The Best Things To Do In Chefchaouen Morocco

Getting to Chefchaouen

Getting to Chefchaouen is relatively easy, with several bus companies operating daily services from major cities like Tangier, Fes, and Casablanca. The CTM bus station is a convenient option, with air-conditioned buses and comfortable seating. The bus ride takes around 2-3 hours from Tangier and 4-5 hours from Fes, depending on traffic and road conditions. Visitors can also take a private taxi or join a guided tour to get to Chefchaouen.

Once in the city, visitors can easily explore the blue medina on foot or take a taxi to nearby attractions like the Spanish Mosque or Talassemtane National Park.

Exploring the Blue Medina

The blue medina of Chefchaouen is a maze of narrow streets, colorful plant pots, and quaint shops selling handmade crafts and local produce. Visitors can spend hours wandering the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the city, and admiring the beautiful blue houses. The medina is also home to several restaurants and cafes, serving delicious food and freshly made mint tea.

Visitors can explore the main square, visit the Kasbah museum, or simply get lost in the narrow streets and discover hidden gems. With its unique blend of Moroccan and Spanish architecture, the blue medina of Chefchaouen is a photographer’s paradise.

History of Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen has a rich and fascinating history, dating back to the 15th century when it was founded by Moorish exiles from Spain. The city’s strategic location in the Rif Mountains made it an important center for trade and commerce, and it was later influenced by Spanish and French colonial powers. The city’s blue coloration is believed to have been introduced by Jewish refugees from Spain, who painted their houses blue to symbolize the sky and God’s power.

Today, Chefchaouen is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world with its unique history, culture, and natural beauty.

Catch a View of the Blue City

When you’re in the middle of the Medina, you’re in a beautiful blend of blues all around. Yet, just take a small hike away, and the view drastically changes as you see the mixture of white and blue buildings mixed with greenery and all the varying levels of buildings. Depending on the weather, you can even see the cascading fog from the surrounding mountains, adding to the scenic beauty. There are a couple of places you can visit to get the best views of Chefchaouen.

A hike up to the Spanish Mosque will take you to the best views of Chefchaouen for miles around. Now abandoned, the Spanish Mosque still makes for an incredible view. Additionally, many hotels have rooftop terraces that you can enjoy a view from, providing ideal vantage points for watching sunrises, sunsets, and the surrounding natural landscapes.

If you don’t want to go for the small hike, many hotels have terraces that you can enjoy a view from.

Shop for Rugs

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Shopping for rugs in Chefchaouen isn’t like shopping for furniture at home; it’s a whole experience that involves a runway of rugs being paraded in front of you based upon your interests, warm mint tea to sip on, and conversation with the owners that will have you feeling like friends by the time you’re finished. It’s amazing to see all the different rugs piled high. There are plenty of rug shops throughout, but Local Berbere Artisanal is one of those no-pressure places with a huge selection that you can feel good about.

Compared to other Moroccan cities, the shopping experience in Chefchaouen has a unique charm that makes it truly special.

Take a Guided Tour to the Spanish Mosque

Yes, Chefchaouen is beautiful, but it also has some incredible history around the city that has a uniquely Spanish style. Plus, you can get your main question answered. Why is the city blue? Actually, depending on what guide you go with, you will likely hear something different.

When I went, I was told that it was painted blue because the Jewish people who lived there wanted it to be the color of the sky as a reminder of God. Chefchaouen easily becomes a maze of blue that you can get lost in, and there are key areas that you’ll want to visit. A guide can help share that and ensure you explore all the main sites!

Go For a Hike in Talassemtane National Park

Considering Chefchaouen is situated in the Rif Mountains, hiking is a must if you have more than a few hours. The hiking trail options in the Rif Mountains offer a variety of experiences for different fitness levels. And while some people say you can do Chefchaouen in just a few hours, you’re really missing out on all of the small gems that make this city extra special! Here are some of the best hikes to take in Chefchaouen:

Jeb Al-Kalaa

This is the hike into the Rif Mountains that you should plan almost a whole day for, but if you thought the view of Chefchaouen from the Spanish Mosque was incredible, wait until you see the miles of greenery after an incredible ascent to Jeb Al-Kalaa.

Talassemtane National Park

Probably the most popular area for hikes, the Talassemtane National has two natural wonders to hike to, including the impressive natural stone arch known as God’s Bridge, with crystal blue water at the bottom for swimming and the Akchour Waterfalls or Cascades d’Akchour. It requires a taxi ride to get there, but it is absolutely worth it.

Oued ElKannar

Not much is written about Oued ElKannar, but the pictures when you search it prove that this place is worth the hike.

