Chefchaouen: Day Trips and Tours from Fez

Affectionately named the “Blue Pearl of Morocco”, Chefchaouen is a one-of-a-kind destination, filled with historical sites, architectural gems and picture-perfect attractions. From its bustling souks to its city walls and grand mosque, this city has plenty to keep any traveler entertained.

While the two destinations are more than 200 kilometers apart, you shouldn’t strike this city off your itinerary as day trips to Chefchaouen from Fez are manageable as well as captivating.

Here's all you need to know about Chefchaouen, one of the most exciting day trips from Fez.

How to get to Chefchaouen from Fez?

Chefchaouen is nestled in the foothills of the Rif mountain range, located in Northern Morocco. It is just over 210 kilometers from the city of Fez.

From Fez to Chefchaouen by car

The journey to Chefchaouen by car takes approximately 3.5 hours and begins by traveling out of Fez in a westerly direction. You’ll then journey up the country along the N4, followed by the N13. As you near the end of the route, you’ll utilize the R412 to enter Chefchaouen.

From Fez to Chefchaouen by bus

Those without access to a car can instead use public transportation to make the jaunt to Chefchaouen. A bus connects the two destinations and runs several times a day from Avenue des Almohades in Fez to the city. The journey takes just over 4 hours and the service is operated by CTM buses.

Guided tour to Chefchaouen from Fez

Alternatively, consider booking a guided excursion to Chefchaouen and let someone else take care of the details for you. These tours typically last between 9 and 12 hours, and depart between 7 AM and 8 AM.

In some cases, you’ll benefit from an accommodation pickup service, while in others, you’ll be required to meet your guide at a predetermined central spot in Fez.

Either way, you’ll be able to find out the required information about meeting spots before booking any tour so that you can plan your route and arrange any necessary transportation ahead of time.

What is the typical itinerary?

While each Chefchaouen day trip is unique, they all share similarities. You’ll typically begin your excursion early and spend between 3 and 4 hours traveling to the city in a comfortable vehicle, admiring the scenery along the way. Your guide may provide you with a fascinating commentary while you make this journey, or you may instead spend the time catching up on rest.

When you reach Chefchaouen, some excursions take you on a guided walking tour through the city, showcasing its highlights, which include the city walls, medina and the Kasbah Museum. This will typically be followed by some free time. However, some tours forgo a guided walk in order to enable you to make your own introductions to the city.

There will usually be a lunch break at a renowned restaurant in Chefchaouen, which is at your own expense, and, in the late afternoon, you’ll return to Fez.

However, if you choose a 2-day tour to Chefchaouen, you’ll find that the layout of the excursion is slightly different and you’ll spend the first day traveling between a number of other towns in the region, before spending your second day discovering Chefchaouen.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Chefchaouen?

There are several different day trips to Chefchaouen available to choose between. From group tours to private excursions and multi-day affairs, there’s an experience to suit every type of traveler.

Guided tours to Chefchaouen from Fez

You’ll begin this day trip to Chefchaouen with a comfortable transfer from Fez, admiring the vast Moroccan landscape along the way. Upon arrival, you’ll discover the city’s walls, which have led to Chefchaouen’s nickname the “Blue City”.

You’ll hop between several landmarks over the course of several hours, gaining a feel for this charming destination, including its 15th-century medina. Break up your sightseeing by dining on local dishes, such as tagine or goat's cheese salad, and once your day trip is over, you’ll return to Fez to continue your vacation.

Private tour to Chefchaouen from Fez

If you’re looking for greater personalization than a group excursion provides, consider booking a private day tour to Chefchaouen. You’ll benefit from a hotel pickup and drop-off service, which simplifies your experience, and once you arrive in the city, you’ll have plenty of time to explore its numerous attractions.

You’ll discover the Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen, which is believed to have been built at the end of the 15th century and includes a madrasa, courtyard, and minaret, as well as Makhzen Square and Ras el-Maa.

2-Day tour to Chefchaouen plus Volubilis and Meknes from Fez

You’ll begin this trip from Fez by visiting the open-air museum of Meknes, which is home to an array of architectural wonders, including its 18th-century monumental gate, Bab Mansur al-'Alj, and ancient medina.

Next, discover Moulay Idriss, which holds the remains of the country’s first Islamic ruler, Idris I, before making your way to Volubilis to dive deep into Morocco’s Roman history.

The following day, you’ll travel to Chefchaouen where you’ll roam the streets at your leisure, stopping at any attractions that catch your eye before making the journey back to Fez.

How much does a day trip to Chefchaouen from Fez cost?

A day trip to Chefchaouen varies in price, depending on the size of the group. If you choose to participate in a large group tour, capped at 27 guests, you’ll pay between US$30 and US$40 per person. There are options for smaller group tours, such as those limited to between 8 and 17 people, or alternatively, you can choose to upgrade your excursion to a private experience.

Children between the ages of 2 and 11 will pay the adult rate for most of these options. However, they benefit from a discounted rate of between US$20 and US$30 on group tours limited to 17 guests. Children under 2 cost just over US$20 for this tour.

You can select up to 8 guests on a private Chefchaouen day tour. You’ll pay US$220 as a solo traveler, however, the price per head decreases with each member added to your party. With the maximum group size, you’ll each pay just over US$60.

A 2-day Chefchaouen tour costs approximately US$290 per solo traveler and reduces per party member added, down to under US$90 each with 10 guests. It’s worth noting that while this type of excursion includes round-trip transportation, accommodation and entrance fees are at your own expense. Your tour of each destination is also self-guided, which is worth considering when deciding between trips.

What will you see and do?

Old city walls

The old city walls of Chefchaouen are one of the destination’s most distinguishing features because of their vibrant hue. While it was built in the 15th century when Chefchaouen was founded as a Moorish fortress, it wasn’t painted blue until the 1930s when a large Jewish community developed. The color is thought to symbolize the sky, as well as the holiness of Chefchaouen and the closeness of its residents to God.

Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen

The Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen is the oldest religious monument in the city, dating back to the 15th century. This monument was commissioned by the son of Moulay 'Ali ibn Rashid al-Alami, the founder of Chefchaouen.

The mosque houses a madrasa, where keen Muslims could once participate in lessons on religious sciences, and its exterior, like many other mosques in Morocco, is plain, aside from its octagonal minaret. Several restorations of the mosque have happened over the years, the last of which was at the beginning of the 21st century, in order to protect its 15th-century charm.

When is the best time to visit Chefchaouen?

The best time to visit Chefchaouen is in Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). These periods offer mild and pleasant weather in comparison to the hotter summer months, as well as fewer tourists than in the peak season, providing ideal conditions for exploring.

Are there any tours to Chefchaouen from other cities in Morocco?

Yes, there are tours departing from another city in Morocco:

• Day trips to Chefchaouen from Tangier

Travel tips

• Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, so dress modestly to respect the local culture. Wear loose-fitting clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
• Make sure to try local dishes like tagine, pastilla, and harira. There are also many cafes where you can enjoy Moroccan mint tea.
• Chefchaouen is very photogenic, but always ask for permission before taking photos of locals.
• While there are ATMs in Chefchaouen, many smaller establishments may not accept cards. It's a good idea to have some Moroccan dirhams on hand.