Table of Contents
Introduction
Chefchaouen, Morocco, is famously known as Morocco’s Blue City. I’ve always wanted to visit one of the most iconic cities in the world, and living in Morocco has allowed me to explore and discover so much of its beauty. If you are looking for a weekend travel guide for Chefchaouen then you have come to right place. Here I will share where to stay, what to eat and what to do in Chefchaouen.
I know it’s taken me a while to start writing about the cities I’ve visited, but I promise (pinky promise!) to gradually start sharing my experiences from amazing places like Casablanca, Fes, Essaouira, Marrakech (which I’ve visited a gazillion times!), and all the others I’ve explored since moving here.
If you have been asking is Chefchaouen worth visiting, then this is just the travel guide you need to keep reading.
About Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen, known as Morocco’s Blue City, is honestly one of the most magical places I have ever visited. Every corner, every alleyway, every wall is painted in the most beautiful shades of blue. And the story behind white the city is painted blue is soo fascinating. I learnt that Chefchaouen is pained blue due to a combination of religious traditions and for the aesthetic appeal it has to the mind.
Travel from Casablanca to Chefchaouen
Travel from Casablanca to Chefchaouen is pretty straight forward. Unlike Fes or Marrakech, you can’t get a train there, you will certainly need a driver or to drive here. The drive travel from Casablanca to Chefchaouen is about a five-hour drive from Casablanca, so of course, a trip to Marjane to get lots of snacks. Add that with music and good vibes, then you have the perfect road trip.
Where We Stayed
We arrived in the evening straight after work and headed straight to our riad in Chefchaouen to freshen up for dinner. We stayed at Riad La Santa, which you can book here. Riads are traditional Moroccan guesthouses full of charm, and I highly recommend staying in one when visiting Morocco.
The Riad La Santa is a cute riad in Chefchaouen tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the medina, and the hospitality is amazing. The rooftop terrace was the perfect place to unwind, and don’t get me started on the breakfast! A classic Moroccan spread with fresh flatbreads, local jams, olive oil, boiled eggs, and fresh orange juice. So simple, yet so good. If you are looking for a riad in Chefchaouen, then I would highly recommend.
You can locate accommodations (mainly Riads) in the map of Chefchaouen below:
What To Do In Chefchaouen: Eat and More
We started our morning with a free walking tour of the city (you can book one here). It was great to learn about the history behind the blue walls and what they symbolise. If you do a free tour, please tip your guide; they really put effort into giving you a good experience. You can also book tours here.
Afterwards, we headed back to the riad for a well-deserved nap (the best kind, honestly). It gave me the energy for the evening, where we hiked up to the Spanish Mosque to watch the sunset. Absolutely worth it and highly recommend for the views over the city, which were stunning!
Food, Restaurants & Cooking Class
On our last day, we had a slow morning, then headed to Bab Ssour for our cooking class—honestly, this was the highlight of the trip. We cooked with a local chef named Siad (if you’d like his contact, DM me on Instagram). He was so lovely and made the whole experience feel like cooking with family.
We made:
- Lamb tagine with prunes
- Katsu curry (Moroccan-style)
- Fig and sweet potatoes (this was my absolute fave!)
Bab Ssour is also a fantastic restaurant on its own so if you are looking for the best restaurant Chefchaouen, please go here. Don’t leave without trying the Friday couscous, a beloved Moroccan tradition.
We also ate at Aladdin Restaurant (yes, like the film!). I was in the mood for local traditional food. The rooftop views were amazing!
And don’t forget to try sfenj, Morocco’s traditional doughnut. If you’ve got a sweet tooth like me, you’ll love it fresh and warm from a street vendor.
Helpful Travel Resources for Chefchaouen
- Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for quick reels and more from my travels in Chefchaouen and other places in Morocco and beyond.
- Always check the UK Foreign Travel Advice before visiting.
- I book tours via Viator. You can also use Get Your Guide.
- For data, I use Airalo (an eSIM) – grab it here and use my code ADEBOL5279 for a discount.
Conclusion – A Weekend Travel Guide for Chefchaouen
I absolutely adored Chefchaouen, and I would love to go back again if ever given the chance. I would say the highlight of the trip for me was the cooking class, being able to go out to the market to get the ingredients and see how they cook the bread. And then hearing Chef Siad’s life stories over cooking tagine really reminded me of why I love cooking. It brings people together in the most beautiful way.
I’ve visited a few Moroccan cities while I’ve been here and will certainly be exploring more. I can’t wait to keep sharing my journey with you.
Have you been to Chefchaouen? Would you go? What do you think is Chefchaouen worth visiting? Drop a comment and let me know which city I should explore or write about next!
Want to read more about my Moroccan adventure? A Guide to Relocating Abroad: How I Prepared for Moving to Morocco
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Bye for now,
MBV x
