Activities in and around Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen, nicknamed the Blue Pearl of Morocco, is a work of art. It’s a city that nestled between the Rif mountains, which captivates the senses and the soul.
My trip was a journey into authenticity, where every corner held a new discovery. For a cultural and sensory adventure, join me in exploring Chefchaouen’s best.
Must-visit places in Chefchaouen
Wandering Chefchaouen’s medina feels like stepping into a blue masterpiece blending with the sky. It’s also rich in culture, with iconic spots offering unique charm and history.
The medina of Chefchaouen
If you want to go to Chefchaouen, visiting the medina is a must. A ballet of alleys in shades of blue will greet you, where each passage reveals a new nuance. This is a photographer’s paradise, where each shot tells an indigo-tinged story.
As you wander, the waterfalls of Ras El Maa, just outside the medina, will carry you away. Clear water cascades from the mountain, giving life to a peaceful place.
As the sun sets, blending with the blues and casting a golden glow over the medina, it’s the perfect time to wander, uncover hidden corners, or admire the city’s rooftops.
Chefchaouen’s medina thrives with a bustling souk, where haggling is an art between buyers and sellers. You can find handmade souvenirs, vibrant fabrics, aromatic spices, and local crafts showcasing the artisans’ skills.
El Haouta Square
The Place El Haouta unfolds its discreet charms, far from the hustle and bustle of its big sister, Place Outa El Hammam. Here, time seems suspended, inviting relaxation and serenity.
Settling down on this square, I felt a soothing calm, in the shade of charming shops and buildings adorned with the famous blue tiles, signature of Chefchaouen. The classic arches elegantly outline the contours of the cafes and residences, while the wrought iron grilles add to the picturesque spirit of the place.
El Haouta Square is the ideal place to enjoy a moment of tranquility, lulled by the soft light that plays through the foliage. It is the perfect space to write, read or simply surrender to contemplation, far from the tourist flow.
The Outa El Hammam Square
In the heart of Chefchaouen’s blue maze, Place Outa El Hammam pulses with life, where history, food, and relaxation blend under the watchful eye of the Kasbah.
Around a freshly brewed mint tea, the local life is revealed, offering an authentic parenthesis in the Moroccan experience. The cafes and restaurants invite you to take a break, promising a taste journey that will delight your senses.
The great mosque of Chefchaouen
The Great Mosque of Chefchaouen, this stone sentinel erected in the heart of the city, is a page of history under the open sky. Intimately linked to the identity of Chefchaouen, it is known as the oldest mosque in the city, marking the central point of Friday prayers, a sacred day for the Muslim community.
Approaching its facade, one is immediately captivated by its octagonal minaret, a distinct silhouette that stands out against the bluish horizon and which offers a striking contrast with the Rif mountains in the background. The sober architecture of the mosque invites respect and contemplation, even if access to the interior is reserved for believers.
The Spanish mosque
Perched on its hill, the Spanish mosque of Chefchaouen is a silent witness to the foreign influences that have marked the history of Morocco. it was built in the 1920s by the Spaniards, it has never sounded calls to prayer, remaining unfinished, like a promise suspended in time.
The ascent to this unusual place is a promising hike that rewards you with every step with an increasingly spectacular view of Chefchaouen. Arriving at the top, it is with short breath that we are overwhelmed by the immensity of the panorama that is offered to our eyes.
Even though its doors remain closed, one can witness the grandiose spectacle of the sunset that ignites the sky above the city from the forecourt of the mosque. The world seems to stop for a moment, offering a moment of fullness in front of the blue expanse of Chefchaouen which gently melts into the orange hues of the evening.
This peaceful place, within the reach only of those who have chosen to venture on the rocky path of the hill, is a promise of tranquility and serenity.
The kasbah of Chefchaouen
Emblem of resistance and power, the Kasbah of Chefchaouen, with its austere and solemn appearance, stands proudly within the city. It has witnessed the eventful history of Chefchaouen, sometimes fulfilling the role of residence of governors, military fortress or prison, through the centuries.
