A mountain town dipped in blue — one of the most photogenic places on Earth, with cascading waterfalls and Rif mountain trails.
Nestled in the folds of the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is unlike anywhere else in the world. Its medina is painted in every shade of blue — from powder blue to electric indigo — creating a magical, dreamlike atmosphere that has made it one of Morocco's most-photographed destinations.
Founded in 1471, "Chaouen" (meaning "look at the horns" for the twin mountain peaks above) was long closed to foreigners. Today it welcomes visitors with exceptional local cheese, cannabis culture, mountain hikes and some of Morocco's most charming guesthouses.
Wander through alleyways painted in dozens of shades of blue — every corner is a perfect photograph.
A natural spring and waterfall flowing right through the medina — locals wash clothes here just as they have for centuries.
Hike 20 minutes above the medina to the ruined Spanish mosque for the best panoramic view over the blue city.
A 15th-century fortress in the central plaza housing a small ethnographic museum and beautiful Andalusian garden.
A UNESCO biosphere reserve with hiking trails through cedar forests, limestone gorges and Barbary macaque habitat.
The main square — lined with café terraces, the Grand Mosque, and the entrance to the old kasbah. Perfect for people-watching.
Click any hotel to see full details, amenities and estimated nightly prices.
Chefchaouen's most celebrated guesthouse — a beautifully restored 19th-century house in the blue medina with a rooftop terrace overlooking the tiled rooftops. The Moroccan dinners here have been reviewed in the international press for decades. Staying here is a Chefchaouen rite of passage.
An intimate 7-room riad decorated with handmade Rif crafts and blue-and-white medina details — a beautiful rooftop with panoramic mountain views and personalised service that feels like a private home in the blue city.
A thoughtfully designed mountain hotel combining Moroccan craftsmanship with a full hammam and spa — rooftop infinity views of the Rif mountains, and one of the most beautiful pool terraces in northern Morocco.
A charming family-run guesthouse steps from Plaza Uta el-Hammam — intimate, authentic, with excellent home-cooked breakfasts, knowledgeable local hosts and the best value in the blue medina. Perfect for those who want genuine Chefchaouen hospitality on a budget.
Set above the medina on the opposite hillside — the views of the blue city against the Rif mountains are among the most photographed in Morocco. A simple but atmospheric hotel with the city's most dramatic outlook and a seasonal pool for summer stays.
Perfect mountain weather, wildflowers in bloom, ideal for hiking and photography.
Most crowded season. Still pleasant at altitude — much cooler than the plains.
Golden light, fewer crowds, ideal temperatures. Best photography conditions.
Snow possible on surrounding peaks. Very few tourists. Atmospheric and authentic.