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This photoblog features the city of Chefchaouen, Morocco. Nestled in the Rif Mountains, the enchanting ‘Blue Pearl’ of Morocco, as it is fondly called, showcases the variety on offer when you visit Morocco. In this post, we have compiled photos from two different trips to give you a chance to visually dip your toes into Chefchaouen. We also share practical travel tips to help you plan a visit to this lovely destination.
So, is Chefchaouen, Morocco Worth Visiting?
The short answer is YES!
After browsing through the photos in this article, we think that you won’t need much convincing.
Chefchaouen can be added to your Morocco itinerary as a one-stop destination or as part of a multi-destination itinerary.
Chefchaouen is a place that reaches deep into your imagination to tease your artistic instincts. Although multiple theories have been presented to explain the vivid blue colours in which the walls and houses are painted, the undeniable truth you’ll find as you wander its narrow streets and alleys is that this is a simple but beautiful place.
HDYTI Photo Tip: Look for an orange juice stand owned by a guy called Said (Instagram: @saidayach1). Pay for a glass or two of really good orange juice and Said will hook you up with some really great pictures and videos! This is a great way to support local businesses!
When is the best time to visit Chefchaouen?
Chefchaouen city is located in the mountainous region of northwestern Morocco and so you can generally expect cooler temperatures compared to lower land areas in Morocco.
Temperatures are generally temperate in the spring (from March to May) and in the autumn (September to October). However, peak summer temperatures can be unbearably hot (as is much of the country) in the months of June, July, and August.
We do recommend dressing for winter temperatures if you plan on visiting during colder months (mid-November to late February).
It is no surprise that Chefchaouen is very popular with tourists! Our two visits were in March 2017 (day trip) and March 2023 (two-night stay) and both times, the tourist traffic was significantly low compared to peak travel season (April, May, and July).
What is the best way to get there?
The city of Chefchaouen is located in the northwestern part of Morocco and belongs to the province of the same name.
There are no major international airports in Chefchaouen. You’ll need to fly into a major Moroccan city and continue your journey by road into the Rif Mountains.
The most direct option is to fly into Tangier and take a private transfer – approximately 2 hrs and 15 minutes by road to Chefchaouen.
How many days is enough to visit Chefchaouen?
If you choose to visit Chefchaouen alone, we recommend planning for three full days. This is a destination that can be easily seen on a quick weekend trip.
Chefchaouen is a popular day trip destination from coastal resorts like Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay, Fnideq in northwestern Morocco. However, with longer road distances to cover from places like Fez and Rabat, we don’t think you’ll get enough from your visit if you choose to do it this way.
HDYTI Tip: Marrakech is over 7 hours away by road so don’t even think about day-tripping from there!
What activities do you suggest when visiting Chefchaouen?
#1: Walk the blue city’s streets
Due to its smaller size (population estimated at just under 40,000), the old Medina of Chefchaouen is a great choice for easy walks along its winding streets, a myriad of alleyways, and colourful shops. It is comparatively less chaotic to navigate than medinas in larger cities like Marrakech, Fes, and Casablanca.
However, you probably won’t get very far before your appreciation for Chefchaouen’s simple beauty instinctively makes you reach for your camera. In Chefchaouen, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to picture-perfect courtyards, steps, streets, and alleys.
Expect everyone else to be doing the same! In our view, the best time of day to capture photos with fewer crowds is before 10 am in the mornings. This gives you time to explore before the shops open.
However, we implore you to be respectful of locals and their privacy. This city is quite popular with photographers and filmmakers. It is easy to forget that real people live here and that it is not your personal photo/film set.
Damage to walls of private properties by tourists is unfortunately quite common. This is why some locals now charge a small fee for photographs outside their homes.
#2: Shop for locally-made products
Every Moroccan city of significant interest has a medina (old walled section of the city) with a multitude of shops located along main thoroughfares selling everything from arts and crafts (ceramics, leather, silverware, etc.) to food, spices, and fragrances.
This is a great place to practice your haggling skills without much pressure to buy anything (you won’t get this level of freedom in larger cities).
HDYTI Tip: The Chefchaouen Medina, like other medinas in Morocco, has its fair share of hustlers and profiteers hoping to make a quick buck from unsuspecting tourists. When approached with an offer to see ‘the best view’ or visit ‘the best shop’, a polite but firm NO is often sufficient.
#3: Hike the Rif Mountains
Visiting Chefchaouen is a great opportunity to get out your hiking boots and explore local villages and visit geographical landmarks such as the Akchour Waterfalls. Guided hikes within the Talassemtane National Park cater to beginner, intermediate, and advanced hikers.
The best times for hiking are early morning or late afternoon. The average time recommended for a basic hike is around 3 hours. Stop and catch your breath while sipping traditional Moroccan mint tea or cold drinks in the homes of welcoming locals.
Plan your return leg of the hike to coincide with sunset. There are several viewing points that offer heartwarming views of the blue city sheltered in the arms of the Rif Mountains. The Spanish Mosque is the most popular with locals and tourists and gets very busy around that time.
HDYTI Tip: Intrepid Travel works with experienced local mountain guides who know the area and its history well.
#4: Try Moroccan food in Chefchaouen, Morocco
Complimenting the artistic spirit of this city, eateries like Cafe Clock offer cross-cultural food experiences in a casual atmosphere featuring art, live music, cosy interiors, and mountain views. One of our favourite dishes was their shakshuka, a perfect choice at any time of the day. For ideas on what to try, read our other article about Food Experiences to Try in Morocco.
However, there are multiple eateries located in the main square, Plaza Uta-El Hammam where you can enjoy views of the Kasbah of Chefchaouen and people watch. Note that this area can get quite busy and the food can be hit or miss.
HDYTI Tip: For the best food experiences in Chefchaouen, check reviews before you commit.
#5: Enjoy sunset views on a roof terrace
There are multiple options to do this including hotels, riads, bars, and restaurants. Ask around for recommendations but be sure to get there early (especially in peak travel season) to grab a spot.
Any recommendations for where to stay in Chefchaouen?
For our one overnight visit to Chefchaouen with Intrepid Travel, we stayed at the modern Vancii Hotel (3-star) conveniently located at the edge of the Old Medina.
We stayed in a Superior Room (breakfast included) that was comfortable and clean. Windows are thin and street noise can be a slight nuisance. However, there is a beautiful rooftop terrace with great views of the mountains. The food quality was decent but unmemorable.
Looking for something more traditional? Chefchaouen has its fair share of riads and private homes that promise more authentic cultural experiences.
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For more Chefchaouen travel tips, check out this concise but informative blog titled: “Weekend in Morocco: Beautiful, Blue Chefchaouen” by our friend MarocMama.
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