uta el-Hammam is this small museum, which has (let's be fair) mixed reviews. There's a small collection of ethnographic artefacts to browse (with signage in French and Darija only), including pottery, musical instruments and everyday objects.
The highlight really is the tower, which offers wonderful views across Chefchaouen's medina, plus the small Andalusian Garden. That being said, the entrance price is quite steep (it's currently 80 DH) and not everyone feels that it's worth it. But if ethnography is your thing or you're willing to pay for a view, then add this to your Chefchaouen itinerary.
Best things to do in Chefchaouen
Soak up the views from the Spanish Mosque
Perched on a hill overlooking Chefchaouen's medina, the Spanish Mosque provides the perfect vantage point to take in the beauty of this colourful town. Built in the 1920s, the mosque can be reached via a short but scenic hike that’s well worth it for the views and photographic opportunities.
Once at the top, you can marvel at the sea of blue and white buildings that blanket Chefchaouen, with the Rif Mountains framing the scene. A trail leads from the mosque into the surrounding countryside if you want to venture further afield.
If you've been medina-hopping the last few days, hiking to the Spanish Mosque is a fantastic opportunity to get a dose of nature and reconnect with the great outdoors.
Best things to do in Chefchaouen
Admire the cascades of Ras El Maa
Located where the crisp mountain streams meet the valley, Ras El Maa is a series of cascades on the edge of Chefchaouen. Where the rushing waters tumble, local women have long gathered to wash clothes and trade gossip, although you'll find more orange juice pressing and fruit cup selling these days.
Though modest compared to the grand waterfalls found further afield, the cascades of Ras El Maa provide a respite from the heat in the summer months. There are a couple of restaurants where you can dine riverside, as well as the above-mentioned vendors selling fruit cups, fresh juices and elaborate yoghurt creations.
Best things to do in Chefchaouen
Hike to the Cascades d’Akchour
Just a 30-minute taxi ride from Chefchaouen will take you to Talassemtane National Park and the start of a trail leading to the Cascades d’Akchour. These scenic waterfalls cascade over the cliffs into inviting rock pools where you can refresh with a dip in the summer months.
The Cascades d’Akchour comprises two main falls (a lower and an upper), plus several smaller cascades that tumble along the same stream. Also not to miss is the Bridge of God, a towering rock arch that spans the Oued Farda.
Beside the waterway are a handful of open-air restaurants serving traditional Moroccan fare if your visit coincides with lunch. Alternatively, you can grab a tea or fresh orange juice during your hike.
If you don't have your own transport, this full-day excursion to Akchour Waterfalls and Talassemtane National Park is a great way to experience the cascades and the surrounding landscapes.
Best things to do in Chefchaouen
Go hiking in the Rif Mountains
For nature lovers, the Rif Mountains offer an unforgettable hiking experience, whether you're an avid hiker or a casual wanderer. Though overshadowed by the more famous Atlas range, these peaks rising above the Mediterranean Sea boast some of North Africa's top hiking trails.
Adventurous travellers can embark on a two-day trek to Talassemtane National Park, a spectacular natural destination offering magnificent views. In three to four hours, you can scale the highest peak in the Rif Mountains, Jebel Tidirhine, or spend a day trekking to the rocky summit of Tissouka.
Top tours in Chefchaouen
Top tours in Chefchaouen
It's really easy to explore Chefchaouen independently - the medina is compact and even if you get lost, the locals are really helpful in pointing you in the right direction. That being said, joining a guided tour offers a wealth of benefits, particularly when it comes to scratching below the surface of the medina's enchanting blue colouration.
If you're someone who wants to learn about Chefchaouen's history or the cultural heritage of the Rif Mountains region, I would highly recommend exploring with a guide. They'll be able to offer unique insights into life in this corner of northern Morocco and explain what makes this city special (aside from its blue streets).
A guided tour is also one of the best ways to access Talassemtane National Park and its famous cascades, whether you want to explore over a few hours or a few days.
Both Viator and GetYourGuide are great resources if you're looking for Chefchaouen tours as they come complete with reviews from previous travellers.
Including round-trip transport from Tangier, this tour allows you to explore Chefchaouen independently or with a local guide.
Beginning with a visit to a local market to purchase ingredients, this hands-on cooking class gives you the skills to prepare a tagine in the comfort of a family home.
With departure times to suit your needs, this two-to-four hour experience through Chefchaouen is led by a knowledgable local guide.
Including a steam bath, scrub and massage, this is a luxurious version of a traditional Moroccan hammam.
