Things to Do in Chefchaouen

Details

About each place in Chefchaouen

5 of 8 places have a photo of the place itself so far. The others show none rather than a stand-in.

Outa el-Hammam Square

Square, 45 min, best late afternoon or evening

The main square of the medina, with the walls of the kasbah on one side and the Grand Mosque beside it. Café terraces fill the rest.

Near: Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen (40 m), Kasbah of Chefchaouen (80 m), Café Clock Chefchaouen (120 m). Back to Chefchaouen list

Kasbah of Chefchaouen

Kasbah, 45 min, best morning or afternoon

The walled kasbah on Outa el-Hammam, restored several times over the centuries. It has served as the governors' residence, an arsenal and a prison.

Near: Outa el-Hammam Square (80 m), Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen (80 m), Café Clock Chefchaouen (180 m). Kasbah of Chefchaouen on Wikipedia Back to Chefchaouen list

Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen

Mosque, 10 min, any time

The town's main mosque, on Outa el-Hammam beside the kasbah, with an eight-sided minaret.

Non-Muslims see the mosque from outside.

Near: Outa el-Hammam Square (40 m), Kasbah of Chefchaouen (80 m), Café Clock Chefchaouen (160 m). Back to Chefchaouen list

Ras el-Maa

Nature, 30 min, best morning or late afternoon

The spring at the eastern edge of the medina, where water comes out of the mountain; the name means 'head of the water'. The path up to the Spanish Mosque starts across the stream.

Back to Chefchaouen list

Spanish Mosque

Viewpoint, 1.3 h, best sunset

A disused mosque on the hill east of town, built during the Spanish protectorate. The walk up from Ras el-Maa ends at the classic view over the blue medina, best at sunset.

Back to Chefchaouen list

Café Clock Chefchaouen

Café, 1 h, best midday or evening

The Chefchaouen branch of the Fes café, at 3 Derb Tajani in the medina, with the same nightly live music.

Near: Outa el-Hammam Square (120 m), Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen (160 m), Kasbah of Chefchaouen (180 m). Official site Back to Chefchaouen list

Talassemtane National Park

Nature, 4 h, best morning

A national park in the Rif mountains above Chefchaouen, part of the Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean. Trails lead into it from the edge of town.

Talassemtane National Park on Wikipedia Back to Chefchaouen list

Akchour

Village, 5 h, best morning

A small village 30 km from Chefchaouen on the road to Oued Laou, and the start of the river walks to waterfalls and the rock arch called God's Bridge.

Akchour on Wikipedia Back to Chefchaouen list

Questions about visiting Chefchaouen

Why is Chefchaouen blue?

There is no single confirmed reason. Popular explanations include the blue introduced by Jewish refugees who settled here in the 1930s, the idea that the colour symbolises the sky and heaven, and practical theories that it keeps homes cool and repels mosquitoes. Today the blue is maintained largely because it draws visitors and has become the town's identity.

Is Chefchaouen worth visiting?

Yes. Chefchaouen is one of Morocco's most photogenic towns and offers a relaxed mountain atmosphere quite different from Marrakech or Fez. With its blue medina, hilltop viewpoints, nearby waterfalls and walkable centre, most travellers find one to two nights well worth the trip.

How many days do you need in Chefchaouen?

One full day is enough to explore the medina, climb to the Spanish Mosque and visit the Kasbah. Add a second day if you want to hike to the Akchour waterfalls or God's Bridge, or simply enjoy the slower pace of the Blue City.

More on Chefchaouen: the Chefchaouen city guide.

More things to do in Morocco: Things to Do in Marrakech, Things to Do in Fes, Things to Do in Essaouira, Things to Do in Ouarzazate, Things to Do in Merzouga, Things to Do in Tangier, Things to Do in Rabat, Things to Do in Meknes. All cities.