Private Chefchaouen Day Trip: Blue Medina, Kasbah & Local Life

4.80

(20 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

We left early, just as the sun started warming the city. Our driver was right on time—no rush, just a smooth ride north. The road to Chefchaouen winds through hills and olive groves. I remember rolling down the window for a bit of fresh air; you could smell wild herbs, maybe thyme or mint, drifting in from the roadside. By the time we reached the edge of town, the blue walls of the medina were already peeking through the trees. It’s not just one shade of blue—some doors are sky blue, others almost indigo. You’ll spot locals sweeping their stoops or chatting in Darija, and cats seem to nap everywhere.

We wandered through narrow alleys, past tiny shops selling woven blankets and goat cheese. Our guide, Youssef, pointed out a bakery where you can grab warm khobz bread for a few dirhams. In Uta El Hammam Square, we stopped for coffee at Café Clock—strong and sweet, served in small glasses. The square is always busy: kids playing football, old men arguing over cards, and the call to prayer echoing off the kasbah walls. Inside the kasbah museum, I found old photos of Chefchaouen from the 1920s—hard to believe how little has changed.

If you’re up for it, climb to the Spanish Mosque near Ras El Ma waterfall. It’s a bit of a hike (maybe 20 minutes), but totally worth it for the view over the medina—especially if you catch it just before sunset. On our way back down, we passed a woman selling fresh figs by the handful. The whole day felt relaxed; there’s no pressure to rush. Even with just one day, you get a real taste of Chefchaouen’s pace and charm.