Rabat With 2 nights (meaning at least 1 full day), you'll have time to explore all the nooks and crannies of the town and still have time to relax. Chefchaouen is undoubtedly a pretty little town in places but in the last few months it seems to have become a magnet for visitors who feel they HAVE to include it on the tick-list of places to go. OMG I love your pics! If you have questions about itineraries, please post them as separate threads in the Chefchaoun forum. If you do decide to spend a night or two in Chefchaoen, youll have a number of accommodation options. The city is different than the rest of Morocco. However, it doesnt really have much to offer. There are LOTS more places worth visiting in Morocco. Next week, I will be sharing my adventures in Marrakech, Moroccos most vibrant city. I totally agree with @Solomon about "Chefchaouen from Tangier or Fez". I really didn't care what colour it was, I just enjoyed the location and the atmosphere (or are we supposed to say "the vibe" these days??). July is one of the two hottest months of the year (August is even hotter), with average temperatures of 29C to 36C most days. Chefchaouen is one of the rare places in the world where it is a pleasure to get lost. 30 people, 1 question: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow? Make sure to be prepared and take food and water with you. READ NEXT: 8 Things That Surprised Me About Traveling in Morocco. From Fez I would always recommend Azrou and the Middle Atlas with its volcanos, cedar forests, wild monkeys and springs. I seek to inspire people to be curious about the world and find ways to fit more travel into the lifestyle they already have - and I only share tips based on my personal experiences and places I've actually traveled! Besides the exquisitely prepared tajines and a Friday couscous, ordinary staples for any Moroccan restaurant, the chefs at Lala Mesouda dig deeper into traditional Moroccan cuisine served at home. Just a tea if you want it and some friendly chit-chat. Their travel philosophy focuses on the journey as part of the adventure while keeping the budget low and the experience quality high. *. However, while day trips are possible I really recommend staying at least one night. Essential Guide To Agadir In 2020, The Ultimate Marrakech Travel Guide For 2020, ==> Book your stay at these Top 30 Best Hotels in Chechaouen. It might be sunny and hot in Fes or Meknes, but it could still be cool and cloudy in Chefchaouen especially during the winter months! Thank you for stopping by and talk soon. Jasmine Caf Teteria Opened in the summer of 2017, this fresh caf offers an ingenious blend of foods from around the world, including crowd favorites such as spring rolls, veggie pizza and ramen noodles. of mosquitoes. (And, from the main entrances into the medina, walking to your hotel will mostly likely mean walking mildly uphill for 10-ish minutes.). Chefchaouen was a stop on the Morocco tour(s) that I took, meaning I got there via private transport both times I visited. Read the full disclosure policy, 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Chefchaouen, Morocco. There is no nearby airport and no train station so your options are take the bus or drive. For many years she lived overseas in Germany, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, and the Netherlands teaching the children of the US. I like to recommend SafetyWing for travel medical insurance as they are one of the most affordable options Ive found, plus, they are who I use and I have had great experiences with them. We parked on an incline and were looking for chocks to help the dubious parking brake stick us to the space. Home Africa Morocco 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Chefchaouen, Morocco. Chefchaouen Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do & Places to See in i'll be doing a couple of days in Marrakesh, at least one day/night in Casablanca, at least one day/night in a Berber riad near Atlas Mts, and at least one day/night in the desert. We stayed at Casa Hassan, well at the sister riad a few meters down. chefchaouen--worth it? - Morocco Forum - Tripadvisor . All of this had an influence on the look of the city. If you are someone who likes to constantly be on the move and see/do things, then your time may be better spent elsewhere in Morocco. l take your point that one can relax there and wander and get lost. Vegetarians can find sauted mushroom caps to stuff in their baguette sandwich. Visa Requirements It is a small, conservative city that is a bit out of the way but is well worth the visitwashed in vibrant shades of blue, this place is one of a kind. thank you! One of our favorite place to shop is the Hat Man. I LOVE cats, but will admit