Chefchaouen Blue City Day Tour from Fez & Waterfall

Summary

Chefchaouen Walking Adventure with Ras el-Maa Stop

You’ll ride from Fez into Morocco’s Rif Mountains with a local driver, stop for photos at Sidi Chahed Dam, then wander Chefchaouen’s blue streets at your own pace. There’s time for Ras el-Maa waterfall and lunch before heading back—leaving you with memories of color and calm you might not expect from a day trip.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect the road out of Fez to feel so quiet that early — just the hum of our minivan and a few sleepy shopkeepers sweeping dust off their doorsteps. Our driver, Youssef, had this calm way of pointing out things without making it feel like a lecture. He slowed down near Sidi Chahed Dam so we could snap some photos; the water was still enough to catch the sky, which I guess is rare in June. Someone in our group tried to buy coffee at the roadside café but ended up with mint tea instead — honestly, not mad about it.

The drive into the Rif Mountains got twistier after that. I kept rolling down my window for air and caught these bursts of wild thyme or maybe something else herbal — hard to tell but it stuck to my jacket for hours. When Chefchaouen finally appeared, all blue and white against the hills, it looked almost painted on. Youssef dropped us at a spot with a panoramic view before letting us loose in the city for a few hours. No guide needed here; you just wander. The alleys are narrow and sometimes you catch someone rinsing vegetables at their doorstep or hear kids chasing each other around corners. I tried asking directions to Ras el-Maa waterfall in my terrible French — got a smile and a hand wave uphill.

The waterfall itself isn’t huge but there’s this coolness in the air and women washing clothes along the rocks. I sat there longer than planned just listening to water over stone and watching sunlight flicker through leaves. Lunch was whatever I found — flatbread stuffed with goat cheese from a street vendor who winked when I asked if it was “fromage de chèvre.” Not sure if he understood or just liked my accent.

We met back at the van where we started (I almost got lost but followed two cats who seemed to know). On the way back to Fez, everyone was quieter — maybe tired or just thinking about those blue walls. Sometimes travel days blur together but this one sticks with me, especially that moment by the waterfall when everything felt slow for once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fez to Chefchaouen Day Trip

• Depart from Fez to Chefchaouen
• Photo stop at Sidi Chahed Dam
• Panoramic mountain view in Chefchaouen
• Explore Blue City on foot

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Fez to Chefchaouen?

The entire journey takes about ten hours round-trip.

Is hotel pickup included for this Chefchaouen tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off service is included from your hotel in Fez.

Do I need a guide to explore Chefchaouen?

No guide is needed; you can explore Chefchaouen on foot by yourself.

What stops are included on the way from Fez?

The trip includes stops at Sidi Chahed Dam for photos and a café break before reaching Chefchaouen.

How much time do we spend in Chefchaouen itself?

You have about three to four hours of free time to walk around Chefchaouen.

Is Ras el-Maa waterfall part of this day trip?

Yes, you can visit Ras el-Maa waterfall during your free time in Chefchaouen.

What kind of vehicle is used for transport?

The tour uses an air-conditioned minivan or SUV for comfort during the journey.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Fez, comfortable transport by air-conditioned minivan or SUV with bottled water provided, entry fees covered for Chefchaouen Adventures, plus plenty of free time to explore both the city’s winding blue streets and Ras el-Maa waterfall before returning in the evening.