itself it is necessary to fly to nearby Tetouan and from The Italian Dolomites: BEST Tips on Getting There What to See & Do in 3 Days, The Cheapest Way to See Verona, the City of Love, 4 Places to Fall In Love All Over Again in Verona, Italy, Best Views of San Miguel de Allende, the Best City in the World, Crossing from San Diego to the Tijuana Airport: All You Need to Know for the Cross-Border Xpress Bridge, Important Spanish Phrases Every Traveler Needs To Know, The Travel App That Will Get You Anywhere in the World. The walk from the dam to the Grande Cascade or Big Waterfall takes about 2 hours. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Such major cities include Fez, Marrakesh, Casablanca and Tangier, which all have international and domestic airports. Your travel lifestyle awaits you. Say hi (ni hao) to China with these incredible deals from Los Angeles, California to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and more! You can learn more about all of these under the relevant sections below. Marrakesh is pretty far away from the Blue City. Chefchaouen, Morocco: A Guide to the Blue City If your riad or hotel doesnt have a hammam, you can visit the local baths for a scrub and a soak, including one that dates back to 1549! Alternatively, shared taxis and tours to Chefchaouen are the other ways to get here. Scheduled busses stop at the public bus stop of Chefchaouen which is 1.5km downhill from the centre of the city. Want to avoid getting ripped off or feeling lost on your next trip to a Spanish-speaking country? The blue city | Chefchaouen | Morocco - YouTube Another option outside of a bus ride to Chefchaouen is, of course, a private taxi but given the distances from major urban areas, this is likely to be very expensive. Check out why in this review I wrote. The Office National des Chemins de fer du Maroc (ONCF) operates the main train station in Marrakech, located in Gueliz, known as the Marrakech Train Station. Buy a ticket ahead of time by going to their bus depot, or if youre really organised, you can pay (via an international bankcard) on their website up to 72 hours before the bus departure time. My trip to Chefchaouen, Morocco. Spend a couple of nights in Fez and then hop on a bus to Chefchaouen. This place has a lovely rooftop terrace for sunset views and some great cultural entertainment on each evening. Shop Our Guidebooks 03 / Go Beyond Chefchaouen and beyond Beyond Chefchaouen How to get to Chefchaouen from Tangier - Tangier Forum is a drive of around 3 hours. Find the travel option that best suits you. I am sure that youll love the Blue Cityas much as I did. You can get information on timetables and prices on the ONCF website and book tickets at the train station. Its best to check out the official CTM website for updated schedules and prices. There were certainly tour groups coming through the narrow streets in the middle of the day, and some lines at the hottest Instagram spots, but it was manageable. From time to time the blue buildings are partially covered with splashes of color from carpets and flower pots. Find the Ras El Ma natural spring if you follow the river out of town and up the hill, you will find its source at a natural spring. Its going to be a long journey so I recommend splitting it in two. Loc, Top African Travel Itineraries: 1 Week to 3 Months. And weve got you covered with everything you need to know before you go! possible as there is no airport here it is possible Hi Im Steph and Im a travel addict! Check with your hotel concierge for details. Warm wishes. Some local guys will eagerly offer their services as guides. CTM operates six buses per day with the destinationChefchaouen so taking the bus is a great option if you want to have a flexible schedule. If you choose to rent a car and drive by yourself, be very careful. If youre not that ambitious, you can also stop at the little waterfall, which is about 1 hour of hiking. Finally, if you dont want to take a day trip, you can take a grand taxi which is a private, long-distance ride. Located at the northern most part of morocco the city The Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen is often the focal point of sightseeing tours here; unsurprising, given the importance of mosques in Moroccan culture. Read my Privacy Policy. #6 A decent daypack you can then carry your camera, phrasebook, guidebook, water and snacks in, would also be very helpful. Show more Taxis will normally drop you at Hotel Parador, from where you can walk into the historic medina. I have a feeling most tourists tend to flock to the main square, because there are so many restaurants there inviting people in and it makes for a great people watching spot. four hours. Just follow the signs or download the relevant maps.me onto your phone before your journey. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Map Operators Explore There are 4 ways to get from Fez to Chefchaouen by train, taxi, bus or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Read: Things to do in and around Chefchaouen, the Blue City of Morocco, The streets of Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl of Morocco. This is your step-by-step guide on how to get from Fez to Chefchaouen, the world famous Blue City that lives up to ALL of its expectations. Find the travel option that best suits you. served by major roads it is only an hour and a half or So there it is guys and gals, my full lowdown on how to get to Chefchaouen in Morocco. On the way back to Chefchaouen youll also stop at the small Akchour Waterfall. After visiting Marrakesh, Rabat, and Fes it was time to head north toChefchaouen. Keep in mind that there are tolls along the way so make sure to have some spare change on you. Details of this journey and the best