Visitors to Morocco can find a cool, relaxing reprieve from the bustle of travel in the friendly mountain town of Chefchaouen (often abbreviated as “Chaouen”). Located just a few hours by bus from Tangier and far enough off the beaten track to dissuade many tourists, Chefchaouen is quiet enough for those visitors overwhelmed by the busy medinas of Fez and Marrakech, and has just enough of what is quintessentially Moroccan to be of interest to other travelers looking for something a bit more authentic.
Whether you spend a couple of days wandering the clean medina streets, enjoying a hike through the Rif Mountains, or just want to relax with a book and a fresh mint tea, like most visitors to Chefchaouen, you will walk away having experienced something magical.
The Medina
Chefchaouen boasts one of the most enjoyable medinas in Morocco. Unlike many medinas in Morocco, the medina of Chefchaouen still houses a large percentage of the city’s residents. As pleasant as it is walking through the old walled city, a stroll up and down through is made more pleasant by the sight of its residents living, for the most part, as they have for the last few hundred years. Unlike the medina of Marrakech or the Kasbahs of Tangier and Rabat, foreigners haven’t really been able to purchase old houses and convert them to upscale riads so many of the local populace still actually lives in the Medina. The people of Chefchaouen are, for the most part, really pleasant and foreigners can stroll through the blue walled medina without being harassed by touts and venders too much. Most of the shop keepers have a relaxed attitude and will not hassle you. Children play in the streets and, unlike Fez, they will generally not ask you for money. If anything, the children of Chefchaouen might ask you to play with them, which is not a bad way to spend an afternoon.
Ras el Maa
Located outside of the medina walls, to the east, “Ras el Maa” (or “Head of the Water”) is a small, beautiful waterfall. Many locals gather here during the hot months to cool off and, oftentimes, to do laundry. There is a small café nearby to relax with a coffee or tea.
Trekking
Chefchaouen sits on the side of the mountain. If you exit the medina and walk uphill, toward the Hotel Atlas (one of the largest buildings in the city, you can’t miss it), there is an easily found trail. This trail takes you up the hill toward a beautiful lookout point towering over Chefchaouen and the surrounding mountains. If you want, you can continue back, deeper into the mountains. Remember to pack your water bottles and, if you’re planning on trekking further into the mountains, a bite to eat.
Targa
For another short hike out of the medina, visit nearby nearby Targa. Located on the hill just south of the medina, this old castle and mosque dates from the 1200s. The Spanish rebuilt the minaret and though the entire mosque has been restored, it is not yet open for worshippers. However, visitors are welcome to climb the minaret and enjoy the views over Chefchaouen and the valley below.
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