Overview
Chefchaouen is a relaxed mountain town built around a blue-washed medina beneath the Rif Mountains. Walkable lanes and easy access to nature make it an easy place to slow down between northern Morocco stops.
Mountains · Architecture · Trekking · Budget Travel · Food
Did you know?
- Mint tea is listed at 7–10 dirham per cup.
- The medina is easily walkable, with Ras El Ma spring among the key sights.
- Akchour waterfalls are listed as a 30-minute taxi trip for 30 dirham.
Why go?
Chefchaouen is a gorgeous mountain city in northeastern Morocco, known for its blue-washed medina set against the Rif Mountains. It's a relaxed place to unwind, with picturesque streets, a friendly atmosphere, and easy access to nature. The town embodies Moroccan clichés with white-washed blue homes and the call to prayer echoing from mosques.
Getting in
Buses from CTM and Nejme Chamal serve Chefchaouen from cities like Tangier, Fez, and Tetouan. The bus station is a 15-min walk from the medina. Grand taxis also connect to Tetouan (70 dirham per person), Tangier, Ouezzane, and other towns. Storing luggage in the bus trunk costs 5 dirham.
Getting around
The medina is easily walkable. Grand taxis are available for trips to nearby attractions like Akchour waterfalls and Oued Laou. A taxi to Akchour costs 30 dirham per passenger.
When to go
Peak season runs from mid-July to September, when accommodation can be tight. Book ahead during these months. The tap water is fed from local springs and is safer than in other Moroccan cities, but bottled water is still recommended for sensitive stomachs.
Where to stay
Dozens of budget hotels and guesthouses are scattered throughout the medina, starting from 40 dirham per night for a single room. Many have roof terraces with mountain views. During peak season, arrive early or book ahead. Popular options include Hotel Andaluz, Harmony Hotel, and Hostel Aline.
Food and drink
Local specialties include baissara, tajine (from 40 dirham), harira, and kofte. Breakfast of fried eggs, cheese, olives, bread, and tea costs 20-25 dirham. Pancakes (baghrir) with honey and olive oil are 10-15 dirham. Mint tea is 7-10 dirham per cup. Alcohol is available at Restaurant Oum Rabie, with beer at 30 dirham.
Things to see
Top sights include the Kasbah (80 dirham for foreigners), Outae Hammam square, the Grand Mosque (non-Muslims cannot enter), Ras El Ma spring, El Haouta square, and the Hill of Hotel Atlas viewpoint. The Ecomuseum of Talassemtane National Park offers free admission and hiking maps.
Activities
Popular hikes include Petit cascades (40 min, 2 km) and Grand Cascade D'Akchour (6 km one way). Hassan's Workshop offers craftsmanship, and Gite Talassemtane Tours can organize pottery and gastronomy workshops. The medina is also great for leisurely exploration.
Shopping
The medina sells carpets, leatherwares, spices, metal wares, and hippie-wear aimed at budget travelers. Bargaining is expected, and prices are generally more pleasant than in Fes or Marrakech.
Stay safe
Touts can be persistent, especially around the bus station and medina, trying to sell hashish or direct you to overpriced hotels. Politely refuse repeatedly. Marijuana is illegal despite its prevalence. Tap water is safe to drink, but bottled water is advised if you have a sensitive stomach.
Budget
Budget travelers can find dorms from 40 dirham per night, breakfast for 20-25 dirham, and filling meals for 25-50 dirham. A daily budget of 200-300 dirham is sufficient for accommodation, food, and local transport.
Day trips
Day trips from Chefchaouen include Akchour waterfalls (30 min taxi, 30 dirham), Oued Laou (30 min taxi), Tetouan (2.5 hr), and Tangier (2.5 hr). Hiking in Talassemtane National Park is also popular.
Go next
Onward destinations include Tetouan, Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Meknes, Fez, Oued Laou, Ceuta, and the Berbered region.
Guide text adapted from Wikivoyage contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to start
Sleep
Auberge Dardara
With gastronomic restaurant with local specialities and local farm products.
Price when recorded: Double from 650 dirham
Sleep
Casa Hassan
Popular traveler hotel in the medina, often booked, is wise to call ahead. Breakfast is included.
Price when recorded: 1050 dirham double
Sleep
Casa Perleta
Inside the medina (Bab Souk entrance), freshly renovated. Most rooms have en suite bathrooms. Run by native Spanish speakers.
Price when recorded: Double from 550 dirham
Sleep
Dar Antonio
Nice guesthouse right in the Medina. Clean and quiet with a great view on the top floors. Hot water on demand. Shared facilities. Not for people with mobility problems.
Price when recorded: Double 330 dirham
Sleep
Dar Echchaouen
Price when recorded: Double 1200 dirham
Sleep
Dar Lbakal Guesthouse
Guesthouse with a unique interior, a charming and artistic furniture and amazing scenery that you can enjoy while relaxing on the terrace.
Price when recorded: From 500 dirham
Sleep
Dar Meziana
A beautiful riad carefully decorated by the owners, giving each bedroom an individual character full of warmth and beauty. The use of Tadlakt in the bathrooms, hammered copper sinks, beautifully painted wooden ceilings and hand crafted doors, modern glass bricks and crooked windows, Moroccan lamps and carpets all come together to give this riad a totally unique feel. It also has a beautiful roof terrace with the most amazing views over the city, mountains and surrounding countryside.
Price when recorded: Double from 700 dirham
Sleep
Dar Rass El Maa
A charming guest house below the spring.
Price when recorded: From 490 dirham (singles)
Before you go
Accommodation
Budget rooms start from 40 dirham. Peak season (mid-Jul to Sep) requires booking ahead.
Food
Local specialties include baissara, tajine, and mint tea. Breakfast costs 20-25 dirham.
Language
Spanish and French are the most popular foreign languages. Arabic and Berber are local.
Money
Local currency is Moroccan dirham (MAD). Bargaining is common in the medina. Prices are quoted in dirham.
Safety
Touts are persistent near the bus station and medina. Politely refuse. Marijuana is illegal despite abundance.
Transport
Bus station is 15 min walk from medina. Grand taxis available for nearby destinations.
Water
Tap water from local springs is relatively safe, but bottled water is recommended for sensitive stomachs.
