I remember the first time I stood at the entrance of Chefchaouen's medina, mesmerized by the endless shades of blue that seemed to flow from one alleyway to another. Known as Morocco's "Blue Pearl," this enchanting mountain town has captured the hearts of travelers from around the world with its azure-painted streets, friendly locals, and peaceful atmosphere. If you're wondering about the most important places to visit in Chefchaouen, you've come to the right place! As someone who has explored every corner of this beautiful city, I'm excited to share my insider knowledge about transportation options, where to stay, must-visit attractions, and delicious places to eat.
Nestled in one of the most beautiful regions of the Kingdom, Chefchaouen is surrounded by majestic mountains, valleys, and beaches that make the province uniquely charming. In this guide, I'll take you through a complete journey—from how to get there to the best spots for watching a magical sunset over the blue city. So, grab a cup of mint tea, and let's explore the wonders of Chefchaouen together!
Getting to Chefchaouen: Transportation Guide
Before we dive into the places to visit in Chefchaouen, let's talk about how to reach this mountain gem. It's important to know that Chefchaouen doesn't have a train station, but it's well-connected by buses and shared taxis.
By Bus
Several bus routes operate throughout Morocco to Chefchaouen, but the most frequent connections are from these nearby cities:
You'll find the bus station slightly outside the city center, with taxis nearby to take you to the old medina if needed.
By Shared Taxi (Grand Taxi)
If you prefer a faster option, shared taxis are readily available and connect Chefchaouen to:
For a private taxi ride to any destination, you can negotiate directly with the drivers stationed near the bus terminal.
To Natural Sites and Beaches
One of the best things about Chefchaouen is how it serves as a perfect base for exploring the region's natural beauty. Shared taxis can take you to these nearby attractions:
- Akchour (waterfalls and hiking): 25 dirhams
- Oued Laou: 35 dirhams
- Kaa Asras: 35 dirhams
- Stehat: 50 dirhams
- Bou Ahmed: 60 dirhams
- Al Jebha (beach): 100 dirhams
Local Tip: Taxis to Akchour run year-round, while beach destinations are more frequent in summer. During off-season, you might need to wait for the taxi to fill up or pay for the remaining seats if you're in a hurry.
If you want to visit Oued Al Kannar or Oued Farda, take a taxi to Oued Laou or Bou Ahmed first, and then continue from there.
Where to Stay in Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets. From my experience, staying in the old medina is your best option—everything is within walking distance, and you'll be immersed in the magical blue surroundings.
Types of Accommodation
- Hotels: Starting from 70-80 dirhams per night for basic rooms
- Riads and Guesthouses: From 150 dirhams for a furnished house
- Mountain View Hotels: These luxury options typically have pools and beautiful views overlooking the old medina (typically more expensive but worth it for the panorama)
My Recommendation: The hotels nestled on the mountainside offer the most spectacular views of the blue city, especially at sunset and when the medina lights up at night.
Camping Option
If you're traveling on a budget, Chefchaouen has a campsite very close to the center—just a 5-minute walk from Bab El Mahrouk (one of the medina gates). The camping rates are:
- Car: 20 dirhams
- Person: 30 dirhams
- Tent: 20 dirhams
This means if you're traveling solo, you'll pay 30 dirhams, plus 20 dirhams if you bring your own tent. Each additional person costs 30 dirhams.
Booking Tip: For the best rates and guaranteed accommodation, I recommend booking in advance through sites like Booking.com or Airbnb. However, if you prefer to find a place once you arrive, don't worry—the old city is full of hotels and guesthouses, and you're unlikely to struggle finding somewhere to stay.
Must-Visit Places in Chefchaouen
Now for the highlight of our guide—the essential places to visit in Chefchaouen that you shouldn't miss!
1. The Old Medina (Blue City)
The heart of Chefchaouen is undoubtedly its stunning blue medina. Enter through Bab El Ain (Water Gate), and you'll immediately be transported into a world of blue alleys and charming streets.
As you wander through the azure pathways, you'll find numerous shops and cooperatives selling traditional Moroccan handicrafts and natural products. Many locals have decorated their doorways and steps with plants and colorful ornaments, creating perfect photo opportunities at every turn.
Why It's Blue: While the origin of painting the city blue has several theories, what's certain is that it creates a magical atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Morocco.
Local Tip: The medina is small enough to explore in a day, but getting deliberately lost in its winding alleys is part of the charm!
2. Plaza Uta el-Hammam
This main square is the bustling heart of Chefchaouen. Once a traditional local market, it's now a vibrant tourist and festival venue surrounded by cafes and restaurants.
The square is home to:
- The Grand Mosque with its distinctive octagonal minaret
- Many cafes with terraces offering views of the medina
- The entrance to the Kasbah museum
It's the perfect place to people-watch, enjoy a coffee, or have breakfast before exploring the rest of the city.
