Things To Do in Chefchaouen

Things To Do in Chefchaouen Morocco

Discover the best things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco through my 3-day journey with friends exploring the Blue City’s charm, culture, and beauty.

Planning the perfect trip to explore the things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco requires more than just enthusiasm—it demands strategy. 

When my friends and I decided to spend three days in the Blue Pearl this past February, we knew that smart travel logistics would make or break our experience. 

We didn't want to arrive exhausted or waste precious hours that could be spent discovering all the incredible things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco. 

So we crafted a plan that would position us perfectly for an unforgettable adventure in one of our country's most photogenic destinations.

Our journey began right after lunch on a Thursday afternoon, leaving Casablanca with full stomachs and even fuller excitement. 

The drive north took us first to Tangier, where we made a brief stop to refresh ourselves and enjoy the coastal breeze before continuing onward. 

But here's where our strategy really paid off: instead of pushing through to Chefchaouen that same evening, we took the breathtaking coastal road from Tangier to Tetouan, watching the Mediterranean glisten in the late afternoon sun while the Rif Mountains rose majestically to our left. 

We spent the night in Tetouan, just 45 minutes from our final destination. This approach meant we'd wake up fresh and arrive in Chefchaouen mid-morning, ready to immediately start experiencing all the things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco, without losing half our first day to exhausted travel.

Reminder: To learn more about the climate, geographical location and distance of Chefchaouen from other Moroccan cities, you can consult this detailed article.

That decision to overnight in Tetouan transformed our entire trip. When we rolled into the Blue City around 09 AM the next morning. 

We had three complete days stretching before us—time to wander the azure alleyways, hike to panoramic viewpoints, connect with local artisans, and discover both the famous attractions and hidden gems that most rushed visitors miss. 

What we found exceeded every expectation, and I'm excited to share our complete itinerary with you, detailing all the amazing things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco, so you can experience the magic of this mountain paradise just as we did.

1. Things To Do in Chefchaouen Morocco - Experiencing Plaza Uta El Hammam

The drive from Tetouan to Chefchaouen that Friday morning was nothing short of magical—a perfect prelude to all the things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco, that awaited us. 

As we climbed higher into the Rif Mountains, the landscape transformed with every turn. Mist clung to the valleys like cotton clouds, occasionally parting to reveal terraced hillsides and distant peaks painted in shades of green and grey. 

The air grew crisper, cleaner, filled with that distinctive mountain freshness that makes you roll down the windows despite the February chill. 

These forty-five minutes felt like a meditation, a gradual shedding of Casablanca's urban intensity. The unparalleled scenery—raw, untouched, achingly beautiful—reminded me why Morocco's natural diversity is one of our greatest treasures. 

By the time Chefchaouen's blue-washed buildings came into view, nestled like sapphires in the mountain folds, we were already falling in love.

We arrived around ten in the morning and headed straight to the heart of the medina, knowing that among all the things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco, experiencing Plaza Uta El Hammam was essential. 

This isn't just the city's main square—it's its living, breathing soul. After checking into our riad and dropping our bags, we claimed a table at one of the cafés lining the plaza's edge, ready for a proper Moroccan breakfast. 

The waiter brought us msemen dripping with honey and butter, fresh khobz, creamy jben cheese, and pot after pot of sweet mint tea that steamed in the cool mountain air. 

As we ate, we watched the square slowly wake up: shopkeepers rolling up their shutters, cats stretching in patches of sunlight, an old man setting up his fruit cart with practiced precision.

What struck me most about Plaza Uta El Hammam that morning was its quietness—a peaceful, almost sacred quality that you rarely find in Morocco's busier tourist hubs. 

The weather was absolutely pleasant, that perfect combination of cool air and warm sun that February mornings in the mountains deliver so reliably. 

We sat there for nearly an hour, in no rush whatsoever, simply absorbing the atmosphere. 

