Epic journeys
Private transport
A Moroccan Guide
History, Culture & the Present Day
Exciting Explorations
Tour Overview
INTRODUCTION
Taking in the wonderful ambience of the place
This small city is totally charming. Whilst not actually an Imperial City itself, Chefchaouen is an ideal inclusion when traveling between Casablanca and Fes. Chefchaouen is an ideal place in which to simply relax and wander, taking in the wonderful ambience of the place.
Its medina area has charming narrow passageways, where blue paint dominates; it is an exotic place in which to happily lose some time. House doors are studded giving a strong look. Red tiled roofs dominate and there are many houses with horseshoe windows and with fancy metalwork.
As the medina is not so big; local crafts to look out for are leather, carpentry and woven cloth.
Place Uta el Hammam is the old center of the town with a grand fountain.
Ras el ma spring, the town’s river source can also be visited.
Chefchaouen means “the place with two horns” after the 2 peaks rising above the hillside town.It is nowadays known as “The Blue City” offering an endless winding maze of picturesque homes and streets.
The Medina is much more relaxed than that of Fes and Marrakech and with some of the friendliest people you will find in the country.
In the late 15th century the population was boosted by a number of Jews and Muslims fleeing from southern Spain. He community has remained mostly untouched and isolated until the last century.
The compact Medina area, which clings to the northern hillside. Lose yourself and wander the small alleys and roads but do be respectful, as many of the local residents still live in these homes (an aspect that makes this place feel so real and special).
The Plaza Outa el Hammam is the main square and is named for the number of Hammams (steamy washrooms) which used to circle it. Here you will find many restaurants and cafes and shops. Shopping is more relaxed here and the prices are generally a bit better than in the bigger cities.
Nearby you will see the Grand Mosque and Kasbah. The Mosque was built by Moulay Mohamed in 1560 and cannot be entered by non-Muslims (but the view from the outside is still very pleasant). A visit to the Kasbah (old fortification) can be done in 30-60 minutes, where you can visit a garden, a museum, and some of the old prison cells. Head up to the roof for a better vantage point over the town.
On walking up further you will reach the city walls, which have a few gates. Continue on towards Hotel Atlas and you will be rewarded with an expansive view over the Blue City.
As the day ends, follow the streets east and you will pass over the Ras el Ma spring, where the Oued el Kebir river flows below the town. A couple cafes are nearby and can be a nice place to enjoy an afternoon mint tea – and to optionally dip your feet in the river’s water! Follow the path further up the hill o the white Spanish Mosque. Again, great views out are obtained from here.
Hiking options are only a short drive away. You have your choice of hiking along the river to the Cascades d'Akchou waterfall, or to the rock arch known as “The Bridge of God”.
Its medina area has charming narrow passageways, where blue paint dominates; it is an exotic place in which to happily lose some time. House doors are studded giving a strong look. Red tiled roofs dominate and there are many houses with horseshoe windows and with fancy metalwork.
As the medina is not so big; local crafts to look out for are leather, carpentry and woven cloth.
Place Uta el Hammam is the old center of the town with a grand fountain.
Ras el ma spring, the town’s river source can also be visited.
Chefchaouen means “the place with two horns” after the 2 peaks rising above the hillside town.It is nowadays known as “The Blue City” offering an endless winding maze of picturesque homes and streets.
The Medina is much more relaxed than that of Fes and Marrakech and with some of the friendliest people you will find in the country.
In the late 15th century the population was boosted by a number of Jews and Muslims fleeing from southern Spain. He community has remained mostly untouched and isolated until the last century.
The compact Medina area, which clings to the northern hillside. Lose yourself and wander the small alleys and roads but do be respectful, as many of the local residents still live in these homes (an aspect that makes this place feel so real and special).
The Plaza Outa el Hammam is the main square and is named for the number of Hammams (steamy washrooms) which used to circle it. Here you will find many restaurants and cafes and shops. Shopping is more relaxed here and the prices are generally a bit better than in the bigger cities.
Nearby you will see the Grand Mosque and Kasbah. The Mosque was built by Moulay Mohamed in 1560 and cannot be entered by non-Muslims (but the view from the outside is still very pleasant). A visit to the Kasbah (old fortification) can be done in 30-60 minutes, where you can visit a garden, a museum, and some of the old prison cells. Head up to the roof for a better vantage point over the town.
On walking up further you will reach the city walls, which have a few gates. Continue on towards Hotel Atlas and you will be rewarded with an expansive view over the Blue City.
As the day ends, follow the streets east and you will pass over the Ras el Ma spring, where the Oued el Kebir river flows below the town. A couple cafes are nearby and can be a nice place to enjoy an afternoon mint tea – and to optionally dip your feet in the river’s water! Follow the path further up the hill o the white Spanish Mosque. Again, great views out are obtained from here.
Hiking options are only a short drive away. You have your choice of hiking along the river to the Cascades d'Akchou waterfall, or to the rock arch known as “The Bridge of God”.
