Is Chefchaouen Worth Visiting? 10 Fun Reasons to Visit Now!!

If you’re planning a trip to Northern Morocco then you may be wondering, is Chefchaouen worth visiting? 

Well, spoiler alert, it absolutely is! In fact, I have been to this amazing, enchantingly blue city in the Rif Mountains of Northern Morocco many times. 

And even though it is touristy and filled with people trying to get you to pay to take photos in front of the prettiest blue doors, it’s still a place I love coming back to. 

This tiny town has a quiet peace about it, especially early in the morning. So, you can relax while walking through the cobblestone streets filled with beautiful, blue-washed buildings. 

You can also hang out in Place Outa el Hammam and visit the Kasbah, a 15th-century fortress and dungeon that is now a museum. 

However, let’s dig a bit deeper and figure out all the reasons you should visit Chefchaouen right now. 

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The Short Answer – Yes, It is Worth Visiting

TBH, I always feel like most places are worth visiting. I mean, if you don’t go, how are you gonna know if you like it?

Anyway, I personally think Chefchaouen is worth visiting. It’s quiet, peaceful, unlike and other city in Morocco, and is absolutely beautiful. 

Most people think it’s not worth visiting, didn’t know what to do in Chefchaouen (they got bored) and visited when it was packed with people. 

To avoid hordes of tourists, spend the night. Set your alarm and get up before all the day trippers arrive. 

Also, try and visit on a weekday. A lot of Moroccans stop by on the weekend and the tiny streets can become packed with peoipel and really unpleasant to explore. 

Why Visit Chefchaouen?

1. It’s Unlike Any Other City in Morocco (and the world really)

I have been living in Morocco since January of 2023 and my partner is Moroccan. Both of us agree that Chefchaouen is totally unique and unlike any other place we’ve ever seen. 

You won’t find white-washed blue homes like this anywhere else in Morocco. Yes, it is touristy and you will see people charging for photos in super Instagrammable alleys. 

But, just accept this city for what it is and take the good with the bad. I personally think the beauty of this place outweighs the fact that it can get absolutely packed with tourists. 

But, you may be wondering, why is Chefchaouen blue? Well, there are many theories about this and I honestly don’t think anyone really knows. 

One popular idea states that after WWII, Jews fled to the area due to Nazi persecution. 

The walls were then painted blue because the color is meant to represent the sky and connect the city with God and heaven as part of a religious practice. 

So, is Chefchaouen worth visiting? I would say yes because it gives you a chance to experience a pretty unique culture.

2. It is Well Connected to Other Major Cities

Even though Chefchaouen is hidden away in the mountains of northern Morocco, it’s still well connected by bus to some of the biggest cities in the country. 

So, one of the reasons to visit Chefchaouen is that it’s pretty easy to get there. While many bus companies operate buses here, I would stick with CTM. 

It’s fast, safe, and comfortable. Book tickets with one of the other companies and you save MAYBE 20 Dirham ($2.00). The ride will also take a lot longer and won’t be as comfy. 

My Moroccan boyfriend warned me about these companies and we avoid them. 

In terms of timing, it takes about 2.5 hours to get to Chefchaouen from Tangier, 4 hours to get to Chefchaouen from Fes, and about 1.5 hours to get to Chefchaouen from Tetouan. 

There is a nice central bus station in the downtown area and then you can walk about 20 – 25 minutes up to your hotel in the Medina. It is an uphill walk though and you may want to take a taxi since you’ll be carrying all your stuff. 

Bus, grand taxi, and private transfers are really the only way into the city though since there is no airport or train station.

3. You Can Try Unique Local Foods

Is Chefchaouen worth visiting and why? Because of the cool local cuisine! See, some foods like couscous, msemen (my fave), and tagine are found throughout the country. 

However, some foods, like Berber Omelet, are only found within certain parts of the country. So, while Berber Omelets are common the south, you can’t really find them in the north. 

Well, one local delicacy in Chefchaouen is Jben. It is a white, mild, creamy goat cheese that is available in places like Tangier, Tetouan, and Chefchaouen. 

My boyfriend’s dad LOVES it and begs us to bring some back every time we go to Chefchaouen. 

I personally am not a fan but definitely buy some or try some in a local restaurant. You will see it everywhere in the Medina and can even find it at some of the best eateries in Chefchaouen.  

