There are many places in the world that are exaggerated through photos, which create an illusion rather than show the reality. I was expecting that Chefchaouen would be one of these places. But oh, how wrong I was! And besides its beauty, there are also plenty of things to do in Chefchaouen about which we will talk below.
Chefchaouen feels like a scene out of a storybook. As you approach Chefchaouen from the road, the vibrant blue hues of the city’s buildings begin to emerge from the surrounding hills and then the Rif Mountains as a backdrop. Once you enter the city, you are greeted with a maze of winding streets and alleys, each one offering new surprises around each corner. The buildings are tall and narrow, and it feels like the entire city is built on a steep incline, with stairs leading up and down at every turn.
As you wander through the city, you come across hidden squares and cosy cafes, where locals gather to chat and sip mint tea. The city’s main square, Plaza Uta el-Hammam, is a buzzing hub of activity, with vendors selling everything from handmade pottery to traditional clothing. You’ll find people having lunch at rooftop cafes, and the locals going in and out of the Mosque. The square is also home to the beautiful Kasbah Museum, where you can learn about the city’s history and culture.
A Little Bit of History About Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 by Ali ibn Rashid al-Alami as a small military kasbah to defend from the Portuguese armies. Soon after the Reconquista of Granada happened, many Muslim and Jewish fled to Chefchaouen to find refuge from the invaders. Over time, the city blossomed and became an important trading hub for Morocco, with merchants travelling from across the region to sell their wares.
The name of the city is derived from the Berber word for horns, which refers to the shape of the two mountains that surround the city. The city’s full name actually translates to “look at the horns.” Today, the city is known simply as Chefchaouen, or just “Chaouen” to locals.
It is not known exactly when Chefchaouen started to be painted blue, but it is believed sometimes in the 15th century. Until the 19th century, only the Mellah in Chefchaouen was blue. Over time though, more and more buildings were painted, to create what we today know as the “Blue City of Morocco”. The blue colour became a part of the city’s identity and attracts visitors from around the world who come here to be awed by the charming alleyways and buildings, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the Medina.
It is now known exactly why Chefchaouen is blue, but there are a few theories out there. According to some accounts, the blue colour was intended to symbolise the sky and heaven, reminding the people there to lead a spiritual life, a practice that was brought to Morocco by the Jewish running away from Spain. Others say that the blue colour was used to repel mosquitoes or to keep the buildings cool during the hot summer months. No matter what is the truth, the city provides a certain charm that makes it unique in Morocco.
The Best Things to Do In Chefchaouen
Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a foodie, or a culture enthusiast, there is something for everyone in Chefchaouen. In this article I will tell you about what I thought were the best things to do in Chefchaouen and how I spent my time in this charming blue-washed city that shouldn’t be missed from any Morocco itinerary.
Stroll Around the Beautiful Blue Streets
The best thing to do in Chefchaouen, which is the reason why tourists flock here, is wandering around the beautiful narrow alleys of the Medina, making your way between the blue-hued buildings.
Whilst most tourists will follow the same route to the other end of the Medina, I took some random left and rights, allowing myself to get lost and find the local corners of the blue city. I was often greeted by children playing football on the uphill stairs, plenty of cats sleeping in the shade, as well as locals passing by. I stumbled upon the communal oven, other smaller mosques, hammams, and barber shops. I rarely met other tourists on these alleys, which allowed me to take those dreamy photos without the crowds.
For a more insightful visit, click here to book a guided tour of the Blue City.
Shop in the Souks
The souks of Chefchaouen are probably the most beautiful I have experienced in my entire trip to Morocco. And this is, of course, because of the blue walls the sellers are displaying their goods on. You can find anything here, from carpets and blankets to kaftans and scarves, from beautifully decorated mirrors to leather goods, from Berber jewellery to a large range of spices.
If you happen to visit the town on a Monday or a Thursday, don’t miss the local market, when the farmers come down from the mountains to sell their homemade products.
Visit the Kasbah
The Kasbah is one of the main attractions in Chefchaouen. It is a historic fortress that stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and culture. Built in the 15th century, the Kasbah served as a military stronghold for centuries, with various dynasties taking control and leaving their mark on the fortress. The structure has 11 towers and today, the Kasbah has been transformed into a museum, showcasing the city’s past and present through its architecture and the Ethnographic exhibition. The fortress is made up of three levels, with staircases and narrow corridors leading to different rooms, passages and gardens.
The architecture of the Kasbah is a mix of Moroccan and Andalusian styles, with intricate tile work, carved wooden ceilings, arches, domes and pillars. The central courtyard with its lush greenery and fountain, is a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.
One interesting part of the Kasbah is the old jail, which still has shackles attached to the walls.
Take the Pulse of Plaza Uta El-Hammam
One of the best things to do in Chefchaouen is to sit down at a café, order a mint tea, and take the pulse of Plaza Uta El-Hammam, the heart of the city. The square has always played an important role in the social and cultural life of Chefchaouen. It has served as a gathering place for locals to socialise, conduct business, and celebrate important events such as weddings and religious festivals.
Today, Plaza Uta El-Hammam is a tourist attraction, surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops selling traditional Moroccan crafts and souvenirs. One of the most notable monuments in Plaza Uta El-Hammam is the Kasbah, followed by the next door Grand Mosque, the oldest in Chefchaouen. Whilst you can’t go inside the mosque as a non-Muslim, you can see the building and its minaret from the square.
Have Tea at a Rooftop Terrace
There are quite a few cafes and restaurants with rooftop terraces around the city. They are not very well advertised, and it can take a good wonder around the maze of alleys to find them. As I have already visited the Clock Café in Marrakech to attend a fantastic evening of Moroccan storytelling, I decided to look up their location in Chefchaouen as well. And it did not disappoint. The four storey high building has indoors seating, but also a small but cute rooftop terrace, where I enjoyed a hot tea whilst admiring the panorama of the city.
