Chefchaouen, also known as Morocco's "Bluest City," is a unique and captivating destination with its distinctive, blue-painted buildings and stunning mountainous surroundings. The city is in the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco, nearly 200 miles north of the capital, Rabat. But, why is Chefchaouen blue?
The blue-painted buildings are the most iconic feature of Chefchaouen. While originally built as a fortress in the 15th century, they were inhabited, refurbished, and transformed into a blue city by Jewish refugees who made their home there in the 1930s. The tranquil blue color represents the sky and heaven, and as an extra perk, the blue color is thought to repel mosquitoes.
While the captivating blue architecture alone draws tourists in, there are many more reasons to visit: the main square, the Kasbah Museum, the Ras El-Maa Waterfall, local cuisine, shopping, and enjoying the surrounding nature and religious sites.
How to get to Chefchaouen
There are a few transportation options to travel to Chefchaouen, depending on your starting location.
Airplane: The nearest major airport to Chefchaouen is Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport (TNG). From there, you can take a shuttle or taxi, which is a 2–3-hour drive.
Train: Chefchaouen has no train station, but Tangier and Tetouan have train stations connecting to major cities in Morocco. From there, take a taxi, bus, or shuttle.
Bus: There are regular buses that connect Chefchaouen to major cities in Morocco, such as Tangier, Tetouan, and Fes. The bus ride takes between 2 and 3 hours.
Car: Opting for a vehicle is more flexible and independent. The roads leading to the town from Chefchaouen are generally in good condition. However, some mountain passes may be challenging to navigate if you're not used to driving in such terrain. A car gives you more freedom to set your own schedule and opportunities to explore more of the surrounding areas.
Remember that travel information can change quickly, so it's a smart idea to double-check transportation schedules as you get closer to your travel date. Also, be sure to check for travel warnings, weather advisories, or entry requirements that may be in place.
Best time to visit Chefchaouen
The best time to visit Chefchaouen largely depends on preference for weather, crowds, and specific activities.
Spring (March to May): The weather is mild, making sightseeing comfortable, and the city and its surroundings are full of colorful, blooming flowers. This is a peak time for hiking and stunning photographs. The end of spring is the end of the rainy season and the ideal time for outdoor cafes and markets.
Summer (June to August): The weather is hot and dry, especially in July and August. This is peak tourism season and draws large crowds, which also makes for a lively atmosphere. It's a great time to enjoy the waterfalls and natural pools to cool off.
Autumn (September to November): The weather becomes cooler as the season progresses, but the fall foliage in the mountains adds an extra pop of color to the city's already colorful landscape. As winter approaches, tourism slows down, and the rainy season begins again.
Winter (December to February): This is a low travel season and high rain season, meaning minimal tourists are passing through. However, there are better deals on accommodations and paid attractions. The weather is cooler and can get chilly at night. But there are still plenty of opportunities to explore the city and surrounding areas.
Spring and Autumn are favorite times to visit, as these two seasons balance comfortable weather and manageable crowds.
Explore the Chefchaouen Medina
There are many areas to explore in Medina's narrow, winding streets. Simply wander through the enticing labyrinth of streets to find hidden cafes and colorful street markets or stumble upon breathtaking viewpoints. Or, if you prefer to have more of a plan, here are some suggestions to help you make the most of your time:
Kasbah of Chefchaouen: The Kasbah of Chefchaouen is a fortress near the main square. Inside is an ethnographic museum worth visiting, with everything from traditional clothing and historical artifacts to live demonstrations of Moroccan mosaics. This is a great place to start and get a feel for the history all around you.
Plaza Uta el-Hammam: Plaza Uta el-Hammam is the main square of Chefchaouen and a central place for tourists and locals to spend time in. It is full of cafes, restaurants, and shops and is a great place to take a break with some mint tea or coffee and people-watch.
Souvenir Shops: Souvenir shops in the Medina are filled with unique handmade Moroccan treasures. Blankets, rugs, leather goods, local artwork, and pottery, to name a few. Be aware that bartering is expected.
Spanish Mosque: The Spanish Mosque sits on a hill right outside of the Medina. It is an exceptional place to take in and capture panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. Sunrise and sunset are exquisite times to visit, so plan ahead.
Ras El-Maa Waterfall: Ras El-Maa Waterfall is a short walk from the northeastern gate. It's the perfect spot (especially in the summer) to cool off. There is a picturesque bridge; locals often do laundry and relax in the pool.
Local crafts of Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is full of skilled craftspeople who make traditional crafts for sale. Some of the most notable local crafts of Chefchaouen are:
Woven Blankets & Rugs: These textiles frequently are made with blue and white patterns, mirroring the beautiful, distinct city and reflecting the overall theme of the town. The blankets and rugs are made with traditional techniques, creating the perfect souvenir or gift.
