We first visited Chefchaouen in 2015, long before the Blue Pearl of Morocco became one of the most photographed cities on earth. Back then, this little town tucked into the Rif Mountains was a genuinely off-the-beaten-path destination. We had heard whispers in travel magazines calling it “mesmerising” and “Morocco’s best-kept secret,” but the secret was still mostly intact. Most travellers we met in Fes and Marrakech hadn’t even heard of it.
What a difference a decade makes. Social media, and Instagram in particular, turned Chefchaouen into a global icon. The blue-washed alleyways we once wandered nearly alone are now lined with photographers waiting their turn. Day-trip buses pour in from Tangier and Fes, souvenir stalls have multiplied, and the medina that once felt like a secret is firmly part of the Moroccan tourist trail. Visitor numbers run into the millions each year, and the change is noticeable to anyone who knew the town before the boom.
Here is the honest truth: Chefchaouen is still beautiful and still worth visiting. The mountain setting, the warm welcome from locals, the impossible blue of the medina in early morning light, all of that is still there. But how you visit matters far more now than it did in 2015. Time it wrong and you will wonder what the fuss was about. Time it right and you will understand why we keep recommending it.
This guide is for the traveller who wants honest, experience-based advice on Chefchaouen in 2026: what to do, when to go, where to stay, and how to see the city without the crowds. If you are pairing Morocco with other North African travel, we also love Tunisia as a complement, and you can read our full Morocco itinerary for the bigger picture.
Is Chefchaouen Still Worth Visiting?
Yes, but with some honest caveats. The Chefchaouen of 2026 is busier, more polished, and more aware of its own Instagram fame than the town we first visited. If you turn up at midday in July alongside the tour buses, you will probably leave unimpressed. The medina can feel like a stage set with everyone jockeying for the same photos.
The trick is to visit on your own terms. Stay overnight, ideally for two nights, so you can be in the alleyways at dawn before the day-trippers arrive. Go in shoulder season (March to May or September to October), when the weather is mild and the crowds thin out. Done this way, Chefchaouen is still one of our favourite places in Morocco. Done as a midday day trip from Fes, it is a frustrating photo scrum. The choice really is that simple.
Touring Chefchaouen, Morocco
We rocked up to Chefchaouen in the early afternoon after an easy 2-hour drive from Tangier. We didn’t book a hotel or have any solid plans for things to do in Chefchaouen, Morocco.
We parked our car, and with backpacks on our backs, we walked right into the medina and were immediately transported into a fairytale setting. We expected to see some blue in Chefchaouen, maybe a few cute blue alleyways a couple of blue houses, but no. EVERYTHING inside the Chefchaouen medina was blue, from the public square and government buildings to colourful plant pots and benches.
Back then, we had the medina almost entirely to ourselves by mid-afternoon. That’s much harder to say today.
‘What’s with all the blue?’ you ask. Well, as the story goes, this funky decor dates back to 1471, when the city of Chefchaouen was founded as a small fortress to fight the Portuguese invasions of northern Morocco. It was around that time that the city also became a large settlement for the Jewish people who fled here after the Spanish Reconquista. It is said that it was the Jewish teachings that connected the colour blue with the sky and with God’s power that inspired the locals to decorate the medina in bright blue.
Today, despite the absence of Jewish refugees, the bright blue colour remains a symbol of the village. And even more so, it is what turned this small town of some 40,000 residents into one of the biggest tourist attractions in Morocco. We heard that to keep up the appeal, the local government even provides the necessary supplies (blue paint, brushes, etc) to the villages.
But it wasn’t just the picture-perfect blue backdrops that we loved about Chefchaouen, Morocco. Having visited lots of other cities in Morocco, we can confidently say that Chefchaouen was by far the most laid-back, the most friendly, and the most pleasant town we came across during our time in Morocco.
We ended up staying in a beautiful little riad in the heart of the medina and spent 2 days roaming around the beautiful blue streets, indulging in delicious food, or people-watching in the main square.
Things To Do In Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is one of those towns that doesn’t require a well thought out itinerary. There isn’t a long list of things to do in Chefchaouen or a slew of activities and attractions you just can’t miss.
The beauty of Chefchaouen is the town itself.
That said, there are a few things to do in Chefchaouen that are still worth making time for.
Wander The Medina At Dawn
If we could give you only one tip for modern Chefchaouen, this would be it: be in the alleyways before 8am. The light at sunrise is extraordinary, the streets are quiet, and you will see the city the way it was meant to be seen, not shoulder-to-shoulder with other photographers. Day-trip buses tend to arrive mid-morning and the medina fills up fast. Set an alarm, grab a coffee on the way out, and enjoy the rare luxury of having one of Morocco’s most famous corners almost to yourself.
