PrivateMarrakech to Chefchaouen in 4 Days
One way north from Marrakech to the blue town of Chefchaouen, with a full day in the Fes medina and the Roman ruins of Volubilis on the way.
- Length
- 4 days
- Starts from
- Marrakech
- From
- €350/ person for 6+
Chefchaouen
The blue town of the Rif
Chefchaouen sits on the slopes of the Rif Mountains in the north of Morocco. Its small medina is washed in blue and white, from the walls and stairways to the doors and flower pots, and the result looks like nowhere else in the country. Nobody agrees on why the town is blue; the story changes depending on who tells it. It is quiet, easy to walk and best seen early in the morning or in the evening, so it rewards a night's stay rather than a quick visit.
- Region
- Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma
- Best season
- Spring · Summer · Autumn
What Chefchaouen is known for
- A medina painted in blue and white
- Its setting on the slopes of the Rif Mountains
- The Ras El-Maa spring and waterfall
- Outa el-Hammam, the main square, and the old kasbah
- Wool weaving and other crafts of the Rif
- The view over the town from the Spanish Mosque
Highlights
The blue medina
Walls, steps and doorframes in every shade from pale sky blue to deep indigo. The medina is small enough to see in a day, and lovely enough to stay longer.
Ras El-Maa
Just outside the medina, a spring comes out of the mountain into a small stream with a waterfall, where people still wash clothes. A calm spot away from the main square.
Outa el-Hammam
The main square, lined with cafés and overlooked by the walls of the old kasbah, with its garden and small museum.
Spanish Mosque
A walk of about 20 minutes uphill from the medina leads to a mosque built in the Spanish period, with views over the whole blue town and the valley. Best at sunset.
Best time to visit
- Spring
- 5 / 5
- April to June: mild weather and green hills. The busiest season.
- Summer
- 4 / 5
- July and August: warm, with cool evenings in the hills. Busy, so book ahead.
- Autumn
- 4 / 5
- September to November: comfortable temperatures and quieter than summer.
- Winter
- 2 / 5
- December to March: can be cold and wet, but very quiet.
Travel tips
- Stay overnight rather than visiting for the day; mornings here are the best part.
- The blue is brightest in the early morning and the late afternoon light.
- The medina is small, so wandering without a plan is the best way to find the quiet lanes.
- Look for wool blankets and woven goods made in the Rif.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the lanes are all stairs and slopes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Chefchaouen from Marrakech?
It is a long way north, and there is no quick route. Our trips reach it through Fes, Volubilis and Meknes, so the drive becomes part of the journey rather than one long day.
Why is Chefchaouen painted blue?
There is no single agreed answer. Some credit the town's Jewish community, others say the blue keeps insects away or cools the houses, and today it is kept up partly because visitors love it. Whatever the reason, the town keeps repainting it.
Is Chefchaouen worth the journey?
Yes, if you stay the night. The town is at its best early and late, when the day visitors have gone. Arriving for a couple of hours in the middle of the day misses most of what makes it special.
Journeys to Chefchaouen
See all journeysPrivate
PrivateAgadir to Chefchaouen in 5 Days
One way north from the Atlantic to the blue town of Chefchaouen, by Marrakech, Fes, the Roman ruins of Volubilis and Meknes.
- Length
- 5 days
- Starts from
- Agadir
- From
- €228/ person for 6+
PrivateThe Marrakech Medina with a Local Guide
Four hours on foot through the old city with your own guide: the Mellah, Ben Youssef Madrasa, the craft souks, the tanneries and Djemaa El-Fna.
- Length
- Half day (4 hours)
- Starts from
- Marrakech
- From
- €31/ person for 6+
PrivateMarrakech to Fes in 3 Days
One way from Marrakech to Fes over the High Atlas and the Middle Atlas, with Aït Ben Haddou, Ifrane, the Azrou cedars and a full day in the Fes medina.
- Length
- 3 days
- Starts from
- Marrakech
- From
- €299/ person for 14+
PrivateThe Four Imperial Cities from Marrakech, 5 Days
Meknes, Fes and Rabat in five days from Marrakech, with Volubilis on the way and Casablanca on the road home.
- Length
- 5 days
- Starts from
- Marrakech
- From
- €339/ person for 6+
PrivateMarrakech to Merzouga, 3 Days in the Sahara
A private loop from Marrakech to the Erg Chebbi dunes: two gorges on the way out, a camel ride at sunset, a night at camp and a quieter road home.
- Length
- 3 days
- Starts from
- Marrakech
- From
- €230/ person for 6+
Read more about Chefchaouen
- A First Day in Fes el-BaliThe old medina of Fes is a city without cars, older than most of Europe's universities. How to spend a first day there, why a guide helps, and what not to miss.6 min
- An Evening in Agafay, a Morning in the Souks: Marrakech in a DayShort of time? The stone desert of Agafay is an evening away from Marrakech, the medina and its food stalls fill a morning, and Essaouira is a day by the sea.5 min