The square is flanked by the beautiful Kasbah with its distinctive rust-colored walls and the Grand Mosque with its octagonal minaret—architectural anchors that give the space both grandeur and intimacy. 

Orange trees dotted the plaza, and even in February, their leaves caught the light beautifully. This unhurried morning ritual, I realized, was teaching us something crucial about the things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco: sometimes the best activity is simply being present.

As that first hour unfolded, Plaza Uta El Hammam revealed itself as more than just a landmark to check off a list—it became our compass for understanding Chefchaouen's rhythm. 

We watched local families greeting each other warmly, tourists gradually trickling in with cameras ready, vendors arranging their colorful handicrafts on blankets. 

The square serves as the medina's living room, the place where everyone eventually passes through, and sitting there that morning gave us invaluable perspective on the city we were about to explore. 

We'd return to this plaza multiple times over our three days—for afternoon tea, for evening people-watching, for quiet moments between adventures—and each visit revealed new layers. 

But that first breakfast, with the mist still clinging to the mountains above and the whole weekend stretching before us, remained special. 

It set the tone for everything that followed, reminding us that among all the incredible things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco, sometimes the most memorable moments are the simplest ones.

2. Getting Lost in the Blue: Exploring Chefchaouen's Old Medina

The old medina of Chefchaouen is truly captivating in a way that defies simple description. 

Every shade of blue imaginable coats the walls—from the palest sky blue to deep cobalt, from turquoise to periwinkle, each layer applied by hand over decades of tradition. 

Potted plants cascade down staircases in explosions of green and red, their colors made more vibrant by the blue backdrop. 

Wooden doors painted in contrasting yellows, oranges, and deeper blues punctuate the walls like carefully placed jewels. 

As we wandered deeper into the maze of alleyways, I kept thinking about how this is perhaps the most photographed of all the things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco, yet somehow the reality exceeds every image you've ever seen online. 

The play of light and shadow, the texture of aged plaster, the way locals in djellabas move through these blue corridors as if they're extensions of their own homes—none of this translates fully to a screen.

My advice, which I'm passing along from our own experience : don't rush your walks through these streets. We made a pact early on to resist the temptation to race from one Instagram-worthy spot to another. 

Instead, we moved slowly, deliberately, allowing ourselves to get lost in the truest sense. We'd pause at each corner, each archway, each unexpected burst of color against blue. 

You could genuinely spend a week here just taking photos—every angle offers something new, every hour of day changes the quality of light, every turn reveals another composition that demands to be captured. 

We must have taken hundreds of photos that first morning alone, and looking back through them now, each one transports me to a specific moment, a particular feeling. 

The medina isn't just a backdrop; it's an active participant in your experience, constantly offering new perspectives and hidden beauty.

But the old medina offers far more than just visual splendor among the things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco. 

As we wandered, we discovered shop after tiny shop tucked into the blue walls, each one overflowing with handmade treasures. 

Berber blankets in geometric patterns, leather bags tooled by hand, silver jewelry crafted by local artisans, woven baskets in every size, colorful babouches (traditional slippers), pottery glazed in brilliant colors, and wool garments perfect for mountain weather. 

Everything here is genuinely handmade, often by the very person selling it or their family members. 

We spent a delightful half-hour in one shop negotiating the price of some woven placemats with an elderly craftsman who spoke a mixture of Darija, French, and expressive hand gestures. 

Tip: Don't forget to haggle—it's absolutely part of the local shopping culture, expected and even enjoyed by vendors. 

3. The Kasbah: A Window Into Chefchaouen's Soul

About half an hour later, our energy renewed and our appetites demanding attention, we headed back to Plaza Uta El Hammam for lunch. 

The square had transformed since our morning visit—now it buzzed with midday activity, families occupying the café tables, tour groups consulting maps, the sun casting shorter shadows across the paving stones. 

We settled into a restaurant with a view of the Kasbah's distinctive rust-colored walls and ordered tagines that arrived in conical clay pots, steam escaping when the waiter lifted the lids to reveal tender lamb with prunes and chicken with preserved lemons. 

