Are you looking for the best things to do in Chefchaouen? If so, we’ve got you covered in this blog post.
From our past experience of leading group trips here, we’ve discovered the most incredible activities and hidden gems that will make your visit unforgettable.
From our last visit to this blue-washed city, we learned that Chefchaouen is a mesmerizing destination that captivates the senses. Its vibrant streets, charming blue Medina, and breathtaking views will leave you in awe.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of picturesque beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. Let’s dive into the top things to do in Chefchaouen and make your trip truly remarkable.
5 Interesting Facts about Chefchaouen
- Chefchaouen, also known as the Blue City, is famous for its striking blue-painted streets and buildings.
- The city is nestled in the Rif Mountains, offering breathtaking views and a cool mountain climate.
- Chefchaouen is known for its vibrant arts and crafts scene, with numerous shops selling handmade rugs, ceramics, and textiles.
- The city’s blue color scheme is believed to have originated from the Jewish community, who painted their homes blue to symbolize the sky and heaven.
- Chefchaouen has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to admire its unique beauty and relaxed atmosphere.
Best Things to Do in Chefchaouen
1. Pay to pose in front of someone’s Picturesque House
In Chefchaouen, you may come across locals who allow tourists to take photos in front of their beautifully adorned blue houses for a small fee. This has become a popular activity for visitors looking to capture the city’s iconic aesthetics.
It provides an opportunity to interact with the locals and obtain memorable photographs in front of these picturesque backdrops.
- Location: Various houses in Chefchaouen.
- Famous For: Allowing tourists to take photos in front of beautifully adorned blue houses for a fee, providing iconic backdrops for memorable pictures
2. Get really lost in the Blue Medina
The old Medina of Chefchaouen is a maze of narrow streets and alleys, painted in varying shades of blue. Exploring the Medina is an adventure in itself, and it’s easy to get pleasantly lost amidst the charming blue-washed buildings.
Wandering through the labyrinthine alleys allows you to discover hidden gems, local shops, and cozy cafes while immersing yourself in the enchanting ambiance of the city.
- Location: Chefchaouen’s old Medina.
- Famous For: A maze of narrow streets and alleys painted in varying shades of blue, offering an enchanting atmosphere for exploration and discovery.
3. Queue for a photo in the Instagram Hotspots
Chefchaouen has gained popularity on social media platforms, especially Instagram, due to its photogenic nature. As a result, certain locations in the city have become popular “Instagram hotspots,” attracting crowds of tourists looking to capture that perfect shot.
You might find yourself waiting in line to take photos at these iconic spots, such as the famous blue staircase or scenic viewpoints, to capture the essence of Chefchaouen for your social media feed.
- Location: Popular locations in Chefchaouen.
- Famous For: Attracting crowds of tourists looking to capture the perfect shot for social media, creating iconic Instagram-worthy backdrops.
4. Meet all the cute Kittens and Cats
Chefchaouen is known for its numerous friendly and adorable cats that roam the streets and alleys. Cat lovers will find joy in encountering these furry companions during their exploration of the city.
From cute kittens hiding in corners to cats lazing under the sun, they add an extra charm to the already picturesque atmosphere of Chefchaouen.
- Location: Streets and alleys of Chefchaouen.
- Famous For: Abundance of friendly and adorable cats roaming the city, adding an extra charm to the picturesque ambiance.
5. Buy Some (admittedly touristy) Souvenirs
The markets and souks of Chefchaouen offer a variety of traditional Moroccan handicrafts, textiles, ceramics, and other souvenirs.
While some items may cater more to tourists, it’s still an enjoyable experience to browse through the colorful stalls and pick up unique keepsakes as mementos of your visit.
From vibrant carpets and woven baskets to intricate metalwork and pottery, there is an abundance of souvenirs to choose from.
- Location: Markets and souks of Chefchaouen.
- Famous For: Offering a variety of traditional Moroccan handicrafts, textiles, ceramics, and souvenirs, providing an opportunity to take home unique mementos.
6. Take in the views from the Kasbah
The Kasbah, a fortified citadel in Chefchaouen, provides panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
Climbing up to the Kasbah rewards visitors with breathtaking vistas of the blue-washed Medina, the Rif Mountains, and the beautiful landscape stretching into the distance.
It’s an excellent vantage point to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of Chefchaouen from above.
- Location: Chefchaouen’s Kasbah (fortified citadel).
- Famous For: Offering panoramic views of the city, the Rif Mountains, and the surrounding landscape, providing a breathtaking vantage point.