4. It’s a Great Place to Go Hiking

What many people don’t know about Chefchaouen is that it is located in the Rif Mountains. Therefore, you are surrounded by vast green hills that are a great place to go hiking. 

Two popular spots for hiking in Chefchaouen are Bouhachem Regional Nature Reserve (30 minutes from the city) and Talassemtane National Park (45 minutes from the city). 

Most people only have time to visit one park and I recommend visiting Talassemtane National Park if that’s the case. 

It’s not a place to go for solitude but it does feature some incredible scenery that includes stunning waterfalls and awesome land bridges that are an essential part of any Chefchaouen bucket list.

Two must- do hikes are God’s Bridge (hour round trip) and Akchour Waterfall (3 hours round trip). 

Just grab a Grand Taxi near the bus station and you’ll pay around 25 Dirham ($2.50) to visit. 

Be aware that you will have to wait for the taxi to fill up before you leave and that can take some time. 

So is Chefchaouen worth visiting? If you love nature and love being outdoors, then this is the place for you!

5. The Weather is Awesome

Unlike places like Fes and Marrakech, Chefchaouen features a relatively mild climate, especially if you visit in the winter.

That being said, it can get hot and I would definitely wear layers so that you can cool off during the day and bundle up at night. 

In fact, highs in the summer can soar to 90°F (32°C), while lows can dip down to 60s°F (15-18°C) in the winter. 

So, if you want to enjoy some awesome weather then be sure to visit in spring or fall. The weather is mild and the crowds aren’t super intense.

If you don’t mind coldish weather, winter is nice because crowds are minimal and you won’t sweat to death while hiking. 

This when I first visited and I absolutely loved it since the town can get very hot in the summer. 

My partner and I were both sweating to death the last time we visited in September and it was not pleasant. 

6. It’s a Great Place to Go Shopping

The question is Chefchaouen is worth visiting is easily answered as you wander through the charming blue alleyways, and find a unique shopping experience around every turn. 

Streets are brimming over with shops that sell authentic Moroccan treasures to eager buyers.

From handwoven textiles and traditional clothes to stunning ceramics, the local crafts and items on-sale are a testament to the area’s rich culture. 

Negotiating prices is an essential part of the shopping experience. So, start at 50% of the initial asking price and go up from there to secure the best deal. 

Also, don’t forget to stop by the food markets which are a culinary delight since they are field with spices, delicious cheese, fresh baked bread, and much more. 

So is is Chefchaouen worth visiting if you are foodie? Well yes it is!

7. It’s Safe

Is Chefchaouen worth visiting? Well, it is if you are concerned about safety. 

I visited solo the first time I stopped by and was delighted that I encountered minimal catcalling as I walked down the streets alone. 

I felt safe the entire time I was here and think this is an excellent place to walk around, even if you’re alone. I even walked around at dark alone and had no issues. 

But, if you’re worried, you’ll be delighted to know that many parts of the city now have CCTV cameras for additional safety. 

Local police officers are also on-hand and friendly. So, they will be happy to assist you if you have any problems. But, on the whole, locals are friendly and crime rates are super low. 

8. You Can Relax

Is Chefchaouen worth visiting? One of the many amazing things about Chefchaouen is that it has a quiet, laid-back vibe about it. 

The medina is super small and the town really doesn’t start waking up until around 10:00 am. 

So, if you’re been exploring Morocco for ten days and have been moving at a blistering pace then this is a great spot to unwind and relax.

You can sip on a mint tea at a local cafe and just enjoy the beautiful homes and mountains all around you. 

If you are one of those people who gets bored really easily then maybe plan two days here max because you’ll quickly run out of things to do. 

9. The Locals are Super Friendly

I have lived in and traveled through most of the biggest cities in Morocco. And I have to say that Chefchaouen has some of the friendliest people in the country. 

I mean, Moroccans are friendly to begin with but the people in these quiet town take it to another level. 

They will go out of their way to welcome you, chat with you, and may even offer you mint tea and homemade food. 

So, sit down for a second and take a minute to get to know them since they are some truly awesome people. 

This should definitely answer your question, is Chefchaouen worth visiting?

10. It’s Amazingly Beautiful

It’s no secret, this town is insanely beautiful. 

