If you’re anything like me, the dreamy blue streets of Chefchaouen have been at the top of your bucket list ever since you first saw them on a screen-saver or Instagram feed. Known as the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco, it’s a destination that seems almost too magical to be real. But as with so many places we discover online, it’s normal to wonder: is Chefchaouen worth visiting?
For me, the answer is a resounding yes! During our trip to Morocco, we made it a priority to visit Chefchaouen, and I can honestly say it exceeded my expectations. That being said, I understand the hesitation—has it become too touristy? Is it just another overhyped spot? In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about visiting Chefchaouen, from how much time you need and how to get there, to why this charming city is worth adding to your itinerary.
Spoiler alert: Chefchaouen isn’t just worth visiting—it’s one of the highlights of Morocco. Let’s dive in!
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Is Chefchaouen worth visiting: FAQs
Is Chefchaouen too touristy?
It’s no secret that destinations like Chefchaouen have become famous thanks to social media, which often leads to increased tourism. So, is Chefchaouen worth visiting despite its popularity? My honest answer is yes! While Chefchaouen is one of the more touristy places we visited in Morocco, its still an incredibly unique destination in Morocco.
For example, some of the most popular photo spots now charge a small fee to take pictures—which is understandable given the tourist influx. That said, when we visited Chefchaouen in November (Morocco’s low season), the city wasn’t overcrowded. In fact, many of the visitors we noticed were Moroccan tourists.
The fact that Moroccans choose Chefchaouen as a holiday destination is a huge indicator for me that it’s definitely worth visiting. Don’t let the idea of it being “touristy” deter you—it’s truly a unique place that’s worth experiencing for yourself.
How much time do you need in Chefchaouen?
The vibe in Chefchaouen is slower-paced, peaceful, and perfect for a break from the hustle and bustle of bigger cities like Marrakech and Fes. So, how much time do you need in Chefchaouen? A one-night stay is usually enough to explore the highlights and make the most of your time. While there aren’t endless things to do, you shouldn’t rush your visit here and give yourself enough time to really enjoy the Blue Pearl!
That being said, day trips to Chefchaouen are very popular from cities like Tangier and Fes (more on the below!). And if a day is all you have to work with, I still think its worth the trip even if you can’t stay the night!
How do I get to Chefchaouen?
I do think its worth mentioning that Chefchaouen is a bit out of the way and there isn’t many major sites around, so you’ll most likely have to take a detour to get there. The town is tucked away in the northern mountains of Morocco, and the closest city is Tangier, located about two hours away by car. Despite the detour, the mountain vistas make it an incredibly beautiful drive!
Chefchaouen’s isolation from other major cities is the main reason why I recommend staying the night. You’ll want enough to make the drive and enjoy the city. If you’re short on time and can’t stay the night, many tour companies offer day trips to Chefchaouen from cities like Tangier or Fes. These tours handle the logistics for you, making it an easy option for those with packed itineraries. I’ve listed a few below for you to check out.
If you’d like to skip the tour, you can either get to Chefchaouen by car, by public transit, or by taxi.
🚌 Arriving by bus: Since there’s no nearby airport or train station, buses are the best option for public transportation. You can book tickets on the official CTM website. Be prepared for winding mountain roads and long travel times.
🚕 Arriving by taxi: This is the most convenient option, but also the most expensive. A private taxi from Fes to Chefchaouen, for example, can cost between $150–$200 CAD. Use Rome2Rio to compare routes and prices.
🚗 Arriving by car: Driving is the most flexible way to visit. From Tangier, it’s a 2-hour drive; from Fes, it’s about 3.5 hours; and from Rabat, it’s around 4 hours. Start early to make the most of your day, and keep in mind that parking in Chefchaouen can be tricky. We managed to find street parking near our riad after circling for a bit.
READ MORE: Morocco Road Trip: Driving in Morocco & other useful tips
PRO TIP: If you’re renting a car in Morocco, our go-to for our road trips is rentalcars.com.
Where to stay in Chefchaouen?
I highly recommend Dar Elrio for your stay in Chefchaouen. From the moment we arrived, the service was outstanding—they offered local tips, complimentary tea, and were so warm and welcoming.
The rooftop terrace was stunning, and the quiet location was perfect for relaxing. Plus, our cozy room felt like a treehouse, making it one of the most memorable stays of our trip—and it was more affordable than I expected for an otherwise touristy place!
Book your stay at Dar Elrio here!
What to do in Chefchaouen?
Shopping around town
You’ll, of course, be visiting the Medina on your visit to Chefchaouen, and this is an excellent place to shop for souvenirs. You’ll find everything from handmade rugs and leather goods to unique crafts and keepsakes. Shopping is one of the main things to do in Chefchaouen and you could easily spent hours wandering from shop to shop.
Enjoy the sunset from Bouzafer Mosque
You should prioritize admiring Chefchaouen from afar during your visit. Chefchaouen’s best views can be found at Bouzafer Mosque, a popular spot for watching the sunset. While the hike to the mosque can get crowded, the panoramic views are worth it. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, you can stop halfway up the trail for equally stunning views with a bit more peace and quiet – this is what we did and we loved it!
