Chefchouen Travel Guide

Chefchouen is a tiny town set deep in the Rif Mountains, a two-hour drive from Meknes or Fes. It is rather out of the way, but that is part of what makes it so special. Chefchouen has somehow still managed to escape much of the ill effects of global tourism that have damaged other cities like Fes. The oppressive touts that flood Fes are noticeably absent, and the obnoxious hordes of tour bus tourists are nowhere to be seen. Instead you have thousands of friendly locals and a small congregation of neo-hippie tourists who have come to take advantage of Chefchouen’s noticeably ubiquitous supply of marijuana.

Even if sampling the local marijuana supply is not your thing, Chefchouen is still the perfect place to relax and unwind after the hectic pace of Morocco’s other cities. After being constantly pestered in Fes by people asking if you want a tour or some cheaply-made souvenir, you will chuckle at the odd fellow in Chefchouen who approaches you asking if want un petit morceaux.

Every thing about this town is relaxing. The fresh mountain air will relax your soul. The bathhouses will cleanse your body. Even the soothing light blue and white paint that covers every house in the town will make you leave any troubles behind.

As for sights, the city itself really is the sight. There is a small Kasbah and a nice waterfall outside of town, but the real treat is the town itself. The Medina of Chefchouen is an architectural wonder itself. Built on the side of a hill, the narrow streets are so steep at points that they have to be terraced. The best thing to do in Chefchouen is just walk around, through all the narrow passageways and stumbling upon a beautifully ornate door or a street lined with colorful hand-woven decorations.