Chefchaouen Day Trip from Fes: Blue Medina, Waterfall & Pickup

Summary

Chefchaouen’s blue alleys and mountain air on a day escape from Fes

You’ll wander Chefchaouen’s famously blue medina streets, sip mint tea in local cafés, visit Ras el-Maa waterfall, and catch glimpses of daily life with your guide leading the way. With hotel pickup from Fes and time to explore at your own pace, this day trip leaves you with more than just photos — maybe even a little peace.

What’s the experience like?

I’d always seen those photos of Chefchaouen — you know, the ones where every wall is some shade of blue that doesn’t seem real? So when I woke up in Fes and realized I could just book a day trip to Chefchaouen with hotel pickup, it felt like cheating at travel. Our driver met us right outside the riad (he actually waited while I forgot my sunglasses upstairs), and we set off through these winding roads into the Rif Mountains. The air changed as we climbed — sharper, almost piney, with little villages flashing by. I kept trying to spot goats on the hillsides but mostly saw olive trees and laundry flapping in the sun.

Arriving in Chefchaouen was like stepping into someone’s dream. The medina really is blue everywhere — doors, steps, even flowerpots. Our guide, Youssef, pointed out how locals repaint everything before Ramadan; he joked that tourists probably take more photos than there are people living here. We wandered Plaza Uta el-Hammam (I probably said it wrong — Youssef smiled politely) and ducked into a café for mint tea that tasted sweeter than usual. The call to prayer drifted over the rooftops and for a second everything just kind of paused. I bought a tiny woven basket from an old woman who didn’t speak English but patted my hand anyway.

We had about four hours to explore — enough to get lost down alleys with cats sleeping in doorways or to climb up towards Ras el-Maa waterfall (it’s not huge but the sound is nice after city noise). There were kids playing soccer near the riverbank and a couple of locals washing carpets in the cold water. I tried some street bread stuffed with cheese and herbs — honestly still thinking about it now. The kasbah museum was quieter than I expected; old musical instruments lined up behind glass, faded black-and-white photos of Chefchaouen before all the Instagram crowds.

The drive back to Fes felt longer somehow — maybe because I was tired or maybe because leaving that calm behind stings a little. If you’re curious about Chefchaouen but don’t want to deal with buses or planning, this day trip makes it easy. Sometimes you just need someone else to handle the roads so you can stare out the window at all that blue fading in your memory.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Day trip from Fez to Chefchaouen

• Meet driver at Fez accommodation
• Travel to Chefchaouen in private vehicle
• Explore Chefchaouen medina streets
• Visit Plaza Uta el-Hammam and kasbah museum
• See Grand Mosque and Ras Elma river
• Optional visit to ethnographic museum
• Return to Fez in the afternoon

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Fes to Chefchaouen take?

The tour starts around 8 AM from Fes and returns in the afternoon after about four hours exploring Chefchaouen.

Is hotel pickup included for this Chefchaouen day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup in Fes is included in your booking.

What can I see during four hours in Chefchaouen?

You can explore the medina’s blue streets, Plaza Uta el-Hammam, kasbah museum, Grand Mosque area, local shops and cafés, plus Ras el-Maa waterfall.

Is there a guide during this private tour?

A professional driver-guide accompanies you throughout your visit.

Are meals or entrance fees included?

No meals or entry fees are listed as included; bring some cash for snacks or museums.

Can solo travelers join this day trip?

Yes, this tour runs even for one person at an affordable price.

Is public transportation available nearby if needed?

Yes, public transport options are available near pickup points if required.

Are infant seats available for families?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request for families traveling with young children.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Fes by air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver-guide at your side; you’ll have several hours to explore Chefchaouen’s medina and sights like Ras el-Maa waterfall before returning comfortably back to your accommodation in the afternoon.