The Best Ever Chefchaouen Day Trip From Tangier + Secret Local Tips for 2025

If you are short on time and want to visit Morocco’s famous blue city then you may want to embark on a Chefchaouen day trip from Tangier. 

While I don’t recommend this since the bus ride will take 2.5 hours and you won’t have enough time to enjoy all the fun things to do in Chefchaouen, it is an option if you are short on time and planning a quick visit to Morocco. 

After all, Chefchaouen is amazing and 100% worth visiting. It is also just as beautiful as it appears in all the photos. Plus, the people are super nice. 

In fact, I loved Chefchaouen so much that I have visited multiple times and have even done trips here from both Fes and Tangier. This place is really THAT awesome and it’s easy for me since i live here. 

That’s why I firmly believe that a visit to Chefchaouen is better than no visit to Chefchaouen. 

But, if you’re from out of town then you might not know how to plan a day trip from Tangier to Chefchaouen. 

Well, that’s where my handy local guides comes in. I’ll share all of my insider tips so that you can plan the perfect day trip from Tangier to Chefchaouen. 

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How Can I Go From Tangier to Chefchaouen?

Because there is no airport or train station in Chefchaouen, you can only get to Chefchaouen from Tangier by private taxi, group taxi, group tour, and bus. 

Thankfully, Tangier is a safe place to visit and all of these modes of transportation will get you there safely after 1 day in Tangier or doing some awesome Tangier cooking classes.

Private Taxi/Transfer

If you want to make the most of your day then you may want to hire a private taxi or transfer to take you to Chefchaouen. Thankfully this is pretty easy to do since this isn’t one of the most unique things to do in Tangier.

You can book a driver for the day via your hotel (I do this for safety reasons) for around 700-800 Dirham ($70-$80) one way. You can check Tangier Taxi for up-to-date prices.

This option is really comfy and affordable if you are traveling as part of a group. In total, the drive should take around 2 hours each way. It just depends on how often you stop along the way. 

Most drivers will have you stop at a super scenic spot to take photos about an hour and a half into the trip. You can buy some snacks and drinks and go to the bathroom before continuing on. 

While the roads are smooth, be prepared for windy roads as you make your way up into the mountains. 

So, if you’re prone to motion sickness then you may want to take something before the start fo the trip. 

With a driver, if you start the day at 9:00 am you can plan to arrive in Chefchaouen by 11:30 am. 

Before you leave for the day, just get your driver’s number and schedule a pick-up point for the journey back. 

You’ll then leave Chefchaouen again at 4:30 pm and arrive back at your hotel at around 6:30 pm. But, the schedule can be changed to suit your personal needs. 

By Bus

Traveling by bus from Tangier from Chefchaouen is very easy and takes between 2.25 hours and 2.5 hours. 

However, it is worth noting that the CTM bus station is 6.0 km outside the city center. 

So, if you want to take the bus from Tangier to Chefchaouen you will need to plan on spending 15 minutes in a taxi before you depart. 

You can also take a public bus (18/11/20), but it takes forever (45 minutes). 

I would also arrive at least 10-15 minutes before your bus departs so that you aren’t late. 

Personally, I always use CTM. Yes, there are cheaper companies out there but you save maybe 20 Dirham ($2.00) and the bus ride takes a lot longer. 

Generally, buses depart four or five times a day at 7:45 am, 9:00 am, 12:15 pm, 4:00 pm, and 8:15 pm. 

However, departure times change so please check their website before you book your tickets. 

You can book tickets in advance, online, or at the bus station upon arrival. 

Tickets cost anywhere between 50 Dirham ($5.00) and 90 Dirham ($9.00) depending on the day and time of year. 

Upon arrival, you can either take a taxi from the bus station to the Medina, or walk there in about 20 or 25 minutes. The journey is uphill so it can get difficult during warmer months. 

On the way back, buses depart from Chefchaouen at 1:45 pm, 6:00 pm, and 6:15 pm. So, make sure not to miss the last bus out of the city and expect to arrive back in Tangier by 8:45/9:00 pm at the latest. 

Group Taxi/Grand Taxi

Like a private taxi, a group taxi will take you to Chefchaouen in around 2 hours or 2.5 hours. However, unlike with a private taxi, you will share the taxi with other people. 

So, you will have to find the taxi at a designated meeting point and then wait for the taxi to fill up with passengers before you can leave. 

You can find the Grand Taxi stand right near the CTM bus station just outside of central Tangier. A seat costs 70 Dirham ($7.00) per person and the taxi carries 6 people.

So, the downside is that you’ll have to wait for five other passengers to come before you can leave. On the upside, the taxi will take you right to the Medina in just under two hours.

However, Grand Taxis can be small and may not be an excellent option if you have a ton of luggage. However, they can work if you’re traveling with a group and just want to pay 420 Dirham ($42.00) for the entire taxi.

