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Chefchaouen is a small town in the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco, its old medina painted in shades of blue that cover walls, doors and stairways. Founded in the late fifteenth century, it sat in relative isolation for long stretches of its history, and it later absorbed refugees from Andalusia, whose influence remains in its whitewashed houses and tiled roofs. The mountain setting gives it a cooler, calmer feel than Morocco's big cities.
The main pleasure is simply wandering the lanes of the old town, photographing doorways and staircases and stopping for mint tea. Outa el Hammam, the central square, is surrounded by cafes and dominated by the Kasbah, a reddish fortress with a garden and small museum, beside the Grand Mosque and its octagonal minaret. Bab el Ain and the nearby souks sell woven blankets, goat cheese and local crafts. At Ras el Maa, a stream flows out of the mountainside and locals still wash clothes in its waters. A short uphill walk leads to the Spanish Mosque, popular at sunset for its view of the town.
Chefchaouen suits travelers looking for a relaxed stop and some hiking. Jebel el Kelaa rises directly above town, and Talassemtane National Park nearby offers the Akchour waterfalls and a natural rock arch known as God's Bridge.
WiserMap travel guideChefchaouen Morocco Blue Medina and Rif Mountain WaterfallsExplore Chefchaouen's blue medina, Outa el Hammam square, the Kasbah, Ras el Maa spring, the Spanish Mosque sunset view and Akchour waterfalls in the Rif.Read the guide
The old town of Chefchaouen is a maze of steep lanes and stairways painted in shades of blue, with potted plants, carved doors and small shops selling woven blankets and goat cheese. It is great for photos. Wander early in the morning before day-trippers arrive, and respect locals' privacy at doorways.
Main square of the medina, shaded by trees and surrounded by cafes and restaurants facing the red walls of the Kasbah and the Grand Mosque. It is the social heart of town, busy in the evening. Stop for mint tea or a local tagine on a terrace, and use it as a landmark when exploring.
Fifteenth-century fortress with red earthen walls and towers on Outa el Hammam, with a lush Andalusian garden, an old prison and a small ethnographic museum of weapons, instruments and costumes. Climb the tower for views over the blue medina and mountains. Bring small change for the entry fee.
Fifteenth-century mosque on the main square with an unusual octagonal minaret influenced by Andalusian design. Only Muslims can enter, but the minaret and facade make a fine view from the Kasbah tower or the square's cafes. The call to prayer echoes across the town. Respect prayer times.
Bab el Ain is the main gate of the medina, leading to a busy lane of shops selling wool blankets, leather goods, spices and local crafts. Nearby markets sell fresh produce. Prices are often lower than in Fez or Marrakech, but bargaining is still normal. Pick up some fresh goat cheese from the market.
Spring and small waterfall on the eastern edge of the medina where the Ras el Maa stream flows from the mountain. Local women still wash clothes at the communal stone wash basins. Cafes and the path to the Spanish Mosque are nearby. It is a cool spot on a hot day, so bring a picnic and sit by the water.
Series of waterfalls and turquoise pools in the Talassemtane National Park, about 45 minutes' drive from Chefchaouen. Trails follow the river past cafes to the Big Waterfall and God's Bridge. It is popular in summer for swimming. Hire a shared taxi from town and agree on a return time with the driver.
Disused mosque built by the Spanish in the 1920s on a hill east of the medina, reached by a 20 to 30 minute walk from Ras el Maa. It is the best spot to watch the sunset over the blue town and surrounding mountains. Bring water and a flashlight for the walk back down after dark.
Mountain rising above Chefchaouen to about 1,600 meters, reached by a steep trail from the town past the Spanish Mosque and through forests and terraces. The summit gives wide views over the Rif Mountains. Plan a full day with a local guide, bring plenty of water, and start early to avoid the heat.
Natural rock arch high above the Farda river in Talassemtane National Park near Akchour, reached by a hike of about 1.5 hours each way through a gorge with pools. Paths can be steep and slippery, especially near the river. Wear good shoes, bring water, and avoid the trail after heavy rain.
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