Chefchaouen Day Trip from Fez: Blue Medina, Kasbah & Plaza

Summary

Blue-washed alleys, kasbah views and real life in Chefchaouen

You’ll wind through Morocco’s Rif mountains from Fez to Chefchaouen with a local guide, walk blue-painted alleys past shops and cats, sip mint tea in Plaza Uta el-Hammam, and climb the kasbah tower for rooftop views you might still think about weeks later.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the color—Chefchaouen really is that blue. It’s not just one shade either; some walls are almost violet in the morning light, others more like faded denim. We’d left Fez early (I barely tasted my hotel breakfast), and after a couple hours of winding through those Rif mountain roads—bumpy enough that my coffee nearly jumped out of its cup—we finally saw the city spilling down the hillside. Our driver, Youssef, pointed out Barrage Sidi Chahed on the way. He said locals come here for picnics when it gets hot. I could see why—the water looked almost glassy against all that dry land.

Walking into Chefchaouen’s medina felt like stepping into a painting someone left out in the sun. The air smelled faintly of soap and oranges from open shop doors. A cat darted between my feet as our guide, Fatima, led us up cobbled lanes lined with leather slippers and woven blankets. She knew everyone—stopping to chat in Arabic or Spanish (I caught maybe three words). In Plaza Uta el-Hammam we sat under an old olive tree and watched old men play cards by the red kasbah wall. My mint tea was so sweet it made my teeth ache but honestly, I didn’t mind.

The kasbah museum itself surprised me—inside those thick walls it’s cool and quiet, with little bursts of birdsong from the garden outside. There’s this tiny gallery showing paintings by local artists; one canvas had a blue door just like the one I’d photographed earlier. From up on the tower you can see rooftops stacked like puzzle pieces over the medina—some patched with tin or laundry flapping in the breeze. I leaned against the stone for a minute longer than I meant to, trying to memorize that view before heading back down.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Day trip from Fez to Chefchaouen

• Depart from Fez
• Stop at Barrage Sidi Chahed
• Arrive in Chefchaouen
• Explore blue-washed old town
• Visit leather and weaving workshops
• Walk to Place Outa el Hammam
• See the Kasbah fortress and garden
• Tour the Ethnographic Museum
• View local art gallery
• Enjoy views from Kasbah tower
• Return to Fez

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Fez to Chefchaouen?

The tour lasts about 12 hours including travel time between Fez and Chefchaouen.

Is hotel pickup included for this Chefchaouen day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup is included at your accommodation in Fez.

What attractions are visited during this tour?

You’ll visit Chefchaouen Medina, Plaza Uta el-Hammam, and the Kasbah Museum.

Is there a local guide during the tour?

Yes, a local guide accompanies you in Chefchaouen.

What kind of vehicle is used for transportation?

An air-conditioned minibus or minivan is provided for transport.

Are meals included on this tour?

No meals are included but you’ll have free time to eat at local cafes or restaurants.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult; child rates apply when sharing with at least one paying adult.

How bumpy is the road to Chefchaouen?

The mountain road is safe but can be bumpy especially if seated at the back of the vehicle.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Fez, round-trip transport by air-conditioned minibus or minivan with a professional driver, plus a guided walk through Chefchaouen’s medina and entry to the kasbah museum before returning in the evening.