Renting a Car

If you enjoy driving and would prefer to drive yourself to Chefchaouen then you could absolutely rent a car in Morocco and drive to Chefchaouen.

The drive itself is lovely since it is through the Rif Mountains and their are definitely a ton of cool stops to make along the way.

Just remember that a rental car costs anywhere between $20.00 and $40.00+ per day. You will then also have to pay for gas. So, do factor this in before renting a car.

If it were me, I would probably just take the bus since you really only have a day and it will be kind of a hassle to pick up and drop off the rental car.

However, the benefit is that you can come and go as you please. If you get up early, you could also stop in Tetouan along the way and see what that amazing town is all about.

After all, Tetuoan is only about an hour and fifteen minutes away from Tangier. So, you could stop there, explore the town, and then head on to Chefchaouen. It will be a long day but is nice if you are short on time in Morocco.

A Group Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5.0 (525 Reviews) Price: $69.48 per person Duration: 10 hours 📍Meeting Point: Pick up included Operator: XauenTours Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

If you don’t want to mess around and want the easiest day trip from Tangier to Chefchaouen then book this tour now. 

Yes, it is the most expensive option listed, but it includes pick up and drop off from your hotel. 

Plus, you’ll get a local guide to show you around the city, as well as free mineral water, Wifi, and more. 

Essentially, you’ll depart from Tangier at around 9:00 am. Upon arrival, your expert guide will walk you around the Medina and take you to all of the most scenic spots. 

You’ll explore the main square, the Kasbah, the central mosque, have breakfast at a charming cafe, and learn all about the unique history and culture of this incredible city. 

“It was awesome! We were driven in a comfortable van, stopped for a small breakfast at a beautiful café, and led around the whole town with a great, knowledgeable, friendly guide! We got to know our guide pretty well and gave us a good recommendation for lunch. He gave us personal stories from his childhood growing up in Chefchaouen which was an authentic touch!”

Alice (read more reviews now)

You’ll even visit the Jewish Quarter behind the jewelry souk before driving back to Tangier. 

Personally, I would just take the bus, especially since the city is small and you really don’t need a guide. 

But, if money isn’t an issue and you really just want to get to Chefchaouen quickly and easily then this tour may be a great option for you. 

What To Do During a Chefchaouen Day Trip From Tangier

There are many things you can do in Chefchaouen in a day. Just make sure you know the best season to visit Tangier and Chefchaouen so you can plan the best trip possible.

It’s also worth noting that while you’ll have enough time to explore the medina, you won’t be able to check out any hiking trails near Chefchaouen.

You’ll also be super tired at the end of the day and will probably want to crash at one of the prettiest riads in Tangier.

1. Explore the Streets

Every city in Morocco has a Medina. It is the old part of the city that is usually protected by city walls and accessible through a variety of city gates. 

The Medina of Chefchaouen is where you want to go if you want to take a stroll through the cobblestone streets lines with blue houses that have made Chefchaouen famous. 

You’ll uncover secret alleys, exquisite squares, enchanting stores, and vendors selling a wide variety of exotic goods. 

So, go crazy, have your camera at the ready, and lose yourself among the picturesque blue homes and doorways. 

The Medina’s layout is pretty random, so you’ll always find something new around the next corner.

Just be aware that you will have to pay a small fee (usually 5 or 10 Dirham) to take a photo in some of the most scenic spots in the Medina. 

You should also ALWAYS ask people before you take their photo and if they say no, please respect their decision. 

It is also not appropriate to take pictures of kids and is actually illegal in Morocco. 

2. Enjoy a Rooftop Cafe like Cafe Clock

One of the best things to do during a Chefchaouen day trip from Tangier is to go to a rooftop cafe. It’s a great place to sit, relax, and eat after a long trip. 

Plus, you’ll be able to admire the stunning views of the vibrant blue city and mountains all around you. 

Personally, I love Cafe Clock. Not only do they have nightly live music, but they host a variety of cooking classes and calligraphy classes among other cultural activities. 

The decor is also super fun and has this quirky Moroccan vibe about it. 

When ordering, personal faves include the Berber Omelet, the pancakes, and the spiced cappuccino, which is served with lots of cinnamon and cocoa powder on top. 

I also love that this place is well-priced and most entrees only cost between 50 and 100 Dirham ($5.00 and $10.00). 

Plus, if you’re feeling a bit adventurous you can always try their legendary camel burger too. Yup, it’s a stellar thing to try at one of the top restaurants in Chefchaouen.

3. Take Tons of Photos

Look, there’s no escaping it and I’ll be the first to admit that Chefchaouen is touristy with a capital “T”. 

But, embrace it. The Medina is the vibrant blue color so put on your best outfit and take lots of photos with some of the stunning blue doors and stairs in the background. 

Some of the stairways are lined with these incredible rainbow-hued potted plants and you could easily do a photoshoot here. 

