Chefchaouen Travel Guide: The Blue City and Akchour Waterfalls
A practical guide to Chefchaouen, the blue city of the Rif Mountains: what to see in the medina, the best viewpoints, a day hike to Akchour and tips for your visit.
Tucked into the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco, Chefchaouen is famous for the blue-washed walls of its medina. Beyond the photographs, it is a relaxed mountain town with a slower pace than the big imperial cities, and a good base for walks in the surrounding valleys.
Exploring the medina
The old town is small enough to explore on foot, and getting a little lost in its stepped lanes is part of the charm. Start at Outa el Hammam, the main square, where cafés face the red walls of the kasbah. Inside the kasbah, a small garden and museum give a sense of the town's history, and the tower offers a view over the rooftops.
From there, wander uphill towards Ras El Maa, the spring on the edge of the medina where locals come to cool off and fill water. The quieter lanes around it are among the most photogenic in town.
The best viewpoint
For the classic view over Chefchaouen, walk up to the Spanish Mosque on the hill east of the medina. The path takes around half an hour at an easy pace, and late afternoon is the best time, when the light softens over the valley and the town below.
A day trip to Akchour
Akchour, in Talassemtane National Park, is one of the most popular day trips from Chefchaouen. Trails follow the river past pools and waterfalls, and a longer walk leads to God's Bridge, a natural rock arch above the gorge. Wear shoes with good grip, bring water and start early in summer, when the trails get busy.
When to visit
- Spring brings green hillsides and flowing waterfalls, which makes it an ideal time for hiking.
- Summer is warm and lively, and the river pools at Akchour are at their most inviting.
- Autumn is calm and pleasant, with fewer visitors.
- Winter can be cold and rainy in the mountains, but the town is at its quietest.
Getting there
Chefchaouen has no train station, so visitors arrive by road. It is a common stop between Tangier or Tetouan and Fes, and many travellers join an organised trip that includes transport from a pickup point in one of these cities.
Tips for a respectful visit
- Chefchaouen is a living town, not a film set. Ask before photographing people and their doorways.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the medina is built on a slope, with many steps.
- Mornings are the quietest time to walk the lanes before day visitors arrive.
- Carry some cash for small shops and cafés.
Plan your trip
If you would rather have the transport and the Akchour hike organised for you, see Chefchaouen and the Rif, run by a verified agency on Tripycco, or explore more destinations across Morocco.