Today transformed into a place of culture and knowledge, the Kasbah welcomes visitors with its ethnological museum where the Chaouni heritage is admirably preserved.
The Andalusian garden, a real oasis in the middle of the rigor of the walls, invites you to meditation. Walking between its green alleys, I was transported to a world of tranquility, far from the hustle and bustle of the medina.
The maze of the old dungeons of the prison offers a completely different experience, recalling the bygone days when the place was synonymous with seclusion. As for the Andalusian Research and Studies Center, it is an open window on the Iberian cultural influences in Morocco. And for art lovers, the adjoining gallery presents works by local and international artists, adding a note of creativity to the visit.
The Ethnographic Museum of Chefchaouen
Inaugurated in 1985, this museum is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the region’s cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible.
The Ethnographic Museum of Chefchaouen deserves that we devote time to it during our visit. When crossing the threshold of the museum, we are immediately caught up by a collection of objects that authentically tell the life of the Chaouis. From musical instruments to traditional costumes, via agricultural tools and kitchen utensils of yesteryear, everything is arranged there to tell us the habits and customs of the Chaouen people.
I highly recommend those who walk the cobblestones of Chefchaouen to make a stopover at the Ethnographic Museum. It is an essential step to understand the historical depth and the cultural richness of this region of Morocco, an instructive journey to the heart of the Chaouni identity.
Guided tours of Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is a city full of mysteries and wonders, offering an idyllic setting for souls thirsty for adventure and knowledge. To honor its abundant heritage, there’s nothing like a guided tour to unlock the secrets of the blue city.
The private, tailor-made guided tours, led by local guides, are an opportunity to adapt the experience according to your desires. From contemplating a sunset from a strategic point of view, to a cultural journey in the heart of the medina, passing by the Kasbah, every moment is a discovery.
Photographing the Callejon El Asri
It is in this cobbled and winding alley that myriads of shades of blue meet, merging under the lens of amateur and experienced photographers alike. Prized for its photogenic aesthetics, this passage has become a must-see in the Cité bleue (French for Blue City), a place where every shot becomes a tribute to the beauty of Chefchaouen.
Visiting Callejon El Asri early in the morning is a tip that I cherish, not only to avoid the rush but also to capture the soft, golden light that caresses the walls and reveals the hidden details of the architecture. It is then that the street takes on the air of an open-air art gallery, where the shadows and the lights play to eclipse and sublimate the deep blues and the bright whites of the facades.
Beyond its picturesque setting for photographers, Callejon El Asri hosts local artisans’ shops where Moroccan art is displayed and negotiated. Carpets, pottery, jewelry and traditional clothing: so many treasures to find to enrich its collection of souvenirs to take home with unique pieces, loaded with the soul and Chaounis know-how.
Hiking in the Rif mountains around Chefchaouen
The heart of the Rif mountains calls nature lovers to adventure. This mountain range, often less known than its counterpart the Atlas, is a paradise for hikers, with trails that wind through unspoilt nature and offer views that marry heaven and earth.
The climb to Afaska is a getaway that I warmly recommend. Climbing 1,200 meters rewards you with a breathtaking view of Jebel el Kelaa. Reaching almost 1800 meters above sea level, the summit offers a spectacle where the world seems at hand, a place where silence is king, only disturbed by the heartbeat of the conquered walkers.
For those who want a complete immersion, the organized treks are a real odyssey. These excursions make it possible to weave a link between the exploration of the little-known mountains of the Rif and the discovery of neighboring cities such as Tetouan and Tangier.
How long does it take to visit Chefchaouen?
Planning a trip to Chefchaouen often brings up the question of how long to stay. While it’s easy to want to stay forever, time constraints usually limit our experience.
In general, I would say that two days are the minimum to touch the magic of Chefchaouen and taste its must-sees, while letting the city imprint its indelible blue in your memories.
Visit Chefchaouen in 1 day
When we have only one day, every moment becomes precious. It is essential to focus on the heart of Chefchaouen: its medina.