7. Watch the Buskers Play Awesome Music in the Evenings
In the evenings, Chefchaouen comes alive with vibrant street performances. Talented buskers and musicians gather in the main squares and alleys, filling the air with melodious tunes and creating a lively atmosphere.
It’s a delightful experience to sit back, relax, and enjoy the captivating music while immersing yourself in the vibrant energy of the city.
- Location: Main squares and alleys of Chefchaouen.
- Famous For: Lively street performances by talented buskers and musicians, creating a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere.
8. Climb up to the Spanish Mosque for Sunset
The Spanish mosque, located on a hill overlooking Chefchaouen, offers a stunning viewpoint to witness the sunset.
The climb to the mosque is worthwhile, as it rewards you with breathtaking panoramic vistas of the blue city as the sun dips below the horizon.
It’s a magical moment to witness the changing colors of the sky and the city’s blue hues being bathed in golden light.
- Location: Hill overlooking Chefchaouen.
- Famous For: Offering a stunning viewpoint to witness the sunset and enjoy panoramic vistas of the blue city bathed in golden light.
9. Drink fresh Orange Juice on a waterfall
Outside the city, you can find beautiful waterfalls where locals set up stalls selling fresh orange juice.
Sipping on a refreshing glass of freshly squeezed orange juice while enjoying the natural beauty of the waterfalls is a delightful experience.
It allows you to take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle and indulge in the flavors of Morocco’s delicious citrus fruits.
- Location: Waterfalls near Chefchaouen.
- Famous For: Locals setting up stalls selling fresh orange juice, allowing visitors to enjoy the refreshing drink while appreciating the natural beauty of the waterfalls.
10. Just Drink Orange or Fruit Juice from the Stands
Throughout Chefchaouen, you’ll come across fruit juice stands offering a variety of freshly squeezed juices.
From orange to pomegranate and other seasonal fruits, these juice stands provide a quick and refreshing way to quench your thirst while exploring the city.
It’s a simple pleasure to enjoy a glass of tangy and flavorful fruit juice, especially during hot summer days.
- Location: Throughout Chefchaouen.
- Famous For: Fruit juice stands offering a variety of freshly squeezed juices, providing a quick and refreshing way to quench thirst while exploring the city.
11. Hike up to Jebel el-Kelaä
For adventure enthusiasts, hiking up Jebel el-Kelaä is a must-do activity in Chefchaouen. This mountain offers various hiking trails, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature and witness breathtaking views along the way.
From scenic landscapes to the peaceful solitude of the mountains, the hike provides an opportunity to explore the natural beauty surrounding Chefchaouen.
- Location: Jebel el-Kelaä mountain near Chefchaouen.
- Famous For: Various hiking trails offering opportunities to immerse in nature, witness breathtaking views, and enjoy the peaceful solitude of the mountains.
12. Eat Tagine in the Market Square
The market square in Chefchaouen is a vibrant hub of activity and a perfect place to savor traditional Moroccan cuisine. Tagine, a popular Moroccan dish cooked in a clay pot, is a must-try culinary delight.
Indulging in a flavorful tagine while soaking in the lively atmosphere of the market square is an immersive experience that allows you to taste the local flavors and enjoy the city’s vibrant ambiance.
- Location: Market square in Chefchaouen.
- Famous For: Savoring traditional Moroccan tagine, a popular dish cooked in a clay pot, while immersing in the lively atmosphere of the market square.
13. Admire the Unique Architecture
Chefchaouen’s architecture is one of its defining features. The city is famous for its blue-washed buildings, which create a visually stunning and unique atmosphere.
The distinct architectural style combines Andalusian, Berber, and Moroccan influences, resulting in a harmonious blend of design elements.
Walking through the streets and admiring the intricate details, geometric patterns, and vibrant blue facades is a treat for architecture enthusiasts.
- Location: Streets of Chefchaouen.
- Famous For: Distinct blue-washed buildings showcasing a unique architectural style blending Andalusian, Berber, and Moroccan influences, providing a visually stunning experience.
14. Take a Walk along the River
Chefchaouen is traversed by the Ras el-Ma River, which adds to the city’s charm. Taking a leisurely stroll along the riverbank provides a tranquil escape from the bustling Medina.
You can enjoy the soothing sound of flowing water, observe locals going about their daily routines, and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding the city.
- Location: Ras el-Ma River in Chefchaouen.
- Famous For: Offering a tranquil escape from the bustling Medina, providing an opportunity to enjoy the soothing sound of flowing water and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding the city.
15. Visit a Cannabis Plantation
While cannabis cultivation is prevalent in the region surrounding Chefchaouen, it’s important to note that it is illegal in Morocco.
