Chefchaouen is a city that should not be skipped when planning your visit to Morocco, thanks to its main attraction, its blue walls, among others. As its popularity increases as a great tourist destination, in Morocco, the question asked by many is what are the best things to do in Chefchaouen, apart from gawking at the city’s magnificent blue walls?
This city is found at the foot of the Rif Mountains and is a total contrast to Marrakech, the well-known and more preferred city, by many tourists. If the bustling nature of Marrakech is not your scene, plan a one or two day visit to Chefchaouen, for a more relaxed trip. When in Chefchaouen, you will be surprised to find there are a lot of things to do, from snapping Instagram-worthy photos and touring historical places to shopping and eating great Moroccan cuisine. The following are some of the best things to do in Chefchaouen.
Check out its famous landmarks
1. Chefchaouen Old City
Comprised of buildings built in the Moroccan and Spanish style, all painted in hues of blue, this Instagrammable part of Chefchaouen has a maze of hidden alleyways, a public square and decorative doorways. Walking the alleyways will lead you to the Kasbah and a haven of shops and restaurants will be at your disposal, as you get the chance to enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine in one of the restaurants proudly run by a family, or you can buy a locally made souvenir.
Chefchaouen Old City
Address: Chefchaouen 52450, Morocco
Website: Chefchaouen Old City
2. The Medina
The Medina, an Arabic word that means the “Old Quarter”, is an area of Chefchaouen you can willingly get lost in and have a great time discovering all its nooks and crannies. Its narrow alleys will introduce you to a diverse side of Chefchaouen and provide a lovely experience of mingling with the locals, during their day to day endeavours.
The Medina
Address: The Medina, Chefchaouen
Website: The Medina
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How about a tour?
3. Chefchaouen day trips
Let the professional guides plan a one or two day trip, to Chefchaouen, for you. The team is made up of Touareg and Berber guides, who have a passionate love of their country and immense knowledge of Chefchaouen and its surroundings. They can plan trips for groups of friends, families, couples or solo travellers, making sure you capitalise on the great Moroccan hospitality and unexpected surprises of the wonders of the Moroccan desert.
Chefchaouen Day Trips
Address: 12 Outa EL Hamam, Chefchaouen 91000, Morocco
Website: Chefchaouen Day Trips
4. Chaouen Rural - Day tours
Often, when foreigners visit a country, they don’t get a chance to see the countryside. Chaouen Rural’s day tours give you the opportunity to mingle with the people who reside in the rural areas surrounding Chefchaouen. Chaouen Rural have three packages available: one is a quick excursion to Chefchaouen province, to have a glance at rural life, the second is a two to four day excursion, which will have you travelling through Chefchaouen province and experiencing life in the small villages around Chefchaouen, Finally, the third is the option to design a customised tour, for example, you can have a tour of the province while exploring their cuisine or art.
Chaouen Rural - Day Tours
Address: Machichi Street Suite No. 3, QA Chefchaouen, Chefchaouen, Morocco
Website: Chaouen Rural - Day Tours
Souvenir shopping
5. Local Berbere Artisanal Shop
The carpets at the Local Berbere Artisanal Shop are quite the buy. The friendly shop owner will welcome you in to have a look at their locally made carpets, which vary in size and style. The best thing about buying a souvenir here or anywhere in Morocco is the opportunity to bargain. You can have a price dance between the shop owner and yourself, till you come to an agreeable price that will make both of you happy.
Local Berbere Artisanal Shop
Address: 23 Derb Bab El Moukaf - Quartier Souika, Chefchaouen 91000, Morocco
6. La Botica De La Abuela Aladdin
A firm favourite with locals and visitors to Chefchaouen, La Botica De La Abuela Aladdin is a centrally located shop in the medina, that sells things ranging from soaps to oils to incense. A beautiful spectrum of colours welcomes you and don’t get me started on the fragrances that usher you in when you get to the entrance.
The wall is lined with soaps, bottled oils and incense displayed in the most pleasing and enticing manner. On top of that, the shop owner is full of information on the different products on display and what they can be used for. Carry the smells and flavours of Chefchaouen with you, wrapped up and tied with a bow - you will appreciate it all.
La Botica De La Abuela Aladdin
Address: Chefchaouen 91000, Morocco
Website: La Botica De La Abuela Aladdin
Explore Chefchaouen history
7. Kasbah Museum
As if the sea of blue that defines Chefchaouen is not enough, you can stumble upon a splash of green at the Andalusian Gardens. This garden is where you will find the Kasbah Museum, which houses years upon years of ethnographic information, on Chefchaouen. On display are artefacts, ranging from musical instruments, pots and carpets to embroidery and munitions with historical significance to Chefchaouen and the rest of Morocco. Appreciate and possibly buy some original artwork from the local artist in the small gallery that is also nestled in the museum.
Kasbah Museum
Address: Medina | Avenue Hassan II, Chefchaouen 91000, Morocco
Website: Kasbah Museum
Be amazed by Chefchaouen’s nature
8. Cascades d’Akchour
In a desert town like Chefchaouen, one would not expect to come across an oasis with blue water and a cascading waterfall, half an hour drive from the centre of town. This hidden gem will have you jumping into the cool blue water or you can simply sit and take in the wonderful waterfalls. While there, make a point to check out the rock arch, known as the Bridge of God.
Cascades d’Akchour
Address: Parc Talembole | Medina, Chefchaouen 52450, Morocco
9. Rif Mountains
Nature lovers will have a ball, hiking up the Rif Mountains and taking in the bird’s eye view of Chefchaouen. The Rif Mountains rise up to 6500 feet (1981.2 metres) with unbeatable hiking routes that will have you appreciating the local nature. Experience a different side of Chefchaouen, from high up in the mountains, and check out the desert and to the oases, in and around the town.
Rif Mountains
Address: Chefchaouen, Morocco
Website: Rif Mountains
A blue wonder
With a great mountain backdrop, all the hues of blue you can think of and friendly locals, this Instagrammable town has become quite in demand, by the outside world. Also known as the Blue Pearl of Morocco, visit Chefchaouen and let yourself get lost in the mazelike alleyways, as you discover the many shops and restaurants that make up the town.
History
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