Chefchaouen also called The Pearl of the North, is a city of captivating beauty. Its clear, clean light and its white and blue houses make this city one of the most beautiful in Morocco. It is an irresistible destination to a numerous painters and artists. It is most noted for its Mediterranean architecture, popular design, the blue and indigo centenary doors and its white walls covered with layers and layers and layers of lime. The people of Chefchaouen paint the walls and floors of the houses several times a year, and even paint the floor of the streets, many with irregular shaped staircases, coinciding with seasonal changes and annual celebrations.
Why visit Chefchaouen
Beautifully perched beneath the raw peaks of the Rif, Chefchaouen is one of the prettiest towns in Morocco, an artsy, blue-washed mountain village that feels like its own world. While tourism has definitely taken hold, the balance between ease and authenticity is just right. The old medina is a delight of Moroccan and Andalusian influence with red-tiled roofs, bright-blue buildings and narrow lanes converging on busy Plaza Uta El Hammam and its restored kasbah. Long known to backpackers for the easy availability of kif (cannabis), the town has rapidly gentrified and offers a range of quality accommodation, good food, lots to do and no hassles to speak of, making it a strong alternative to a hectic multicity tour. This is a great place to relax, explore and take day trips to the cool green hills.
Meet your new travel partner
Stay connected in Chefchaouen
Holafly eSIM provides unlimited mobile data with no hidden fees, giving you peace of mind wherever you travel. Stay connected even after your plan ends with Always On. Use code LONELYPLANET for an exclusive discount.
Take your Morocco trip with Lonely Planet Journeys
Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.
bookable trip
Meet Morocco: 10 Days in Marrakesh, Essaouira, the Atlas Mountains, and the Agafay Desert
highlights
- 1 Riding a camel through the Agafay Desert dunes at sunset
- 2 Getting lost in the labyrinthine streets of the Old Medina during a guided Marrakesh walking tour
- 3 Cooking traditional cuisine in a Berber village with a local resident
from $3,750
per person
Top places to visit in Chefchaouen
Discover the best attractions in Chefchaouen from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.
Travel Guides
Chefchaouen travel tips from Lonely Planet experts
Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.
Things to Know
Drink in the blue medina on a weekend visit to Chefchaouen, one of the most photographed towns in Morocco.
Read full article
5 Shops
Drink in the blue medina on a weekend visit to Chefchaouen, one of the most photographed towns in Morocco.
Read full article
Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.
in partnership with getyourguide


