Chefchaouen is one of those places that immediately slows your pace. Set high in the Rif Mountains, its blue‑washed streets and calm atmosphere make it an easy escape from Morocco’s busier cities. Whether you’re here for photos, food, or simply a breath of mountain air, the town offers a refreshing break.

As a day trip, it’s very manageable. With reliable CTM coaches and a compact medina, you can cover the main sights without rushing. What we enjoyed most were the quiet corners, the friendly shopkeepers, and the way the blue tones shift throughout the day — a simple, relaxed experience after the energy of Tangier.

Overview

Chefchaouen, often called the Blue Pearl of Morocco, is one of those places that instantly captures your imagination long before you arrive. Tucked into the Rif Mountains, the town feels calmer than the big imperial cities and offers a softer introduction to northern Morocco.

For us, it became a welcome contrast to the fast pace of Tangier — a place where you can slow down, wander, take in the mountain air, and spend a day soaking up a side of Morocco that feels both familiar and entirely unique.

A day trip here is surprisingly easy thanks to the excellent CTM coach connections, and once you reach the medina, everything unfolds at a relaxed pace. The blue‑washed alleys, small family‑run bakeries, friendly rooftop cafés, and scenic viewpoints all make it a rewarding day out, whether you’re visiting Morocco for the first time or returning for another adventure.

Is Chefchaouen Worth Visiting?

Chefchaouen often tops Morocco itineraries and with good reason. Known as the Blue Pearl, it’s a place many travellers (ourselves included) feel drawn to for its atmosphere and slow, mountain‑side charm.

If you’re wondering is Chefchaouen worth visiting?, the short answer is yes. It works perfectly as a day trip from Tangier and is especially appealing if you’re curious about something quieter and more scenic than the big imperial cities.

Is Chefchaouen Safe?

If you’re wondering is Chefchaouen is safe?, we found it completely fine. The medina is small, walkable, and friendly, and people largely leave you alone.

At night we found many hashish and marijuana dealers to approach us but that is entirely down to you if you want to get some. As we always say, don’t do something we wouldn’t do.

Best Time to Visit Chefchaouen

The best time to visit sits between spring and early autumn, though winter offers clearer air and fewer crowds. Shoulder seasons (April–June and September–October) bring mild days, ideal for wandering the medina and hiking up to the Spanish Mosque.

We went during November and found the temperature in the day to be mid 20s and evening in the mid teens – so a jacket was needed especially if dining al-fresco.

Does Chefchaouen Feel Very Touristy?

People often ask Is Chefchaouen a tourist trap?, and the truth is a little nuanced. Parts of the old town definitely feel built around tourism, especially around the decorated photo spots and rooftop cafés.

Yet if you wander just a little further away from the main square, Chefchaouen reveals a more relaxed and local side that’s incredibly rewarding. We never once felt pressured into anything, though we did politely decline a dozen offers from would‑be guides.

Why Is Chefchaouen Painted Blue?

Many theories float around, but the most accepted one links the blue tones to Jewish refugees who arrived from Spain. They painted their homes blue to distinguish their neighbourhoods and, some say, to symbolise wealth, since blue pigment was historically expensive.

Interestingly, the shade resembles the mosaic blues found in certain synagogues across Morocco, including the one in Marrakesh.

Our Day Trip to Chefchaouen: Full Itinerary & Impressions

Travelling from Tangier to Chefchaouen

We left Tangier on the 7:45 am CTM coach, departing from the CTM station in Tangier. A quick taxi ride of around 15 minutes took us straight to the coach terminal where we waited to board. The route was direct, with a short stop in Tetouan.

Many tourists choose the package deals that combine Tetouan (a former Spanish possession) with Chefchaouen, and sometimes continue towards Volubilis before ending in Fes.

These tours typically include hotel pickup, transport, and a guide. This is popular for those searching how to go to Chefchaouen or planning the route Tangier to Chefchaouen.

