Chefchaouen, the blue city
A mountain town washed in every shade of blue — calm, photogenic and an easy add-on from Tangier or Fes.
Updated 22 October 2026 · By the World to Morocco editorial team
Chefchaouen is a small town in the Rif Mountains famous for its blue-washed medina. Spend one night if you can: explore the lanes early, visit the Kasbah and Outa el Hammam square, and walk up to the Spanish Mosque for sunset.
Why visit Chefchaouen
Founded in 1471, Chefchaouen sheltered Andalusian Muslim and Jewish refugees from Spain, which explains its whitewashed, Andalusian-style houses. The blue paint came later and is now the town's signature. It's relaxed and cooler than the plains — a perfect rest day between matches in Tangier and Fes.
Things to do
- Get lost in the blue lanes before 9 am, when the light is soft and the streets are empty.
- Visit the 15th-century Kasbah and its garden museum.
- Hike 30 minutes to the Spanish Mosque for sunset over the valley.
- Try local goat cheese and buy hand-woven blankets.
- Day hike to Akchour waterfalls and the "God's Bridge" rock arch.
Getting there
There is no train. Take a CTM coach or grand taxi from Tangier (about 2–2.5 hours) or Fes (about 3.5–4 hours), or book a private transfer. Many visitors combine Tangier, Chefchaouen and Fes in one route.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Chefchaouen blue?
Explanations vary: some link the colour to Jewish tradition, others say it keeps houses cool or repels mosquitoes. Today, residents repaint it partly because visitors love it.
Is one day enough in Chefchaouen?
A day trip works, but staying one night lets you see the town quiet in the early morning and evening.