About Chefchaouen

Nestled in Morocco’s Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen dazzles with its striking blue-painted streets, vibrant souks, and breathtaking mountain views. This picture-perfect town offers hotels for every kind of traveller – cosy budget hostels hidden in the medina, stylish boutique riads with rooftop panoramas, and serene family stays on the hillsides. If you crave nature, rustic farmhouses just beyond town put hiking trails and birdwatching on your doorstep, making Chefchaouen the ideal base for culture, scenery, and comfort.

Tucked away two hours inland from Tangier, Chefchaouen is a charming mountain town where history, culture, and incredible food come together in the most picturesque setting. With its maze of narrow lanes, bright blue houses, and lively squares, wandering the medina feels like stepping into a storybook. You can soak up centuries of history at the 15th-century kasbah, complete with serene gardens and a small museum, before browsing bustling markets or watching artisans at work in tiny workshops. When hunger calls, cosy eateries serve up fragrant tagines and regional specialities that are as comforting as they are delicious.

Just outside town, the waterfall at Ras El Maa offers a peaceful escape, while sunset views from the old Spanish Mosque are simply unforgettable. Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in the surrounding Rif Mountains, where forest trails wind past hidden villages and wildlife, from colourful birds to Barbary monkeys. Whether you’re here to lose yourself in the medina’s charm or to lace up your boots for an adventure in the hills, Chefchaouen’s relaxed atmosphere and warm hospitality make it the perfect place to slow down and soak up Morocco’s magic.

The Best Places to Stay in Chefchaouen

For an intimate stay

  • La Petite Chefchaouen boasts five cosy, contemporary bedrooms hidden within the kasbah walls. Expect soft linens perfect for sinking into after a long day of exploring the town, beautiful panoramas from the rooftop terrace, and a warm welcome. A little hideaway for couples and foodies -- who will adore the evening feasts.

For rustic charm

  • Auberge Dardara is a traditional Berber-style farmhouse with rustic bedrooms featuring tiled floors topped with homespun rugs, large stone fireplaces and bright bedspreads on wrought-iron beds. Pick this place for its laid-back feel and the flavoursome food served in the no-frills restaurant. Ideal for walkers, hikers and birdwatchers eager to discover the green hills beyond Chefchaouen.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR VILLA

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to Tangier airport or to Gibraltar, Seville or Málaga, and take the ferry to Tangier. It's then a two-hour taxi or three-hour bus ride inland to Chefchaouen.
  • Alternatively, contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Travel during the summer months (May to September) for the best weather, when temperatures average between 24 and 29°C. Come at the beginning or the end of the season to avoid the crowds!

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The best hotels in Chefchaouen

Auberge Dardara

Chefchaouen

Back to basics at this rural farm with a reputable restaurant serving fresh local produce and offering rustic rooms - popular with groups of walkers, hikers, nature lovers and twitchers.

  • Active Holiday - Set in a picturesque rural position with numerous outdoor pursuits on offer.
  • Cooking classes - Take a cooking class and learn how to make Jbala northern Moroccan cuisine.
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
  • Restaurant
from $81 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

La Petite Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen (1er Rif Andalouss )

1,850 ft high up in the Rif mountains in northwestern Morocco sits the striking blue-washed city of Chefchaouen. La Petite Chefchaouen is a small contemporary boutique hotel within the kasbah walls with modern comforts, roof terrace (two of the rooms have private terraces) and innovative cooking.

  • Local exploring - Ideally placed to explore Chefchaouen and its surrounding countryside.
  • Local markets - Scour the Souk el had (market) for local handicrafts (open on Sundays).
  • Restaurant
  • Boutique
from $96 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Dar Echchaouen

Chefchaouen (El Onsar)

Nestled between the Ras El Ma spring and the foot of the Rif Mountains, this guesthouse boasts a blend of Andalusian and Moroccan architecture. Character is key here with exposed brick, beams, and carved headboards. There's an outdoor pool, traditional restaurant, plus a pretty garden. Charming.

  • Total relaxation - Unwind on the sun terrace, by the pool, or in the tranquil garden — pure relaxation with authentic style
  • Views - Enjoy the panoramic views of the blue pearl city of Chefchaouen
  • Local markets - Explore the local souks, where you can haggle for unique handicrafts, vibrant textiles, and aromatic spices
  • Restaurant - Savour classic tagines, couscous, pastilla, and more in the inviting on-site Moroccan restaurant
from $172 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Lina Ryad & Spa

Chefchaouen (Ancienne Medina)

Nestled in the heart of Chefchaouen’s striking medina, this charming hotel showcases traditional Moroccan design with intricate archways and ornate tiled floors. Suites boast cute stucco bathrooms, and some have direct access to the shared rooftop with stunning views. A hidden gem.

  • Local exploring - With its superb central location in the Medina, Lina Ryad is perfectly placed for seeing Chefchaouen's highlights
  • Views - The charming rooftop terrace boasts a stunning view over the medina
  • Back to Nature - Talassemtane National Park is a premier hiking destination with deep gorges, craggy cliffs, hidden caves, and seasonal streams
  • Great walks - Stroll through the town’s medina, a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets adorned with vibrant blue walls
from $192 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia