I am so excited to share my travel guide to visiting Chefchaouen, also known as the Blue Pearl of Morocco. My name is Emily and I love to share my tips and recommendations of the places I have explored with my free travel guides.

I visited Chefchaouen with my parnter for a long weekend at the beginning of September after years of longing to visit. This mountain city is situated in the northwest of Morocco and is best known for its painted blue walls and picture perfect streets that you have probably seen on Instagram. But don’t be fooled as Chefchaouen is not just an Instagram sensation. For me it was an enriching experience to visit Chefchaouen, especially being a destination with a culture so very different to my own.

It was my first time in Morocco, so I was very mindful I was stepping into a place where I was likely going to be noticed as a tourist. TOP TIP: It is always important when you travel to first research and prepare for the customs and traditions of the places you visit, both out of respect for locals and to ensure you do not put yourself at risk. Whilst Chefchaouen is known for being a somewhat less conservative city in recent years compared to other cities in Morocco, I still ensured to dress modestly with my shoulders covered. The main risks in Chefchaouen are pickpockets (make sure you keep any valuables close to you at all times), someone offering you marijuana (its grown locally in the mountains here and is a common pastime) or someone taking advantage in exchange for money e.g. giving you directions, picking up your luggage or offering to take a photo. I never felt unsafe here and I believe Chefchaouen is the perfect place to get an introduction to Morrocan culture without feeling too overwhelmed.

So why is Chefchaouen blue? It’s a question I asked several locals and not many could give me a clear answer. Some said it was an idea to attract more tourists to the city. Others said a Jewish community who fled to Chefchaouen during WW2 painted their homes blue as a symbol of protection. The mystery of the origin of the blue washed walls in my opinion is what gives Chefchaouen its charm, and yes, it really is as blue as it looks in the photos.

Chefchaouen is the ideal place for a day trip from larger Moroccon cities like Fes or Tangier or for a weekend getaway as it is quite a small place. You can easily explore Chefchaouen in a day if you are visiting more of the country, but for me it was a great place for a weekend escape where I could enjoy the atmosphere in the evening and to catch a beautiful sunset (more on that later on).

So are you ready to discover what Chefchaouen has to offer? This guide will take your through everything you need to know to help plan your very own trip to the city, including top attractions, what to know before you go, best places to eat and more.

GETTING to Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen does not have an airport, so the best way to get to the city is to fly to the nearby cities of either Tangier or Fez and then get a bus or taxi to the city (between a 2-3 hour journey). Living in southern Spain, I actually took a ferry from Algericas to Ceuta and caught a taxi at the border to Tetouan (£20) and then a bus to Chefchaouen (£2). CTM is the main bus operator in Northern Morocco and they are known to be reliable and comfortable (air conditioned and free Wifi). You can pre-book bus tickets online which I would recommend as I understand the ticket office is not close to the airport in Fes. Chefchaouen bus station itself is outside the main historic centre and you have the choice of walking uphill (very steep) or taking a taxi to the centre. Getting around the city is easiest on foot due to the many narrow streets which are inaccessible by car.

CURRENCY IN Chefchaouen

The local currency in Chefchaouen is the Moroccan dirham. One British pound will equate to around 12 Moroccon dirhams. The majority of places in Chefchaouen take cash only, so make sure you exchange cash ahead of your travels to ensure you do not get caught out.

LANGUAGES SPOKEN IN Chefchaouen

With Chefchaouen becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination in recent years, English is becoming a lot more common here. You will be able to get by speaking English in Chefchaouen, but knowing a few basic words in French will be helpful. Darija (Moroccan Arabic) French, Spanish and English are widely spoken in the city.

WIFI IN Chefchaouen

Don’t get stung with roaming fees when visiting Morocco. Whilst our hotel had wifi, not all bars and restaurants offer free wifi so the last thing you want is to be met with a massive phone bill after your trip. I chose to purchase an eSim with Saily to save on data use costs and can highly recommend for ease of use and device compatibility. TOP TIP: Make sure to set up your e-sim before you travel so you can simply activate it on arrival. If you have not set it up before you will have to install it using roaming which is not ideal.

Where to stay in Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is truly spoilt when it comes to the range of accommodation and it is probably the most budget friendly location I’ve visited to date. You will find some very nice 4 or 5 star hotels which are very affordable if you want to treat yourself. I personally would elect to stay in and around the main old historic centre so that you are right in the heart of the city. We stayed in the Hotel Molino Garden which also happens to be home to one of the best restaurants in the city El Cielo. Two nights cost us £62 and the staff were very helpful and friendly.

TOP TIP: If you are travelling as a couple, check your hotel’s terms and conditions and the small print. Some accommodation will only allowed married couples to stay on site and you will need to provide evidence that you are in fact married when you check in to be able to stay. I always use Booking.com to find the best accomodation depending on my budget and needs, and right now they have 15% off their Late Escape Deals when you book before 7th January 2026!

