Morocco has no shortage of world-renowned travel destinations. Perhaps its most famous is the Blue City of Chefchaouen. Odds are, you’ve seen the bright blue walls of its old city plastered all over your Instagram feeds. Chefchaouen, locally known as Chaouen, has captivated travelers from far and wide. Despite the massive popularity of Chefchaouen, it retains a chilled out small town vibe and is a must-visit for backpackers and any type of traveler, really.
The Moroccan city of Chefchaouen, in the Rif Mountains, is famous for its distinctive blue-painted buildings. The artsy, blue-washed village feels as if you’ve been transported into a new world the minute you arrive. Chefchaouen is one of the most unique places in Morocco and is full of cute shops, friendly locals, and winding blue alleyways. The city of Chefchaouen is famously known as the Blue Pearl or the Blue City.
Honestly, I knew nothing about this city that everyone was talking about. Looking at all the pictures of the bright blue painted buildings had me yearning to return to Morocco for a visit.
Here’s what this guide to visiting Chefchaouen covers:
- Why is Chefchaouen painted blue?
- How do you get to Chefchaouen?
- The best time to visit Chefchaouen.
- Tops things to do in Chefchaouen.
- Tips for visiting Chefchaouen.
Chefchaouen is a place where you can let your guard down a little bit. Start a conversation. The city is located in the mountains, which means there are many hills within the city itself. Make sure you are wearing good walking shoes! Have your camera always ready to go!
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Why is Chefchaouen Painted Blue?
One of the first things you’ll notice upon arriving at Chefchaouen is that everything suddenly begins to be painted blue-blue buildings, roadside benches, street posts, sidewalks, flower pots, random walls, just about everything! But why is everything blue in Chefchaouen? Well, it’s unknown, but you may be told a variety of reasons during your visit. Among them are:
- To honor the traditions and customs of the Jewish culture
In Jewish beliefs, the color blue represents the sky, which reminds people of heaven and God. The early Jewish residents of Chefchaouen introduced the practice of painting the walls blue in keeping with their religious and cultural practices. Some elderly residents will tell you that only the Jewish parts of the city were originally blue, while the rest of the medina was painted white.
- To keep the building cool
Being located in the Rif mountains, Chefchaouen can get pretty hot during the summer months. Some residents will tell you that the walls have been painted blue to help keep the buildings cool.
- The blue color represents the color of water
This story of the blue representing water has two identities. One is that the blue symbolizes the Mediterranean Sea. The other one is that the blue symbolizes the importance of the Ras el-Maa waterfall, where the city’s inhabitants get their drinking water.
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- Social Media and Tourism
Though he believes that the early residents painted the walls blue for religious and environmental reasons, tourism has led to the whole city being practically painted blue. Many artists and performers have visited the town to create artwork and to shoot films, and of course, the impact of social media on today’s tourism industry has led the current residents to embrace the color blue because it brings revenue into the city.
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Getting To Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is a small town which, despite its popularity as a travel destination, is quite off the beaten track. One can’t simply fly in and fly out. Its quasi-remote location means that you’re going to need a taxi, bus, or rental car for at least part of your journey.
Visiting Chefchaouen is best if you are already touring the northern region of Morocco. The most common options are coming from Tangier or Fes.
Visiting Chefchaouen from Tangier
Tangier is located on the northern tip of Morocco. Its airport receives both international and domestic flights and is the closest airport to Chefchaouen. Tangier has the closest airport to Chefchaouen, and there are some really cheap flights if you’re coming from Europe.
The drive from Tangier to Chefchaouen takes a little over two hours.
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CTM, one of Morocco’s leading transport companies, operates a few daily buses with a journey time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Buses leave from Fes and Tangier and pass through Chefchaouen along the way. You can check the schedules and book tickets online here. Alternatively, you can take a private taxi or rent a car and self-drive the route.
Buses from Tangier to Chefchaouen are operated by two companies: CTM and Nejme Chamal. CTM buses can be booked in advance and leave from the private CTM Bus Station. Two CTM buses leave per day.
If you would like to take a grand taxi, you should be prepared to share the vehicle with up to four or five other passengers. Grand taxis generally congregate in a taxi rank and leave once all seats are occupied.
Visiting Chefchaouen from Fes
This is a more common route because Fes is one of Morocco's top destinations. So it is quite common for people to add a day trip to Chefchaouen after visiting Fes.
To get to Chefchaouen from Fes, you have the option of booking a private transfer, driving, taking a grand taxi, or taking a bus. CTM also operates several daily buses though the journey time is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. You can check their schedule and book tickets online here. This route is a little more mountainous. If you easily get motion sick, you may want to think this through.
Alternatively, you can rent a car and self-drive, which will allow you to stop more often and take in the scenic views along the way, or stop off to visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.
