Chefchaouen: Day Trips and Tours from Tanger

Just a short drive inland from Tangier is the most iconic location in Morocco, the blue city of Chefchaouen.

Bright azure houses liven up the arid Moroccan landscape, holding within it centuries of history.

A day trip to Chefchaouen from Tangier will take you through this captivating city as you wander through the blue maze of streets, shops, plazas and homes.

Here's all you need to know about Chefchaouen, one of the most exciting day trips from Tangier.

How to get to Chefchaouen from Tangier?

Chefchaouen is roughly 2 hours southeast of Tangier, perfect for a day trip.

From Tangier to Chefchaouen by car

You can drive to Chefchaouen by taking the N2 south out of Tangier directly to Chefchaouen. The drive is around 110 kilometers taking just over 2 hours.

Guided tour to Chefchaouen from Tangier

Forget about navigating the roads of Morocco and join a guided tour to Chefchaouen from Tangier instead. These full-day tours include comfortable transportation and might even make a few stops along the way to further enhance your experience.

What is the typical itinerary?

The most popular day trip to Chefchaouen combines a guided tour and some free time to paint the town red — or is that blue? You will be picked up at your hotel around 9 AM and set off through the rugged interior of Morocco toward Chefchaouen.

Once you arrive, you will be guided through the Kasbah of Chefchaouen to see the main square as well as the central mosque and other emblematic landmarks. You will have time to discover the Moroccan restaurants of the town, browse for souvenirs and observe traditional craftsmen at work. You will also have a chance to see the Jewish quarter and jewelry souk, both integral parts of the community.

Most tours return to Tangier around 7 PM and include drop-off at your hotel.

Some tours also include a short visit to the Akchour waterfalls on the way back to Tangier. Your guide will accompany you on a short hike to the waterfalls and you will have some time to unwind in nature. There are also tours that add a visit to the city of Tetouan on the way, adding even more value to your Chefchaouen day trip.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Chefchaouen?

There is a day tour to Chefchaouen for every kind of traveler, whether you are budget-conscious or want multiple adventures in one day.

Guided tours to Chefchaouen from Tangier

The most convenient way to enjoy an excursion to Chefchaouen is with a guided tour. You will be treated to hotel pickup and drop-off and join a small group to visit this endearing city. You will have a guide for the largest part of the day but also enjoy some free time to shop and explore before returning to Tangier.

Day trip to Chefchaouen plus Akchour Waterfall from Tangier

The perfect complement to a day in Chefchaouen is a little adventure into nature. Visit the tranquil Akchour Waterfall by taking a short hike with your guide on the way back to Tangier. This tour ensures that you see both the cultural and natural wonders of northern Morocco.

Private tour to Chefchaouen from Tangier

To explore the blue marvels of Chefchaouen at your own pace, invest in a private tour from Tangier. Your itinerary is complexly flexible and you will have the undivided attention of your tour guide all day. Larger groups also enjoy discounts so these are the perfect tours for a family looking to explore Morocco.

2-Day tour to Chefchaouen from Tangier

A 2-day trip to Chefchaouen is ideal for folks looking to spend a weekend in Northern Morocco. On day 1 you will be treated to a tour of Tangier while your second day is spent exploring Chefchaouen. The experience also includes an overnight stay at a local hotel, breakfast and dinner.

How much does a day trip to Chefchaouen from Tangier cost?

A basic day trip to Chefchaouen costs US$75 per person and includes transportation to and from your hotel. It is a guided tour, but all other expenses are for your own account. Adding a visit to Akchour Waterfall raises the price to US$100 per person.

A private tour to Chefchaouen starts from US$125 per person but prices can drop to as low as US$45 per person for groups of 8.

To make a weekend out of your 2-day visit to Tangier and Chefchaouen you will pay around US$385 per person. This includes transportation, accommodation and meals.

What will you see and do?

Here is a look at some of the treasures that lay waiting in Chefchaouen:

The Blue Medina

The Blue Medina is the old town of Chefchaouen and undoubtedly the main reason for your visit. The narrow streets are lined with whitewashed houses painted in shades of blue, giving the medina a magical and dreamlike appearance.

You can get lost in the streets, discover a number of shops and restaurants, see local life continue as normal and meet some of the artisans who put their unique spin on traditional crafts.

The Kasbah Museum

The Kasbah Museum is located in the heart of the Blue Medina. It is housed in a 17th-century kasbah or citadel, and it tells the history of Chefchaouen from its founding to the present day.

The museum exhibits include traditional clothing, ceramics, and jewelry, as well as weapons and other artifacts from the region. You can visit the museum if you have enough free time or simply marvel at the grand walls and towers that date back centuries.

The Spanish Mosque

The mosques in Chefchaouen are closed to visitors but the Spanish Mosque atop the hill is open to all. It overlooks the Blue Medina and offers one of the best views of the city. While it was built in the 1920s by Spanish colonial forces in an attempt to gain favor with the local Muslim community, it was never fully utilized for this purpose.

When is the best time to visit Chefchaouen?

The best time to visit Chefchaouen is in Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). These periods offer milder weather in comparison to the summer months, as well as fewer tourists than in the peak season, providing ideal conditions for exploring.

Are there any tours to Chefchaouen from other cities in Morocco?

Yes, there are tours departing from another city in Morocco:

• Day trips to Chefchaouen from Fez

Travel tips

• Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, so dress modestly to respect the local culture. Wear loose-fitting clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. This is especially important when visiting religious sites.
• Make sure to try local dishes like tagine, pastilla, and harira. There are also many cafes where you can relax and enjoy Moroccan mint tea.
• The blue streets are very photogenic, but always ask for permission before taking photos of locals.
• While there are ATMs in Chefchaouen, many smaller establishments, shops, and restaurants do not accept cards. It's a good idea to have some Moroccan dirhams on hand.