Want to discover Chefchaouen? There are a thousand ways to do it. Beautifully perched under the prime peaks of the Rif, Chefchaouen is one of the most beautiful villages in Morocco, an artsy mountain village, washed-out blue that feels like its own world.
While tourism has definitely taken hold of it, the balance between ease and authenticity is right. Chefchaouen is a small mountain town in northeastern Morocco with a magnificent setting, with a population of 40,000 inhabitants, built at 600 m altitude at the foot of the Kelaa and Meggou mountains, which form the Jebel Chaouen, in the chain Of the Rif mountains.
It is full of charm and authenticity and away from the major tourist destinations. The old Medina is a delighted with Moroccan and Andalusian influence with red tile roofs, bright blue buildings and alleys that converges on the busy Plaza Uta el-Hammam and its restored Kasbah.
In the narrow streets with Mediterranean decor of whitewashed houses decorated with smalt blue, you will discover historical monuments like the great mosque "El Masjid El Adamaa". And in the evening, climbing the heights of the Hotel Atlas, you can admire a beautiful sunset over the city and the valley. In the area of tourism, the province has considerable and diversified potential, consisting of historical monuments, numerous sandy beaches and vast forests with a wide range of fauna and flora.
You could also discover other potential cities such as: The town of Chefchaouen, the source of Ras El Maa (3 km from the town of Chefchaouen), the old Medina, the Kasbah, Waterfalls, the Cherafat mosque, the Talassemtane forest, the Toughoubit cave and the Bridge of God (Qantrat Rabi) in Akchour.
Chaouen is a respite of quiet after the busy medinas of Fez and Marrakech. However, it has enough of what is quintessentially Moroccan to be of interest to travelers looking for something a bit more authentic. Nature lovers will enjoy the easily accessible day hikes into the mountains. And shoppers will enjoy the hassle-free boutique shops for everything from hand-spun pottery to artisanal soaps made right in the city.
Whether you spend a couple of days wandering the clean medina streets, enjoying a hike through the Rif Mountains, or just want to relax with a book and a fresh mint tea, like most visitors to Chefchaouen, you will walk away having experienced something magical.
Beautifully perched beneath the raw peaks of the Rif, Chefchaouen is one of the prettiest towns in Morocco, an artsy, blue-washed mountain village that feels like its own world. While tourism has definitely taken hold, the balance between ease and authenticity is just right. The old medina is a delight of Moroccan and Andalucian influence with red-tiled roofs, bright-blue buildings and narrow lanes converging on busy Plaza Uta el-Hammam and its restored kasbah. Long known to backpackers for the easy availability of kif (cannabis), the town has rapidly gentrified and offers a range of quality accommodation, good food, lots to do and no hassles to speak of, making it a strong alternative to a hectic multi-city tour. This is a great place to relax, explore and take day trips to the cool green hills.