CTM runs five or six buses per day between Fes and Chefchaouen. Other private bus companies also run on this route; however, departure times and bus/driver quality can be unreliable.
Visiting Chefchaouen from Rabat
The best way to get from Rabat to Chefchaouen is by driving, private transfer, or grand taxi. The drive from Rabat takes about four hours along Highway N1. There is also the option of taking a bus. There is only one CTM bus daily.
Transportation within Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is a city best explored by foot. The only time you’d maybe need a taxi would be getting to and from the bus station. For travelers staying in the medina, you won’t need more than your own two feet to see what Chefchaouen has to offer. If you are planning on taking some trips outside of Chefchaouen, the best way is to take a grand taxi or a bus from CTM.
Best Time To Visit Chefchaouen
The best time to visit Chefchaouen is in the Spring and Fall months. During March through May, temperatures range from the low 60s°F (15-18°C) to the low 80s°F (25-28°C). In the fall months, September - early November, temperatures range from the mid-60s°F (17-20°C) to low 80s°F (25-28°C). These seasons offer the most pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and lower humidity. The weather during these months of the year is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking.
Summer temperatures can be warm, but more importantly, the city can get crowded. So if you want to experience the city more intimately, I suggest staying away from July and August.
If you don’t mind some cooler weather, with temperatures ranging from the low 40s Fahrenheit (4-6 Celsius) to low 60s Fahrenheit (15-18 Celsius), you can choose to visit Chefchaouen during the winter months. Be sure to pack some warmer outfits and you may also get to see the surrounding peaks of the Rif mountains covered in snow. But best of all, you will get off-season prices at accommodations which is great if you are a budget traveler.
Where to Stay in Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is home to dozens of hostels, so you’re not strapped for choice. However, some are noticeably a cut above the rest. The best neighborhood to stay in would be the medina, or just outside of it. It’ll put you right in the heart of Chefchaouen’s beauty.
There are two properties that seemed to understand that a hostel should be more than just a place to rest your head at night.
- Riad Baraka
Riad Baraka was my favorite hostel that I stayed at in Chefchaouen. It is located in a central location in the medina, putting you close to all of the action. The highlights of this hostel are its stunning rooftop views, heated rooms, and amazing breakfasts. It’s a small hostel, so book in advance to make sure you get a spot.
- Dar Dadicilef
Dar Dadicilef is a mouthful. It is “felicidad”, the Spanish word for happiness, spelled backwards. This is due to it being housed in one of the oldest Andalusian structures in the city. It is very centrally-located and has a cozy feel to it. It’s got a nice garden and organizes tours and outings for their guests.
- Hostel Souika
Aside from Riad Baraka and Dar Dadicilef, I also spent some time at Hostel Souika. It’s just a couple buildings past Dar Dadicilef in the neighborhood of Souika, where it gets its namesake. I stayed at Hostel Souika for a few nights simply because the private rooms were $10 a night. Do I need to say more? I actually was pleasantly surprised by how nice the hostel was considering its cheap price. It has a huge terrace with beautiful views, good wifi, and the room was basic but nice. The only thing is that there isn’t much of a social vibe, but that’s fine if you need some space to yourself.
Top Things To Do in Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is a small city, and though it can easily be visited in one day, it is worth staying for two nights, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere and culture of this mountain town. So, what should you do while in Chefchaouen?
Wander the Chefchaouen Medina
This is where the houses are painted blue and is what attracts all the visitors. As mentioned above, the shades of blue will make your photos look amazing. As you walk through the small alleyways, taking in the sights and sounds, you can navigate in and out of little nooks and crannies, providing a calming atmosphere. Shop vendors are not as aggressive as other bigger towns, and you’ll find yourself conversing with the vendors who explain their arts and crafts to you.
Throughout the medina, you will see plenty of areas for photo opportunities. Take your time and find the best locations for your perfect spot. Make mental notes of these locations, or mark them on Google Maps, and then return at other times of the day when the lighting is better.
If photography is not your thing, you will still enjoy a wander through the medina, for it can be calming and peaceful, especially when you find the less crowded areas, which tend to be closer to the main square.
This is where the heart of the city lies, and where all of the picturesque blue buildings are. Take a stroll through the densely packed alleyways while winding through its labyrinthine streets flanked with ancient houses and fortress walls. You’ll run into bustling markets, or souks, all throughout. Brightly-colored rugs, ceramics, and other artworks contrast beautifully with the endless shades of blue.
Keep in mind that some alleyways and houses are private property, and locals can (and rightfully do) charge for pictures. It costs no more than 2-5 dirham for some pictures, a negligible amount if you want to take a killer photo. If you don’t feel like paying for pictures, there are dozens of public streets and alleyways to explore. Typically, the streets where locals clearly go out of their way and spend money to beautify are the ones where you’ll get charged.