Laid Back Shopping
If you love a good trinket hunt, then you’ll love loads of little souvenir shops to wander through, and the bargaining here is more laid back than in Marrakech or Fes. The shop owners aren’t as pushy, so the experience is much more pleasant. You can get reasonably priced textiles, rugs, slippers, dresses, artwork, and handmade crafts, as well as all the touristy items.
While you’re wandering through this photographer’s paradise, keep an eye out for fruit stands selling local produce and juices. The fresh orange juice in Chefchaouen is famous, and you can find fresh pomegranate juice too!
Take A Guided Tour
If you want a more in-depth look at the city, you can always take an organised Guided Tour of Chefchaouen. The full-day tour includes a guided walk through the narrow streets to the main square, its 18th-century kasbah, central grand mosque, and Jewish Quarter. You’ll have free time to browse through the local market and enjoy lunch with a delicious Moroccan mint tea.
Enjoy The Views From The Kasbah
Head to the middle of the medina to find the Kasbah. It was previously a prison but has been converted into an art gallery and museum. While the museum itself isn’t much to write home about, they have a beautiful oasis-like garden perfect for relaxing after wandering the medina. But the best thing to do here is to climb the Kasbah watchtower and look over the blue city and the surrounding mountains.
Watch The Sunset From The Spanish Mosque
Another great viewpoint in the city is just a 15-minute walk from the medina. The Spanish Mosque is on the top of a hill, so be prepared for a bit of a climb. If you’re looking for the best photo opportunity without a bunch of sunset tourists ruining your shots, just slip off to the side and you’ll get unspoilt photos of Chefchaouen, Morocco, glowing as the sunsets.
Cool Off At Ras El Ma Waterfall
A short walk from the medina, Ras El Ma is where the river flows down from the mountains and into the town. It is a favourite local spot: women still do laundry here, kids splash in the water, and small cafes serve mint tea by the stream. It is one of the few corners of Chefchaouen that still feels genuinely local rather than staged for cameras, and a refreshing contrast to the medina crowds on a hot afternoon. Follow the path uphill from the waterfall and you can carry on toward the Spanish Mosque, making for a lovely loop walk.
Go For A Hike In Talassemtane National Park
Located just outside of Chefchaouen, the Talassemtane National park is full of hiking trails that link the small mountain villages of El Kelaa and Akchour. This park is also home to God’s Bridge, an impressive natural stone arch that this park is famous for. With all of the trails, waterfalls, and rock formations to explore, you can easily turn a visit to this park into a day trip.
Simply Soak Up The Atmosphere
But really, one of the best things to do in Chefchaouen is to just chill, get lost in the blue, wander aimlessly, and just let the sights, sounds and smells of Chefchaouen, Morocco soak in!
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Best Time To Visit Chefchaouen
The best time to visit Chefchaouen is during shoulder season: March to May in spring, or September to October in autumn. Temperatures are mild, the surrounding Rif Mountains are green, and crowds are noticeably thinner than in peak season. These are the months we would book if we were planning a return trip.
Summer (June to August) is hot, dry, and very busy. This is peak Instagram season, when day-trip buses roll in by the dozen. The midday light is harsh too, which works against the blue.
Winter (November to February) is cold in the mountains but also when Chefchaouen is at its quietest. The blue against mist and low cloud is particularly photogenic, and you can wander whole sections of the medina without seeing another tourist. Pack layers.
One practical note: if your visit falls during Ramadan, expect restaurant hours to shift significantly. Many places close during the day and open only after sunset, and the rhythm of the town changes. It is a fascinating time to visit, but plan accordingly.
How Many Days In Chefchaouen?
One full day is the bare minimum. Two days is the sweet spot: enough time to wander the medina properly, catch sunrise and sunset, climb to the Spanish Mosque, and head out to Talassemtane National Park or Akchour for a day of hiking. Three days lets you really slow down and enjoy long lunches and unhurried morning walks.
Day trips from Fes or Tangier are popular and easy to book, but they miss the best part of Chefchaouen: the early morning before the buses arrive. If at all possible, stay overnight. It is the single most important decision you can make about how to visit.
