Blue-washed streets in the mountains
Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen · The blue pearl of the Rif
Tucked into the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is Morocco's dreamlike 'blue city', where every wall, step and doorway is painted in shades of indigo and sky. Cool mountain air, artisan shops and endlessly photogenic lanes make it a favourite escape.
Top sightsSights
Blue medina
The famous indigo-washed old town, made for wandering and photos.
Plaza Uta el-Hammam
The central square with a red kasbah and cafes.
Spanish Mosque viewpoint
A short hike to a sunset panorama over the blue town.
Ras el-Maa waterfall
A cascade at the medina’s edge where locals gather.
Rif hiking trails
Mountain walks to Akchour’s falls and God’s Bridge.
What to eatFood
Goat cheese
A fresh mountain cheese unique to the region.
Bissara
A hearty fava-bean soup for the cool climate.
Tagine with plums
A sweet-savoury mountain-style stew.
Good to know
- Reach it by bus or taxi from Tangier or Fes, roughly two to four hours.
- Mornings offer the softest light and emptiest lanes for photos.
- Bring layers — the mountain evenings are cool year-round.
Getting there
No airport; most travellers arrive by road from Tangier, Fes or Tetouan through the Rif Mountains.
Next city
Marrakesh