Fes to Chefchaouen Day Trip: Blue City Tour & Ras el-Maa

Summary

Chefchaouen Day Tour from Fes: Blue Streets & Local Culture

If you want to see Morocco’s famous “blue city” in one easy day from Fes—with real local flavor, mountain views, and time to wander—this trip is for you. You’ll get hotel pickup, an English-speaking driver who knows all the shortcuts, plus stops for authentic food and hidden spots only locals mention.

What’s the experience like?

The air felt cooler as we left the busy roads of Fes behind, winding up into the Rif Mountains. Our driver, Youssef, chatted about his childhood in a nearby village while we stopped at a roadside café for breakfast—fresh msemen pancakes and mint tea that tasted sweeter than usual in the crisp morning air. The view from there? Just layers of green hills and a hint of blue on the horizon. It’s funny how you can smell woodsmoke even before you see any houses.

Arriving in Chefchaouen, I couldn’t help but pause at every corner—the walls really are all shades of blue, some faded, some freshly painted. We wandered through narrow alleys where cats lounged on cool doorsteps and shopkeepers called out greetings in Spanish and Arabic. Our guide pointed out handwoven blankets hanging outside tiny shops; apparently, weaving is a big deal here. I picked up one for my sister—couldn’t resist.

We made our way past the Grand Mosque (you’ll spot its octagonal minaret right away) and into Plaza Uta el-Hammam, which buzzed with locals sipping coffee under orange trees. The Kasbah was quieter—a walled fortress with a little garden that smelled faintly of jasmine and old stone. There’s a small gallery inside too; I spent ten minutes just looking at old black-and-white photos of the city.

Lunch was tagine at a rooftop place overlooking the mountains—simple food but honestly the best olives I’ve ever had. Before heading back to Fes, we walked up to Ras el-Maa waterfall where kids splashed around and women washed rugs in the cold water. On the drive home, the sun dipped low behind the peaks, painting everything gold for a few minutes. By then I was tired but happy—Chefchaouen really does feel like another world.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fes to Chefchaouen Day Trip

• Pickup from hotel in Fes
• Drive to Chefchaouen with breakfast stop
• Walk through blue narrow streets and shops
• Visit Grand Mosque and Uta el-Hammam Square
• Tour Kasbah fortress and garden
• Lunch with Moroccan Tagine and mountain views
• Return drive to Fes with scenic stops
• Drop off at hotel in Fes

Top questions

Is this Chefchaouen day trip suitable for families with young children?

Yes! Kids are welcome—just let us know if you need an infant seat or extra help during your visit.

How much walking is involved during the tour?

You’ll walk through Chefchaouen’s old town at a relaxed pace; most streets are flat but some alleys have steps or cobblestones.

Can I buy local crafts or souvenirs during this trip?

Absolutely! There are plenty of small shops selling woven goods and handmade items—you’ll have free time to browse.

What’s included

Your tour includes hotel or riad pickup and drop-off in Fes, private transport with air conditioning, an English- or French-speaking driver-guide, plus stops for breakfast and lunch (meals not included). We can provide infant seats if needed—just ask when booking!