Tucked into the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco, Chefchaouen is one of those places that almost doesn’t look real at first.
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Known for its winding lanes washed in every imaginable shade of blue, the city has become one of Morocco’s most photographed destinations. But Chefchaouen is much more than a beautiful backdrop for photographs. It’s a relaxed mountain town filled with local artisans, small cafés, traditional food, beautiful viewpoints and a rhythm that invites you to slow down.
Unlike Marrakech or Fes, you don’t need a long list of monuments to fill your days here. Part of the pleasure of Chefchaouen is simply wandering, stopping when something catches your eye and letting yourself get a little lost.
Here are 7 of my favourite things to do in Chefchaouen.
This is the Chefchaouen experience.
Put away Google Maps for a while and simply wander. The medina is relatively compact, making it one of the easiest old cities in Morocco to explore on foot.
Walk up the staircases, duck through little archways, notice the painted doors and watch daily life unfolding around you. While a handful of streets have become famous photography spots, some of the prettiest corners are the ones you stumble upon completely by accident.
Tracey’s Tip: Go out early in the morning. You’ll find quieter streets, beautiful soft light for photographs and a completely different atmosphere before the day visitors arrive.
At the heart of the medina is Plaza Uta el-Hammam, Chefchaouen’s main square.
Surrounded by cafés and restaurants and overlooked by the Kasbah and Grand Mosque, this is the perfect place to stop for a coffee or mint tea and simply people-watch.
Morocco is at its best when you leave room in your itinerary to sit and observe everyday life — and this is a wonderful place to do exactly that.
Come back in the evening when families are out walking and the square takes on a completely different energy.
Sitting right beside the main square is Chefchaouen’s historic Kasbah.
Step inside and you’ll find peaceful gardens that feel worlds away from the activity outside, along with a small ethnographic museum displaying pieces connected to the history and culture of the region.
Be sure to climb the tower. The view over Chefchaouen’s blue rooftops with the Rif Mountains rising behind them is worth the climb.
Follow the medina east and eventually you’ll reach Ras El Maa, where fresh mountain water flows down from the Rif.
Historically, this water source played an important role in the city, and today it remains a lovely place to see another side of Chefchaouen.
You may see local women washing textiles, families gathering and small cafés tucked alongside the water.
It’s also a perfect stopping point before continuing uphill toward one of Chefchaouen’s best viewpoints.
From Ras El Maa, continue along the hillside path toward the Spanish Mosque, also known as the Bouzaafar Mosque.
The walk takes roughly 20–30 minutes depending on your pace and rewards you with one of the best panoramic views of Chefchaouen.
From above, you can really appreciate the setting of the city — a patchwork of blue and white buildings nestled beneath the dramatic Rif Mountains.
Late afternoon and sunset are particularly beautiful, although it can become busy. Bring some water, wear comfortable shoes and give yourself time to simply enjoy the view.
Chefchaouen has a strong artisan tradition, particularly in weaving, wool, leather and woodwork.
Rather than looking only for the typical Moroccan souvenirs you’ll find throughout the country, keep an eye out for items connected specifically to northern Morocco and the Rif region.
You’ll find woven blankets, rugs, colourful textiles, baskets, leather goods and handmade pieces tucked into shops throughout the medina.
Take your time, talk to the shopkeepers and ask where things were made. Shopping becomes much more interesting when you know the story — and the person — behind what you’re taking home.
If you have an extra day in Chefchaouen, head into the surrounding countryside to Akchour, one of the most popular nature escapes in the region.
Located within the spectacular landscapes around Talassemtane National Park, Akchour is known for its hiking trails, waterfalls, river pools and dramatic mountain scenery.
It’s a completely different experience from wandering the blue medina and a great reminder of just how beautiful northern Morocco is.
Wear proper walking shoes, bring water and give yourself plenty of time — this isn’t something I would try to squeeze into an already busy Chefchaouen sightseeing day.
I recommend at least one night and preferably two.
One overnight gives you time to experience the medina once the busiest daytime crowds have left and again early the following morning.
With two nights, you can explore Chefchaouen at a relaxed pace and potentially dedicate another day to Akchour and the surrounding Rif Mountains.
Spring and autumn are wonderful times to visit, when temperatures are generally comfortable for walking and exploring.
Remember that Chefchaouen sits in the mountains, so its weather can feel quite different from Marrakech and southern Morocco. Evenings can be cooler, particularly outside the summer months, so bring a layer.
Chefchaouen is undoubtedly beautiful, but I don’t think its famous blue walls are the only reason to visit.
Come for the photographs, but stay long enough to notice everything around them — the artisans working behind little doorways, the smell of bread coming from a neighbourhood bakery, mountain produce in the markets, conversations over mint tea and the incredible Rif Mountains surrounding it all.
Those are the moments that turn Chefchaouen from somewhere you’ve simply photographed into somewhere you’ve actually experienced.
Planning a trip to Morocco?
Chefchaouen can easily be incorporated into a longer journey through northern Morocco and the imperial cities. On my Morocco journeys, I love creating itineraries that balance Morocco’s iconic places with the smaller, local experiences that help you really connect with the country.
If you’d like help planning your own Morocco experience, get in touch with me at Follow Your Heart Travel Experiences and let’s start creating a journey that fits the way you want to travel.
Prices in € and USD$. Subject to change without notice as exchange rate varies and local prices change.