that Chefchaouen has (in my personal opinion) some of the unhealthiest-looking kitties in Morocco. If starting off from Casablanca there are two long-established bus companies offering comfortable intercity coach services, CTM and Nejme Chamal both of which take around seven hours to complete the scenic journey through the Rif mountains. Many people compare it to the famous Santorini and Alpujarra. Chefchaouen also referred to as the Blue Pearl of Morocco is single-handedly responsible for inspiring many people to visit Morocco. WEATHER IN MOROCCO IN JULY. Why is Chefchaouen painted blue? - studenten365.com I would probably go for the photographs, I cant resist a colourful city, but now know to plan a couple of lowkey days when Im there. Yes, it takes a while to get to, and yes, it can feel touristy at times. That being said, we made sure we were in fairly early in the evenings (not that there is much to do in the evening there anyways). Tourism is the number one industry here. Ask your accommodation for Hammam recommendations. Chaouen is a respite of quiet after the busy medinas of Fez and Marrakech. But being in the blue pearl of Morocco will make you feel like you are in the middle of a beautiful dream, but no! Is Chefchaouen Worth a Visit Chefchaouen is one of Morocco's most beloved destinations, known for its blue-painted houses. (This also means that you really should stay at least one night in Chefchaouen since you're probably going out of your way to visit in the first place.). Refreshed and eager to set out on the next part of our journey, we walked through the town one more time, pausing to take one more look at the gorgeous azul alleyways and of course take a lot more photos. You will take great photos if you go up the hill as you will be able to enjoy the view of the whole city from above.Chefchaouen is a Very beautiful and unique place, just stunning and full of magic. , This blog uses affiliate links and cookies, A Two Week Morocco Itinerary You Should Steal, 7 Reasons To Visit The Vesterlen Islands of Norway . any thoughts on whether my time is better spent elsewhere? There's some excellent trekking in the region and it's a good place to chill out. In this article you will learn six key things about Chefchaouen which will help you decide if you should include it on your Moroccan itinerary and what to do once you get there. Chefchaouen is perched on the side of a mountain, you will be climbing up and down stairs and rough road surfaces. Budget Flight Tips If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Thanks Michele! Chefchaouen is small and walkable so one or two days is all you need. We need your consent to track anonymous data that helps us run this site more smoothly. Jane, One of the best! We tried two different spots during out visit, Restaurant Aladin which we both really enjoyed and was one of the cheapest places weve eaten at. Visit Chefchaouen | Blue City Morocco | Memphis Tours Nature lovers will enjoy the easily accessible day hikes into the mountains. This thread is about the viability (or lack thereof) of visiting Chefchaouen from other parts of Morocco. At night, most tourists gather around the main square for a homemade Tagine or a mint tea before they head back to their hotels for the evening. It gets thousands of visitors yearly and the number is increasing. But with the advent of Instagram and travel blogs, the secret definitely got out. Dear god no. The city is different than the rest of Morocco. Chefchaouen is hours away from the nearest large cities - 2 hours (one-way) from Tangier, 3.5 hours from Fes, and 4 hours from Rabat. It is a small city and you can ask around if you get lost, which is unlikely. If you like photography! This is a great way to escape the sun and take a little break while still getting to enjoy the beauty of the city. Your privacy matters to us. The Magic of Chefchaouen, the Blue City of Morocco - Travel Notes & Beyond curvy travel & finance writer Its the best place to take a couple of down days during a longer trip to Morocco, like we did. TOP 5 Popular in Chefchaouen, the charming bride Akchour Waterfalls Talassemtane National Park Grand Mosque Carpet Stores Old Medina of Chefchaouen The must-see places in and around Chefchaouen, the charming bride Nature in Chefchaouen, the charming bride Chefchaouen, a picture perfect nature Medina in Chefchaouen, the charming bride It's also the place where I got the least hassle of anywhere else I've been in Morocco too. Yes, that's a good idea from @khamlia. I also love capturing beautiful doors and windows like these when traveling. This is fine if you are arriving in Tanger and doing a tour of northern Morocco and the Rif mountains. i actually am considering fes as well, maybe that will take the place of my intended desert stay. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Evenings cool a bit when the sun goes down, averaging 18C to 22C degrees. military. Lala Mesouda For homemade Moroccan cuisine, it might not get any better in Morocco than Said Bakkalis tucked away gem along the upper slopes of the Chefchaouen medina. The next day, fresh and raring to go, we made it to the famous Blue City. So just be aware that you'll see a LOT of cats here, and will have to watch where you step on the streets sometimes to avoid cat poop. The next day, fresh and raring to go, we made it to the famous Blue City. There you will see children play and run all over the place. We grabbed our packs and headed up through the gate where our eyes were immediately accosted by the blue. Unlike the medina of Marrakech or the Kasbahs of Tangier and Rabat, foreigners havent really been able to purchase old houses and convert them to upscale riads so many of the local populace still actually lives in the Medina. The easy answer? I had previously traveled in Rajhastan, India and they have a blue city as well, Jodhpur. PS: If you are a woman thinking of travelling to Morocco alone, I suggest you read this post. But here's something all the Instagram captions probably don't tell you: there's not actually a lot to DO in Chefchaouen. Food & Recipes Another attraction is the absence of heavy traffic in the town and a welcome relief from the air pollution in the big cities. Right at the end of the 15th century, Ali Ben Rachid began moving his family and friends from Granada (in modern day Spain) into Chaouen. While no one knows why the town was painted this hue, some speculate it was to repel mosquitos while others believe the blue symbolizes sky and god. There are no Jews at all living in Chefchaouen. The first thing that you need to know is that Chefchaoeun is quite far from Moroccos other main cities. Eric, I never knew that about New Orleans. Chefchaouen, also known as the blue city is becoming famous year after year. The locals simply call it Chaouen but to foreigners, it's known as "the Blue City." The shades of blue here are gorgeous, to the point that I think I'd be glued to my camera whenever walking around! We paid $100 between the two of us for 2 nights in a private twin room with breakfast. It will give you the opportunity to get backto the Middle Ages, as the locals of the blue city have always kept a traditional and simple way of living. I love it! Thank you for your support! From there to Casablanca it is very close, by train. Wander the Medina Chefchaouen boasts one of the most enjoyable, funky medinas in all of Morocco. At any rate, I wondered if there was a similar reason that the Moroccans painted this city blue. If you're traveling independently, though, the easiest way to get to Chefchaouen is by bus or taxi if you're not renting a car. Chefchaouen is definitely on our Bucket List! Riad Zaitouna Chaouen a great rooftop with amazing views of the city; clean and comfortable. If you are into photography and looking for a bit of a quieter break, sure thing. In my opinion, yes, Chefchaouen is definitely worth a visit. But in Chefchaouen, the language you're likely to hear the most after Arabic is actually Spanish! If you want to do a desert trip, you need at least 3 days and we recommend 4 days. Hotel Rif Tawadous Just one thing. There are several stories of why the old city was painted blue in the first place. Open daily for lunch and dinner, reservations recommended. You can even see similar blue streets at the Kasbah Oudaya in Rabat which is much easier to reach from Casablanca or Marrakech. i was looking for more opinions/advice and further general information regarding my complete itinerary as well :), This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The anchovy tajine, a northern speciality, makes for a tasty lunch or dinner. Admittedly it's not everybody's choice of destination and you need to be physically fit to explore the surrounding mountain terrain, but is it worth it?.I vote for yes! Chefchaouen: Planning Your Trip - TripSavvy I recommend staying at a riad (guesthouse). two days Chefchaouen is small: two days is . One of the most recommended things to do in Chafchaoen is tovisit the Medina on a Thursday, as it is a souk day. You were offered to buy some weed or smoke a blunt, just Ignore the kif dealers unless you are a stoner then go up the hills roll a blunt and enjoy the view. Parking is limited in the old town and most of the hotels in the center dont have parking. Chefchaouen is a place where it is a pleasure to get lost, it is an extraordinary, supernatural place. If you are planning on making this journey, make sure to book your