The quaint city of Chefchaouen has become an Instagram sensation. Known as “the Blue City” for its blue-washed buildings, travelers from around the world trek to Chefchaouen to pose in its many doors, capturing the perfect Instagrammable image. While we love a good selfie and yes, we took a number of our own Instagrammable photos, it’s Chefchaouen’s furry four-legged inhabitants that caught our eye. All throughout the city, cats of all sizes and colors race through Chefchaouen’s narrow alleys, up and down staircases and nap in its blue doorways. Every turn around a corner, more adorable cats and kittens waited quietly to have their photo captured.
However, Spending one day in Chefchaouen, although it doesn’t seem much, is a perfect amount of time to unwind and enjoy its enchanting beauty and laid back atmosphere.
Chefchaouen Blue City: Best Time to Visit
Chefchaouen is like the rest of Morocco, a year-round destination. Due to its location in the mountains, the temperatures never go too high in summer, but they are also rarely below 10°C in the winter, which makes this a great destination to travel in all seasons. Still, winter days can be rainy, so it’s better to stick to the warmer months.
Things to Do in Chefchaouen
Start Your Day at Plaza Uta el-Hammam
At the very heart of Medina, you’ll find Plaza Uta el-Hammam. It’s a charming square lined with cafes and restaurants and the meeting point for both locals and tourists. The square is a great place to start your Chefchaouen tour since both the Kasbah (fortress) and the Grande mosque is located along with it. Unfortunately, the mosque is open only to Muslims, so tourist tours are not allowed inside. However, you can still check its exterior and the beautiful octagonal tower.
Visit the Kasbah fortress
Located on Plaza Uta el-Hammam, Kasbah is a perfect place to continue your tour. The fortress features a lovely garden, a small Ethnographic Museum with a few artifacts and a small art gallery. The best artifact is, however, the restored Kasbah itself. Make sure to climb the Kasbah tower for the stunning 360° view over the Medina.
Stroll the Medina
Medina in Chefchaouen is surely one of the most picturesque places on Earth. Winding paths, the fusion of Arab and Spanish influences in architecture and all the shades of blue you can imagine make wandering this Moroccan old town a real delight. There are many great photo opportunities, and the more you explore, the more beautiful it gets.
Have a Tasty Lunch
There are many good restaurants in Medina, some of them offering dishes you can’t find anywhere else in Morocco. Try chicken lemon tajine with olives, Harira soup and order some Moroccan salad as a side dish. It’s really a good one. there are plenty of restaurants if you want also to enjoy some nice views of the majestic mountains in the background.
Watch the sunset from the Spanish Mosque viewpoint
Hiking up to the Spanish Mosque is a great way to unwind, breathe in some fresh air and do some exercise. And once you’re, there it will all be worth the climb since the view is breathtaking. Make sure to arrive slightly before the sunset to catch the perfect spot. Besides the view, visit the newly restored Spanish Mosque that dates back to the 1920s. In case you find the climb exhausting, you don’t need to go all the way to the top since there are nice viewpoints along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Chefchaouen blue?
Nobody knows for sure why Chefchaouen is blue, but many link the colour to Jewish families who settled here. Others say blue keeps mosquitoes away, cools the houses in summer or simply pleases the many visitors with cameras. Locals repaint walls every spring, so the shades stay bright, fresh and calm across the whole old medina.
How many days do you need in Chefchaouen?
One full day covers the medina, the kasbah and the sunset walk to the Spanish Mosque without rushing. Two days let you hike to Akchour waterfalls or explore the Rif villages around the town at a gentle pace. Most travellers arrive from Fes or Tangier, and the drive from either city takes roughly three to four hours.
What is the best time to visit Chefchaouen?
The best time to visit Chefchaouen is spring or autumn, when hillsides turn green and days feel warm but fresh. Winters in the Rif bring rain and cold nights, so many riads light fires and offer heavy blankets. Summer weekends get crowded with Moroccan families, so plan weekday visits if you want quieter, emptier lanes.
Is Chefchaouen worth visiting?
Yes, Chefchaouen is worth visiting for its peaceful blue lanes, mountain views and slower pace than big cities. It is a great place to rest between busy stops like Fes and Tangier on a longer Morocco trip. Our 5 day tour from Tangier includes a night in Chefchaouen, with time to explore the medina freely.
