Tangier Activities
Chefchaouen day trip from Tangier: drive through the Rif Mountains to the blue city and spend the day among its painted lanes, squares and viewpoints.
Overview
Chefchaouen lies in a fold of the Rif Mountains, about two hours from Tangier, which makes Tangier the most convenient city for visiting it in a day. The road climbs through green hills and olive groves, with the first view of the blue town on its hillside as you arrive.
The medina was founded in 1471 and sheltered Muslim and Jewish families who left Andalusia. Its houses are washed in every shade of blue, its lanes climb in steps and its main square sits under the red walls of a small kasbah. You explore on foot, have lunch on the square and walk out to the Ras el-Maa spring or up to the Spanish Mosque for the view before returning to Tangier.
Detailed programme
Morning
An early start from Tangier and a drive of about two hours through the green hills of the Rif, with a break on the way and a photo stop when the blue town first comes into view.
The road passes near Tetouan and follows river valleys into the mountains. It is winding in places, so tell your driver if anyone is prone to travel sickness.
Late morning
You explore the painted lanes, stairways and doorways on foot, at your own pace or with a local guide, passing bakeries, weavers and small squares.
The town was founded in 1471 and grew with families arriving from Andalusia. Morning light is best for photographs, before the lanes fill up. Please ask before photographing residents.
Midday
The lanes lead to the main square, shaded by trees under the red walls of the kasbah. This is the place for lunch and a look at the kasbah garden and tower.
The kasbah has a small museum and a tower you can climb for a view over the rooftops. Restaurants around the square serve tagines and the local goat cheese.
Afternoon
Walk out to the Ras el-Maa spring at the edge of the medina, or up to the Spanish Mosque for the classic view over the town, then drive back to Tangier.
The walk to the Spanish Mosque takes about 20 to 30 minutes uphill on a paved path. Allow about two to two and a half hours for the drive back, arriving in Tangier in the early evening.
This is a private experience, so times and stops can be adjusted to your arrival, your pace and the season.
Ask About This ProgrammeThe experience
Why choose this experience
Chefchaouen is a working mountain town with weavers, bakers and farmers who come down on market days. Give it time and it shows more than its colours.
Why Choose This ExperienceWhat’s included
Not included
Good to know
Location
Frequent questions
About two to two and a half hours each way, depending on traffic and stops.
Usually four to five hours, enough for the medina, lunch and one of the viewpoints.
Yes. Chefchaouen is on the way to Fes, and this day can become the first stage of a private tour.
Yes. It is arranged for you and the people you travel with, so the timing and pace are yours.
Send us a message on WhatsApp or by email with your date and the number of people. We reply with availability and the price, and nothing is charged for enquiring.
Yes. It can be booked on its own or added to any of our private tours that pass through Tangier.
What to know before you book your Chefchaouen day trip from Tangier, and what else to do nearby.
Chefchaouen Day Trip from Tangier is one of 3 private Tangier activities on our list. Other Tangier activities include Tangier Guided Tour (4–5 hours) and Day Trip to Asilah (full day).
The best things to do in Tangier start with The Kasbah (the walled citadel above the medina), The Old Medina (whitewashed lanes and small squares) and Cap Spartel (the lighthouse where two seas meet). Other things to do in Tangier include Caves of Hercules, The Bay & Corniche and Asilah; our Tangier travel guide covers each one.
Our Tangier day trips include Day Trip to Asilah (full day). Every one of our Tangier day trips is private, so the start time and pace are yours.