tickets well in advance. The people of Chefchaouen are, for the most part, really pleasant and foreigners can stroll through the blue walled medina without being harassed by touts and venders too much. However, if you arent someone who wants to take it easy, and you want a lot of sights to see then maybe I would skip it. We were offered drugs during our visit but obviously did not accept. Monuments & Sites Chefchaouen is hours away from the nearest large cities 2 hours (one-way) from Tangier, 3.5 hours from Fes, and 4 hours from Rabat. Taking a trip from Tangier to Chefchaouen is the most common and shortest route, roughly a two hour ride through the beautiful Rif Mountains. I heard a lot of different (some quite unbelievable) theories about why Chefchaouen is blue. The streets in the medina are a maze-like mix of cobbled alleys and concrete steps this is definitely NOT an accessible place to visit. We will only ever ask for your name, email address, or website address so we can communicate through email and newsletters. Chefchaouen, the blue city of Morocco, is a beautiful town of cobalt-stained streets set amid the majestic Rif Mountains. Pro-tip: Using tour guides at Chefchaouen is unnecessary. If you ever wanted to visit Morocco It is highly recommended to add Chefchaouen to your list. Let me know in the comments. Whenever I share photos of Chefchaouen on social media, I almost always have someone asking if the town really is THAT blue. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-102957294', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Essaouira is usually suggested as a coastal destination but it's very far for people who have a departure point from Casablanca. happy to hear advice on anything else i've noted here as well! We also ate at a place called Bab Ssour which came highly recommended. Essaouira is more like 6 or 7 hours. All rights reserved. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Chefchaouen - Tripadvisor Would we be able to find out why is Chefchaouen blue? Step into the Kingdom of Morocco, a country packed with lively cities, vibrant colours, and jaw-dropping natural landscapes. And note that if you're staying overnight in Chefchaouen within the medina, there likely won't be a way to get a car or van through the narrow streets to drop you off at your hotel or riad. Ill like to take you along with me so subscribe here so you know exactly when it goes live. Ive had to rely on mine multiple times. March 17, 2018 / 9:36 pm. To begin with, it was only Jewish houses that were blue, but they became the norm, and then everyone started doing it. The first thing that you need to know is that Chefchaoeun is quite far from Morocco's other main cities. I recommend wearing proper closed shoes though as the path is part gravel/rock and can be slippery. To put it bluntly, it wound me right up! The times allowed for men and women differ and changes regularly. At 60MAD (5) a ticket it's not really worth a visit for the museum alone, but what is worth your money is the view from the top of the fort itself. Click here to see our itinerary and how we mapped out the journey. Fez From Tangier the drive is only 3.5 hours to Chefchaouen. Chefchaouen is one of the most touristy places I visited in Morocco so two days there definitely felt like enough, but it's so beautiful and unique that it was still worth the journey up into the mountains to see Morocco's magical blue city. The walled medina of ancient Damascus is full of winding Between the two protective horns of the looming Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen has long been a strategic mountain town. I aim to inspire people to find ways to fit more travel and adventure into the lifestyle they already have. To get from the airport to the city, you have a choice of taxi or public bus. Post #7 has been restored and you might find it useful to update your blog. Is Chefchaouen worth visiting? Essaouira We include a similar map in each itinerary packet that travelers receive before their tour takes place with us at Journey Beyond Travel. Since Chefchaouen is built into the foothills of the Rif Mountains, you can expect to find a fair amount of steps and steep-ish inclines within the old medina especially. Avenue Hassan I, Quartier MDaka +212 (0)5 39 89 91 33, reservations recommended. This is fine if you are arriving in Tanger and doing a tour of northern Morocco and the Rif mountains. Its a nice view and not very hard, about 20-25 minutes from the bottom to the top. . A Day in Chefchaouen This cuts the travel time down and is a much more comfortable. There are many hotels in all classes to choose from, but last minute can be hard to find availability. Casa Hassan Come for the panoramic terrace views