Just be respectful, get out of the locals way, and don’t be a nuisance to anyone living here. 

Other great photo spots include at the local waterfall on the Northern end of town and at some of the smaller squares in the city. 

You do have the option to pay to take photos on some of the more well-manicured streets but that’s your call. I didn’t do that but that is just me. 

4. Explore the Souks and Try Unique Foods

If you plan your day trip to Chefchaouen on a Monday or Thursday, there is a cool food market that pops up in town. They sell cheese, veggies, bread, and more. 

However, even if you don’t visit on those days, you can still sample unique regional delicacies that aren’t found in other parts of Morocco. 

One of those foods is Jben. It is a soft, white, mild goat cheese that you can find everywhere in Tangier, 

Tetouan, and Chefchaouen. But head to Marrakech and, magically, it is no where to be found. 

I honestly don’t really like it but definitely give it a try since it is an iconic food that the city is known for. 

5. Climb to the Spanish Mosque

Most people doing a day trip from Tangier to Chefchaouen do not have time to catch the sunset at the Spanish Mosque. 

However, even if you can’t stay in the city until dusk, you can walk along the well-paved path just past Ras El Maa waterfall and do a 20-minute climb up to the top. 

The views of the vibrant blue city are lovely, even if it’s the middle of the day and you can take photos of the Spanish Mosque at the top. 

It was built in the 1920s but was never used. So, it just kind of sits at the top of the hill today. 

6. Explore the Kasbah

Head to Plaza Uta El Hammam (the main square) and you’ll find this giant, brown clay building that actually dates back to the 15th century, 

Believe it or not, it used to house prisoners and currently features the Center for Research and Andalusian Studies and a tiny art gallery. 

To enter, pay 60 Dirham ($6.00) for a ticket and take a stroll through the lovely Andalusian-style garden. 

Next, climb to the top of the Portuguese Tower and enjoy excellent views of the city. 

Just don’t expect to spend a ton of time here since much of the informational signage wasn’t in English the last time I was here. 

7. Grab Some Grub at Sofia’s

This quaint little restaurant is entirely run by woman (#girlpower) and serves some of the best food that I have eaten in Morocco – and that’s saying something since my partner’s mom is an amazing cook. 

It sits right above the main square and serves to-die for Moroccan food. Just sit at one of the plastic white tables outside and have a look at the menu. 

I ordered the vegetarian tagine and the vegan soup the last time I was here and it was amazing. I literally could not stop eating it. 

I also had the veggie sandwich during a previous visit and it was just okay. Definitely would order the tagine and soup before you leave. I pinkie promise it is amazing. 

However, if you can’t find Sofia’s then you can stop by Bab Ssour. They serve nice chickpea tagine but I think Sofia’s is better. 

8. Enjoy a Free Walking Tour of the City

If you are short on time and want to see as much as possible since you only have a day in Chefchaouen, then try booking a free walking tour of the city.

It’s a great way to quickly and easily orient yourself to top attractions in the city. Added bonus? You get to learn a bit about the history of the city from a real local.

Some friends of mine took a free walking tour in Chefchaouen and absolutely loved it. They found the guide to be incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and learned so much about this super cute town.

Keep in mind that, like with any free walking tour, tipping the guide is expected. So, be sure to have cash handy when you book this tour.

If you’d like to book a free walking tour, check out GuruWalk. I’ve used them several times, and they always offer excellent tours!

FAQs

Why is Chefchaouen Blue?

Honestly, no one really knows why and everyone has a theory. Some people claim it’s to keep the mosquitos away and others believe it all started when Jews fled here after WWII and painted the town blue for religious reasons. 

Either way, the town is a bright blue color and locals continue to repaint their homes this color twice a year. 

Can You Do Chefchaouen as a Day Trip?

If you are short on time you can absolutely visit Chefchaouen as a day trip. 

However, if you have the time I would plan to spend at least one or two days here to enjoy all that this city has to offer. Just find out where to stay in Chefchaouen first.

How can I Go from Tangier to Chefchaouen?

You can do a group tour, use a shared taxi, hire a private taxi, or take the bus to Chefchaouen.

How Much Does a Taxi Cost from Tangier to Chefchaouen?

A taxi from Tangier to Chefchaouen costs anywhere between 700 Dirham ($70.00) and 900 Dirham ($90.00) one way. 

How Long Do You Need for Chefchaouen?

Ideally, I would spend two full days in Chefchaouen. This way you can spend one day exploring the town, visiting the Kasbah, and catching the sunset at the Spanish Mosque. 

The next day you can take a group taxi to Talassemtane National Park and hike to Akchour Waterfall as well as God’s Bridge. However, if you are short on time then you can do a day trip from Tangier.

That wraps up this guide to this Tangier to Chefchaouen day trip. Did your favorite things to do in Chefchaouen make this list? If not then let me know. 

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