Book hostels in Chefchaouen
The blue city. Cats, mountains, and the most Instagrammable walls in Africa.
Tucked into the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is the village painted a thousand shades of blue. It's small, walkable, cooler in summer than the desert cities, and has become a firm backpacker favourite thanks to its photogenic medina, friendly hostels, and easy access to hikes in the Talassemtane National Park.
Highlights
- Wandering the blue medina at sunrise
- Ras El Maa waterfall
- Spanish Mosque viewpoint at sunset
- Day hike to Akchour waterfalls
- Local goat cheese (yes, really)
Best for
- Photographers and Instagrammers
- Hikers and nature lovers
- Travellers escaping the summer heat
- Short-break visitors (2–3 nights is enough)
When to visit
April–June and September–October. At 500m altitude, summer days are tolerable but nights are cool; winter gets cold and occasionally snows. Arrive mid-week if you can — weekends fill with day-trippers from Tangier.
Budget
Very friendly to budgets. Dorms €7–10. A tajine by the river at a family place: €4. A day-trip shared taxi to Akchour: €5–8. You can easily do Chefchaouen on €20/day including a hike.
Getting there
No airport, no train. Bus is king: CTM from Tangier (2.5h), Fes (4h), Tetouan (1h). Shared grand-taxi from Tetouan is faster and often cheaper. From Europe, fly into Tangier or Fes.
Safety
Very safe by any standard. The main thing to know: cannabis ('kif') is openly grown in the surrounding Rif, and travellers sometimes get offered hash. Buying or carrying it is still illegal in Morocco — politely decline.
Where to stay — neighborhoods
Not all hostels are in the same part of town. Here’s how each area compares.
Medina
Best for: Blue walls, best photos, central hostels
The iconic blue-painted old town. Most hostels, cafés, and photo-famous alleyways are here. Walkable end to end in 15 minutes.
Plaza Uta el-Hammam area
Best for: People-watching, mint tea, evening meals
The main square right at the heart of the medina with the kasbah on one side and cafés all around. Best evening hangout spot.
Ras El Maa / Talassemtane edge
Best for: Hikers, waterfall starts, fresher air
The upper edge where the mountain meets town. Water channel, small guesthouses, quick access to Akchour hikes.
Tips from us
- Hike up to the Spanish Mosque for sunset; carry a torch for the way down.
- Bring a light jacket even in summer — nights are cool at altitude.
- Fridays: many shops close for prayer. Plan shopping before noon.
- The Akchour day-hike is worth the early start; take water + snacks.
- Respect locals when photographing blue walls — ask before pointing lenses at doorways.