but stick around for some of the tasty tajines in Chaouen! Enjoy our website, quality articles, and feel free to join us on Facebook and Twitter. The high travel season in Morocco is generally from March through May, and then from September-October. :) Will certainly visit this place someday. Youll also want to be aware of the lighting, early morning before the sun gets too harsh is your best bet, but the shops (which add to the atmosphere) arent open first thing. The price was right, too, at around 40 euros for a double with breakfast. Chefchaouen has a LOT of stray cats in fact, you could probably argue that it has a problem with stray cats. I removed the previous two versions of this thread as they had become chocked with people asking about itineraries. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp Email. Destinations Chefchaouen, also known as the blue city is becoming famous year after year. Long famous on the backpacker trek, this small mountain town is now really blossoming into its own as a travel destination. This is an independent guide . *Just remember, though, that normal people LIVE behind those beautiful courtyards and doorways. Another attraction is the lower cost of living, and especially prices of souvenirs in the medina. Sitting on the terrace of our riad at sunset, listening to everything happening in the square below, was one of my favorite things in Chefchaouen. 5 years ago Save My girlfriend and I will be traveling to Morocco at the end of April. Each and every house has decorated doors and windows. Thanks to its location 2,000 feet up in the mountains, Chefchaouen has weather that can feel very different than the weather in cities just a few hours away. They travel to see it all, do as much as they can, and eat as many local foods as their stomachs can handle. However, Chefchaouen was my ultimate destination on that particular short trip, I hadn't tried to factor it in as an unreasonable destination in an already overcrowded itinerary. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. While the town has become a popular tourist stop, it's not actually that convenient to get to. Vegetarians will be thrilled to find a veggie bastilla on order, delicious layers of p. eppers, tomatoes, and others veggies wrapped carefully in crunchy philou-dough. Casa Aladdin With incredible views over the Place Uta el-Hammam, shrouded in shabby chic blue and orange decor, this is truly the house of Aladdin. Definitely a place worth visiting! My first visit in February was very quiet (if a bit cold), and it also didn't feel too busy on my second visit in March. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Though trekking up and down the hillside can make for some sore legs at the end of the day, luckily there are plenty of cafs to plop down and recharge. The place is very quiet and calm, and the local people are very friendly. Visiting Morocco in July - MarocMama Mirleft to Tafroudant to marrakesh to Casablanca route, for the ladies - what to wear/what not to wear. No matter how you visit, making the trip to Chefchaouen is well worth it, and for the next time you have the opportunity to visit . Chefchaouen is a city of fewer than 50,000 people in a rural province in northern Morocco. It definitely leans towards being very touristy, and as I mentioned the touts are looking for you, but they were respectful and when they realized we werent buying, left us alone. Cannabis production and consumption is illegal in Morocco, though, so if someone asks if you'd like to buy hashish, simply say no and they aren't likely to continue bothering you. Historically, Chefchaouen, like many other Moroccan cities, had hammams for men and women. If you have any questions, inquiries, or just want to say hello, shoot me an email on info@theufuoma.com. The rest of the time was super relaxing and comfortable. By admin June 13, 2023 Updated: June 13, 2023 No Comments 13 Mins Read. By leaving a comment you agree with the storage and handling of your name and email address by Eat Sleep Breathe Travel. And its not as if the whole little town is blue, its only a few streets that are so picturesque. some are white, this is because the white paint is (anecdotally) less expensive. So in your case I'd also suggest El Jadida, as it's a great place for an overnight and just an hour from the airport. Would Chefchaouen meet them? You can visit Chefchaouen from any of the major cities in Morocco. You'll find the main streets clogged with tour groups during the mid-morning hours, and photographers and influencers doing photo shoots at all the popular painted staircases. Atlas Mountains By taxi is the more common way, with the trip costing 120 MAD and taking around 30 minutes. And also cats posing