Is Chefchaouen worth visiting? Between the stunning, blue-washed homes, the incredible mountains, and the charming cobblestone streets, it’s hard to take a bad photo of Chefchaouen.

Additionally, the architecture is amazing and is a fascinating architecture mix of Andalusian aesthetics with traditional Moroccan design.

So, get ready to see stunning doorways, hidden courtyards, and magical waterfalls the beautifully cascade down the side of these green mountains. 

Is Chefchaouen Too Touristy? Is Chefchaouen Worth Visiting?

Chefchaouen is super touristy and definitely not a hidden gem. It’s especially bad on weekends when locals visit for the day. So, if you can try to visit during the week since it’s easy for this small town to become packed with people. 

However, I still think Chefchaouen is worth visiting. I found it to be a relaxing place with a beautiful Medina and lots of great hikes for you to enjoy. I also thought the people were super nice. 

How Many Days Do You Need in Chefchaouen?

Two days is the perfect amount of time in Chefchaouen. I would spend one day exploring the beauty of the old town, visiting the Kasbah, and catching the sunset at the Spanish Mosque. 

The next day I would hike to God’s Bridge and Akchour Waterfall. It’ll take most of the day since it will take you 45 minutes to get to the park and then about 3 or 4 hours to do both of the hikes. 

However, if you want to relax and just embrace the chill atmosphere of this place then you can absolutely spend another day chillling at one of the best places to stay in Chechaouen.

Can You Do Chefchaouen as a Day Trip?

Yes, you can do Chefchaouen as a day trip from Tangier or Fes. You can book a formal tour or simply use a CTM bus. 

Just be aware that it takes four hours to get to Chefchaouen from Fes and three hours to get to Chechaouen from Tangier. So, it will be a very long day. 

Plus, because there are so many fun things to do in Chefchaouen, I would try to spend at least a night there if you can manage it. This town is just stunning and super relaxing. 

Is Chefchaouen closer to Casablanca or Marrakech?

Chefchaouen is closer to Casablanca and only about 4.5 hours away from the city. In contrast, Marrakech to Chefchaouen is about 7 hours. 

What is the Best Time to Visit Chefchaouen?

If you want to avoid the crowds and the intense heat of the summer then the best time to visit Chefchaouen is between October and April. 

Just be aware that Ramadan is in March/April and the holiday can affect your travel plans, as well as adjust the time by an hour (they go back an hour to make fasting easier).

Many people get nervous about visiting in the winter but it’s really not that cold. I visited in February and the highs were in the 60s°F (15/16°C). 

So, bring a jacket but definitely don’t worry about freezing to death.  

How do I get to Chefchaouen?

There is no international airport and there is no train station in Chefchaouen. 

So, the best way to get to Chefchaouen is via a CTM bus from Fes (4 hours), Tetouan (1.5 hours), and Tangier (2.5 hours). 

There are other more budget-friendly bus companies you can use but I wouldn’t advise it. 

You’ll save maybe 20 Dirham ($2..00) and the journey will take a lot longer and not be as comfy. 

Yes, you can take a petit taxi or grand taxi here, but that will be a lot more expensive and is not really necessary since CTM buses are comfy and depart daily to/from the local bus station. 

I would also not advise driving here in a rental car here since the roads in the mountains can get quite windy. 

Where to Stay in Chefchaouen

I stayed at Riad Baraka when I was in Chefchaouen and loved it. It was a great budget-friendly riad with well-decorated Andalusian-style rooms and sat right in the Medina. 

The staff were also super friendly and helped arrange a group visit to the nearby national park. The views from the rooftop were also stunning and they have dorms and private rooms available for travelers of any budget. 

However, other options include: 

• Riad Cherifa (luxury) – Riad Cherifa is great if you want to enjoy a high-end stay still in the center of the city. The rooms are beautifully appointed with traditional Moroccan decor and there’s a rooftop terrace with stunning panoramas of the city. 

• Casa La Hiba (mid-range) – Rooms here are comfortable and include A/C, wifi, and en-suite bathrooms for a comfortable stay in the city. 

Well, after reading this guide I hope you now have the answer to the question, “Is Chefchaouen worth visiting?”

I’ve given you ten reasons why you should visit Chefchaouen and add it to your Morocco itinerary. 

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