Try local foods
Chefchaouen has some amazing hidden cafes and restaurants tucked away in its streets. Avoid the main squares and ask your riad for recommendations— our riad pointed us to Beldi Bab Ssour and Restaurant Triana. Most of our time in Chefchaouen was snacking on street food, and sitting in hidden cafes.
Must-try dishes in Morocco include:
Couscous: Couscous (steamed semolina grains) are often served with huge amounts of veggies or meats. These are very filling meals and absolutely delicious!
Tagine: A tagine is the name of the traditional pot used to cook this meal – it’s often a mix of veggies and/or meat!
Tangia: A tangia is slow-cooked meat and was one of my favorite dishes from our trip!
Pasilla de poulet: This crispy pie pastry is a mix of sweet and salty with meat filling and powdered sugar on top.
Zaalouk: My favorite meal from Morocco is actually one of their salads! This warm Moroccan salad is made of eggplants and tomatoes and it’s incredible!
Explore the blue streets
The iconic blue streets of Chefchaouen are what make this city so special – and yes, the city is completely painted in blue and white. If you’re still questioning – is Chefchaouen worth visiting, let me be honest and say that the blue streets are unlike any other destination I’ve been to before! It’s so photogenic, mesmerizing and just a beautiful thing to experience.
My best advice is to just wander. There are some popular photo spots I could list for you, but many of them require you to pay to take photos there and honestly, there are so many nooks and crannies around the city that you don’t need to clog up the same go-to spots! The Medina is very confusing, with lots of twists, turns and stairs, so go with the flow, get lost, and just explore! And have your camera ready!
Hiking in the Rif Mountains
If you have extra time, consider staying another night to explore the Rif Mountains. The Talassemtane National Park is full of hiking trails equipped with sweeping views and rushing waterfalls.
The popular spots to explore are the Waterfalls of Akchour, God’s Bridge, and Mount Lakraa Summit Walk. You can find more detailed trail information on AllTrails.
Tips for visiting Chefchaouen
🩺 Don’t forget travel insurance! Although we were lucky enough not to need our travel insurance on our trip to Morocco, we were very glad we had it. Travel insurance gives you peace of mind, no matter the type of trip—whether it’s an active adventure or simply exploring new cities. Our go-to is SafetyWing; we used them for our Morocco trip and have been using them ever since.
READ MORE: SafetyWing Nomad Insurance: my honest review
👚 Dress appropriately. When visiting any Islamic country, it’s important to respect local customs, which includes dressing modestly. This means wearing loose-fitted clothes, covering your shoulders, and generally avoiding anything too revealing. Chefchaouen is no exception! If you’re unsure what to pack for your trip to Morocco, I’ve written a detailed packing guide to help you plan.
READ MORE: Complete Morocco packing list for first time visitors
💵 Bring cash with you, just in case. Morocco is a very cash-based country. While some riads or larger shops might accept card payments, most local vendors and drivers will only take cash. Be sure to have enough Dirhams with you for tips, small purchases, or souvenirs! It’s always better to have a little extra on hand for unexpected situations.
PRO TIP: To avoid too many exchange and ATM fees, I use Wise as my main travel credit card. I’ve been using them for over 5 years and they’re my favourite travel tool!
⛰️ Be prepared for lots of steps. Chefchaouen is located in the mountains, which naturally means a lot of stairs. This was something we weren’t fully prepared for, so I thought I’d share the heads-up with you! Whether you’re exploring the blue streets or climbing up to the Bouzafer Mosque for sunset, expect steep paths and steps at every turn. To make your visit more comfortable, wear good walking shoes, stay hydrated, and keep a water bottle handy.
You might find these links helpful:
🗺️ Our full 2-week Morocco itinerary
💸 Our Morocco budget breakdown
📆 What to expect visiting Morocco in November
Is Chefchaouen worth visiting!?
So, is Chefchaouen worth visiting? By now, you’ve probably realized that I truly enjoyed our time there—and yes, I think it’s absolutely worth the detour!
Visiting during the off-season made it even better, as it wasn’t as crowded as I had expected (some destinations around the world are still packed even in the off-season!). Prices were reasonable, and the atmosphere felt relaxed and authentic.
While Chefchaouen doesn’t have a long list of attractions, its charm lies in its peaceful nature. Wandering through the iconic blue streets, admiring the stunning views, spotting the stray cats lounging in cozy corners, and soaking in the unique vibe of the “Blue Pearl” is an unforgettable experience. In my opinion, it’s 100% worth the visit—so if you have the chance to go, I say do it!
Have any other questions about visiting Chefchaouen? Feel free to drop them in the comments! I’m more than happy to share more about our experience. If you’d like personalized travel advice, you can also book a travel consultation call with me. With years of experience planning trips, I’d love to help you make the most of your travels and plan your next dream getaway!
