Chefchaouen has earned the title of The Blue Pearl: it's impossible that you haven't heard of it or haven't accidentally stumbled upon a photo of this unique and wonderful village with turquoise walls in northern Morocco. Chefchaouen is undoubtedly an unmissable destination on a trip to Morocco: a not-so-short detour from the imperial city circuit but totally worth it and impossible to regret. Many consider it a tourist destination (in my opinion, not even that much), but I still find it extremely charming, characteristic, and literally dreamy: getting lost among the blue-painted alleys and discovering the most peculiar corners, was definitely one of the things I loved most about this trip to Morocco.
The Blue City is small and, in a couple of hours, you'll realize that you've already explored every alley and photographed every building, so I guarantee that half a day here is more than enough.
About 40 minutes north of Chefchaouen, you'll find Akchour: a mountainous area often unknown but hiding beautiful waterfalls in a dreamy landscape.
To reach the waterfalls, you need to walk a bit: if you prefer a short walk, you can stop at the smaller waterfalls located at the beginning of the trail.
However, if you want to see all the waterfalls and reach the final, the largest one, you should plan for at least 12-13 km round trip. The trek is quite easy but extremely characteristic and interesting: you will also be accompanied by the monkeys that inhabit the trees in this area.
The excursion takes at least half a day: the best time to go is early in the morning to avoid the heat and the crowds of locals who come to cool off at the waterfalls.
Let's now take a look at the itinerary we planned for this second part of the trip:
As you can see on the map below, on the second day of our trip (②), we spent the morning in Meknes and then moved towards Chefchaouen around lunchtime.
We explored Chefchaouen thoroughly until dinner time and spent the night there. On the morning of our third day (③), we left the Blue City to head north for our hike in Akchour. By lunchtime, we got back to the car and started our journey south towards Fès.
If you want to know more about how to plan your Morocco travel itinerary then READ ALSO: Perfect Morocco itinerary for a 8-days-car trip
Be sure not to miss also each steps of our trip:
part 1 - days ① and ② : Discovering Casablanca, Rabat and Meknes
part 3 - days ③ and ④ : Fes, Morocco's Imperial Pearl
part 4 - day ⑤ : The Dunes of Erg Chebbi, Merzouga Desert
If you have already defined your itinerary and are thinking about the more organizational and logistical part of your trip READ ALSO: How to plan a road trip in Morocco in a few simple steps
Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is located in northern Morocco, at the foot of the Rif Mountains, and is widely known as the Blue Pearl for its buildings constructed with Moroccan architecture and a clear Andalusian influence, featuring its famous blue walls that make it a true paradise for photographers and Instagrammers.
Despite its fame, the Blue City of Morocco has remained a quiet and relaxed village, but above all, extremely picturesque. Yes, we can call it touristy, but nothing compared to the chaos of Marrakech or Fez.
If you're wondering why the streets of Chefchaouen are painted blue, there are many theories, steeped in stories passed down through the years: some say they were painted blue by Jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition in the 15th century, while others believe the blue color keeps mosquitoes away, or represents the sea, or keeps the houses cool during the summer months.
As you may already know if you've read the previous articles about this trip to Morocco, we spent one night (the third of this road trip) in Chefchaouen, within the Medina of the Blue City. Our small Riad was conveniently located near one of the Medina's entrance gates, which was convenient for parking the car: we left it for free in front of the city cemetery.
The Medina is definitely the best area to stay in Chefchaouen: the area is charming and the most practical choice since most of the attractions and restaurants are located here. If you prefer a quieter and less maze-like area, then it's better to opt for accommodation outside the Medina walls, along Ave Hassan II. For all practical information such as accommodations, car rentals, flights, etc. READ ALSO: How to plan a road trip in Morocco in a few simple steps
The main attraction of Chefchaouen is undoubtedly its splendid blue Medina: an enchanted place where the most interesting buildings in the city are concentrated.
Beyond the few attractions we'll talk about shortly, Chefchaouen should be explored freely, wandering aimlessly through the maze of its colorful alleys, discovering the most surprising and characteristic corners. My advice is to check off the main buildings that we'll look at together now and then let your instincts guide you and get lost in the Medina. Go shopping in the souk that runs along the streets until you realize you've explored every alley and photographed every wall.
Place Uta el Hammam
Place Uta el Hammam is the heart of Chefchaouen's Medina, the hub where the main streets of the labyrinthine old city converge. It's a cobblestone square lined with bars and restaurants that are a bit too touristy for my taste. In the evening, most tourists gather here around the large tree in the center, often where street performers are. In this square, you will find the Kasbah of Chefchaouen and the city's Grand Mosque.
Place El Houta
El Houta Square is definitely smaller and less crowded than the previous one, but in my opinion, much more charming and tranquil. This quiet little square is very characteristic and richly decorated, with the splendid Andalusian fountain standing out in the center.
Kasbah
Among the many blue buildings of Chefchaouen, it's very easy to spot the Kasbah: the only building in salmon-coloured stone. It's a walled fortress with 11 towers dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries and built in the typical Andalusian-Maghrebi style. Inside its walls, there is a garden while the fortress is now home to the Ethnographic Museum and a small art gallery.
Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen
The Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen is characterized by its octagonal minaret, a typical shape of the influence of Andalusian architecture: this building is also a bit atypical for the city as it is not the classic blue but its walls are neutral colors like beige and brick..
Chefchaouen Souk
Chefchaouen Souk is small and runs along the alleys of the Medina without a specific order: it is one of the most beautiful as the colors of the Moroccan handicraft products contrast with the blue of the walls, creating an incredible spectacle.