As we ate, I kept glancing at the Kasbah across the square, its fortified walls and crenellated towers standing as reminders of Chefchaouen's strategic importance centuries ago. 

I had visited it on a previous trip, but Karima and my friend Mehdi hadn't, and I was excited to experience it again through their fresh eyes.

Immediately after lunch, we walked across the plaza to the Kasbah's entrance, where we paid the 60 dirham fee—roughly six dollars, an amount that feels almost absurdly modest for what you receive in return. 

This 15th-century fortress, built by Moulay Ali Ben Rachid to defend against Portuguese invasions, now serves as one of the most rewarding things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco. 

The entrance fee grants you access to the interior gardens, a small ethnographic museum, an art gallery featuring local artists, and most importantly, the tower with its panoramic views. 

As we stepped through the heavy wooden doors into the central courtyard, Karima gasped audibly. 

The garden was an oasis of tranquility—a fountain at its center, orange and lemon trees providing shade, the sound of water creating a meditative atmosphere. 

Andalusian architectural influence was evident everywhere: the geometric tile work, the carved wooden details, the graceful arches. 

We spent time in the museum examining traditional Rifian clothing, old photographs of Chefchaouen from decades past, and displays of weapons and tools that told the story of the region's history.

But the real treasure, the moment that made the visit truly unforgettable, came when we climbed the narrow stone staircase spiraling up the Kasbah's tower. 

Each step took us higher above the medina, and anticipation built with every turn. When we finally emerged onto the open top platform, the three of us stood in stunned silence. 

Spread before us was the most breathtaking panoramic view of Chefchaouen imaginable—a sea of blue rooftops cascading down the hillside like frozen waves, punctuated by minarets and satellite dishes, all cradled by the green embrace of the Rif Mountains. 

From this vantage point, you understand why the city earned its nickname "The Blue Pearl." The mountains rise in layers behind the town, their slopes covered in vegetation that shifts from olive green to deep forest green depending on the light. 

We could trace the alleyways we'd wandered that morning, spot Plaza Uta El Hammam below, and see the Spanish Mosque perched on the opposite hillside. 

Mehdi pulled out his phone for photos, but we all agreed that no camera could truly capture this vista. 

Among all the incredible things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco, standing atop this ancient tower and seeing the city reveal its full beauty might be the most profound. 

We stayed up there for at least twenty minutes, pointing out landmarks, feeling the mountain breeze, and understanding in that moment why travelers return to this place again and again.

4. Plaza Mohammed V: Where Modern Chefchaouen Breathes

After we descended from the Kasbah's tower, our legs slightly wobbly from the spiral staircase and our minds still processing that incredible panoramic view, we noticed that Karima had grown quiet. 

The day had been intense—four hours navigating the medina's blue maze, lunch, the Kasbah exploration—and she admitted she was feeling the exhaustion catching up with her. 

We walked her back to our riad, making sure she had everything she needed, and she collapsed gratefully onto her bed with a tired smile. Mehdi and I, however, still had some energy reserves and weren't quite ready to call it a day. 

Among all the things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco, We know that Plaza Mohammed V offered a completely different perspective on the city, one that existed outside the tourist-dense medina. 

Wanting to experience that contrast, we made our way to the newer part of town.

Plaza Mohammed V sits at the edge where old Chefchaouen meets its modern expansion, and the moment we arrived, the difference was palpable. 

The atmosphere was completely different from inside the old city—no blue walls closing in around you, no souvenir shops, no camera-wielding tourists navigating narrow passages. 

Instead, we found an open, tree-lined square with a spacious garden at its center where local families had gathered for the late night. 

The square was remarkably quiet, with a peaceful, residential quality that felt worlds away from the medina despite being just a ten-minute walk. 

We found a bench in the garden and simply sat, watching life unfold around us. Children ran between the trees, their laughter echoing across the space while their parents chatted on nearby benches. 

