Chefchaouen, the blue-washed town in the Rif Mountains, is Morocco's most photogenic place and one of its most relaxed — a small, walkable medina where nearly every lane and wall is painted a shade of cornflower blue. It is a change of pace from the intensity of Fez and Marrakech, and a day or two is plenty to enjoy it fully. Here is what to do in the blue city, where the best views are, and how to get there.
Wander the blue medina
The main thing to do in Chefchaouen is simply to wander: the blue-painted medina is compact, safe and made for aimless strolling, with photogenic corners, plant-filled doorways and painted staircases around every turn. Unlike the great city medinas, this one is small enough that you cannot really get lost, and gentle enough that the hassle is minimal. Give yourself an unhurried morning to drift through the lanes with a camera and no agenda — that is the town at its best.
The best photo spots
Chefchaouen rewards photographers, and a few spots stand out: the stepped, plant-draped alleys of the upper medina, the doorways framed in contrasting blues, and the Plaza Uta el-Hammam with its kasbah and mosque at the center. Early morning gives you empty lanes and soft light before the day-trippers arrive; the blue glows most in the gentle hours. Respect residents' privacy and homes as you shoot — this is a living town, not a set.
The Spanish Mosque viewpoint
For the classic panorama, walk up to the Spanish Mosque on the hillside opposite the medina, a short uphill hike rewarded by a sweeping view over the whole blue town cradled in the mountains — spectacular at sunset. It is the one bit of exertion the town asks of you, and worth timing for the golden hour when the light softens and the blue deepens. Bring water for the climb and arrive early for a good sunset spot, as it is popular.
Beyond the blue
Chefchaouen sits in the green Rif Mountains, so beyond the medina there are walks and nature close by: the Ras el-Maa waterfall at the medina's edge where locals gather, and trails into the surrounding hills, including toward Akchour and its waterfalls for those wanting a proper day hike. The town also has a relaxed cafe culture perfect for whiling away an afternoon. It rewards a slower stay than its size suggests, if you have the days to give it.
Shopping and local crafts
Chefchaouen has a relaxed, low-pressure shopping scene compared with the big-city souks, known for wool goods, blankets, and locally made crafts in the town's signature blues. The hassle is minimal and the atmosphere gentle, making it a pleasant place to browse and buy without the hard sell of Fez or Marrakech. Bargaining still applies but is softer here; a fair, friendly negotiation gets you a good price on a genuine memento of the blue city.
Where to eat with a view
The town's rooftop terraces and Plaza Uta el-Hammam cafes are made for lingering, with simple Moroccan fare and mountain views over the blue rooftops. Meals are inexpensive and unhurried, and a rooftop dinner as the town lights come on is one of Chefchaouen's quiet pleasures. It is not a destination for elaborate dining, but for a relaxed tagine with a view, it more than delivers.
How to get there
Chefchaouen is not on the rail network, so you reach it by bus (CTM or Supratours) or private transfer, most commonly from Fez, which is the nearest major hub at a few hours away. Many visitors come as an overnight from Fez or fold it into a northern loop. The mountain road is scenic; book the popular Fez coach a day or two ahead in high season. Once there, the town is entirely walkable and needs no transport.
Chefchaouen is the kind of restful counterpoint that shapes the rhythm of a longer trip, and whether to fit it in — and against what — is one of the routing choices the fuller plan weighs. How the blue city fits a northern loop is worked out in the complete Morocco trip guide.
Wander the blue medina, photograph the painted lanes, hike to the Spanish Mosque viewpoint, and enjoy the relaxed cafe culture. A day or two is plenty.
Where are the best photos?
The stepped upper-medina alleys, contrasting blue doorways, and the Spanish Mosque panorama at sunset. Go early for empty lanes and soft light.
Is there anything beyond the medina?
Yes — the Ras el-Maa waterfall at the medina's edge and hikes into the Rif Mountains, including toward Akchour's waterfalls for a full day out.
How do I get to Chefchaouen?
By bus (CTM or Supratours) or private transfer, most often from Fez, a few hours away. It's not on the train network.
How long should I stay?
A day or two. It's small and walkable, but its relaxed pace and nearby hikes reward a slower stay if you have the time.