Blue Street and Said's orange shop
Said's orange stand is one of the most iconic and photographed places in Chefchaouen: it is located a few meters from Blue Street (yes I know the city is all blue but this alley is particularly Instagrammable). The stall is only set up in the afternoon but to take a photo you will have to buy a glass of juice!
The Patio
The Patio is nothing more than the entrance to a private house that has been set up specifically to be used for photographs by tourists. It is one of the most instagrammable places in Chefchaouen and there is an entrance fee (5 MAD per person) to take photos.
Sunset from the Spanish Mosque
The Spanish Mosque is located outside the Medina of Chefchaouen. It's right outside the city: it can be reached on foot with an uphill walk of about 45 minutes (rather tough) or in a few minutes by car. It's worth getting there to admire this mosque perched on the hill overlooking the city.
The Spanish Mosque was built by the Spaniards in the 1920s and was not loved by the locals who, in fact, let it fall into ruin. It was only recently renovated but without being put back into service, which is why it can also be visited by non-Muslims.
Beyond the mosque itself, from here you can enjoy one of the best views of Chefchaouen: I recommend getting there around sunset to admire the Blue Pearl of Morocco which turns red and orange as the sun goes down.
As for where to eat in Chefchaouen, I suggest you not choose the restaurants and cafes on Piazza Uta el Hammam... too touristy and crowded for my tastes. Instead, I suggest you to opt for something more local and traditional such as the Restaurant Hamsa (more informal) or the Restaurant Lalla Mesida, where we had dinner: a splendid place, inside a rock and excellent food, as well as an excellent price!
Not everyone knows it but Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl of Morocco, does not only attract Instagrammers and architecture enthusiasts: this area is actually also much loved by trekkers and hikers who choose it as a starting point for routes in the Rif mountains or in the near Akchour.
Akchour and its waterfalls
One of the favorite areas of trekking lovers is certainly that of Akchour, which is also called Le Paradis Perdu - the lost paradise. The Akchour waterfalls are undoubtedly one of the hidden gems of Chefchaouen: the excursion runs along the river where many small waterfalls, lakes and delicious cafés alternate, through a vigorous green forest populated by monkeys and dogs who will guide you along the path.. it's a fairytale excursion, definitely unmissable. When stayed there for half a day, reaching the last waterfall, even if unfortunately was almost completely dry due to the little rain - but don't worry, the place was still wonderful!
The excursion to the Akchour waterfall is not particularly demanding, even if there are some slightly steep sections: the route is about 6 km (12 in total, round trip) and lasts about 3-4 hours, depending on the stops along the way and how far you want to go... consider that the first waterfalls are a 40 minute walk away. In fact, along the route you will find many very informal cafes with chairs and tables where you can rest and refresh yourself with a nice fresh orange juice with your feet immersed in the icy waters of the river. The path is well maintained and signposted, it's not necessary to have a guide and it's quite impossible to get lost: in some places you cross the river several times but there are large concrete blocks to walk on.
Here you will find the Wikiloc Track of our hikes (one way) with all the info.
As mentioned earlier, the route is relatively short: it took us about 4 hours including stops and juice by the river on the way back. Between the outward and return journey to Chefchaouen it is better to consider half a day for this excursion, which among other things I recommend you do in the morning, especially in summer to avoid the scorching heat and the crowds of locals who come for trips in this area.
The route is quite simple, you don't need any special trekking shoes: comfortable trainers and sportswear are enough, a nice backpack that can contain a water bottle and if you want also bring a swimsuit and beach towel to try to immerse yourself in the river and waterfalls - the water is frozen but in some places, you'll fine some little nice lakes that look like real swimming pools since the water is clear and turquoise!
To reach the trekking trail you can set Akchour Waterfalls on Google Maps and you will arrive at the paid parking where you can leave your car for 10 MAD. The road to reach Akchour is panoramic: you pass through the Rif mountains admiring breathtaking landscapes!
On the road to Akchour I would like to suggest you look carefully at your right side until you will find many sellers of typical Moroccan ceramics: the prices are excellent and the choice is endless! We bought a set of rough ceramic dishes and a splendid tajine to take home!
Don't miss all the insights on the various stages of this incredible trip:
part 1 - days ① and ② : Discovering Casablanca, Rabat and Meknes
part 3 - days ③ and ④ : Fes, Morocco's Imperial Pearl
part 4 - day ⑤ : The Dunes of Erg Chebbi, Merzouga Desert
In the meantime, discover the next stages of the itinerary and READ ALSO: Perfect Morocco itinerary for a 8-days-car trip
For all this technical and logistical information, don't miss my guide on how to organize a road trip in Morocco step by step! READ MORE: How to plan a road trip in Morocco in a few simple steps
Did you just book a trip to Morocco but don't know where to start planning your time there? Then, let me present to you my digital map of the country which includes: Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Chefchaouen, Fez, Merzouga, the Street of a Thousand Kasbahs and Marrakech.
Thanks to this map you will be able to build your entire road trip in Morocco.
This is a private map on Google Maps on which you will find:
more than 100 places to visit including the best souks, madrasas and museums
the best photo spots
attractions and activities customized based on my experience
where to stay overnight and where to park the car
where to eat (restaurants, cafes, and much more)
To receive the map for FREE, you can choose one of these two ways:
☞ follow me on Instagram and request the map directly via DM
☞ subscribe to the mailing list and request the map below in the comments or by sending me an email to: lethergo.it@gmail.com
For any questions or further information do not hesitate to write to me either in the comments or in private.
Have a nice trip!
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