What to see and do in Chefchaouen

wANDER THROUGH THE medina

No visit to Chefchaouen is complete without exploring the Medina, the heart of the historic centre. Here you can get lost in the labyrinth of those famous blue washed streets and soak up the atmosphere and charm that has captivated many travellers over the years. Meander your way through the medina and enjoy the souks (local markets) and many shops selling local produce or that perfect souvenir. I discovered a few places where a shop was quite literally in someone’s home and looked quite unassuming from the outside! This is part of the magic of the Medina because you never know what you can happen across if you take the time to look.

TOP TIP: You are going to have to get to grips with ‘haggling’ when you go shopping in Chefchaouen. Nothing will have a labelled price and hard selling is a big part of Moroccan culture that you are going to have to adjust to. All I can say is be prepared, know it’s more than ok to say no if you just want to browse and hold your ground with your budget in mind and you will be fine.

If you are looking for that perfect picture surrounded by blue walls in Chefchaouen, the medina is the place to go. TOP TIP: Avoid the tourists traps that ask for a fee in exchange for a photo and be aware of signs where locals do not want a photo. I managed to find plenty of spots to get a nice photo without having to pay or disturb the locals within the Medina. My advice is go and explore off the beaten track away from the busier streets if you want to take time getting some photos.

STEP INSIDE the Kasbah of Chefchaouen

Situated in the Outa El Hamman square is the main attraction of Chefchaouen: the Kasbah. This ancient fortress dates back to the 15th Century and houses gardens, old prison cells, towering walls and a tower which you can climb for great views overlooking the city. The site is also home to an ethnographic museum displaying a number of cultural and artistic artefacts that give you an insight into the history of Chefchaouen and Northern Morocco. The opening times of the Kasbah are 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM and the entrance fee is 70 dirhams (£14).

FUN FACT: Chefchaouen is twinned with one of my favourite pueblo blancos (white villages) of Spain Vejer de la Frontera and I always wondered why there was a connection. I learnt at the Kasbah that it was linked to a love story between a noble woman called Catalina Fernández who caught the eye of Moroccan emir Sidi Ali Ben Rachid at the time when Spain was under Moorish rule. They married and fled to Morocco at the time of the Christian conquest and settled in what is now Chefchaouen. It is believed as rulers of the town, they expanded Chefchaouen in Catalina’s home town image, with irregular winding streets and whitewashed houses. I could definitely see the resemblance with the layout of the medina and architecture.

VISIT the Waterfalls of Ras El Ma

On the northeastern edge of the Medina you will find one of my favourite spots in Chefchaouen, where natural spring waters cascade into a river and many locals gather. Here you will find a lively atmosphere throughout the day and night, where locals not only come to wash their clothes and take a dip, but many stands selling fresh fruit and produce. There are also a few restaurants where you can dine right by the river edge. My favourite place here was the fresh orange juice bar right next to a huge bath where fresh fruit is washed, stored and sold. The waters from the spring are directed to fill the bath with water where fresh fruit is washed and prepared. The fruit in Morocco is so fresh and delicious, so don’t skip the chance to try some at one of the many stands here.

ENJOY A SUNSET AT THE spanish mosque

If you want to enjoy the best views of Chefchaouen and the surrounding Rif Mountains, then grab your walking shoes and take a short hike up to the Spanish Mosque. The route starts by the Waterfalls of Ras El Ma and has an easy to follow path up to the site - you will likely see crowds heading up to the top just before sunset that you can follow. The route up is steep and rocky in places, so supportive footwear is a must if you want to make the climb which takes around 20 minutes.

The mosque itself is no longer in use and has only recently started to undergo renovation after long being abandoned, so do not expect anything spectacular. The site is best known for its amazing viewpoint and you will also likely spot several local cats here. TOP TIP: Whilst it can be tempting, a local guide advised us to avoid feeding or touching the cats due to hygiene risks. These cats are feral and are not always friendly.

best places to eat Chefchaouen

You cannot go to Morocco without trying the local cuisine. The most popular dishes are cous cous or tagine, traditionally served with vegetables and a choice of meat like chicken, lamb or goat. I was surprised when researching that many bloggers were saying there were not many great places to eat in Chefchaouen - I respectfully disagree! There are some great spots we found in Chefchaouen recommended by both staff at our hotel and locals:

Bab Ssour - This is a restaurant with two floors that is unassuming when you enter, but it’s popular for a reason. If there is one place you have to try authentic Moroccan food, it’s Bab Ssour. Try and get a seat on the rooftop to enjoy views overlooking the city.
El Cielo - This is a great place for breakfast or dinner. It’s in a calm and tranquil setting overlooking lush green gardens with friendly staff who speak English.
Restaurant Assaada - This was a great find we stumbled across in the western side of the Medina. It actually has a restaurant on two both sides of the street and serves traditional dishes and light bites.
Restaurant Triana - If you want to treat yourself to a meal with a view and live music, be sure to visit Restaurant Triana. The menu is a blend of Moroccan and Spanish dishes, with the name a nod to the Triana district in Seville.

Thank you so much for reading my guide to visiting the city of Chefchaouen. I hope this has given you ideas and inspiration to help plan your own trip to the Blue Pearl of Morocco. I’d love for you to share your comments or questions here or connect with me on Instagram!

A guide to visiting Chefchaouen, Morocco