The blue-washed mountain town of Chefchaouen, with a cobbled medina, kasbah and Rif Mountain views.
Chefchaouen is a mountain town in the Rif about 120 km south-east of Tangier, in Morocco's Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, famed for its blue-washed medina. It is possible as a day trip, but the journey takes around 2.5 hours each way, so an early start is essential. Direct buses from the Tangier bus station run several times a day for roughly MAD 45-80, and shared grand taxis cost slightly more. The town centres on Plaza Uta el-Hammam, with the Kasbah museum and a gardened courtyard, and cafes around the square provide lunch. The lanes around the medina are the main attraction, and photography is best early or late when crowds thin. A short walk to the Ras el-Ma spring and the Spanish Mosque viewpoint gives panoramic views over the town. Pricing in cafes is moderate, and the town is known for woollens, weavings and goat cheese. Weekends and holidays are crowded, and the town can be cold in winter. Visitors should check the last bus time before the day starts and arrive at the station early, as buses can fill. Overnight stays are common, and Akchour waterfalls lie further inland.
| Distance | About 120 km / 2.5 hours |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 2.5-3 hours each way by bus |
| Getting there | CTM bus from Tangier bus station to Chefchaouen, about MAD 45-80 (~$5-9), 2.5 hours; early departure essential for a day trip |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Place Uta el-Hammam, Medina, Chefchaouen 91000 |
How to get there
- Mode
- CTM or other intercity bus
- Cost
- MAD 45-80 (~$5-9)
- Frequency
- Roughly every 2-4 hours
- Mode
- Shared grand taxi from Tangier Ville
- Cost
- About MAD 70-100 per seat (~$7-11)
- Frequency
- Leaves when full
- Mode
- Private transfer or guided day tour
- Cost
- MAD 500-1,000 (~$53-107) per car
- Frequency
- On request
Location
Place Uta el-Hammam, Medina, Chefchaouen 91000
35.1688, -5.2636 View on map
Highlights
- Blue-washed medina lanes
- Plaza Uta el-Hammam and the Kasbah
- Ras el-Ma spring and waterfall walk
- Handwoven goods and goat cheese
Tips for visiting
- Take the earliest bus from Tangier and confirm the last bus back.
- Photograph the lanes at dawn or late afternoon for fewer people.
- Walk up to the Spanish Mosque for sunset views.
- Carry layers; evenings are cool in the mountains.
- Agree prices before taking a guide or private taxi.
When to visit
March to June and September to November. Summer is hot and crowded; winter can be cold and wet.
Accessibility
The medina has steep, uneven lanes and steps that are difficult for wheelchairs; Plaza Uta el-Hammam is flat.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the bus from Tangier to Chefchaouen take?
About 2.5 hours, and fares are roughly MAD 45-80 (~$5-9).
Is Chefchaouen worth a day trip?
It is possible but tiring; an overnight stay lets visitors see it at dawn and dusk.
Can Akchour be added?
Not realistically in the same day; Akchour is a further 30 km and takes a half to full day.