1 Day Trip from Fez to Chefchaouen

Within this full-day excursion from Fez to Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl of Morocco, you will have many breaks at different landscapes on the way to Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains. Upon arrival, you will have free time to discover the amazing sights of Chefchaouen’s blue-painted streets. After exploring the Chefchaouen Medina and enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, we will return to Fez, where your Day Trip from Fez to Chefchaouen ends.

Chefchaouen History & Significance

Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 in the Rif Mountains of Morocco by Jews and Moors fleeing Spain. Many theories exist about why Chefchaouen is painted blue; some say it was painted by the Jews who settled there after fleeing Hitler, others claim it helps keep mosquitoes away, while some believe it represents the color of the sea.

Chefchaouen, also known as Chaouen, is a city in northern Morocco, known for its distinctive blue-washed buildings. It is the main town of Chefchaouen Province and is famous for its stunning Moroccan architecture. Due to its proximity to Tangier and the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, Chefchaouen is a popular tourist destination in Morocco. The city’s name comes from the Berber word “Ichawen”, referring to the mountain peaks resembling goat horns above the town.

Shopping & Local Products in Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is a popular shopping destination in Morocco, offering unique handicrafts, traditional Moroccan wool garments, and woven blankets that are not found elsewhere. Chefchaouen goat cheese is another local specialty that attracts visitors.

The surrounding Chefchaouen countryside is known for its kief production, and the region remains one of the main producers of cannabis in Morocco.

Tourism & Cultural Attractions in Chefchaouen

The growing tourist industry in Chefchaouen mainly attracts Spanish tourists, particularly during major Catholic celebrations like Semana Santa and Christmas.

The town is also home to several historical mosques in Chefchaouen. The most famous is the mosque at Place Uta Hammam in the Chefchaouen Medina. Another notable religious site is the mosque dedicated to Moulay Abdeslam Ben Mchich Alami, the patron saint of Northern Morocco’s Jebalah region. His tomb and the surrounding village are about an hour’s drive from Chefchaouen on the old road to Larache. Additionally, there is a ruined Spanish mosque with staircases still intact in its tower, offering a scenic panoramic view of the town.

Duration of the Chefchaouen Day Trip

• Full-day trip from Fez to Chefchaouen
• Pick-up at 8 AM (approximately 3-hour drive to Chefchaouen)