We went independently because later in our Moroccan trip we wanted to ride the Al‑Boraq, Morocco’s high‑speed train. The Tangier–Kenitra stretch is the only part that reaches 300 km/h, and, as you’ll know from our Interrail adventures, we’re huge fans of high‑speed rail.

If you prefer to organise your own trip to Chefchaouen, you can buy affordable tickets from many places in Morocco, see below:

Arriving in Chefchaouen

We arrived at 10:00 am. The walk up to the medina was steep, and since we had a full day ahead, we opted for a taxi from the nearby taxi station. The inDrive app which we used by this point had no cars available, so we flagged a local cab.

At 15 dirhams for a 10‑minute drive, it felt fair. We later spoke with other travellers who initially tried to walk up, worried they might be overcharged. They eventually opted for a taxi from the midpoint and paid just 10 dirhams, which reassured us that local taxis generally offer fair prices.

Being dropped at the gates meant we could immediately wander into the blue alleys that make Chefchaouen so instantly recognisable.

Our Top Things to do in Chefchaouen

1. El Haouta Square & the Famous Fountain

Our first stop was Place El Haouta, home to Chefchaouen’s iconic fountain. Decorated in blue, red, and white geometric patterns, it’s an artwork in itself and a wonderful backdrop for photos. Several cafés surround the square where you can sit and take it all in.

You’ll likely encounter local men offering guiding services. Some provide genuine insights, others simply want to secure business. We declined politely each time and continued exploring independently.

2. Shopping in Chefchaouen

For anyone thinking about what to buy in Chefchaouen, the town is known for its textiles, woven blankets, natural soaps, leather slippers, and colourful pottery.

Prices vary widely, and surprisingly we found some things more expensive here than in Marrakesh. Still, we used the opportunity to pick up linen garments, scarves, and a Berber‑style jacket ahead of our trip to the Sahara desert.

As always in Morocco, haggling is part of the fun.

3. Pastries Before the Kasbah

On the way to the main square, we stopped at a small local pastry shop called Horno Bab El Ain offering Moroccan treats. The bakery is a historic one offering it’s services to the community for hundreds of years.

The pastries were crisp, nutty, and not overly sweet. Even the pain au chocolat, although an interpretation, was tasty and gave us some energy to continue.

4. Uta el Hamman Square & Rooftop Views

By 11:00 am we reached Uta el Hamman, the medina’s central square. Before visiting the Kasbah, we headed up to one of the rooftops for mint tea and mountain views.

Our favourite was The Magic Lamp House of Aladin rooftop terrace, which offered brilliant views over the rooftops and towards the mountains. Prices were fair (at least for us, but we did also see many domestic tourists also dining here) given the location.

From our seats we could see the ochre‑coloured Kasbah tucked against the blue‑washed walls of the medina.

5. Visit the Kasbah

Tickets to the Kasbah cost 80 dirhams for foreign tourists, double the local price — a recurring theme for state monuments, again cash only. For those searching for Chefchaouen tourist attractions, the Kasbah naturally appears at the top of the list.

The interior features a calm garden and the opportunity to climb the Portuguese tower. The views from the top are lovely, though if you’ve already enjoyed a rooftop terrace earlier in the day, the vistas may feel repetitive.

6. Check the Great Mosque of Chefchaouen (Jemaa el-Fnaa Mosque)

Located in the main square of the Medina, the Great Mosque of Chefchaouen is one of the city’s most important religious landmarks. It’s best known for its distinctive octagonal minaret, a unique feature in Moroccan mosque architecture, and its beautifully simple traditional Islamic design.

While non-Muslims can’t enter, we stopped for a photo by the beautiful door. As Hristina was knocking the door for the purpose of the photo, a gentleman actually opened the door and let us have a glimpse into the courtyard of the mosque.

7. Admire the Decorated Alleys of Chefchaouen

As you wander through Chefchaouen’s blue Medina, you’ll come across decorated alleys where locals have carefully arranged flower pots, woven baskets, patterned rugs, and small chairs to create picture-perfect corners.