everywhere like they own the place. Chefchaouen, the charming bride - Visit Morocco All opinions are my own. The CTM buses are a good option from either Tangier or Fes, or you could hire a taxi in Tangier if you have a little more money to spend. Girl! the winter) if you want to avoid the crowds. Casablanca ) If you're able to add it into your Morocco itinerary (or book a tour that includes a stop here), I'd say you definitely should! Chefchaouen is one of my favourite places in Morocco and I've spent a lot of time there over the years, weather permitting. On the plus side there are many amenities to choose from. It is everywhere! ?. Whether you are into photography or are an influencer looking for some self-portraits, Chefchaoeun is a photography dream. Because of this, many languages are spoken in the streets, including French, Spanish, and Arabic. Tourism Overview We drove from Fes to Tetouan and Tanger with a stop in Chefchaouen and it was OK for spending the night. The last family left for Occupied Palestine over 40 years ago. Sometimes, it isnt always easy to find convenience stores on the way to your destination. Rina Singh. The Ultimate Chefchaouen Travel Guide - Third Eye Traveller Chefchaouen: Morocco's Best Kept Secret | Cond Nast Traveler Beware, the locals will find excuses to swindle you of your money. I feel like this is one of those places that most people only go to take instagram picstoo bad. As of my last visit to Chefchaouen there were still Jewish . Coincidence? There is no nearby airport and no train station so your options are take the bus or drive. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Sign up to the Eat Sleep Breathe Travel mail list and stay up to date with all the latest travel tips and stories. Morocco has a very warm climate. Aside from the blue medina, there is So much to get up to Chefchaouen. Ras el-Maa Located outside of the medina walls, to the east, Ras el Maa (or Head of the Water) is a small (slightly overrated by guidebooks) waterfall. As an Airbnb Associate and Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. And while I do think Chefchaouen is 100% worth visiting, I also think there are a lot of things the dreamy blue Instagram photos don't tell you . Very cool. . The rooms were comfortable and quirky, the internet was reliable, and the girl at the desk friendly and helpful. This mania that people have to include it as part of a rushed itinerary is simply beyond me. We saw plenty that were not only very thin, but also visibly ill. Locals throughout Morocco do often feed stray cats (we saw many in Chefchaouen being fed small fish from the nearby river), but they don't generally keep them as indoor pets, and getting them spayed/neutered is not common. Hand knitted hats are available in many shapes, sizes and various levels of ridiculousness. From Fez I would always recommend Azrou and the Middle Atlas with its volcanos, cedar forests, wild monkeys and springs. "Chef", a derivation of the Arabic word "to look" and "Chaouen," meaning "antlers" or "horns.". Targa For another short hike out of the medina, visit nearby nearby Targa. In Chefchaouen (often abbreviated as Chaouen), youll be welcomed to one of the most chill, laid back towns in all of Morocco. Here are a few more practical questions you might have about visiting Chefchaouen, Morocco. Where to find Marrakechs best food, hotels, and sights. Keeps the city cooler. The Mystery of the Blue City in Morocco, Chefchaouen - Acanela Expeditions It's just too far and it's not much cop anyway as a destination. Chefchaouen is regarded as quite a safe destination in Morocco, and in my personal experience (as a white female traveler) I never felt unsafe there on either of my two visits*. The last thing we wanted to do is come back in the morning to find our car at the bottom of the mountain. [] in the end, it just didnt happen and after 2.5 weeks travelling through Casablanca, Fes, Chefchaoeun, the Sahara, Marrakech, and Essaouira, I was more than ready to []. Perhaps the most famous is the Blue City of Chefchaouen. The TOP Things to Do in Chefchaouen: A Bucket List Itinerary!! But it really does live up to the hype and the Instagram photos. The stairs, the people, the food, the photos, it was all worth it! i'm able to click on your link and it works. But it's still a Moroccan medina with meandering streets meaning the likelihood of you getting turned around or lost is very high! 66 countries home One of my favourite places in Morocco. We did the sunset viewpoint hike to the Spanish Mosque which overlooks the city. 2004-2023. Keep in mind, that everyone comes here for photos so expect lineups in some of the most photographed spots. or you can also go to Essaouira overnight, by bus.