Chefchaouen day trip from Tangier: what to know

Founded in the 15th century in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is famous for its medina painted in every shade of blue. It is the most popular day trip from Tangier, and one of the most photogenic towns in Morocco.

Getting there

• Guided tour: the easiest option, with transport, a local guide and free time. Expect a full day, with around two and a half to three hours on the road each way.
• Bus: long-distance buses run from Tangier to Chefchaouen. They are cheap, but timetables make a day trip tight.
• Private or grand taxi: flexible, and good value if you are travelling as a group. Agree the price, including waiting time, in advance.

What to see

• Plaza Uta el-Hammam: the main square, lined with cafés, beside the Grand Mosque.
• The Kasbah: a red-walled fortress with gardens and a small museum.
• The blue lanes: the best photos are in the quieter streets uphill from the square.
• Ras el Ma: the spring at the edge of town, where locals wash clothes in the stream.
• The Spanish Mosque: a short, steep walk for the view over the whole town, especially at sunset.

Tips

• Start early to have the lanes to yourself before the crowds arrive.
• Ask before photographing people and their doorways.
• Wear comfortable shoes: the town is built on a steep hillside.
• If you can, stay the night. Chefchaouen is magical in the evening and early morning.
• Many tours combine Chefchaouen with Tetouan, whose medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.