Going to a rooftop café also opens up a glimpse of the local life in Chefchaouen. I noticed how neighbours were chatting with each other from rooftop to rooftop, which is also used for drying clothes in the sun.
Taste the Local Goat Cheese
Chefchaouen is known for its high quality goat cheese, Jben. This is fresh goat’s cheese exclusive to this area and considered to be a delicacy. It is made from raw, unpasteurized goat milk that has a distinctive taste because the goats who produce it are allowed to roam freely in the mountain pastures, where aromatic and medicinal plants grow.
Jben is typically produced by local farmers and sold exclusively in the souks, making it difficult to find elsewhere in Morocco. It is rarely featured on restaurant menus, but if you inquire, the waiting staff will gladly serve it to you.
I tried Jben served in different ways, at different restaurants in Chefchaouen. I enjoyed it both chilled as well as warm, drizzled with honey on a salad.
Try a Moroccan Dish at Bab Ssour Restaurant
I had one of the best meals in Chefchaouen at the Bab Ssour Restaurant. This seems to be quite a popular place so it’s best to make a reservation if you want to dine here. Even better, if you manage to get a table on the rooftop terrace. Despite its popularity, Bab Ssour is a very inexpensive restaurant. They are serving local Moroccan speciality dishes, such as goat tagine and goat cheese with caramelised onion chutney.
You won’t see goat cheese on the menu, but if you ask for it, they will serve it to you. The price for a plate of goat cheese is only 50 dirhams (approx. £4). Tagines cost between 70-100 dirhams (£5.50 – £8), depending on whether it’s meat, fish, or vegetarian.
See the Sunset from The Spanish Mosque
You can see the Spanish Mosque on the hill overlooking Chefchaouen. It was built by the Spanish in the 1920s for the Spanish population living in the area, but it was never a popular place due to its remote location and, over the years, fell into disrepair.
Whilst you can’t enter the Mosque, it is still a wonderful place to go to if you would like to see the sunset over the city. Hiking to the mosque takes around half an hour, which is well worth it for the breathtaking views over Chefchaouen and the Rif Mountains.
As the sun begins to set behind the mountains, the blue buildings of the city light up with a warm glow, providing a stunning backdrop for the sunset. You can sit on the mosque’s terrace and take in the beauty of the city below as the sky changes colours and the stars begin to twinkle above.
Find the Ras El Ma Waterfall
Just outside of the city walls you will find the Ras El Ma Waterfall. This is a very popular place for locals, who are enticed by fresh orange juice sellers and modest restaurants with their tables and chairs right next to the river. The waterfall is quite small but it creates a refreshing atmosphere, especially when it gets hot in the middle of the day.
Go on a Hike in the Rif Mountains
Whilst there are plenty of things to do in Chefchaouen, it is worth spending a day getting to know the surroundings of the city. The Rif Mountains are home to a diverse range of plant species, including aromatic herbs, wildflowers and cedar forests. The region’s unique geography and climate make it a perfect habitat for these plants, and many of them are used in traditional medicines and cuisine.
There are plenty of easy hiking trails leaving Chefchaouen or the nearby village of Akchour, through the mountains, passing through small farms and offering pretty views. One of the most popular hiking trails is the one that leads to the Akchour waterfalls, a series of stunning waterfalls that cascade down the cliffs. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit, as you can swim in the lagoon underneath the waterfall.
One interesting aspect of hiking in the Rif Mountains is the presence of marijuana farms in the region. Cannabis cultivation is a major source of income for many local farmers, who have been growing the plant for generations. Despite the illegal status of marijuana in Morocco, the government turns a blind eye to the farms as they provide vital economic opportunities for the region’s residents.
You can click here to book a guided hike to the Akchour waterfalls.
Take a Unique Experience:
There are some unique experiences which you can do in Chefchaouen. Here are some of them:
- Take a pottery class and build your own Moroccan pot
- Book a professional photographer for a session to capture your trip in Chefchaouen
- Learn how to make a tagine in a private cooking class
- Go on a food tour to taste some delicious Moroccan food
- Go on a guided overnight hiking adventure in the Rif Mountains
Where to Stay in Chefchaouen
Budget: Hotel Madrid
This hotel is located just outside the city walls of the Medina, a mere 5 minutes walk from Plaza Uta El-Hammam. Each room is decorated differently, in a Moroccan style. All rooms have air conditioning, and breakfast is included in the price and includes a selection of both Moroccan and continental foods.
You can check the reviews on TripAdvisor or click here to see the latest rates on Booking.com
Mid-range: Dar Meziana
Dar Meziana is a Riad with character. It’s a unique colourful place, clean, which offers a large breakfast each morning. The rooms are small but have a lot of character and are very cosy.
You can check the reviews on TripAdvisor or click here to see the latest rates on Booking.com
Luxury: Dar Echchaouen Maison d’hôtes & Riad
This is a wonderful hotel that offers a luxury experience in Chefchaouen for quite an affordable price per night. The hotel features a traditional Moroccan design with luxurious finishing touches, large rooms and a pool overlooking the city.
You can check the reviews on TripAdvisor or click here to see the latest rates on Booking.com
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I am so tempted to book Morocco for a short break now if only to visit Chefchaouen. I’m captivated by the thought of wandering the medina and discovering the blue -painted streets. The dishes at the Bab Ssour Restaurant sound delightful – particularly the goats cheese with caramelised onion chutney. Thank you for the recommendation. I have always associated Morocco with tagines but didn’t know that goats cheese was also a speciality. I’m a sucker for a waterfall so once I’ve finished exploring the city itself I will have to make time to visit the Ras El Ma Waterfall (even if on the small side).