Take All the Photos

It’s no secret that Chefchaouen has grown in popularity due to just how Instagrammable it is! The whole city is a photographer’s paradise, with every corner filled in photo-worthy shades of blue that are like nowhere else. Of course, make sure to be respectful of all of the people who live there. It’s just about impossible to take a bad picture here.

And let’s be honest, this is about 80 percent of the reason you came here anyways; all of the other fun things to do in Chefchaouen are just extras!

Visit the Spa/Hammams

There are several different options for people who want to spend a day of relaxation and ritual cleansing in Chefchaouen, including the unique experience of visiting a local hammam. And it is something you will absolutely want to do while in Chefchaouen. They also vary in different forms of authenticity or luxury.

For the most luxurious experience, Lina Ryad & Spa complete with a beautiful heated pool in the center, includes a traditional hammam experience as well as massages and other spa treatments.

For a more traditional experience, head to Hammam el-Blad near the main square (people can happily point you in the right direction). You can pay just to enter or for the entire scrubbing and massage experience, and it all easily comes out to under $15 and will have you feeling brand new!

Still, there are even more hammams in the city. Asking the place you are staying might provide a great and more affordable experience, although it might be harder to read reviews and know what you’re getting yourself into.

Check out the Kasbah

For a beautiful Andalusian-style, palace-like building, wander through the Kasbah with its beautiful oasis-like garden. An art gallery and museum now occupy this former prison. There’s a little tower that you can climb up to as well that gives a view of the medina.

Enjoy all of the Incredible Cuisines

After returning from Morocco, I couldn’t get the flavors out of my head. Tagine everyday didn’t seem like a bad idea, and with complex ingredients, Moroccan cuisine is something you don’t want to miss out on. Right along Plaza Uta El-Hammam, there are multiple restaurants to try. Fresh orange juice is readily available at fruit stands, adding to the unique dining experience.

The best terrace spots to enjoy a meal often attract the most visitors. However, they tend to be more touristy, and you can find better food at some of the options I list below. However, the energy of the area and the view make it a great place to grab something small and enjoy. Casa Aladdin is a popular spot that looks like it could actually be from the movie.

Babb Sour

Just a little beyond the main square is easily the most popular spot in Morocco, with some of the best tagine, tender pieces of meat, incredible service, and affordable prices.

El Jaleo

This spot with it’s own terrace and views of the waterfall serves up fresh tagines, lasagnes, lamb, vegetable spreads, and more. The only hard part about eating here is deciding what to order.

Mandala

Sometimes we just want some comfort food like pizza and pasta. They even have seafood options like seafood pasta and pizza.

See the Ras El Maa Waterfall

Visiting the Ras El Maa Waterfall is a fun thing to do in Chefchaouen. This scenic area is a common spot where people come to do laundry and even go swimming. It’s a refreshing break from the heat where it’s popular to grab a fresh juice and enjoy the sounds of the trickling water.

Stay in a Riad

Staying in one of the beautiful blue buildings provides an authentic experience! Based on your budget, there are so many different options.

Lina Ryad & Spa – For a more luxurious but still great steal for the price, Lina Ryad & Spa is a beautiful place! Enjoy the balcony views, beautiful Moroccan architecture and decor, and an on-site spa.

Riad Cherifa Hotel – For a mid-budget hotel that still feels like your staying in a palace try this place. There’s a lovely pool to enjoy, as well as intricate wood carvings, colorful ceiling tiles, and something beautiful to look at around every corner.

Hotel Abi Khancha – The great thing about Chefchaouen is that you can stay here without breaking the bank. The

Respecting Local Customs

Visitors to Chefchaouen should respect local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting mosques or interacting with local people. Dressing modestly, removing shoes when entering mosques or homes, and avoiding public displays of affection are all important ways to show respect for the local culture. Visitors should also be mindful of the city’s conservative atmosphere and avoid taking photos of people without permission.

By respecting local customs and traditions, visitors can have a more authentic and enjoyable experience in Chefchaouen, and help to preserve the city’s unique cultural heritage. Whether visiting the Spanish Mosque, exploring the blue medina, or taking a day trip to nearby attractions like God’s Bridge or Talassemtane National Park, visitors to Chefchaouen are sure to have a memorable and enriching experience in this beautiful and fascinating city.

Best Things To Do In Chefchaouen Morocco: Final Thoughts

I couldn’t get enough of this charming village of Chefchaouen, and I am already planning a trip back! The colors are mesmerizing and while it remains popular for tourists because of its Instagram-worthy moments, there are often areas that will feel like they’re all to yourself. I could spend a whole week wandering, hiking, and just taking this town in.

My personal favourite experiences include exploring the vibrant markets and enjoying the local cuisine.

Last Updated 1 year ago ago by Jessica Serna | Published: February 10, 2020