Chefchaouen: Morocco's Blue Pearl
Every wall, staircase and alley painted in shades of blue, tucked into the Rif Mountains — Morocco's most photographed town.
4.9/5 · 3,300 reviews+8K travelers
RegionChefchaouen, Rif Mountains
Best seasonApril – June & September – October
Ideal forPhotographers, couples, slow travelers
Average rating4.9 / 5
About Chefchaouen
Morocco's blue mountain town
Founded in 1471 as a fortress against Portuguese invasion, Chefchaouen's medina was later painted blue — most likely by Jewish refugees in the 1930s, for whom blue symbolized the sky and heaven.
Today its cobalt streets, cats and mountain views make it one of the most photographed towns in Morocco, best explored slowly, camera in hand, away from the midday crowds.
Set in the Rif Mountains north of Fes, Chefchaouen is also a gateway to hiking in Talassemtane National Park and the source of much of Morocco's famous mint.
Unforgettable experiences
Talassemtane hikes
Ras El Maa waterfall
Rooftop cafés over the medina
Berber weaving workshops
Kasbah Museum
Where is Chefchaouen?
In the Rif Mountains, north of Fes
Chefchaouen sits in the Rif Mountains, a scenic drive from Tangier, Tetouan or Fes.
Plaza Uta el-Hammam
Chefchaouen's main square and kasbah.
Talassemtane National Park
Cedar and fir forests in the Rif Mountains.
Ras El Maa
Waterfall and spring at the edge of the medina.
Akchour
Waterfalls and river hikes nearby.
Tangier
Coastal gateway, a scenic drive away.
Available tours
See all toursOur Chefchaouen tours
Atlas TrekkingHigh Atlas Trek — Toubkal & Berber Villages
Climb to the roof of North Africa! Djebel Toubkal (4,167m) offers a 360° view of Morocco. Authentic Berber villages, Ourika and Imlil valleys.
Popular activities
Photo walks
Hiking
Waterfall visits
Café culture
Medina shopping
Weaving workshops
Ready to visit Chefchaouen?
We combine the blue city with Tangier, Tetouan or a longer northern Morocco route.