Elderly men played cards at a small café on the square's edge. Young couples strolled along the pathways. This, we realized, was everyday Chefchaouen—the version locals experience when they're not navigating tourists or selling handicrafts. 

It was genuine, unhurried, and beautifully ordinary in the best possible way.

As he clock showed approximately 10 pm and the air grew cooler, Mehdi and I acknowledged what our bodies had been telling us for the past hour: we were exhausted. 

The first day had been absolutely lovely—everything we'd hoped for and more—but we could feel tomorrow's adventures calling for fresh energy. 

We knew the next day would likely be even more tiring. So we made the wise decision to head back to our accommodation, stopping only at a small shop to grab some light snacks for dinner. 

Sometimes the best things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco, involve knowing when to rest, when to let your experiences settle into memory while your body recovers. 

We returned to find Karima already asleep, and within an hour, Mehdi and I had joined her, our dreams undoubtedly painted in shades of blue.

5. Things To Do in Chefchaouen - Akchour Waterfall: Nature's Masterpiece Beyond the Blue

On the second day of our visit to Chefchaouen, after a peaceful and restful night's sleep that left us completely recharged, we woke up early—around seven in the morning, which felt almost heroic given how exhausted we'd been the night before. 

But we had a mission that required an early start, and the excitement propelled us out of bed faster than any alarm could. 

Our goal was to experience what I consider one of the most spectacular things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco: visiting Akchour, a magnificent waterfall complex nestled in the Rif Mountains just outside the city. 

I had been there several times before, and each visit had left me awestruck. I'd been talking up this excursion to Karima and Mehdi since we started planning the trip, and now the moment had finally arrived. 

We dressed quickly in comfortable hiking clothes, knowing we had hours of walking ahead of us through mountain terrain that would test our stamina but reward us with unforgettable beauty.

Preparation was key for this adventure, and I made sure my friends understood what we needed. 

We packed our daypacks carefully: suitable walking shoes with good grip were non-negotiable—the trails can be rocky and uneven. 

Hats and sunglasses to protect us from the mountain sun, even in February. And most importantly, large water bottles that we'd refill along the way, as cold, fresh mountain water flows abundantly throughout the route. 

Travel Tip: No car? No problem. Head to the Chefchaouen bus station where you'll find grand taxis that will transport you directly to Akchour for just 25 dirhams per person—roughly $2.50. It's an affordable and authentic way to reach this natural wonder.

It was eight-thirty in the morning when we arrived in Akchour, the air crisp and clean with that particular freshness that only exists in mountains. 

The small village was already stirring with activity—other hikers preparing for the trail, local guides offering their services, the smell of bread baking in outdoor ovens. 

We went straight to one of the cafés perched on the hillside, climbing the stairs to its rooftop terrace, and what greeted us there instantly revitalized our spirits and filled us with an electric sense of aliveness.

We settled at a low table with cushioned seating and ordered a traditional Moroccan breakfast: fresh msemen, amlou (that divine almond butter mixed with argan oil and honey), olive oil for dipping, hard-boiled eggs, jben cheese, and pot after pot of steaming mint tea. 

But it was the view that transformed this meal into something transcendent. 

The mountains rose in layers before us, covered in cedar and pine forests, their peaks still holding traces of morning mist. 

The sound of the Akchour river reached us from below, a constant gentle roar that spoke of the power we'd soon witness up close. 

Enjoying this breakfast with such a view was absolutely breathtaking—Mehdi said it felt like being reborn, and honestly, I couldn't have described it better myself.

After a breakfast that lasted about forty-five minutes—we were in no rush, savoring both the food and the atmosphere—we began our journey toward the large waterfall, our main destination. 

I had visited the area several times before, so I knew the route well: roughly an hour of walking through some of the most beautiful forest trails I've experienced anywhere in Morocco. 

The path follows the river upstream, and you're constantly accompanied by the sound of flowing water and the shade of ancient trees. 

