Day Trip from Fez to Chefchaouen
Day Trip from Fez to Chefchaouen
Fez, Morocco’s celebrated cultural melting pot, offers tourists a living tradition, architecture, and history experience. Just a few hours away, however, is an entirely different and seemingly not of this world – Chefchaouen, Morocco’s mystical “Blue Pearl.” Day trip from Fez to Chefchaouen is the kind of experience which are worthy of taking a spot in your to-do list once in your life.
Perched in Rif Mountains, this striking town is celebrated for its gorgeous blue-painted houses, the laid-back feel, and splendid views. Chefchaouen is a great option if you are in Fez and wish to have a day trip that you will never forget.
Getting There
The four-hour drive from Fez to Chefchaouen requires an early departure. Private transfers and guided tours are the easiest means of traveling, but there is also a CTM bus that travels regularly between the two towns. The drive itself is a pleasure, winding its way through rolling hills, and rural-road villages.
Uncovering Chefchaouen’s Blue Streets
From the moment of setting foot in the area, the first impression for travelers is the radiance of color of the town. Every single shade of blue you can imagine and know, from sky blue, turquoise, to indigo surrounds the walls, doors, and staircases of Chefchaouen’s medina. Wandering through the narrow, bent alleys is an experience in itself.
Walk down the painted paths, stroll past the craft shops selling handmade bedspreads and hand-painted ceramics, and photograph the blue doors between blooming flowers. Plaza Uta el-Hammam, the town square, is the ideal place in which to pause and absorb the environment, as friendly cafes serve mint tea and local pastries.
Historical and Cultural Sites
History enthusiasts will want to stop by the Kasbah Museum. Near the central square, the restored 15th-century fortress boasts a history of Chefchaouen, a small art museum, and an impressive Andalusian-style garden. Ascending to the tower of the Kasbah is well worth the climb for blue city and mountain vistas.
An early morning climb gets one to the Spanish Mosque, Chefchaouen’s most scenic view. Attending at sundown gives an unforgettable panorama with the blues intensifying in fading light.
Tasting Local Flavors
A day trip from Fez to Chefchaouen is never complete without a bite of local cuisine. Goat cheese, grilled meat, and tagines are specialties. Bab Ssour or Chez Hicham restaurants serve good Moroccan food in a casual atmosphere.
Return to Fez
As the sun goes down, the return to Fez is in order. Even though it is all too easy to be tempted to squeeze in an extra day. just a single day in Chefchaouen is more than enough to make a lasting impression. The contrast between the heat of Fez and the tranquility of Chefchaouen makes the day trip the ideal balance, a glimpse of Morocco’s diversified charm.
Do you feel like going on a day trip from Fez to Chefchaouen?
