Chefchaouen from Tangier · 1 day
The blue pearl of the Rif as a day trip
Day by day
One day to discover the most photographed city in Morocco. Chefchaouen is this small Rif town with alleys entirely painted blue, nestled at the foot of the mountains. It's an ideal excursion for visitors arriving at Tangier Med who want a memorable taste of Morocco in a single day.
The drive from Tangier takes about 2h following the roads of the western Rif, through green and hilly countryside. On site, you have 4 to 5 hours to explore the medina on foot, lunch on a terrace facing the mountains, and climb to the Spanish Mosque for sunset.
Flexible format: we adapt the timings to your ferry or hotel constraints.
Tangier ↔ Chefchaouen
- 08h30Pickup at Tangier Med port or your hotel in Tangier. Quick coffee-departure.
- 09h00Drive south on N2 then N13. Rif countryside landscapes, olive trees, gentle mountains. Photo stop at a panoramic viewpoint if time allows.
- 11h00Arrival in Chefchaouen. Parking at the entrance of the medina (the upper town is pedestrian).
- 11h15Guided walking tour: Outa-el-Hammam square, the kasbah, the main blue alleys, the Ras El Maa stairs, the artisan workshops.
- 13h00Free lunch on one of the terraces of the square or in a small family restaurant. Local specialty: tagine with Rif goat cheese.
- 14h30Free time in the medina: shopping (wool, leather, Berber items), cafés, photos. Possibility to climb to the Spanish Mosque (30 min walk, 360° view of the blue city).
- 17h00Departure to Tangier.
- 19h00Arrival at Tangier Med or your hotel. If you have a ferry late in the evening, you are comfortably on time.
What's included
- ✓Air-conditioned vehicle transport with English, French or Spanish speaking driver
- ✓Guided walking tour in the medina (approximately 1h30)
- ✓Bottled mineral water on board
- ✓Fuel, tolls and parking
- ✓Pickup and drop-off at Tangier Med, Tangier city or Cabo Negro on request
What's not included
- ×Lunch (count 10 to 15 € on a square terrace)
- ×Drinks and personal purchases
- ×Driver tip (at your discretion)
- ×Flights and ferry trips from Spain
Practical tips
When to go: all year round, but favor spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) for mild temperatures. In summer (July-August), it can be hot at midday, plan for sunscreen and water. In winter, mornings are cool, bring a jacket.
Clothing: comfortable clothing, walking shoes or sneakers (the alleys are cobbled and sloping). Avoid heels. Covering clothing (shoulders and knees) is appreciated out of respect, without being mandatory in the tourist center.
Photos: Chefchaouen is one of the most photogenic urban landscapes in the world. The best hours are between 10am and noon (direct light on the blue walls) and after 5pm (soft light). At midday, some alleys are in the shade. Ask permission before photographing local people, especially women.
Shopping: Chefchaouen is famous for its Berber rugs, virgin wool blankets, leather and marquetry. Prices are softer than Marrakech but bargaining is still in order (count half-price on the first announced price).
Alternative format: if you stay 2 days in Tangier, we can also propose a formula with overnight at a riad in Chefchaouen. Ask us.
Let's build your trip together
Each quote is customized according to your group, your dates, your accommodation preferences. Response within 24 business hours.