Chefchaouen
Morocco
- Blue medina
- Kasbah and Outa el Hammam square
- Spanish Mosque viewpoint
- Talassemtane National Park
- Rif Mountains
About Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is a small town in the Rif Mountains, founded in the 15th century. Its medina, shaped by settlers from Andalusia, is known for its blue-washed walls.
Outa el Hammam square, the red-walled Kasbah, the hillside Spanish Mosque and the nearby Talassemtane National Park are the main draws.
How many days do you need?
One or two days is enough: one for the medina, the Kasbah and sunset at the Spanish Mosque, and one for the Akchour waterfalls or a hike in Talassemtane.
Where to stay
- Medina — Riads and guesthouses among the blue lanes; vehicle access is limited.
- Around the medina — Hotels just outside the walls, near parking and the bus station.
From the airport to the city
The town has no airport. The nearest ones are at Tetouan and Tangier, from where buses, 'grand taxis' or private transfers climb the mountain road.
Getting around
The medina is explored on foot; lanes are steep and stepped. CTM buses link the town with Tangier, Tetouan and Fes.
Good to know
- Ask before photographing local people.
- Winter nights can be cold and wet; spring and autumn are best for hiking.
- The currency is the Moroccan dirham; ATMs are few in town.
Useful links
- Visit Morocco (Moroccan National Tourist Office) visitmorocco.com
When to go?
Best time to visit for the weather: April–May and October. The warmest month is August (average high 97 °F); the wettest is March (5.2 in).
Monthly climate
| Month | Avg. high °F | Rain in | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 56.7 | 4.14 | Cool or rainy |
| February | 58.5 | 3.86 | Cool or rainy |
| March | 62.4 | 5.22 | Good |
| April | 67.8 | 3.28 | Ideal |
| May | 75.7 | 1.80 | Ideal |
| June | 85.5 | 0.39 | Good |
| July | 97.0 | 0.07 | Very hot |
| August | 97.3 | 0.21 | Very hot |
| September | 86.0 | 1.30 | Good |
| October | 77.2 | 3.91 | Ideal |
| November | 64.4 | 4.77 | Good |
| December | 58.8 | 4.42 | Cool or rainy |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), 2005–2024 monthly averages of daily high temperature and total rainfall. Values are estimates for an area of about 50 km and may differ from the city-centre weather station.
Public holidays 2027
- New Year's DayJanuary 1
- Anniversary of the Independence ManifestoJanuary 11
- End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) *March 9
- Labour DayMay 1
- Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) *May 16
- Islamic New Year *June 6
- Feast of the ThroneJuly 30
- Birthday of Muhammad (Mawlid) *August 14
- Anniversary of the Recovery Oued Ed-DahabAugust 14
- Anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the PeopleAugust 20
- Youth DayAugust 21
- Anniversary of the Green MarchNovember 6
- Independence DayNovember 18
* Date follows the lunar calendar and may shift by a few days.
Sources: date-holidays and python-holidays open data projects; for Northern Cyprus, its public holidays law.
Practical info
- CurrencyMoroccan Dirham (د.م.)
- Dialling code+212
- Plugs & voltageType C, E · 220 V · 50 Hz
- EmergencyPolice 19 · Ambulance 150 · Fire 15
- DrivingOn the right
Sources: IEC plug types, Wikidata, Wikipedia; unverified details are left blank.