Textiles & Embroidery: In addition to rugs and blankets, you can also find Moroccan dresses, cushions, and scarves embroidered with intricate designs, both visually beautiful and culturally significant.
Leather Items: Look for high-quality crafted leather shoes, wallets, bags, and belts. The leather frequently goes through a traditional tanning process and is colored using natural dyes.
Jewelry: Artisanal jewelry is crafted from silver, copper, and semi-precious stones and often displays geometric patterns and symbols representing the area's rich heritage.
Pottery: Without much searching, you'll find vibrantly colored vases, plates, and bowls decorated with traditional patterns and motifs.
Paintings: Many local artists display their work for sale in galleries and studios throughout the Medina, and the pieces often reflect the unique beauty of the town, its landscapes, and its people.
Buying from local artists in Chefchaouen is a way to interact with local artisans and support small businesses.
All the food you need to try in Chefchaouen
Discovering local food is such a big part of traveling! Chefchaouen, like all of Morocco, has an array of mouthwatering dishes to try.
Tagine is a signature Moroccan slow-cooked stew, and many versions of the stew can be found in Chefchaouen. Beef, lamb, or chicken is simmered with vegetables and aromatic spices in the conical clay pot, which it is named after.
Tanjiya is a traditional Chefchaouen dish made of preserved lemons, spices, and lamb or beef. It is slowly cooked in a clay pot and served hot with bread.
Zaalouk is a flavorful eggplant salad made by cooking eggplants with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and spices, and is usually served as a side dish with bread.
Harcha is a griddle cake made from semolina. It is served with honey, jam, or cheese and is often available for breakfast or a snack.
Sfenj is a popular Moroccan deep-fried street food. It is like donuts in that they are soft and fluffy but without a hole in the middle. They are enjoyed for breakfast or a sweet treat.
Couscous is a staple of Moroccan cuisine but is often saved for special occasions or family events. A dish with couscous consists of steamed semolina wheat granules paired with a flavorful stew of meat and vegetables.
Pastilla is a savory and sweet Moroccan pie. It is made of thin pastry filled with shredded chicken, pigeon, almonds, eggs, and fragrant spices, topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and cinnamon.
Mint Tea is a Moroccan must. It's a sweet green tea infused with fresh mint leaves, symbolizing Moroccan hospitality.
Hit a Hammam in Chefchaouen
For a relaxing and cultural experience while visiting Chefchaouen, take a trip to a traditional hammam. A hammam is a traditional Moroccan steam bath and spa to cleanse, relax, and rejuvenate. There are many locations in Medina and the newer parts of the city, and it is a pleasant way to unwind after a day of exploring the city.
In a traditional hammam, men and women have individual facilities or separate bathing times. Most hammams will provide towels and soap but be sure to bring any additional hygiene items you need. Nudity is common among locals inside the hammam, but bathing suits are also permitted.
When enjoying the hammam, it is important to be respectful of others. As it is a relaxing place, avoid making loud noises or doing anything that detracts from the calming atmosphere. The experience also follows several traditional steps: steam room, exfoliation, and rinsing with cold water. Many hammams also offer additional massages or beauty treatments.
Be sure to drink plenty of water before and after to avoid dehydration.
Things to do around Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen has a variety of exciting activities and beautiful landscapes to explore. Here are some top attractions in Chefchaouen for first-time visitors in and around this lovely blue city:
Shopping in the Souks: Explore the local souks (open-air markets) in Chefchaouen to buy handicrafts, textiles, leather goods, spices, and traditional Moroccan products. The vibrant markets are essential to everyday city life and culture and a chance to interact with local artisans.
Art Galleries & Studios: Chefchaouen is known for its artistic community and the products they produce. Visit local studios and galleries and purchase a beautiful piece that catches your eye. Local art makes for the perfect souvenir!
Visit Akchour: Akchour is a village located about 18 miles away from Chefchaouen and is known for its river, Bridge of God, and the Cascades d'Akchour, a series of stunning waterfalls. This picturesque village is a great day trip for a swim in the river, especially in the summer.
Hike in the Rif Mountains: There are many excellent hiking opportunities in the mountains surrounding Chefchaouen. There are trails that lead to waterfalls, hidden valleys, and beautiful viewpoints. The Spanish Mosque is a popular hiking destination with striking city views.
Talassemtane National Park: This national park is popular with nature enthusiasts and photographers. It's about 40 miles from Chefchaouen and has hiking, birdwatching, and rich biodiversity.
Local Festivals: If your trip overlaps with a local festival, join in and enjoy the festivities to experience the region's culture.
Long Story Short...
There are many reasons to add this beautiful blue city to your travel bucket list. Friendly locals, mountains with stunning panoramic views, delicious food, and rich culture to experience, or simply if your favorite color is blue.
Written by Andrea Jeschke