Engaging in any illegal activities or visiting such plantations is strongly discouraged, as it can have legal consequences.
It is advisable to focus on the legal and culturally significant aspects of Chefchaouen’s attractions, such as its rich history, unique architecture, and natural beauty, to fully appreciate the city’s offerings.
- Location: Region surrounding Chefchaouen.
- Famous For: Cannabis cultivation, but it’s important to note that engaging in any illegal activities or visiting such plantations is strongly discouraged, focusing instead on legal and culturally significant aspects of the city’s attractions.
Best time to visit Chefchaouen
The best time to visit Chefchaouen is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) seasons. The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit).
Spring showcases vibrant colors and blooming flowers, while fall offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the busy summer months. Avoiding the peak summer season is recommended to enjoy a more relaxed visit.
How to Reach Chefchaouen
1. By Road
Chefchaouen is accessible by road, and many travelers prefer to reach the city by bus or private car. There are regular bus services connecting Chefchaouen to major cities in Morocco, such as Tangier and Fes.
The road network in the region is well-maintained, making it convenient for road travel.
2. By Train
Unfortunately, Chefchaouen does not have a train station. The nearest train stations are in Tangier and Fes. From there, you can take a bus or hire a private car to reach Chefchaouen.
3. By Air
The nearest major airport to Chefchaouen is Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG). From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for a private transfer to Chefchaouen, which is approximately 2-3 hours away by road.
Some international travelers also choose to fly into Fes or Casablanca and then travel to Chefchaouen by road.
Where to Stay
- Lina Ryad & Spa: This luxurious riad is nestled in the heart of Chefchaouen’s medina and offers a serene oasis for travelers. With its stunning traditional Moroccan architecture, elegant rooms, and a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the blue city, Lina Ryad & Spa provides a truly enchanting stay.
- Dar Echchaouen: Located in the vibrant medina, Dar Echchaouen is a charming guesthouse that combines traditional Moroccan design with modern comforts. The cozy rooms, warm hospitality, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the picturesque town make it a popular choice for visitors seeking an authentic and comfortable experience.
- Casa Perleta: Situated near the central square of Chefchaouen, Casa Perleta is a boutique hotel known for its stylish decor and personalized service. The rooms are tastefully decorated in Moroccan style, and the hotel features a rooftop terrace where guests can relax and enjoy panoramic views of the blue city. Casa Perleta offers a tranquil and memorable stay in the heart of Chefchaouen.
Where to Eat
- Bab Ssour: Located in the heart of Chefchaouen’s medina, Bab Ssour offers a delightful culinary experience with its authentic Moroccan cuisine. From flavorful tagines to mouthwatering couscous, the restaurant showcases the region’s traditional flavors in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
- Casa Aladdin: Situated near the famous Plaza Uta el-Hammam, Casa Aladdin is a charming restaurant known for its rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Chefchaouen. Here, visitors can savor a variety of Moroccan dishes, including aromatic kebabs, freshly baked bread, and refreshing mint tea, while enjoying the picturesque scenery.
- Restaurant Tissemlal: Tucked away in a serene corner of the medina, Restaurant Tissemlal offers a tranquil dining experience. With a menu featuring a range of Moroccan specialties, such as pastilla and harira soup, this restaurant provides a perfect blend of traditional flavors and warm hospitality, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Travel Tips & Suggestions
- Dress modestly and respectfully to respect the local culture and traditions.
- Be prepared for hilly terrain and cobblestone streets, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Explore the medina’s narrow streets and hidden alleys to discover charming cafes and local artisan shops.
- Don’t miss the opportunity to hike to the nearby Rif Mountains for breathtaking panoramic views of the blue city.
- Try the local cuisine, especially the traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine and couscous, at authentic restaurants.
- Respect the privacy of the locals and ask for permission before taking photos of them or their property.
- Stay hydrated and carry a water bottle with you, especially during the summer months, as temperatures can get quite hot.
Conclusion – Things to do in Chefchaouen
In conclusion, Chefchaouen, with its enchanting blue-washed streets and vibrant Medina, offers a truly remarkable experience for travelers.
From exploring the maze-like alleys and capturing the perfect Instagram shot to immersing oneself in the city’s rich cultural heritage and indulging in traditional Moroccan cuisine, there is no shortage of unique activities to enjoy.
Whether you’re admiring the breathtaking views from the Kasbah, hiking through the scenic mountains, or simply sipping fresh orange juice by a waterfall, Chefchaouen captivates visitors with its beauty, history, and warm hospitality.
Plan your visit during the spring or fall seasons to make the most of this charming city’s allure.
FAQs – Things to do in Chefchaouen
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