Chefchaouen Map: The Blue City

Chefchaouen, in the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco, is famous for its medina of blue-washed houses and lanes.

RegionTanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima
Founded1471
From FesAbout 4 hours by road
From TangierAbout 2.5–3 hours by road

Exploring the blue town

The medina is small enough to explore on foot in a day. Lanes painted in every shade of blue climb from Bab el-Ain to Outa el Hammam, the main square, where the red walls of the kasbah and its garden museum face the Grand Mosque. On the eastern side, the Ras El Ma spring feeds the stream where locals still wash carpets.

For the classic view over the town, walk about 30 minutes up to the Spanish Mosque on the hill, ideally for sunset. The surrounding Rif Mountains and Talassemtane National Park offer day hikes, including to Akchour and the "God's Bridge" rock arch.

Getting there

There is no railway. CTM buses run from Fes (about 4 hours) and Tangier (about 2.5 to 3 hours via Tetouan).

Plan Your Trip

💙 Chefchaouen tripsDay trips from Fes and Tangier

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Chefchaouen blue?

Several explanations exist, including Jewish tradition brought by refugees in the 1930s and keeping the town cool, but painting the houses blue is now also kept up for visitors.

How many days do you need in Chefchaouen?

One full day covers the medina; two days lets you add a hike to Akchour or relax.

Related Maps

FesThe world's largest car-free medina and its famous tanneries.TangierGateway between Africa and Europe on the Strait of Gibraltar.MeknesImperial city of Moulay Ismail, close to the Roman ruins of Volubilis.