Chefchaouen Day Trip from Fes: Blue Medina & Waterfall Stops

Summary

Walk blue-washed lanes in Chefchaouen, meet locals and hear city tales

You’ll start early from Fes with hotel pickup, then ride through rolling hills before arriving at Chefchaouen’s blue-painted medina. Walk winding alleys with a local guide, taste fresh bread at a roadside café, pause by Ras el-Maa waterfall, and meet warm-hearted locals along the way. Expect small surprises—and colors you won’t forget soon.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the car windows fogged up a bit as we left Fes — it was early, not quite light yet, and our driver Yassine had this quiet hum to his voice as he pointed out the Sidi Chahed Dam. We stopped there for ten minutes. The air smelled like wet stone and mint from a nearby stall. I tried to snap a photo but mostly just ended up watching the water ripple. Breakfast came next at some roadside café — strong coffee, bread that crumbled in my hands, and a couple of older men arguing softly about football in Arabic. I didn’t catch much but their laughter made me smile.

After a couple hours weaving through hills (I lost count of the turns), Chefchaouen suddenly appeared below us — all those blue houses stacked up against the mountains. Our guide Leila made us get out before entering so we could see the whole city at once. She told us the story behind the blue paint (something about keeping mosquitoes away, but also Jewish tradition). I tried to repeat “Chefchaouen” properly; Leila grinned and said I was close enough.

The medina itself is smaller than I expected but every corner felt different — cats everywhere, old men selling olives, kids darting past with schoolbags. Plaza Uta el-Hammam was busy but not chaotic; I sat for a minute on a low wall just to watch people go by. Leila led us through narrow alleys where sunlight bounced off blue walls so bright it almost hurt my eyes. At one point she ducked into a shop to greet her cousin (everyone seems to know each other here), leaving me with the smell of leather and spices hanging in the air.

I wandered down toward Ras el-Maa waterfall after that — not huge, but locals were washing clothes and chatting over the rush of water. A little girl offered me some fresh figs; I fumbled for coins and she giggled when I dropped one. On the drive back to Fes later, tired but happy, I kept thinking about how easy it was to feel welcome in Chefchaouen even just for an afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Day trip from Fez to Chefchaouen

• Depart Fez at 8:00 AM
• Stop at Sidi Chahed Dam for photos
• Breakfast and freshen up at cafe
• Stop for panoramic city view photos
• Explore Chefchaouen Medina with guide
• Visit Plaza Uta el-Hammam and kasbah museum
• See Grand Mosque and Ras Elma river
• Optional visit to ethnographic museum
• Return drive to Fez with stops

Top questions

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

The full tour includes transportation time and lasts most of the day, with several stops along the way.

Is hotel pickup included for this Chefchaouen day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Fes are included in your booking.

What will we see during this day trip?

You’ll visit Sidi Chahed Dam, stop for breakfast at a café, enjoy panoramic views of Chefchaouen before entering, explore the medina with a guide, see Plaza Uta el-Hammam and Ras el-Maa waterfall.

Is there time to explore Chefchaouen on my own?

You have around four hours in Chefchaouen—some guided time plus free time to wander or shop independently.

Are meals or entry fees included?

No meals or entry fees are specifically included; breakfast is at your own expense during a café stop.

Is this tour suitable for families or infants?

Yes—infants can join if they sit on an adult’s lap during transport; it’s suitable for all fitness levels.

Will we have an English-speaking guide in Chefchaouen?

A local guide will accompany you in Chefchaouen; language options depend on availability but English is generally provided.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned transport from Fes with hotel pickup and drop-off arranged ahead of time. You’ll travel alongside a professional driver and meet your local guide in Chefchaouen for city highlights—all logistics handled so you can focus on wandering blue streets or pausing by Ras el-Maa waterfall before heading back home again.