Day Trip to Chefchaouen from Fez: How to Go, Best Time & Things to Do
Thinking about doing a day trip to Chefchaouen from Fez and trying to decide if it’s worth it?
Chefchaouen completely surprised me. I don’t know if it was because it felt like a total contrast to the chaos of Fez & Marrakesh, or because I’d been staring at photos of its blue streets online for years, but the moment I arrived, I just got it. Some places look good on Instagram. Chefchaouen actually feels good in real life.
Tucked into the Rif Mountains in northern Morocco, Chefchaouen is often described as Morocco’s “Blue City,” and yes almost everything really is painted blue. Doors, staircases, alleyways, even entire buildings glow in soft shades of cobalt and sky blue. The town feels calm, slower, and almost meditative compared to bigger cities like Fez, which is exactly why it makes such a perfect escape.
Most people visit Chefchaouen as a short stop between cities, or they squeeze it into a tight itinerary as a day trip from Fez. And I’ll be honest, it’s a long day. But if you plan it right, it’s absolutely worth the effort. Wandering through the blue medina, sipping mint tea in the main square, take in views that make the journey feel completely worth it.
Chefchaouen was one stop on my 7-day Morocco itinerary, but it felt completely different from everywhere else we visited.
If you’re debating whether a day trip to Chefchaouen is doable (or worth the effort), this guide is for you. I’m sharing my personal experience, along with everything I researched beforehand, so you can decide how to visit, when to go, and what not to miss, even if you only have a few hours.
Let’s get into exactly how to plan the perfect day trip to Morocco’s most photogenic town.
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How to Get to Chefchaouen
There’s no sugarcoating it—getting to Chefchaouen from Fez takes time. The distance isn’t huge on paper, but the winding mountain roads mean you’re looking at around 4 to 4.5 hours each way. That’s exactly why a lot of people hesitate to visit, or skip Chefchaouen altogether. I almost did too—and I’m so glad I didn’t.
I went back and forth on this while planning my trip, and after reading way too many reviews and research a lot, I realized there’s no single “best” option—just the one that fits your travel style and schedule.
By Shared Guided Tour (What I Did)
A shared guided tour is one of the most popular ways to do a day trip to Chefchaouen from Fez, and now I understand why.
The tour included early morning pickup in Fez, comfortable transport for the long drive, and a few hours of free time to explore Chefchaouen on our own. Having the logistics handled meant I didn’t have to think about bus schedules, directions, or the return trip late at night, which was a huge relief after such a full day.
While you are traveling with a group and working with a set schedule, the time in Chefchaouen still felt manageable. We had enough time to wander the blue medina, relax in the main square, and take photos.
By Private Transfer or Tour
If you want more flexibility and don’t mind paying extra, a private tour is another great option. You’ll have more control over timing and can move entirely at your own pace. If I had more time or was traveling as a group, this is the option I would consider next.
👉 Book Chefchaouen Private transfer
By Renting a Car
Renting a car gives you complete freedom and works best if you’re comfortable driving in Morocco or planning to stay overnight. The roads are generally good, but the drive gets winding as you approach Chefchaouen, and parking is outside the medina. For a single long day, I personally preferred not having to drive. This would works much better if you’re staying overnight.
By Bus
Buses with CTM and Supratours are reliable and affordable, but the schedules don’t always line up well for a same-day return. This option works much better if you’re staying overnight.
Best Time to Visit Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is beautiful year-round, but the experience can feel very different depending on when you visit.
I visited Chefchaouen in November, and honestly, it felt like the perfect time to go. November sits right in the sweet spot of fall. The weather was comfortable, not too hot and not cold enough to need heavy layers. Walking through the medina felt easy, even during the middle of the day, and I never felt drained by the heat the way I did in some other Moroccan cities.
Crowds were also very manageable. There were visitors around, but the streets never felt overwhelmingly busy, and it was still easy to find quieter blue alleys just by wandering a little farther from the main square.
Fall in general, especially September through November—is one of the best times to visit Chefchaouen. Temperatures are mild, the town feels relaxed, and it’s ideal for slow wandering and photography. If you’re working with a tight itinerary and planning a day trip, this season makes the long journey much more enjoyable.
Spring (March to May) is one of the best times to visit from what i have read. The weather is warm but comfortable, the skies are clear, and walking through the medina doesn’t feel exhausting. This is also when Chefchaouen feels fresh and lively without being overly crowded.
Winter (December to February) is cooler and much quieter. Days are crisp, evenings get cold, and you might see some rain. If you don’t mind layering up, winter can actually be a lovely time to visit with fewer tourists around.