You can look for signs painted on the large stones—arrows and orange markers that guide you in the right direction at each fork in the trail. Even without a guide, the route is well-marked enough for confident hikers. 

Along the way, we discovered several stalls set up under the trees, simple operations where local families served various Moroccan tagines—chicken, lamb, vegetable—the pots steaming over small fires, the aroma mixing with the scent of pine and water. 

There were also vendors selling local handicrafts: woven baskets, wooden utensils, jewelry made from natural materials. Karima couldn't resist and bought a traditional mountain hat woven from straw, declaring it the perfect souvenir and wearing it immediately for the rest of the hike.

We arrived at the large waterfall after about an hour and a half—longer than the typical hour because we stopped frequently to admire and photograph the small waterfalls we encountered along the way, and because the route included both uphill climbs and downhill descents that required careful footing. 

But when we finally rounded that last bend and the grand cascade came into view, every step was justified. 

The large waterfall was absolutely majestic and magnificent—water plunging perhaps forty meters down a rock face into a clear pool below, the spray creating rainbows in the sunlight, the roar filling the mountain amphitheater with primal energy. 

We found a spot on the rocks near the pool's edge and simply sat there, watching the water cascade down the mountain, hypnotized by its power and grace. 

A small café nearby brought us glasses of hot mint tea, and as I sipped mine, I genuinely wished I could stay overnight, sleep under the stars with that sound as my lullaby. 

This is what makes Akchour one of the most soul-nourishing things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco—it strips away everything artificial and reminds you of nature's raw magnificence. 

We sat there for about two hours, completely forgetting the world we'd left behind, our phones mostly forgotten in our pockets, just three friends from Casablanca utterly present in that perfect moment. 

Afterwards, we made our way back down, stopping at each of the small waterfalls we'd passed earlier, taking our time. 

Near one of the prettier cascades, we stopped for a late lunch at one of those trail-side stalls, sharing a large Moroccan tagine that tasted somehow more delicious eaten outdoors with tired legs and happy hearts. 

I had wanted to continue to God's Bridge—Pont de Dieu—a natural stone arch that's another stunning feature of the area, but as usual, Karima's energy had reached its limit. 

She apologized, but we understood completely. We'd already experienced something extraordinary, and there's always another trip. 

We headed straight back to our accommodation in Chefchaouen, arriving around five-fifteen in the afternoon, completely exhausted but filled with the kind of satisfaction that only comes from pushing your body while feeding your soul.

6. Things To Do in Chefchaouen - Dining Above the Blue: A Rooftop Restaurant Experience

After our tiring day at the Akchour waterfalls—muscles pleasantly sore from the trek, skin glowing from mountain air, minds still replaying the majesty of cascading water—we returned to our riad craving the simple luxury of a hot shower and clean clothes. 

The water worked its restorative magic, washing away layers of trail dust and fatigue, and as we emerged refreshed and changed into evening attire, a collective energy sparked among us. 

The night was young, the city was calling, and we weren't ready to surrender to sleep just yet. 

We decided spontaneously to take a short tour of the old city at dusk, when the medina sheds its tourist bustle and reveals a quieter, more intimate character. 

The blue walls seemed to glow differently in the fading light, softer and more mysterious. 

After meandering through the now-familiar alleyways for about thirty minutes, discovering corners we'd missed and greeting shopkeepers closing up for the night. 

We made our way toward our evening's destination: one of Chefchaouen's legendary rooftop restaurants. 

Among all the memorable things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco, dining above the city with a panoramic view had been circled on our mental list since day one.

I definitely recommend trying a rooftop restaurant — whether you go for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the experience is always worth it. 

There’s something special about enjoying a meal with a panoramic view, where the city unfolds beneath you and the atmosphere feels both relaxed and elevated.

7. Things To Do in Chefchaouen - Ras El Ma: Where the Mountain Waters Sing

Our third day in Chefchaouen began with a decision we'd made the previous evening, one that felt almost poetic in its symmetry: breakfast at the same rooftop restaurant where we'd enjoyed dinner just hours before. 