Coffee Recommendation: Try a "bricé" coffee at one of the cafes near the square for just 10 dirhams, or enjoy a traditional Chaouni breakfast for around 35 dirhams, which typically includes two eggs, olive oil, olives, cheese, and tomatoes.
3. The Kasbah Museum
Located right off Plaza Uta el-Hammam, the Kasbah is a historic defensive fortress that once protected Chefchaouen from invasions. Today, it houses a fascinating museum.
Entrance Fee: 30 dirhams for Moroccan nationals
Inside, you'll discover:
- A beautiful Andalusian garden
- The historic prison
- The Portuguese Tower with a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city
- The Cultural Heritage Radiation Center showcasing traditional crafts like zellige (mosaic tilework), plaster work, and woodworking
Despite its relatively small size, the museum offers rich insights into the region's history and crafts. A visit takes approximately 30 minutes.
4. Ras El-Ma (The Water Spring)
One of my favorite places to visit in Chefchaouen is Ras El-Ma, the natural spring at the eastern edge of the medina. This flowing water source emerges from the mountain and forms a small river running through part of the town.
Historically, this area served as the community washing station where women would come to do laundry. Today, while some locals still use it traditionally, it's also become a charming spot for visitors.
The area around Ras El-Ma features several restaurants overlooking the stream. While the setting is idyllic, I found the food quality inconsistent—a tajine I tried for 60 dirhams wasn't the best representation of Moroccan cuisine, with undercooked vegetables and bland flavoring.
Refreshment Tip: Instead of dining here, consider trying the fresh fig juice sold by vendors near the old washing area—it's cooling and delicious, especially on hot days!
5. Spanish Mosque (Jemaa Bouzafar)
For the most breathtaking views of Chefchaouen, a visit to the Spanish Mosque perched on a hill overlooking the city is a must. Built during the Spanish occupation but never used, it's now a perfect sunset viewpoint.
To reach it:
- Start from Ras El-Ma
- Look for the stairs near the bridge
- Follow the path uphill for about 600 meters (roughly a 10-15 minute climb)
Sunset Experience: I recommend starting your hike about an hour before sunset. The trail is moderate but well-maintained with steps along most of the route. Take your time, rest if needed, and enjoy the increasingly beautiful views as you climb.
At the top, you'll find a small café where you can enjoy tea (10 dirhams) while watching the sunset transform the blue city into a golden, then twinkling landscape as the lights come on at dusk.
The Spanish Mosque viewpoint becomes crowded at sunset with both tourists and locals, creating a festive, communal atmosphere. Some people head back down after sunset, while others stay to enjoy the night view of the illuminated city.
6. Parks and Recreation Areas
Chefchaouen has several small squares and gardens throughout the city where you can relax. Near Bab El Mahrouk (about a 3-minute walk), there's a children's play area—perfect if you're traveling with family.
Dining in Chefchaouen
The culinary scene in Chefchaouen offers options for every budget, particularly around Plaza Uta el-Hammam.
Breakfast: A traditional Chaouni breakfast costs around 35 dirhams and includes eggs, olive oil, olives, cheese, and tomatoes—simple but delicious.
Lunch and Dinner: The restaurants in Plaza Uta el-Hammam tend to be more touristy but offer convenience and atmosphere with their terraces. Some have rooftop dining areas with beautiful views over the city.
Evening Dining: While shops tend to close after sunset, restaurants stay open until around midnight, making evening meals a relaxed affair after a day of exploration.
Local Tip: For a unique experience, try to find a restaurant with a terrace that overlooks the medina for dinner—the view of the illuminated blue city at night is magical.
Chefchaouen After Dark
As night falls, Chefchaouen transforms. While not known for vibrant nightlife, the evening atmosphere has its own charm:
- The hustle of day-trippers subsides, creating a more peaceful ambiance
- Plaza Uta el-Hammam remains lively with restaurants and occasional street performers
- During festival seasons, the square hosts cultural events and performances
Evening Recommendation: Find a rooftop terrace restaurant or café with a view over the illuminated old town. The contrast of the blue city against the night sky, dotted with lights, is unforgettable.
The Blue City Awaits
Chefchaouen captivates visitors with its unique charm, stunning blue streets, and relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're wandering through the blue-washed alleys of the medina, watching the sunset from the Spanish Mosque, or simply enjoying a mint tea in Plaza Uta el-Hammam, the experiences you'll have in this mountain town will stay with you long after you leave.
I hope this guide helps you discover the most important places to visit in Chefchaouen and makes your journey smoother. Remember that part of the magic of this blue city is in the unexpected discoveries—a hidden doorway, a friendly conversation with a local shopkeeper, or a stunning view that appears around an unassuming corner.
Have you been to Chefchaouen before? Are you planning a trip soon? I'd love to hear about your experiences or answer any questions in the comments below. And if you visit any of these places based on my recommendations, do come back and let me know how it went!
Tihlaw f raskum! (Take care of yourselves—a friendly farewell in the local dialect)