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Best Things To Do In Chefchaouen, Morocco
Because of its amazing blue houses and streets, Chefchaouen is referred to as the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco. People have been speculating about the motives behind the blue paint job on Jewish immigrants’ homes for years. This mystery gives the city its attractiveness and contributes to its long history as a well-liked tourist attraction. Spend a day or two experiencing all that Chefchaouen has to offer, and three days or longer if you wish to take in the breathtaking surroundings of the Riff Mountains.
1. Wander the Blue Streets
Chefchaouen’s picturesque streets, which are lined with homes painted a variety of blues, are the main draw for tourists. The reason the walls are blue is a subject of numerous theories. Some claim that this is done for practical reasons, such as to keep insects at bay or to make homes cooler.
Some people claim that the color blue is a representation of the sky and heaven, the Mediterranean sea, or the adjacent Ras el Maa waterfall. Locals still paint their homes blue nowadays, either to maintain these customs or to draw tourists who come to Chefchaouen for its picturesque streets.
Compared to other Moroccan cities, Chefchaouen is much more tranquil and quiet, so you may spend hours here leisurely exploring the blue lanes and snapping pictures of adorable porches and doorways in the sunlight. The best activity in Chefchaouen is without a doubt visiting the city’s blue mansions!
2. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset in Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen has two lovely periods of the day: sunrise and sunset. Make sure to include this in your schedule for Chefchaouen. Get up early, head to your riad’s rooftop, and take in the most spectacular sunrise you’ll witness while traveling. Alternately, take one of the many walks that leave the city and ascend into the Riff Mountains to experience this spectacular scene from a higher vantage point. It is strongly advised to do this if you want a stunning view of the city!
3. Visit the Spanish Mosque
Beautiful structure known as the Spanish Mosque is located alone on a hilltop overlooking Chefchaouen. During the war in the 1920s, the mosque was constructed. Although it was never actually used, it today stands empty and overlooks the city. You may reach the summit after a short 30-minute trek, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views.
The golden hues that hit the earthy Riff mountains in the distance during the sunset are magnificent to behold here. It is one of the most popular activities in Chefchaouen, thus there may be crowds at this time. Take a very early-morning hike to witness the dawn if you’d rather it be quieter.
4. Shopping in the Medina
Visit the Medina’s souks and winding, blue-paved lanes! The souks may not be as large as those in other Moroccan cities like Fes, but they are nonetheless a well-liked place to shop. This is due to the fact that it sells a wide variety of indigenous handicrafts that are unique to Morocco, such as wool clothing, woven blankets, and woven baskets.
There are typically pots of vibrant paint powders in a variety of pastel hues interspersed among the handicrafts, which makes for a lovely scene against the blue walls. Tourists enjoy goat cheese, which is used in various cuisines. A delicious activity in Chefchaouen that is definitely worth trying.
5. The Kasbah Museum
A former Moroccan fort, the Kasbah is located in the main square. This structure has been used for a variety of things over the years, most notably as a prison. Today it houses an ethnographic museum and an art gallery. Inside, there are also lovely gardens in the Spanish style, which offer a peaceful retreat from the city. Through the antique costumes, instruments, decorations, and crafts on display, discover the interesting history of this region. You can climb the fort tower to see stunning vistas of the city.
6. Plaza Uta El-Hammam
Around Chefchaouen’s Plaza Uta El-Hammam, the main square, a lot of activity takes place. The Grand Mosque, the Kasbah, and eateries surround the square, which is located in the middle of the Medina. Tourists cannot enter the Grand Mosque because it is still a place of religious worship; however, they can see its distinctive octagonal minaret from the square. A fun activity to do in Chefchaouen is to take a break from touring by the tree in the middle of the cobbled square and people watch.
7. Enjoy the Nature Around Chefchaouen
The picturesque landscape and abundant fauna are perfectly complemented by the Riff Mountains. Although we didn’t leave the town, we had heard positive things about these places from other travelers:
Waterfall near Ras El Maa. This little waterfall is surrounded by lovely greenery on the fringes of the medina. Sit down, sip a mint tea, dangle your feet in the refreshing mountain stream, and observe the villagers washing their clothes. If you have time to stop while passing by, it is a wonderful thing to do in Chefchaouen and is accessible by the hiking track that leads up to the Spanish Mosque.
Jeremy Al Kalaa. This is the peak that provides a view of Chefchaouen. This moderate hike will take you 6 to 8 hours to complete. Be confident in your navigation skills or hire a guide to assist you because the track might be challenging to follow. Amazing panoramic views of the mountains and the blue city below are available once at the top. If you have a day to spare in Chefchaouen, it’s a fantastic thing to do.
This wonderful national park, filled of natural treasures, is located less than 45 minutes’ drive from Chefchaouen. To go on some unforgettable walks in this area, hire a guide.
God’s Bridge and the waterfalls in Akchour. The region of Akchour, which is located within the Talassemtane National Park, is home to breathtaking green pools, waterfalls, and canyons. Visit the Bridge of God, a magnificent natural stone bridge that rises 25 meters above the gorge, as well as the Akchour waterfalls. Both must be accessed on foot by rocky hiking trails, so be prepared for a short stroll!
8. Experience Delicious Food
Moroccan cuisine has a flavor that is unique to nothing else. You may find freshly baked bread produced by individuals in their wood-fired ovens on every corner of the charming streets. Moroccan cuisine staples including couscous, fish, spices, and vegetables are served at restaurants. A very authentic approach to learn about Chefchaouen’s and Morocco’s culture is to eat tagine out of a locally produced tagine bowl while sitting on lovely Moroccan cushions in a romantically illuminated dining area.
Try a cup of freshly brewed mint tea as well. This is customary in Morocco, and it has social and health advantages in addition to being customary.
9. Take the Beautiful Bus Ride to Fes
Taking the local bus to or from Fes is a fantastic option if you’re touring Morocco. It is well worth spending a few hours on a bus to witness the stunning beauty you will encounter as you journey through Morocco’s enchanted regions. Even more stunning is the first-person perspective of Chefchaouen as you approach the city. Take a bus from CTM, the largest operator in Morocco, and relax for the duration of the approximately 4-hour journey.
