9 best things to do in Chefchaouen, Morocco’s best-kept secret

Hidden in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen (pronounced “shef-sha-wen”, and often shortened to Chaouen), is one of the better-kept secrets of Morocco. Everything about it is a bit off-beat — the locals here speak Spanish, not the French or Arabic that the guidebooks prepare you for, and the town has a long history of hippie-culture that's still present today. Perhaps most extraordinary of all, the entire medina is washed in a thousand shades of blue. Intrigued? Here we share the best things to do in Chefchaouen — Morocco's magical Blue City.

1. Time travel in the blue medina

In The Rough Guide to Morocco we describe Chaouen’s medina as “surely the prettiest in the country”, and it’s hard to imagine anyone making a compelling argument against this. 

As such, heading here is one of the best things to do in Morocco.

Getting lost in the old town’s narrow and uncrowded streets is a photographer’s dream, with stray cats posing in front of ornate indigo doorways, and impossibly old men shuffling up and down blue staircases in conical hooded cloaks.

There are aspects of the old town that make you feel like you could have travelled back in time. The furn (communal bakery), still delivers warm circular loaves of bread to locals every morning, while market day see women descend from mountain farms to sell vats of milk. 

Our tip is to visit in the early morning for quiet streets and magical golden light.

On the subject of when to visit, for wider context, read up on the best time to visit Morocco.

 2. Shop for local handicrafts

Alongside its blue hues, Chefchaouen is also known for woven blankets, wool garments, leather slippers, and colorful pottery, all of which is often more affordable and unique here than you’ll find in Marrakesh or Fès.

So, don’t miss the chance to visit the artisan co-ops and family-run shops that line the medina’s narrow lanes. As elsewhere in Morocco, bargaining is expected, but more relaxed than in larger cities.

If shopping is top of your Morocco plans, read up on the best souks and markets in Morocco. 

3. See sunset from the Spanish mosque

Wherever you are in Chefchaouen you’ll be able to turn a corner and see the bright white Spanish Mosque, perched high on a hill just east of town. 

Spanish colonialists started work on the mosque when they arrived in Chefchaouen in the 1920s, but it wasn’t until 2010 that they finally restored and opened the building to the public for the first time.

If your legs aren’t already broken from walking about the steep medina alleyways, it’s well worth making the 15-minute trek up to the mosque to catch the sunset. 

A wall just in front of the mosque acts as a perfect perching spot to watch the sun burn red over the distant mountains, often cloaked in low-lying clouds.

Once the show is over, resist the temptation to walk straight back to town and wait a few minutes for the call to prayer to erupt over the navy medina below, now lit only by the moon and a smattering of golden minarets.

For more ideas for how to make your trip all the more magical, browse our suggested Morocco itineraries.

4. Indulge on on mint teas and tagines

Unlike the more cosmopolitan cities of Fez, Casablanca and Marrakesh, Chefchaouen hasn’t seen much in the way of culinary diversification over the years.

Truth be told, you’ll be lucky to find anything that isn’t tajine or brochette (grilled meat on a stick) when it comes to hot food in the medina, washed down by the obligatory “Moroccan Whiskey” (mint tea; to be ordered without sugar if you want to travel home with all of your teeth). That said, a few spots stand out from the crowd.

Just off the main Plaza Outa el Hammam, La Lampe Magique Casa Aladdin offers some of the best views in town from its rooftop terrace, while Tissemlal serves traditional Moroccan dishes far superior to the other restaurants in the medina – with an open fire ablaze on colder evenings.

Into food? Find out why Fez has also been hailed Morocco's new culinary capital.

5. Visit Ras El Maa spring

A place in which fresh mountain water flows into town, Ras El Maa spring is a peaceful spot around which locals wash clothes and come to cool off.

Best visited in the morning or late afternoon for soft light and a cooler breeze, it also boasts several small cafes, and sublime views of the cascading water. 

As such, heading here is among the best things to do in Chefchaouen if you’re looking to relax and soak up local life. 

6. Perch in Plaza Uta el-Hammam

Surrounded by cafés, shops, the Kasbah, and the Grand Mosque, Plaza Uta el-Hammam — Chefchaouen’s central square — is a wonderful spot to sit with a mint tea, watching daily life unfold while listening to the call to prayer echo through the mountains.

Come the evening, a social atmosphere picks up. Lively and safe, it's also a great place to head when visiting Morocco with kids

7. Explore Chefchaouen kasbah

Culture vulture wondering what to do in Chefchaouen should spend time exploring the kasbah.

Housing a small museum, Andalusian gardens, and an old prison, this restored 15th-century fortress is a joy, not least if you climb the tower for panoramic views over the medina and mountains.

8. Hike Talassemtane National Park

If  trekking in Morocco is on your travel wish-list, you can enjoy exactly that just outside Chefchaouen.

At Talassemtane National Park, scenic trails lead to waterfalls, God’s Bridge, and mountain peaks with epic views. It’s especially wonderful in spring and fall, when it’s cooler and greener.

While you can go independently (be sure to wear proper gear), it’s best to join a local guide.

Want more practical information? Read our Morocco travel advice, and Morocco travel health tips.

 9. Visit the coastal village of Oued Lao

About two hours from Chefchaouen, Oued Lao is a quiet seaside town with clean beaches and  Mediterranean views.

A great escape in summer when Chefchaouen gets hot, take a shared taxi or book a private driver to make the trip in a day — getting around Morocco. by public transport isn't without its challenges.

Now you’re armed with inspiration for the best things to do in Chefchaouen, you might want to browse our Morocco itineraries for more ideas while you plan your trip.

Not keen on planning? Our local Morocco travel experts can handle every last detail of your trip, from curating your ideal itinerary through to booking your Morocco accommodation and transfers.

Insider tip: if you’re short on time, it’s perfectly possible to see stacks of top attractions on a 7 days in Morocco itinerary.