We arrived as the morning light was still soft and golden, the city below us slowly stirring to life. 

The view of Chefchaouen from that terrace was utterly breathtaking in the morning clarity—the blue rooftops seemed even more vivid against the green mountains, and the air held that crisp freshness that dissipates by midday. 

We'd arranged this breakfast the night before specifically to experience this same panoramic perspective at a different time of day, and we weren't disappointed. 

As we savored our msemen, fresh bread, olive oil, and seemingly endless pots of mint tea, we watched the city wake up: smoke rising from morning fires, shopkeepers rolling up their metal shutters, Children playing and making their way through the alleyways. 

It was the perfect, unhurried start to what we knew would be our final full day exploring the things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco.

It was ten o'clock in the morning when we finally descended from the rooftop restaurant, bellies full and spirits high, and headed toward our morning's destination: the famous Ras El Ma spring, one of those essential things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco, that somehow manages to remain peaceful despite its popularity. 

We began our walk through the charming blue alleyways of the old city, but this time with a specific destination in mind rather than aimless wandering. 

The medina felt different at this hour—caught between tourist time and local time. 

Some shopkeepers were just opening their establishments, arranging their handicrafts and textiles with unhurried morning movements. 

Others sat on their stoops enjoying their own breakfast, greeting us with warm "sbaH lkhirs" as we passed. 

The smell of fresh bread wafted from unseen ovens, mixing with the scent of mint and the ever-present aroma of cedar wood. 

The atmosphere was wonderful—authentic and relaxed, giving us glimpses of daily Chefchaouen life that felt like privileges rather than intrusions.

Upon reaching Ras El Ma after about 25 minutes of walking through the city's narrow streets, winding our way to the eastern edge of the medina, we discovered why this spring has captivated visitors for generations. 

The place was remarkably peaceful, especially at this morning hour before the crowds arrived. 

Ras El Ma—which literally means "head of the water" in Arabic—is where fresh mountain water emerges from the rock face, creating small cascades that flow down through channels, some natural and some built centuries ago. 

Local women were washing clothes in the traditional way, slapping wet fabric against smooth stones.

We found a spot at one of the small cafés perched along the water's edge and ordered cups of the region's famous herbal tea—a blend of local mountain herbs that tasted of the earth and sky. 

Sitting there, listening to the sounds of flowing water, the rustle of leaves in the surrounding trees, and the mountain breeze moving through the valley, felt like the most natural meditation imaginable.

We spent about three and a half hours at Ras El Ma, and those hours unfolded without any sense of time passing. 

Sometimes we simply sat at our café table, relaxing in that profound way that only happens when your mind stops planning and starts just being. 

Other times we walked down closer to the waterfall, exploring its surroundings—the network of channels that distribute water throughout the old city. 

The old washing areas where generations of Chefchaouen women have gathered, the small bridges crossing the streams, and the paths that lead up into the hillside beyond. 

Mehdi discovered you could buy fresh lemonade from a vendor who squeezed it right there using local lemons and cold spring water—it was tart, sweet, and absolutely perfect in the warming late morning sun. 

Eventually, though, our stomachs began making their needs known with increasing insistence. 

It was nearly one-thirty in the afternoon, and we'd been awake since early morning. 

We gathered our things reluctantly, said goodbye to Ras El Ma's tranquil magic, and made our way back through the blue streets toward Plaza Uta El Hammam for lunch. 

Already feeling hungry and ready for another tagine, marking yet another memorable moment among the countless things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco, that had made this trip so unforgettable.

8. Things To Do in Chefchaouen - The Spanish Mosque: Sunset Over the Blue Pearl

After a leisurely lunch at Plaza Uta El Hammam—where we'd indulged in chicken tagine with preserved lemons and olives, followed by coffee in the peaceful courtyard of a small café near the kasbah—we headed straight back to our accommodation for an afternoon nap. 