Essential Travel Info For Visiting Chefchaouen, Morocco
How To Get To Chefchaouen
Getting to Chefchaouen is pretty easy, as there are daily buses from most of the major cities, including Casablanca, Fes, and Tangier. The bus ride from Fes takes around 4 hours, and from Casablanca it is closer to 6 hours. Travelling by bus is the most economical option, but keep in mind that the bus station in Chefchaouen is at the bottom of a huge hill. Most visitors take a taxi from the bus station to town, especially if they have luggage.
You can also join one of the many guided day trips to Chefchaouen. These tours leave from all major cities, including Fez, Tangier, Casablanca. These tours include transportation to and from Chefchaouen, a guided tour, and some include lunch. As above, we would still encourage you to stay overnight if your schedule allows.
Where To Stay In Chefchaouen
For hotels, Chefchaouen has countless options; you’ll be spoilt for choice, really. Dar Dadicilef is right in the thick of it, located in the medina and with excellent views of the city from the rooftop chill-out area.
If you fancy a little bit of pampering, then Lina Ryad and Spa will be just the ticket. You have views of the medina and the mountains, and you can rest your weary feet after a day of sightseeing in the on-site spa with an indoor pool, a hammam, and a hot tub!
If you’re looking for hostels, Chefchaouen has a few decent options in the centre. Casa Blue Star is located in the Old Town district and has spacious rooms with a private bathroom, which is pretty rare in hostel accommodation!
For the eco-conscious traveller, you may need to go a little further afield to find sustainable accommodation. Gite Talassemtane is a guest house located 12km from Chefchaouen, in Zaouia Habteene village. It’s a great spot to enjoy the blue city, explore the surrounding nature of the Rif Mountains, and learn about the local culture and customs of the Berber community.
Where To Eat In Chefchaouen, Morocco
Moroccan food is a remarkable reflection of the country’s layered cultural history, with traditional dishes showing influences from Berber, European, Arab, Jewish, and sub-Saharan cultures. Traditional Moroccan cuisine is wonderfully fragrant and full of spices, finished beautifully with a cup of freshly made mint tea.
Don’t be afraid to try local dishes while you visit Chefchaouen, there are veggie-based dishes too. Here are some spots that we came across during our stay in The Blue Pearl of Morocco.
Bab Ssour: Serving meat, vegetarian, and vegan options, Bab Ssour is a great spot for a quick and tasty bite to eat, with lots of Moroccan salads to choose from. It’s a little hard to find, located in the medina on the way to the main square and down some steps, but certainly worth the effort!
Sofia: Even harder to find (ask the locals!) is Sofia. It’s up a level from the main street and has no sign outside, making it the perfect hidden gem. They serve meat and vegetarian food with excellent flavour. Try the Babaganush!
Cafe Clock: For wonderful food with a view to match, then this is the place. With its rooftop terrace and excellent food, it’s easy to see why Cafe Clock is Tripadvisor’s number-one restaurant in Chefchaouen. They also have an excellent range of vegan and vegetarian options on their menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chefchaouen safe for tourists?
Yes, Chefchaouen is considered one of Morocco’s safest cities for tourists. The atmosphere is relaxed and the locals are used to visitors. Standard precautions apply: watch your belongings in crowds, be respectful of local customs, and dress modestly in the medina. Solo travellers, including solo women, generally report feeling comfortable here, though it always pays to be aware of your surroundings, particularly after dark.
How do I get to Chefchaouen from Fes?
The most popular route is by bus (CTM or Supratours), which takes around 4 hours and costs roughly 80 to 100 MAD (about $8 to $10 USD). Shared grand taxis are faster but less comfortable. Many visitors also do day tours from Fes, though we would recommend staying overnight to make the most of the experience and catch the early morning light in the medina.
What is the best time of day to photograph Chefchaouen?
Early morning, without question. The blue-washed alleyways glow in the soft morning light, and before 8am you can have whole streets to yourself. By mid-morning the day-trippers arrive and the medina fills up fast. Late afternoon is a second-best option, particularly from the Spanish Mosque viewpoint, but nothing matches a quiet sunrise wander through the empty blue lanes.
Final Thoughts
Chefchaouen has changed enormously since we first visited in 2015. The Instagram effect is real, the crowds are bigger, the souvenir shops more polished, and some of the spontaneity that made it feel like a discovery has faded. But the bones of the place are still there: the extraordinary blue light in the early morning, the genuinely warm welcome from locals, the smell of fresh mint tea, and those mountains holding the whole thing together.
Visit with realistic expectations and you won’t be disappointed. Stay overnight. Get up early. Wander without a plan. That’s still the best way to do Chefchaouen, in 2015 or 2026.
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