At dawn, stroll through narrow streets, uncover the Kasbah’s story, and at dusk, climb to enjoy a breathtaking sunset panorama.
Meanwhile, savor the local cuisine and visit the souk, where haggling—a true national sport—adds to the experience.
Visit Chefchaouen in 2 days
With two days ahead of you, dive deeper into the soul of Chefchaouen. After exploring the medina, spend the second day hiking the Rif mountains for stunning views. You can also relax in a local café, and unwind in one of Chefchaouen’s Andalusian gardens.
What to do in Chefchaouen in the evening?
In the evening, the atmosphere becomes more cozy, more intimate, revealing a new facet of the legendary charm of Chefchaouen. Here are some suggestions to enjoy your evenings in the blue city:
Start with a walk through the medina. At nightfall, the softly lit streets create a magical atmosphere, perfect for capturing enchanting night photos.
Take the height before the day gives way to the night to admire the sunset. Savor Moroccan dishes like tagine and couscous, and immerse yourself in the rich local flavors that elevate the cuisine.
Let the serene streets guide you on a nighttime stroll. Wandering Chefchaouen after sunset is magical, revealing its intimate secrets.
The evening is also the ideal time to settle in one of the restaurants of Chefchaouen. Taste traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine or couscous, and savor the local flavors that elevate the regional cuisine.
Although only believers can enter the Great Mosque, its illuminated exterior offers a stunning view to admire in the evening.
Where to stay in Chefchaouen?
After a day filled with the colors and flavors of Chefchaouen, the question of rest arises. The city has an eclectic range of accommodation, from the most traditional to the most modern. These accommodations are suitable for all desires and budgets:
- Casa Amina: This traditional guest house is a wise choice for those looking for a good value for money. Located in the heart of the medina, it allows a total immersion in the Chaounie atmosphere.
- Dar Echchaouen Guest House & Riad: With its accommodations and breathtaking view of the mountains, this place combines comfort and tradition.
- Riad Nila: This riad, combining Moroccan authenticity and modern comfort, guarantees a peaceful stay.
- Budget Hotels: For wallet-conscious travelers, Chefchaouen offers budget hotels where simplicity rhymes with cleanliness and a warm welcome.
- Luxury Hotels: The Blue City caters to those seeking luxury and exclusivity, with establishments providing high-end services and breathtaking panoramas.
Where to eat in Chefchaouen?
With its intoxicating scents and captivating flavors, the Chaounie cuisine is an essential component of your stay in Chefchaouen. Between Moroccan culinary tradition and Mediterranean influences, the city’s restaurants promise a most delectable gastronomic journey. Here is a selection to delight your taste buds:
- Casa Hassan: In a friendly atmosphere and a traditional decoration, this establishment is a must that offers typical Moroccan dishes.
- Bab Ssour: This small establishment near one of the entrances to the medina offers an unforgettable gourmet break.
- Souk Restaurants: For a more immersive experience and lower prices, visit the souk restaurants where chefs prepare simple & tasty dishes.
- Vegetarian restaurants: Chefchaouen does not forget about vegetarians, with establishments offering meat-free menus, combining creativity and Moroccan culinary tradition.
What to do around Chefchaouen?
I offer you a taste of the adventures that await you just on the threshold of Chefchaouen.
Excursions from Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen’s location in northern Morocco makes it perfect for various excursions. Starting at €80 per person, these trips offer a day of unforgettable experiences.
The Talassemtane National Park
Next to Chefchaouen, Talassemtane National Park invites adventurers to explore the stunning Rif landscapes. Spanning over 580 km², it protects unique biodiversity and offers access to the province’s highest peaks.
Guided hikes led by local experts offer a safe, enriching journey through cedar and Aleppo pine forests. Discovering wildlife like magot monkeys and Bonelli’s eagles creates magical moments in nature.
Talassemtane National Park offers breathtaking views that stir your soul deeply. Each path traveled, each summit reached is an ode to the splendor of the earth. When in Chefchaouen, immersing yourself in its wild beauty is essential to experience Morocco’s majestic landscapes.