Chefchaouen travel guide: where to stay, what to do and where to eat in the blue-washed medina and the Rif mountains.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Chefchaouen.
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- Quiet fishing village beach
- village cafes
Oued Laou Beach
Editor’s tip. Start early from Chefchaouen; the coast road is winding and the return drive takes time.
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- Popular resort beach
- seafront promenade
- cafes
Martil Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive before late morning on summer weekends to find parking near the seafront.
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Chefchaouen memorable.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Chefchaouen’s coast.
How far is Oued Laou Beach from Chefchaouen?
It is roughly 60 to 70 km by road, usually reached by car or shared taxi along the Mediterranean coast road. Travel time depends on road conditions, so confirm locally.
From the Oued Laou Beach editorial.
Is Oued Laou Beach good for families?
Yes, the village atmosphere is calm and mostly local, but the beach is exposed and has limited formal facilities. Parents should watch children closely near the water.
From the Oued Laou Beach editorial.
How do I get from Chefchaouen to Martil Beach?
Most visitors take a bus or shared taxi from Chefchaouen to Tetouan, then a local taxi or minibus to Martil. The total distance is about 80 to 90 km.
From the Martil Beach editorial.
Is Martil Beach good for swimming?
Yes, the water shelves gently and is generally clear in summer. It is exposed, so swell and wind can occur; swim near lifeguards when they are on duty.
From the Martil Beach editorial.