The morning at Ras El Ma, combined with three days of nearly constant exploration, had caught up with all of us, but especially Karima 😄. 

She wasn't accustomed to this much walking and moving around; back in Casablanca, her daily routine involved considerably less physical activity, and she'd been a trooper about keeping pace with Mehdi and me. 

But exhaustion was written across her face as she collapsed onto her bed. 

We agreed that rest was essential, particularly because we had one more crucial item on our list of things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco: watching the sunset from the Spanish Mosque, arguably the most iconic viewpoint in the entire city.

As sunset approached  we moved with renewed purpose. We splashed water on our faces, grabbed our cameras and jackets—the mountain evenings could turn chilly quickly—and headed to our  car parked near the medina's edge. 

Our destination was the Spanish Mosque, perched on a hillside across the valley from the city, offering what every guidebook and travel blog promises is the most breathtaking panoramic view of Chefchaouen. 

Here's something worth noting for anyone planning their own visit: the Spanish Mosque is directly accessible on foot from Ras El Ma via a well-worn hiking trail. 

We could have easily walked there when we visited the spring at midday, making it a combined excursion. 

However, our goal had always been specifically to catch the sunset from near the mosque, watching the dying light paint the blue city in shades of gold and amber. 

Timing was everything for this particular experience among the things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco, and we'd deliberately postponed our visit until this perfect golden hour.

There was another practical reason we chose to drive rather than hike: Karima's fatigue. Three days of walking the medina's uneven cobblestones, hiking to Akchour's waterfalls, and exploring every corner of this mountain city had taken their toll on her legs and feet. 

The thought of an uphill hike, even a relatively short one, felt like too much to ask. So we drove instead, following the road that winds around the valley and climbs toward the mosque. 

The drive itself was beautiful—Chefchaouen revealing itself from new angles with each turn, the mountains showing off their layered greens and browns, shepherd boys guiding small flocks of goats along the roadside. 

We parked in a small lot near the mosque about twenty minutes before sunset, joining a handful of other visitors who'd had the same idea. 

The air was already cooling rapidly, that sharp mountain temperature drop that happens the moment the sun approaches the horizon.

Walking the final few meters to the viewpoint, we positioned ourselves on a low wall with an unobstructed view, and what spread before us was nothing short of magnificent. 

Chefchaouen lay nestled in the valley below like a sapphire dropped into green velvet, the blue buildings creating an almost surreal contrast with the natural landscape surrounding them.

From this elevation, you could see the entire medina's layout, trace the main streets, identify Plaza Uta El Hammam, spot the Kasbah's tower, and see how the city has grown beyond its old walls. 

The Spanish Mosque itself—abandoned, stood quietly behind us, its presence less important than the view it commands. 

As the sun descended toward the western mountains, the quality of light transformed minute by minute. 

The harsh afternoon brightness softened into gold, then amber, then a pink-orange glow that made the blue walls of Chefchaouen appear almost purple. Shadows lengthened dramatically across the valley. 

The call to Maghrib prayer echoed up from multiple minarets, the sound carrying clearly in the still evening air. Karima, despite her exhaustion, whispering that this moment alone made the entire trip worthwhile. 

Mehdi and I stood on either side of her, and none of us spoke much—there was nothing to say that could improve upon what we were witnessing. 

This, I thought, is why the Spanish Mosque sunset remains the most recommended of all things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco. 

It's not just a view; it's a culmination, a perfect visual summary of everything that makes this city extraordinary. 

We stayed until the sun disappeared completely and the first stars emerged, the city lights below beginning to twinkle like earthbound constellations, unwilling to break the spell even as the cold drove other visitors back to their cars. 

When we finally descended, driving back through the darkening valley toward city center, we rode in satisfied silence, knowing we'd witnessed something we'd carry in our memories long after we returned to Casablanca's chaos.

9. Evening in the Souk: Last Treasures from the Blue Pearl

After returning from the Spanish Mosque with our hearts full and our camera rolls bursting with sunset photos, we made our way back to the old city for one final evening adventure. 

