Fez: Day Tour to Chefchaouen – Exploring Morocco’s Blue Town

Fez, Morocco’s third largest city, is a fascinating and vibrant place full of vibrant street markets, colorful souks, and never-ending alleyways. Its UNESCO-listed medina is the best-preserved old city in the world and famous for its tanneries, offering travelers a glimpse into the past. However, one of the top attractions to explore near Fez is the Blue Town of Chefchaouen. This quaint village set in the gorgeous Rif Mountains is an absolute must-visit for anyone heading to Morocco.

In this article, we will cover all the best things to do on a Fez to Chefchaouen day trip and how to get between the two cities. We will also answer some common questions about this popular route so you can make the most of your day in one of Morocco’s prettiest places.

Overview of the Fez to Chefchaouen Day Trip

Chefchaouen is located 248 km north of Fez, a journey of around three and a half hours by car or bus. The route passes through Ifrane National Park and the beautiful Middle Atlas Mountains and is especially scenic during late spring and early summer when wildflowers are in full bloom.

Chefchaouen is one of Morocco’s most picturesque towns with its distinct cobblestone streets and whitewashed walls splashed with deep blues and greens. Dotted with art galleries, cafes, and shops selling handicrafts, it offers a calm atmosphere that few other places in Morocco can match.

Those looking for a more active holiday can also make the most of hiking opportunities around the area, including the nearby Akchour Waterfalls and Goats Hair Valley. The latter involves a one or two-hour steep climb along a path lined with pine groves and offers some incredible views across the valley and down towards the town.

Things to do in Chefchaouen

The center square of Chefchaouen’s old town is a great place to start a visit. Here visitors can find traditional Moroccan teahouses, a 17thcentury kasbah, murals painted by local artists, and grand open-air cafes where they can sample local dishes such as zaalouk (smoky eggplant dip) or stews like tajines and couscous.

Stroll through the lovely old town to explore the stunning blue-washed houses which have become so iconic in photos of Morocco. As soon as you turn one corner, you will see a fresh new landscape of bright colors, art galleries, and captivating scenery around you.

Aside from admiring the captivating blue-washed architecture and pretty riads (Moroccan villas), there are plenty of things for travelers to do in Chefchaouen.

Shopping

Explore the winding alleys of the old town where you can find souvenirs, colorful textiles, and Moroccan handicrafts on display in distinctly painted shops. Chefchaouen is well known for its unique rugs, handmade shoes, and silverware, making it the ideal place to shop for unique items that you can’t find anywhere else.

The Ras El-ma Souk is also a great place to visit and not just for shoppers. Covering several streets and alleys of Chefchaouen’s old town, it is a vibrant place where locals come to socialize and locals often sing traditional music here.

Explore Outdoors Activities

Visitors to Chefchaouen also have access to some spectacular outdoors activities such as trekking, cycling, and rock climbing. Hike through the surrounding mountains or explore the Oum Errabia river gorging nearby where visitors can enjoy refreshing swims during summer months.

You can also explore Akchour Waterfalls, an incredible natural scene where visitors can take a dip under cascading waterfalls or go wild swimming upriver in freshwater pools. Elsewhere there is also the famed Goats Hair Valley where you can enjoy stunning views of Chefchaouen and its surroundings after a one or two hour hike up a steep path lined with pine groves.

How to Get from Fez to Chefchaouen

The most popular way to get from Fez to Chefchaouen is by taking one of the regular buses that run between the two cities each day. CTM buses are known for being reliable and many offer air conditioning and comfortable seating which makes for a pleasant journey. The journey takes around three and a half hours but can be longer at peak times or during Ramadan due to increased traffic.

Taxis are also available from Fez airport or from one of the taxi stands in the city center. Shared taxi services are also an option with vans leaving from Bab elDjebel on Rue elGhriba in Fez every hour.

For those seeking a more luxurious way to get between Fez and Chefchaouen may wish to take advantage of private car transfers which provide door-to-door service and flexible departure times. Private transfers are available at both airports as well as from hotels in Fez making it an attractive option for those looking for added convenience and comfort during their journey.

Best Time to Visit Chefchaouen

The best time to visit Chefchaouen depends on what you’re looking for out of your visit. For outdoors activities such as hiking or trekking, late spring (April to June) and early fall (late September to November) are recommended since wildflowers will be in bloom and temperatures will be cooler. During summer months temperatures can become very hot but visitors can enjoy refreshing swims in nearby rivers or waterfalls during this time.

While winters in Chefchaouen do experience some rain and cooler temperatures, many people find this time of year preferable since it is less crowded than summer months and prices for accommodation will be much cheaper (November).

Safety Tips for Travelers Visiting Chefchaouen

Visiting Chefchaouen offers a fantastic opportunity to explore its charming cobblestone streets and experience true Moroccan hospitality firsthand. While travelers should be aware of certain safety considerations while in Morocco, they should also familiarize themselves with local customs where possible so as not to cause offense or attract unwanted attention from locals.

As with any destination it’s important to watch your personal belongings at all times to ensure that nothing goes missing and keep your belongings close to you when exploring busy markets or taking public transport. Women should cover their chests/shoulders when out exploring in public spaces while both men and women should avoid public displays of affection which can be considered offensive by some locals.

Overall Chefchaouen is a very safe destination with locals who are always happy to help visitors who may have lost their way or need assistance finding somewhere special in the city.

Book a Guided Tour From Fez To Chefchaouen

Exploring Morocco’s Blue Town can be an amazing experience full of colorful sights, shopping options, delicious food stalls, and plenty of other unique attractions that make it so special. To make sure you make the most out of this trip it’s worth considering booking an organized tour from Fez to Chefchaouen so you don’t miss out on anything along the way. Consider booking an activity through GetYourGuide here, which offers carefully curated tours that combine transport, guides, and all relevant tickets for everything from market visits to day trips around Fez region – so you can travel worry free with everything pre-arranged for your convenience!

Fez and Chefchaouen are two absolutely incredible places to visit on any Moroccan trip – and there’s no better way spend your time than experiencing both in one day! So don’t miss out on Morocco’s Blue Town – book an organized tour today!