This private experience allows you to set the pace and spend time at the Chefchaouen sights that interest you most.
Explore Talassemtane National Park and its famous cascades on this full-day nature experience from Chefchaouen.
Experience the best of the Rif Mountains on this three-day trek, which includes rural stays in local villages.
For more detailed information about the above tours, check out my detailed article here.
Top tours in Chefchaouen
How to get to Chefchaouen
With buses running daily from Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca and Fes, getting to Chefchaouen is relatively straightforward. Of these transportation hubs, Tangier is the closest at just three hours away.
From Fes, it’s around four hours while Rabat is a five-hour journey. Travelling by bus from Casablanca to Chefchaouen is around nine hours, so it’s recommended you break up the journey with a night or two in Fes.
CTM is the main bus company connecting to Chefchaouen and operates a fleet of comfortable vehicles. Bus tickets can either be booked directly with the company or you can compare various options (and book tickets) at 12Go.
You can learn more about travelling from Fes to Chefchaouen in my detailed article here.
If you’re coming from Tangier, the other option is to grab a grand taxi. These shared taxis are relatively inexpensive, although they can be squishy. Be aware that you may need to change grand taxi in Tetouan, which is located partway between Tangier and Chefchaouen.
You can learn more about travelling from Tangier to Chefchaouen here.
The most comfortable and convenient way to reach Chefchaouen is by booking a private transfer, especially if you're travelling in a group. You'll get door-to-door service directly to your hotel or riad, avoiding the hassle of lugging bags to a bus station or negotiating fares with taxi drivers.
Chefchaouen travel guide
Best places to stay in Chefchaouen
As with many places in Morocco, staying in riad is (in my opinion) the best option for overnighting in Chefchaouen. These converted homes (also known as dars in Chaouen) are often centuries old and offer an authentic glimpse into Morocco's past.
Step inside and you'll find cosy rooms ornately decorated in traditional styles, with many surrounding interior courtyards. Each with a unique character and story to tell, staying in a riad or dar is the perfect way to experience the cultural heritage of Chefchaouen.
For more of my top Chefchaouen accommodation picks, check out these inspiring places to stay in the "Blue Pearl" or splurge at one of these luxury Chefchaouen hotels.
Luxury places to stay in Chefchaouen
Offering magnificent views across Chefchaouen, this boutique hotel features nine rooms and suites, plus a sun-drenched terrace.
Perched in the hills surrounding Chefchaouen, this luxury hotel boasts a plant-filled courtyard and a swimming pool for the warmer months.
With an indoor swimming pool, a hammam and a hot tub, this luxury Chefchaouen hotel is ideal for a wellness escape.
Mid-range places to stay in Chefchaouen
With its individually themed rooms and fountain courtyard, this is one of the most romantic hotels in Chefchaouen for couples.
With its intricately carved ceilings and beautiful tiled floors, this highly-rated Chefchaouen hotel also offers views of the Spanish Mosque.
With room for up to four guests, this private apartment includes a fully-equipped kitchen and a terrace overlooking Chefchaouen.
Affordable places to stay in Chefchaouen
Offering wonderful views of the Rif Mountains, this mid-range Chefchaouen hotel features beautifully decorated rooms and a shared kitchen for self-catering.
Featuring spacious rooms with mountain views, this affordable Chefchaouen hotel also has a crackling fireplace for winter nights.
This riad-style hotel is located in the heart of the medina and comes complete with an onsite restaurant and amazing rooftop terrace.
Best time to visit Chefchaouen
Whenever you visit, Chefchaouen rewards travellers with its blue-washed buildings and stunning mountain setting.
If you're craving warm weather and don't mind crowds, visit Chefchaouen during the summer months (June through early September). Temperatures can soar to 32°C, so plan outdoor activities for the cooler early morning and late afternoon hours. Be sure to book accommodations well in advance, as the summer is peak tourist season.
For pleasant weather with fewer tourists, aim for spring (mid-March to May) or autumn (late September to November). Daytime highs range from around 17°C to 28°C, perfect for exploring Chefchaouen's winding alleys and mountain trails. In autumn, you'll be treated to dazzling displays of fall foliage, although you should be prepared for cool evenings.
Budget-conscious travellers will appreciate the lower prices and smaller crowds of winter (December to early March). That being said, you'll need to bundle up for chilly temperatures that can drop as low as 4°C. Snow blanketing the surrounding Rif Mountains is the reward!
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.
