Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceïma··6 min read
Chefchaouen: Is the Blue City Worth the Detour?
Chefchaouen was a well-kept secret for decades. Then Instagram happened. It's still worth going — you just have to be smart about when.
By Salma Idrissi
Sleep one night, not zero
The day-trippers arrive by 11 a.m. and leave by 5 p.m. If you sleep in the medina, you get the blue alleys to yourself before 9 and after 6 — the only times they photograph the way you imagined.
Hike above the town
The Spanish Mosque viewpoint is 30 minutes uphill and rewards you with the postcard shot. For a real hike, the Akchour waterfalls (45 min drive) are Morocco's most underrated day trip.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Chefchaouen?
3.5 hours from Fes, 2 hours from Tangier. There's no airport or train station; a private driver is the sanest option.
Is one day enough in Chefchaouen?
For the medina, yes. For the light and the hikes, no — plan one night at minimum.