Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is one of the cleanest, safest and  prettiest small towns in Morocco. Relatively little visited by tourists due to its relative isolation, being accessed by scenic mountain roads, it is well worth the journey; its blue rinsed houses, winding streets and markets enjoy a stunning setting in the foothills of the Rif mountains.

The City

Chefchaouen (or Chaouen) has enormous charm: it is clean, safe, relaxed and highly photogenic - the charming cobbled streets, the flower-filled squares, its breathtaking mountain backdrop, with peaks in the area rising to over 2,000 metres soaring above the town at 660 metres, combine to produce a wonderful spectacle.

Part of its charm stems from its relative isolation, deep in the Rif mountains. It can be approached from the Mediterranean coast to the north at Tangier (2 hours), the Atlantic coast to the west or from Fez or Meknes to the south (3 hours). 

Things to do or see

In the town

The relatively small and quiet medina contains the kasbah (built by the famous Sultan, Moulay Ismai), whichhouses a small museum, art gallery, garden and old prison cells. Adjacent are the Great Mosque with unique octagonal minaret and the main square, Place Outa el Hamman, an interesting place to watch life go by from a cafe, especially in the evening.

• The souks are relatively compact and not too crowded and easier to navigate than many.
• Beside the walls of the town runs a mountain stream, Oued el Kebir. On its banks you’ll see flour mills, women washing their families’ clothes, people relaxing and a ruined mosque on a hill across the water.
• The local market, held on Monday and Thursday in the market square, is an interesting place to see the goods made by local people – notably wool garments.

Beyond the town

• The city of Tetouan (1 hour north, a few kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea) offers a mix of sights unique in Morocco: splendid medina (a World Heritage Site), fine Spanish architecture with features redolent of the Alhambra and orchards.
• Walking in the pretty Rif mountains.

Climate

Chaouen has a Mediterranean climate: hot and sunny May to October; warm and sunny with rain at times for rest of the year. Temperatures are moderate all year, although night time temperatures in winter can be harsh. Midday temperatures in July and August are rather high, but the climate is generally comfortable.

Accommodation Quicklinks

• Casa Hassan & Dar Baibou
• Dar Mounir
• Dar Ech Echaouen
• Dar Meziana