options are The cheapest way to get from Rabat to Chefchaouen costs only MAD 192, and the quickest way takes just 3 hours. I was able to go up to one of the rooftop terraces at Lina Ryad, where we were staying, to watch the sunrise over the city and listen to the roosters crowing from the nearby roofs. My ticket with CTM cost 80 MAD + 5 MAD for a bag to go in the hold. within Morocco and of course after experiencing the big After exploring San Miguel de Allende for a week, were not surprised it was voted Best City in the World two years in a row, in 2017 and 2018! Required fields are marked *. Youre one step closer to the life of your dreams. Once at an entrance to the medina, walk through the medina gates. We stayed at Lina Ryad, which many say is the nicest riad in Chefchaouen. However, you need to be aware that a lot of the goods for sale are imports. See the Panama Canal and save more than $300 on Nonstop roundtrip flights from Orlando, Florida to Panama City, Panama with this deal! Our mountain city is Big World Small Pockets is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.es, Amazon.fr, Amazon.de. Chefchaouen: Visiting Morocco's Mysterious Blue City - Expert Vagabond Touch device users, explore by . Scheduled busses stop at the public bus stop of Our lunch with three main courses was only about $25. The roads are curvy and the drivers may be erratic. Your email address will not be published. An Insider's Guide to the Best Things to Do in Chefchaouen - solosophie . This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you. And as youll be there in summer, you should go for a swim in the river or near the waterfall!I had no idea Morocco had such beautiful nature until I made this hike. The You can walk there but be warned, there are few, if any, visible addresses along the way to direct you and its about a 30 minute trek going straight uphill. Similarly, dinner for two was around $30-40. bus stop into the city. Make sure to bring the following things with you on your hike to the Akchour Waterfalls and the Gods Bridge: Planning a trip to Morocco? Your email address will not be published. A ticket in a four-bed couchette costs $38 while a ticket in a two-bed couchette costs $70. Read: The best and most beautiful places to visit in Morocco. Reading tip: How much does it cost to travel in Morocco. Some local bus companies also operate on this route. Taking the bus from Casablanca toChefchaouen takes a loooot of time. Many are woven by the blind at a local cooperative (you can peek in and see them at work if you want.). With love, Christina, Eric & Bella @motiontoroam. Receive tour updates, travel tips & behind-the-scenes stories once a month in your mailbox! No content of this blog can be copied or duplicated without permission. **Roamer Inside Scoop** If you get motion sickness, we suggest taking some type of medicine beforehand as well, because the ride is bumpy to say the least! Just enter your email address below and I'll send it to you for FREE! Chefchaouen travel - Lonely Planet | Morocco, Africa Travelling the world doesnt have to break the bank. Chefchaouen is much more than its blue alleyways and cute photo opportunities. As a small town, 1 or 2 days should give you plenty of time to explore here. After Englands Prince Harry and Princess Meghan Markles recent trip to Morocco in February of this year, Morocco is becoming more and more popular for travelers, and theres so many reasons why! It is tempting to add it to your Morocco itinerary, but there are a few things that you need to know before you book a trip. You can see Chefchaouen and Tangier, plus Morocco's other highlights, with this seven-day itinerary. We visited Morocco for 12-days in March and I was determined to fit the Blue City Chefchaouen into our itinerary. 1. Let's get to know each other better! Recommended option Train, bus 5h 40m Take the train from Casa-Voyageurs to Tangier Take the bus from Tangier to Chefchaouen Unless there isnt a big national holiday, you dont have to book your tickets in advance. This article explains how to get to Akchour from Chefchaouen by public transport, how to hike the trail towards the Akchour waterfalls, and what you need to bring on this hike. Visiting Chefchaouen isnt so much about doing, it is really about wandering and enjoying. It is easy to be captivated by this picturesque town, often called the Blue Pearl of Morocco. The options are to take a bus from Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Fes, or another local town, rent a car, or hire a driver. Again, youll need to book this bus at least 1 day in advance. Heres a budget-friendly day excursion from Chefchaouen to Gods Bridge on which you go on a hike through the Farda Canyon to see this spectacular rock formation. to visiting here. Either that, or youll be making the route in the opposite direction i.e. Also discover the 10-day Morocco itinerary. If you take a private taxi, ask the driver to take you directly to an entrance to the medina (or wherever your accommodation is, most likely inside of the medina). Even though my trip started in Marrakesh, I chose to visitChefchaouen after spending a few days in Fes. Because the mosque is kind of abandoned, non-muslims are allowed to go inside and take a look. There are also going to be a lot of steps to climb. If all of the direct buses to Chefchaouen are fully booked, dont worry! Well, youre in luck! Both me and my sister were very happy with the itinerary as we experienced the culture and met", "Majid planned a perfect trip for us and responded quickly to all questions. Information will be sent to the email provided above. Interested in seeing this majestic city, but have no idea how? As there is no airport associated with the city There is also the option of taking a bus. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. However, you will be very pleasantly surprised by the prices in Chefchaouen. Finding these shared taxis is very easy. But you can also book it for around $150 a night. Because buy a ticket in advance you must. In. two hours drive. And finally, if youre looking to get between Marrakesh and Chefchaouen, youll have to make a stop as well because theres no direct service and its too long to make in one go. Plus theres great wifi connection and plenty of mint tea on offer! 21 Awesome Things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco Dec 11, 2014 - Double Doors and Stairs Chefchaouen-Morocco. Check out my range of travel eBooks here! Things to do in and around Chefchaouen, the Blue City of Morocco, The 17 most beautiful places to visit in Morocco, 3 itineraries to discover the best of Morocco, 18 useful tips to stay safe while traveling in Morocco, Search for flights to Casablanca, Marrakech, Fez or Tangier, Find a room in a hotel, hostel, guesthouse or desert camp, How to get to the Akchour Waterfalls from Chefchaouen, What you need to bring on your hike to Akchour, Where to stay near the Akchour Waterfalls, How to visit the Ouzoud Waterfalls near Marrakesh, How much does it cost to travel in Morocco, budget-friendly day excursion from Chefchaouen to Gods Bridge, The best and most beautiful places to visit in Morocco, her article on photography essentials and cameras for travel photographers, Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6, Leica DG DG Vario-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4.0, Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod (Hybrid Head), How to take portraits of people in Morocco, how to take the ferry from Tangier to Spain, 19 Very Useful Things to Know for Backpacking in Morocco in 2023 The Complete Travel Guide to Morocco, The 17 Best Places to visit in Morocco in pictures, The Honest Guide to Meknes Morocco and Volubilis 9 best things to do and what to skip, 16 Top Things to do in Marrakech Morocco The Complete Guide to Moroccos Red City, Is Morocco expensive Morocco Budget Guide for 2023, 11 Best Things to do in Rabat Morocco The Complete Guide to Moroccos Capital City, Everything you need to know about horse riding in Uzbekistan+ 3 best horse trekking destinations in Uzbekistan, Hiking in Uzbekistan 6 Fantastic Hiking Trails in the Nuratau and Chimgan Mountains in Uzbekistan, 3 Great Day Hikes in the Ugam Chatkal National park in Uzbekistan. traditions here in Chefchaouen. Its an easy trail, even if youre not used to doing much hiking. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting [emailprotected]. the city. The trail on the right leads to the unusual rock formation calledGods Bridge. See more pictures and check other reviews on TripAdvisor, We asked both our driver and our local guide for recommendations on where to eat in Chefchaouen. Chefchaouen, also known as Chaouen, is a city located in northwestern Morocco, in the foothills of the Rif mountains. The Gare Routiere is also closer to the centre of Tangier than the CTM station. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world. because you will have to go to Tetouan and from there take the road that goes to Chaouen. The cheapest way to get from Tangier to Chefchaouen costs only MAD 65, and the quickest way takes just 1 hours. Hi! As you may know by now, I love my Bobby Anti Theft Backpack for this purpose! My Black Diamond Storm hasnt let me down yet! If you are looking for information on Chefchaouen Morocco, you likely have seen pictures on Instagram or Pinterest of this Blue City. Ask the ticket salesperson for tickets from Fez to Ouazzane, a city about 1 hour south of Chefchaouen. There are two possible routes I recommend. Chefchaouen Morocco: 5 Important Facts to Know Before you go - We3Travel Getting there from Marrakech Getting from the CTM Bus Station in Chefchaouen to the Main Blue Area Where to Stay in Chefchaouen Where the Instagram Photo Spots are in the Blue City Here's some photo tips and ideas: What's This About the Marijuana? Chefchaouen or Chaouen for short can be traced back to the 15th century when the city was founded as a defensive town to protect against Portuguese conquests in 1471. All opinions are my own. Shared taxis are also a good option because they take you much closer to the old medina of Chefchaouen where youre likely to be basing yourself. Note that traffic and transit may be crowded around late March/early April; this is the time of the Semana Santa (Holy Week) vacation in Spain when northern Morocco is crowded with Spanish tourists. One thing we learned in our journey through Morocco is always to expect it to take much longer than they say. This happened to us, and we will explain what to do if you come too late and the buses are fully booked**. Please check your entries and try again. For example, they repaint the town blue twice a year in coordination with festivals and keeping the medina clean is a way of showing piety. Continue walking on this path until you arrive next to a stand selling Tajines and fresh drinks on your left. Im betting you will. The Chefchaouen medina isnt as large and confusing as it is in Fes or Marrakech so it is the perfect place to wander, explore the narrow streets, and then stop and sip some mint tea and soak up the culture. The best way to get from Rabat toChefchaouen is by bus. Visit the Akchour waterfalls on this 7-day Morocco Itinerary. Morocco Getting Around Morocco How to Get from Tangier to Chefchaouen How to Get from Tangier to Chefchaouen View Map Those traveling the 70 miles (112 km) from coastal Tangier to the famous "Blue City" of Chefchaouen will likely wish to take a private transfer between the two locations.