These spots are often set up specifically for photos, and you may be politely asked for a small tip if you stop to take pictures. We even had a photo taken of us and took some more photos along the way.

We see this as part of the local economy rather than a tourist trap — a few dirhams is a fair way to show appreciation for the effort that goes into maintaining these beautiful scenes.

8. Visit Ras El Ma Waterfall

We wandered deeper into the medina towards Ras El Ma, the small waterfall at the town’s edge. The waterfall area was peaceful, with people enjoying lunch right by the water.

Vendors sell fresh orange juice, and the oranges sit in cold running water to stay chilled. Glasses are washed in the same water — very local, very rustic — but the juice was delicious and refreshing.

9. Hike to the Spanish Mosque

Recharged, we made our way up to the Spanish Mosque to catch sunset. We reached the top at 5:00 pm, with plenty of people already gathering. The hike is manageable, though a bit steep in places, so some fitness helps.

The views over the town and valley are superb. The mosque exterior resembles a Spanish church, though it was closed so we couldn’t see inside. Sunset was at 6:15 pm and by 5:40 pm the wall‑side seating was full. If you want a spot to sit, aim for 5:30pm at the latest.

After enjoying the sunset and chatting to fellow travellers, we headed back down for mint tea near the Kasbah before making our way to the coach.

Final Impressions: One Day in Chefchaouen

Our return coach was at 9:00 pm, giving us ample time to explore the city without rushing. For anyone wondering whether one day in Chefchaouen is enough — absolutely. The medina is compact and the highlights are easily covered at a comfortable pace.

If planning a longer northern Morocco route, you’ll find plenty of riad in Chefchaouen options within the medina and hotels in the newer part of town. But for us, this day trip from Tangier was ideal.

Staying Connected in Chefchaouen with Morocco eSIM

If you’re travelling through Morocco and want a simple, reliable way to stay connected, Saily eSIM for Morocco is one of the easiest options we’ve used so far. Everything is activated directly through their app, so there’s no hunting for SIM shops or dealing with airport queues.

Thanks to Saily, we managed to book our onward tickets at local prices without any hassle. We also had full signal throughout the Rif Mountains and even deep into the Sahara, which genuinely surprised us. If you want stress‑free data for your trip, Saily is worth considering.

Where to Eat in Chefchaouen

Exploring best food in Chefchaouen options was a nice surprise — simple, local, and hearty. Below are our recommendations:

1. The Magic Lamp House of Aladin

We first visited for tea earlier in the day, then returned later.

The rooftop terrace at The Magic Lamp House of Aladin offers views of the mountains and medina rooftops, and it’s a great stop whether you want a drink or a light meal.

2. Restaurant Bab Ssour

We chose Bab Ssour for lunch because it sits slightly away from the main tourist flow. Here we ordered goat tagine, lamb tagine, a meatball tagine with egg, and fresh orange juice with tea.

Service felt a bit indifferent, but the food was flavourful and authentic, and the rooftop terrace overlooks the mountains.

3. Assaada Restaurant

Recommended by a friend, Assaada specialises in Moroccan staples. They serve couscous daily (traditionally only prepared on Fridays). We ordered harira soup, Moroccan salad, goat’s cheese, and a beef tagine with prunes and couscous with beef and vegetables.

The soup was like a thick tomato‑pasta broth, nothing extraordinary, but the tagines were enjoyable. We particularly liked the goat’s cheese and even bought some from the dairy downstairs for breakfast the following day.

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Practical Tips for Visiting Chefchaouen

Final Thoughts

Chefchaouen may be small, but it leaves a big impression. Between the blue alleys, mountain backdrop, friendly pace, and great food, it offers a different side of Morocco.

For those asking is Chefchaouen worth it? — we think so. Whether you’re stopping for a day or staying longer, it’s a trip that stays with you.

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