Known for
Nestled in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen unfolds its alleys painted in a thousand shades of blue. Calm, photogenic and perfect for a stroll.
What to see
Alleys, doors and staircases washed in lime-blue, with flower pots and handicrafts.
The heart of the town, with cafés, a kasbah and the grand mosque.
A 20-minute walk to a panorama over the blue town and the mountains.
A hike in the Rif to waterfalls and the "Bridge of God", about 30 km away.
What to do
Trail to God’s Bridge and the great falls.
The prettiest blue corners with a local photographer.
Hike in the national park of cedars and firs.
Where to eat
🍽️ Goat tagine with local cheese
A speciality of the Rif region.
🍽️ Vegetable plates, msemen
Lots of veggie options here.
Where to stay & book
Small colourful rooms overlooking the alleys.
Panoramic terrace over the blue city.
Ideal before a hike to Akchour.
Climate & temperature
☀️ Summer: Summer: 28 to 33 °C, pleasant at altitude.
❄️ Winter: Winter: 10 to 14 °C by day, cold at night, frequent rain.
✅ Best time: April-June and September-October for hiking.
🧴 Steep town: lots of stairs, good shoes required. · Cool nights year-round due to the altitude (~600 m). · Rain in winter: slippery alleys.
🎒 Non-slip shoes · Windbreaker · Warm sweater · Raincoat (winter)
Safety & tips
💡 Local tip: The morning light is ideal for photos. Walk up to the Spanish Mosque at sunset for a panoramic view.
Someone approaches you, claims your route is closed, or offers to guide you 'for free' to a square or landmark. Once there, they demand money, sometimes insistently.
✅ Refuse politely but firmly ('la, choukran' = no thanks) and keep walking. Use an offline map. A real guide carries an official badge. Never follow anyone who insists.
The driver refuses to turn on the meter ('it's broken') and then announces an inflated fare on arrival, sometimes 3 to 5 times the normal price.
✅ Ask for the meter before getting in. If the meter 'doesn't work', step out and simply take the next taxi — there are always others. If the driver insists or threatens you, call the police (19). Without a meter, agree on the price IN ADVANCE and ask your riad about the normal fare. Ride-hailing apps (inDrive, Careem) show the price upfront and avoid any dispute.
A woman grabs your hand and starts a henna tattoo 'as a gift', then demands a high price. Some black hennas contain allergy-triggering additives.
✅ Keep your hands close to you and refuse any contact. Never hold out your hand. Walk away at the very first approach.