Private Chefchaouen Day Trip from Fes: Blue Medina & Waterfall

Summary

Chefchaouen Blue City Tour with Ras el-Maa Waterfall Visit

You’ll wander Chefchaouen’s famous blue streets, meet local artisans, and relax by Ras el-Maa waterfall—all in one easy day trip from Fes. It’s a chance to slow down and really soak up Morocco’s mountain culture.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Fes felt cool on my face as we hopped into the van, bottled water in hand. Our driver—Youssef, who grew up just outside Fes—knew every twist of the road north. About an hour in, he pulled over at Barrage Sidi Chahed. The lake was still, almost glassy, and a couple of local fishermen were quietly untangling their nets nearby. I snapped a few photos—the light here is softer than in the city, and you can smell wild herbs on the breeze.

After four hours winding through the Rif Mountains (with a few sheep blocking our way now and then), Chefchaouen finally appeared—a patchwork of blue houses clinging to the hillside. Walking through those narrow lanes felt like stepping into another world; even the cats seemed lazier here. Our guide pointed out tiny leather shops where you could actually see artisans dyeing hides by hand, and we ducked into a weaving workshop that smelled faintly of wool and mint tea.

We wandered up to Place Outa el Hammam just as the call to prayer echoed from the Great Mosque’s octagonal minaret. The red Kasbah stood solid against all that blue—inside, there’s an ethnographic museum if you’re curious about local history (I recommend it if you have time). Before heading back, we followed the sound of rushing water to Ras el-Maa waterfall—locals gather here for laundry or just to cool off their feet. The whole place feels relaxed; nobody’s in a rush. By late afternoon, we piled back into the van for Fes, tired but happy—and maybe with a little blue paint on our shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Day trip to Chefchaouen

• Stop at Barrage Sidi Chahed for views and photos
• Explore Chefchaouen old town and landmarks

Top questions

How long does the drive from Fes to Chefchaouen take?

The drive each way takes about four hours, depending on traffic and stops along the route.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes! Transportation is wheelchair accessible and strollers are welcome throughout the trip.

Can I bring my infant or service animal?

Absolutely—infant seats are available if needed, and service animals are allowed on this tour.

Are there places to buy food or drinks in Chefchaouen?

Yes, there are plenty of small cafés and snack shops around Place Outa el Hammam where you can grab something local.

What’s included

Your ride includes bottled water for everyone, pick-up and drop-off at your place in Fes, plus travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a friendly local driver who knows all the best stops along the way.