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Renowned as the bluest city in Morocco, and one of the bluest cities in the world, Chefchaouen is a must-see travel destination. The small city, which is nestled in the Rif Mountains of northwestern Morocco, is a relaxing and picturesque vacation spot.
Whether you are exploring the ancient Kasbah (fortress), hiking the waterfalls of Akchour, or exploring the city’s winding blue alleys, Chefchaouen is a great place to escape the bustle of life. Here are 9 tips on what to see, how to get there, and what to do in the Blue City.
Travel to and from Chefchaouen
Located 65 km from the nearest airport (in Tetouan) and 112 km from Tangier, Chefchaouen can be reached by CTM bus or Grand taxi. Traveling by taxi will allow for a more flexible schedule, as the daily bus schedule is limited. However, the fixed bus schedule is usually preferred by travelers seeking a set-in-stone itinerary. If traveling by bus, purchase the tickets a few days in advance (either online or at the station) to reserve a seat.
Whether traveling by bus or taxi – or a combination of both – prepare for a winding and scenic trip through the countryside. A drive to Chefchaouen takes you past flocks of sheep, horse drawn carts, and charming patchworks of farmland.
Where to stay
It is easy to find comfortable, affordable accommodations in Chefchaouen. Book a couple days ahead for a riad (house), hotel, or hostel close to the medinah (city center). Booking.com is a great asset as the site includes the price, commodities, location, and ratings for each listing.
Akchour- waterfalls and the Bridge of God
A must-see when in Chefchaouen are the waterfalls and natural bridge of Akchour. Located in the Rif Mountains 29 km from Chefchaouen, this is a prime gateway to a day of hiking and swimming.
You can take a grand taxi from Chefchaouen to Akchour – a 40-50 minute ride that winds up the mountainside. It is best to leave for the falls in the morning in order to avoid the heat and to make the most of your day.
The falls of Akchour are a series of small waterfalls running through a beautiful gorge. You can walk along the riverbank past turquoise swimming holes and sparkling falls while soaking in the beauty of this hidden paradise. Many of the pools are great for swimming, diving, and cliff jumping. Small restaurants and cafes are scattered along the river, so you can stop for a refreshing meal or drink.
Farther upriver, you will reach a section of the river you can only continue through by wading or swimming through a series of natural pools. Come ready to swim and make sure any valuables are kept in a waterproof bag, and you will be able to enjoy a peaceful but adventurous stint in nature.
For a more challenging hike, consider following the trail to the top of the Bridge of God, a natural bridge arching 45 m (80 ft) above the river. This trail splits from the riverside trail early on, continuing uphill and to the right while the hike to the falls forks to the left. The trail is not marked, so you need to pay attention to your surroundings to stay on the correct trail.
Also keep in mind the the trail to the Bridge of God is often steep and narrow, with no guardrails or protection, so it may not be suited for all hikers. For those up to the challenge, however, the hike to the Bridge of God provides a breathtaking view of the Rif Mountain valley and the village of Akchour.
The Spanish Mosque
Once back in Chefchaouen, consider taking a short, uphill walk to the Spanish Mosque that overlooks the city. Built in the 1920s but now abandoned, the Mosque’s hilltop grounds give you a full view of Chefchaouen and the surrounding valley. The overlook is a great way to appreciate the stunning blue and white colors that make Chefchaouen so distinctive.
Many people prefer hiking to the Mosque for a sunset view of the city. If you choose to do so, try arriving 15-30 minutes before sunset so that you can claim a spot on the edge of the hill for an unobstructed view. However, mornings and early afternoons also allow for a pleasant walk and beautiful view of the city.
The Kasbah
The Kasbah, located at the center of the medinah, is a fascinating historical site. For a small entrance fee you can explore the Kasbah’s beautiful garden, an ancient prison, an art gallery, and the impressive Portuguese tower. In addition, a flyer provided at the entrance and various plaques and exhibits throughout the Kasbah gives an interesting overview of the blue city’s complex history.
Exploring the city
A visit to Chefchaouen would be incomplete without a walk through the winding blue streets of the city. Relatively small and quiet, Chefchaouen is an easy and comfortable place to explore. Here you can find elegant architecture, picture perfect streets of blue, and countless interesting shops. Whether your goal is to wander, shop, or take photos, this is the place for you.
Eating out
You can find many fantastic restaurants during your stay. In the main square of the medinah, a line of friendly servers wait on the street to lead you to a restaurant and hand you a menu. While it is easy to settle for the convenience and eagerness of these restaurants, it is best to dine closer to the edge of the medinah. By escaping the main tourist center, you can find high-quality meals for a much cheaper price.
Lots of Cats
One important warning when in Chefchaouen is that there are a lot of cats. These cats are often bold, friendly, and know exactly where to go for food. Having cats as dinner-time guests is most common at restaurants within the medinah that offer outdoor dining. While their antics may be considered anything from cute to annoying – mostly depending on how much you like cats – the cats are never aggressive and only the smaller kittens are usually bold enough to get too much in your personal space.
Souvenirs and photo ops
Of course, you simply cannot miss the souvenirs and photo opportunities of Chefchaouen. While many of the souvenir shops sell identical merchandise, you can find some unique shops. My personal favorites include a fossil and minerals shop where the owner personally finds and cleans each stone he sells, a stunning art stall near the Kasbah, a small shop of hand carved wood wall decor and magnets, and a stunning antique shop.
Additionally, tourists will find many photo opportunities around the city. From charmingly decorated doorways and staircases to elegant birds or handmade goods, Chefchaouen is a great place to take travel photos and portraits. When taking a photo with someone’s property, leave the owner of the home, prop, or animal with a small tip. While they will rarely ask for payment, remember that you are benefitting from their work and creating photo opportunities for tourists is a source of livelihood for some locals.
