Chefchaouen Day Trip from Fez: Blue Medina Walks & Ras el-Maa

Summary

Fez to Chefchaouen for blue alleys, waterfalls and medina life

You’ll walk Chefchaouen’s winding blue streets with time to wander on your own, taste local food in Uta el-Hammam Square, visit Ras el-Maa waterfall, and catch panoramic views—all with hotel pickup from Fez and a friendly local guide. There’s space for small surprises along the way if you let yourself slow down.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the blue—everywhere, even before we got out of the minibus. Our driver, Youssef, pointed out the city from a hilltop just outside Chefchaouen. He grinned and said, “Wait until you see it up close.” The air smelled like wet stone and mint tea (someone nearby had a thermos open). I tried to take a photo but honestly, it didn’t catch the weird quiet feeling of seeing that much color all at once.

The drive from Fez is long enough to make you question your life choices by stop two (bathroom break with surprisingly good coffee), but then you get this sudden view over the dam at Sidi Shahid—sunlight bouncing off water and goats wandering around. It’s not dramatic, just… real. When we finally reached Chefchaouen itself, our guide led us into the medina and immediately disappeared into a crowd of old men playing cards under an orange tree. I wandered after him through these twisting blue alleys where every door looked like it belonged in a different story.

I got lost for half an hour trying to find Ras el-Maa waterfall (it’s more like a rushing creek than a big cascade) but ended up buying fresh bread from a woman who laughed at my French. The square—Uta el-Hammam—is full of cats and kids chasing pigeons, and there’s this Kasbah Museum that smells faintly of cedar wood inside. Lunch was slow; I ordered tagine and watched people pass by in bright scarves while the call to prayer echoed off the walls. Kind of hypnotic.

We had four hours in Chefchaouen before heading back to Fez. It wasn’t enough to see everything but somehow felt like plenty—maybe because everyone moved so slowly here, or maybe because I still think about those blue walls whenever I see my photos now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Day trip from Fez to Chefchaouen

• Depart from Fez
• Stop at Dam of Sidi Shahid for photos
• Take a break at cafeteria and bathroom
• Stop for panoramic city view
• Explore Chefchaouen medina for 4 hours
• Visit Uta el-Hammam Square and Kasbah Museum
• See Great Mosque and Ras Elma River
• Visit Ethnographic Museum
• Have lunch in Chefchaouen
• Return to Fez in the afternoon

Top questions

How long is the drive from Fez to Chefchaouen?

The drive takes several hours each way with stops included for photos and breaks.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup in Fez is included if it’s difficult for you to reach the meeting point.

How much free time do we get in Chefchaouen?

You’ll have about four hours to explore Chefchaouen on your own or with your guide.

What are the main sights during this day trip?

You’ll see Sidi Shahid Dam, panoramic city views, Ras el-Maa waterfall, Uta el-Hammam Square, the Kasbah Museum, and Chefchaouen’s medina.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No, lunch is not included but you’ll have free time to eat at local cafes or restaurants in Chefchaouen.

Is this trip suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels except those with poor cardiovascular health.

Are guides multilingual?

Yes, your driver-guide speaks multiple languages including English.

Can public transportation be used instead?

Public transport options are available nearby but this tour includes comfortable minibus transport from Fez.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Fez if needed, travel by air-conditioned minibus with a knowledgeable multilingual driver-guide, stops at Sidi Shahid Dam and panoramic viewpoints before reaching Chefchaouen where you’ll have free time to explore the medina, visit Ras el-Maa waterfall or museums at your own pace before returning in the afternoon.