Summer (June to August) can be hot, especially around midday. Chefchaouen also sees more tour groups during this time, which means busier streets and fewer quiet moments. If summer is your only option, aim to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak heat and crowds
No matter the season, early morning or late afternoon is ideal. Even in November, mornings were peaceful with empty blue streets, and late afternoons were perfect for slowing down in the main square or heading toward a viewpoint as the light started to change.
Chefchaouen Things to Do
Chefchaouen is best enjoyed slowly, but even on a day trip to Chefchaouen, you can see a lot without feeling rushed. Instead of over-planning, focus on a few key experiences that capture the town’s calm, blue magic.
Get Lost in the Blue Medina
The medina is a maze of blue-washed streets, staircases, and doorways, and the best way to experience it is without a map. I spent most of my time wandering with no real plan, stopping whenever something caught my eye. Every corner looks different, and some of the quietest streets ended up being my favorites. Early morning or late afternoon is best if you want fewer people in your photos.
Every alley, staircase, and doorway feels like it belongs on Instagram. Some of the most photogenic areas are slightly uphill and away from the main square, where fewer tour groups go. I found that the quieter residential streets had the richest shades of blue and the least foot traffic.
Relax at Plaza Uta el-Hammam
This is the main square and the social heart of Chefchaouen. It’s the perfect place to slow down, grab a mint tea, and people-watch for a bit. After walking around the medina, sitting here felt like a reset. You’ll find cafés, restaurants, and views of the kasbah all around the square.
Shop for Local Handicrafts
Chefchaouen is known for handmade blankets, woven textiles, and local crafts that feel different from what you’ll see in bigger Moroccan cities. I found the shopping experience here much calmer, with less pressure to buy. Even if you’re just browsing, it’s worth popping into a few shops as you wander.
Join a Short Walking Tour
If you want more context or feel short on time, a guided walking tour can help you see the highlights efficiently.
Spanish Mosque Viewpoint
If time allows, this is the most iconic viewpoint in Chefchaouen. The walk takes about 20–30 minutes uphill, but the view over the blue city and surrounding mountains is worth it, especially at sunset. Usually, when you book a tour they shop at a viewpoint from where you can enjoy the whole view of Chefchaouen.
FAQ: Day Trip to Chefchaouen from Fez
If you’re still on the fence about visiting, you’re not alone. I had a lot of the same questions before booking my day trip to Chefchaouen, so here are the most common ones—answered honestly, based on my experience and all the research I did beforehand.
Is a day trip to Chefchaouen from Fez really worth it?
Short answer: yes—if you plan it well. It’s a long day, no doubt about that. But Chefchaouen feels completely different from Fez, and that contrast alone makes it worth the effort. Even with just a few hours, wandering the blue medina and soaking in the calmer pace felt like a highlight of my Morocco trip.
If you hate long drives or prefer slow travel, staying overnight would be better. But if your itinerary is tight, a day trip is still worth it.
How long do you actually need in Chefchaouen?
Ideally, 4 to 6 hours is enough to see the highlights.
That gives you time to wander the medina, relax in the main square, visit the kasbah, shop a little, and maybe even make it to a viewpoint. Anything less can feel rushed, so when choosing a tour, make sure it allows enough free time in town.
Is Chefchaouen safe for tourists?
Yes, Chefchaouen felt very safe. I walked around comfortably and never felt uneasy. It’s quieter than other Moroccan cities, and the vibe is more relaxed. As always, be respectful, keep an eye on your belongings, and dress modestly—but overall, it’s one of the easiest places to explore.
Do you need a guide in Chefchaouen?
Not really. The medina is small and easy to explore on your own. Half the fun is getting lost and discovering corners you didn’t plan to find. A guide can be helpful if you’re short on time or want historical context, but it’s not necessary
What should you wear in Chefchaouen?
Comfortable walking shoes are a must. The streets are uneven and often uphill. Clothing-wise, modest outfits work best. Bring layers if you’re visiting in winter or early spring, as it can get chilly.
Final Thoughts: Is a Day Trip to Chefchaouen from Fez Worth It?
Looking back, I’m really glad I made the effort to visit Chefchaouen, even if it meant a long day on the road. The blue streets, the slower pace, and the mountain setting made it feel like a completely different side of Morocco, and that contrast was exactly what I needed after time in Fez & Marrakesh.
Is it a long day? Yes. Would it be better to stay overnight if you have the time? Also yes. But if your itinerary is tight and you’re trying to see as much of Morocco as possible, a day trip to Chefchaouen from Fez is absolutely worth it. With the right planning and enough free time in town, you can experience the magic without feeling like you’re just rushing through.
Chefchaouen is ideal for travelers who love wandering aimlessly, taking photos, sipping mint tea, and soaking in atmosphere rather than checking off attractions. If that sounds like you, I think you’ll fall in love with this blue city just like I did.
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