Blue-washed houses stepping up a hillside in Chefchaouen

Rif Mountains

Chefchaouen, the blue pearl of the Rif.

Blue-washed lanes, mountain air and an unhurried pace in the foothills of the Rif.

About Chefchaouen

What to know before you go.

Founded in 1471 as a small kasbah to watch over the northern mountains, Chefchaouen later welcomed Andalusian families, whose influence shows in its whitewashed, red-tiled houses and the blue paint now famous worldwide.

It is a town for wandering without a plan: climbing for views, browsing woven blankets and sitting with mint tea as the light shifts across the walls.

Don’t miss

Chefchaouen highlights.

  • 01

    The blue medina

    Staircases, doorways and courtyards washed in every shade of blue.

  • 02

    Kasbah & Plaza Uta el-Hammam

    A fortress museum and the café-lined square at the town’s centre.

  • 03

    Ras el-Maa

    The spring and stream at the edge of the medina where locals still gather.

  • 04

    Spanish Mosque viewpoint

    A short walk uphill for the best sunset view over the town.

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