The medina had transformed once again—now illuminated by the warm glow of shopkeepers' lights and traditional lanterns hanging in the alleyways, creating pools of amber light against the blue walls. 

We headed into the souk for a short stroll and some last-minute shopping, knowing this was our final chance to absorb the atmosphere before departing tomorrow. 

Karima had a specific mission: she wanted to buy some local souvenirs for family and friends back in Casablanca—authentic pieces that captured Chefchaouen's spirit without being too touristy. 

But she also had another craving that I'd anticipated: she wanted to enjoy a proper Moroccan harira soup at one of the small restaurants tucked into the old city's corners. 

I knew exactly where to take her—a humble spot I'd frequented during my previous visits to Chefchaouen, run by an elderly woman who makes harira the traditional way, thick and rich with lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, served with dates and chebakia for dipping. 

This combination of shopping and eating, I'd learned, represents one of the most authentic things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco—experiencing the city as locals do when the day winds down.

We wandered through the souk's narrow passages, now familiar enough with the medina's layout that we rarely questioned which turn to take. 

The evening shopping atmosphere felt more relaxed than during the day—fewer aggressive sales pitches, more genuine conversations with artisans who seemed happy to chat without the pressure of a sale. 

Karima found beautiful woven placemats in indigo and white patterns, a set of hand-painted ceramic bowls in traditional Moroccan designs, small leather pouches tooled with geometric patterns, and a gorgeous wool blanket in shades of blue that the vendor explained was made by Berber women in nearby mountain villages. 

Mehdi picked up some argan oil products and a traditional djellaba he swore he'd actually wear back home (we all laughed, knowing it would probably hang in his closet untouched). 

I bought nothing—I already had too many treasures from previous trips—but I enjoyed watching my friends negotiate prices, their haggling skills improving with each transaction. 

The vendors seemed to appreciate customers who understood the game, and several conversations ended with laughter and mint tea shared between buyer and seller, as much social interaction as commercial transaction.

Finally, as our shopping bags grew heavy and our feet reminded us they'd been working hard for three days straight, we made our way to the harira spot I'd promised. 

The tiny restaurant—really just three small tables in a blue-painted room barely wider than a hallway—welcomed us with the rich aroma of spices and simmering soup. 

We ordered three bowls of harira, and when they arrived, steaming and fragrant with cumin, coriander, and fresh cilantro, accompanied by dates and segments of lemon and chebakia, Karima closed her eyes with the first spoonful and declared it the best she'd ever tasted lol.

We ate slowly, savoring every bite, reflecting on our three days in this remarkable city. I mentioned, somewhat wistfully, that I'd originally wanted to visit God's Bridge and explore Talassemtane National Park—both spectacular natural sites near Chefchaouen that rank high on any comprehensive list of things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco. 

But we simply hadn't had enough time, and Karima's energy levels couldn't have sustained another major hiking excursion but making an unspoken pact that this wouldn't be our last visit to the Blue Pearl. 

As we finished our soup and stepped back into the cool night air, making our way slowly back to our riad through the now-quiet blue alleyways, I felt that bittersweet combination of satisfaction and reluctance that marks the end of every truly special journey.

Conclusion

This three-day journey through the Blue City was nothing short of magical. From wandering the serene alleys painted in shades of blue to discovering hidden gems like Ras El Maa, the Spanish Mosque, old medina, kasbah and Akchour Waterfall , every corner of Chefchaouen seemed to tell a story of peace and authenticity. 

Traveling with two close friends made it even more special — we shared laughter, quiet moments, and the joy of simply being present in one of Morocco’s most enchanting destinations.

When it comes to things to do in Chefchaouen Morocco, the list is endless. Whether you’re exploring the lively souks, savoring a mint tea in the main square, or hiking to breathtaking viewpoints, this mountain town offers an experience that blends nature, culture, and spirituality. 

For me, Chefchaouen is not just a place to visit — it’s a place to feel.