Some of the streets in Chef Chaouen are narrow and sloped, with stairs to climb, so if you don’t have good mobility you might find that a bit challenging. Still, it’s a fun place to wander and there are lots of nice cafes and restaurants if you want to stop for a bite along the way.
Visit the Spanish Mosque
Visit the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. It’s a short but steep hike up to the Spanish Mosque from the medina, although the views are incredible throughout. There is not much to see at the mosque, so don’t expect any magnificent art or architecture.
Watch the Sunset from the Spanish Mosque. You will have to walk uphill, but the hike is not strenuous, and you can take your time. You should head up the hill early if you want a good spot. Most people gather in front of the mosque, sitting on the walls or the pavement. However, if you sneak over to the sides or go slightly down the grassy hill, you can watch the sunset without a crowd of tourists standing in front of you.
Visit the Kasbah Museum
The Kasbah Museum, also known as the Ethnographic Museum of Chefchaouen, is located in the town’s 15th-century citadel. It’s impossible to miss, considering its the star attraction of the main plaza. It’s home to a small but beautiful garden and a few rooms that serve as a museum. For me, the highlight of the museum is the view from its towers. Climb up to get a stunning panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains. Entrance for foreigners costs 60 dirham, which is standard for most historical and cultural attractions in Morocco.
Located in the area of the main square, this is an easy place to visit but it does come with an entry fee of a few dollars. The Kasbah, built in 1471, is designed in the Andalusian style, complete with crenelated walls and a watch tower with a prison at the bottom. The top of the watchtower affords the expected panoramic view of the countryside. The museum is small and doesn’t have many English descriptions explaining what you are looking at. There is also a beautiful garden inside the Kasbah that provides a nice atmosphere to sit and relax.
Plaza Uta El-Hammam
Wandering the streets of the medina can provide some calm and tranquility to your visit, but if you are looking for the opposite, head to the main square: Plaza Uta El-Hammam.
This is where the hustle and bustle of Chefchaouen’s medina takes place. Plenty of restaurants and little cafes surround the main square, offering places to grab a tagine or a coffee. Just grab a seat and observe the everyday happenings.
Located near the Plaza Uta El-Hammam are the Kasbah, which I described above, and the Grand Mosque, which is not open to tourists as it is still an active religious place of worship.
Take a Day Trip to Akchour
Perhaps my favorite thing I did in Chefchaouen was take a day trip outside of the city to do some hiking. Akchour is about a 45-minute drive outside of Chefchaouen and can be reached by grand taxi for about $6 per person. The most famous hikes in the area are to the waterfalls and God’s Bridge. Plan to spend about six hours in Akchour if you plan on doing both, and maybe longer if you’re visiting during the summer and want to spend some time relaxing along the river.
Ras El Maa Waterfall
Calling these waterfalls is a bit generous, but it is a nice, scenic spot to hang out. The area is lined with restaurants and vendors and is pretty lively. It’s at the trailhead of the hike up to the Spanish Mosque, so one can visit here before or after the short hike.
Other Activities and Photo Spots
- Alley of Colored Pots: This is possibly the most famous photo spot in the blue city. On Google Maps, the approximate location is marked as ‘Derb El Assri’.
- Orange Juice Shop: A photogenic little spot with plastic oranges hanging on a vine. They make freshly squeezed orange juice here, so you can buy a drink and take some pictures.
- Solid Blue Alley: This is another great photo spot with pure blue walls and doors. It’s just a short walk west of the orange juice shop.
- Place El Haouta: One of the main plazas in the city, with a water fountain and nice views of the mountains.
- Mural Street: A quirky street with murals of Santorini in Greece.
- Magic Lamp House of Aladdin: This restaurant has great rooftop views of the city of Chefchaouen. Go all the way to the top terrace for the best view.
Dining in Chefchaouen
Although the restaurant scene in Chefchaouen isn’t fantastic, there are a few spots that I did enjoy. Clock Cafe is a popular spot among travelers, famed for their camel burger. A great local spot is Bab Ssour, with excellent local dishes in an establishment that feels more like a family’s living room than a restaurant. Another cheap local spot with vegetarian options is Sofia, located right off the main square of the medina.
This cafe restaurant serves up amazing Moroccan food, and while you eat, you can enjoy a stunning rooftop view! Located just outside the main square, Restaurant Sofia is a cute, female-owned spot with delicious, authentic local food. Whether or not you stay at Dar Baibou, you’ll definitely want to check out their restaurant. Linger on the rooftop and sip some tea. This hotel-restaurant showcases the best of local cuisine with a menu full of traditional Moroccan dishes. Everything is fresh, high-quality and entirely homemade.
Nightlife and Hashish
Chefchaouen isn’t particularly known for its nightlife, but one can grab a beer at Bar Oum Rabie just outside the walls of the medina.
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