Your guide on what to do in Chefchaouen. The purpose of this trip to Morocco was mainly to see the bluest city ever! I had previously been to Morocco, in Marrakesh, which totally blew me away due to its incredible buildings and un-modernised feel. As I am a fan of old architecture and mosaics, Marrakesh ticked all the boxes. We managed to do some day trips to other places near Marrakesh, but the one place I was really desperate to go to was Chefchaouen. However, if you have been to Morocco then you will know just how long it takes to get everywhere due to the incredible but huge Atlas Mountains. While still in Marrakesh I decided I would have to come back to Morocco as soon as possible.
Please note that this post may contain affiliate links and any sales made through these links will reward me a small commission – at no extra cost for you.
How to get to Chefchoauen?
5 months after my trip to Marrakech, I flew into Tangier. I was met by an unexpectedly modern city, high-rise buildings and none of the Moroccan charm I so desperately missed. Luckily, where we were staying was in the medina, the old part of most Moroccan cities. Once we had weaved our way in and out of people selling rugs and trinkets, we had finally made it to our hostel, which we spent the night in ready to get up early and head to the blue city.
We spent a few days here as after this we were getting a boat over to Algeciras to head to Seville. However, I would recommend spending at least 2 weeks in Morocco to see as much as you can!
Read more: Free things to do in Cappadocia, Turkey
By plane
Chefchaouen is quite far inland and really not close to anything! We chose to fly to Tangier and get the bus from here. If you are in Marrakech, I would also recommend flying as transport across Morocco takes a very long time.
By bus from Tangier
We were very worried before we arrived as we were told to book our bus tickets from Tangier to Chefchaouen online, however this had been impossible! Having been to Morocco, I knew this was not a problem as Moroccans are clever people and know how to make money off of tourists desperate to see their country! With my limited Spanish, I managed to get us in a shared taxi for only £6, 70 Dirham, all the way to Chefchaouen, which is about a 3 hour drive. The buses take much longer, and cost about 20 Dirham which really isn’t worth the longer journey for me!
Why is Chefchaouen blue?
Arriving in Chefchaouen, even my highest expectations were reached, my jaw dropped and I knew I was in one of the most amazing places I had ever been to. The intricacy of the buildings was just stunning, each door different, beautifully painted with fabulous patterns. The blue buildings stretched as far as the eye could see. The people were all incredibly welcoming and I was really blown away at how stunning this place really is. So many little streets to discover, as the medina is the main blue part of the city. It is quite easy to get lost, but every minute was great discovering more parts of this beautiful little town. Finally, why is it all blue?? Well, there are many theories, one that it keeps mosquitos away, another that it was introduced by Jewish people escaping the Spanish inquisition and I’m sure there are plenty more!
Read more: What to see in Marrakech
Where to Stay
I would recommend staying in the medina, as then you are right in the middle of the prettiest part of Chefchaouen. Although, like us you may be woken up at 5am if you are near a mosque!
Dar Swiar
A gorgeous little hotel with only three rooms and a beautiful rooftop terrace overlooking the city. Great for a sunrise view! Also it was very chilly at night, but plenty of blankets were provided and even a heater in the room!
Casa Perleta
In the northern part, in my opinion most beautiful part of the medina, with some stunning views as it is set a bit higher up.
Check for prices and availability in Chefchaouen
Dar Mounir
Fabulous front door! Again with a lovely view, also has breakfast included as a bonus.
Click here to check prices and availability.
What to Eat in Chefchaouen
If you do not have breakfast included, the traditional Moroccan breakfast consists of khobz and mesemen which are basically two types of pancake! Then usually this comes with butter and jam. However, if you need eggs as much as I do in the morning then I have the place for you!!
Breakfast
Sindibad
A choice of different types of breakfast. We went for a Chefchaouen breakfast which consisted of a cheese that tasted like feta mixed with goats cheese, two fried eggs with a garlic olive oil on top and some fabulous fresh bread. Also there was an almost
Lunch
Anywhere on the main square, and I would recommend a vegetable tagine or chicken and lemon! Usually around 30-40 Dirham, so very cheap.
Al-Kasbah
This is on the main square has the prettiest seating and great food too.
Dinner
Pizzeria Mandala
If you have had enough of tagine, this place had some delicious pizza and pasta! It is very popular, so you may have to wait a while for a table.
What To Do in Chefchaouen?
My advice to you, just get up and go and keep walking! There are a few popular instagrammable spots. There is also another spot that is great for photos which is inside someone’s house. For 5 Dirham you can go inside to the most gorgeous courtyard and take a few photos. Otherwise every street has it’s own charm and it’s great just wandering around.
Visit the Spanish Mosque
This is a small walk up past the main walls of the medina. It is a mosque on top of a hill and has the best views over the whole town! It is the most amazing sunset spot.
Walk along the Edge of the City
There are some steps that go from the edge of the medina up to the top of the medina following the big outer wall. An amazing view from the top also!
Get some Henna
If you would like to get henna done, there are some ladies in the main square. Make sure you get brown henna as I’ve read that black henna can be very dangerous for your skin!
Go Shopping!
If you are good at haggling then time to try out your skills, although it is much more relaxed then Marrakesh and people are not trying to con you out of a lot of money here! There are some lovely souvenirs to buy.
I hope you enjoyed my post on what to do in Chefchaouen!
Why not Pin this post on what to do in Chefchaouen for later?
Gorgeous blue pics !!!
Dar Swiar sounds great and the food yummy !!!
One day… I will go 🙂 🙂 🙂
xxxxx
Morocco is one of my favourite countries!
Amazing architecture! The colour blue is so stunning in your photos!!
Your blogs radiate happiness! 🙂
So happy to hear that! The blue buildings are stunning!
Jak to fajnie ze tak nam przyblizasz swiat, te egzotyczne i ciekawe zakatki…
Czytamy i Podziwiamy 🙂
🙂 Dziękuje!!
I really loved Morocco. Lovely people but you have to haggle so well done You! Stunning photos of the blue city. I’m jealous! 💙💙💙
It is one of my favourite places in Morocco!
What an interesting place! Thank you! 💙
I travelled by bus in the Sinai Peninsula Egypt many years ago and it was an experience! There were chickens and goats and smokers on the bus! How was your journey? Amazing blue photos 🤗💛💙🌞