Solo Traveller’s Guide to Chefchaouen: Morocco’s Blue Pearl
Planning on travelling solo to Chefchaouen? Discover the best things to do, where to stay and essential tips for exploring Morocco’s “Blue City” safely and confidently.
Tucked into the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco, Chefchaouen feels like a dream painted in every shade of blue. Wandering its relaxed streets is one of my favourite travel experiences in Morocco.
It’s a destination I’ve visited multiple times – with friends, my partner and solo – there’s just something about it that draws me back again and again. I love the mountain setting and the rushing cascades along the medina’s edge put me immediately at ease.
Nicknamed the “Blue Pearl”, Chefchaouen is one of the most photogenic towns in the world. But beyond its Instagram fame lies a peaceful, welcoming place that’s ideal for solo travellers.
Unlike Marrakech or Fes, Chefchaouen has a slower rhythm. Locals are friendly, the streets are safe to wander alone and there’s a gentle charm that makes it easy to relax. If you’re looking to unwind after the hustle and bustle of Morocco’s bigger cities, Chefchaouen is the perfect solo escape.
In this guide to solo travel in Chefchaouen, I’ll explain everything you need to know about exploring the “Blue Pearl”, from transport to sightseeing and amazing places to stay.
Wondering if Morocco is good for solo travelling? Discover everything you need to know here.
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Getting to Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen doesn’t have its own airport (it’s much too small). But it’s well-connected by bus to several major Moroccan cities. CTM is the most reliably bus company for getting to and from Chefchaouen.
From Tangier:
- 🚌 CTM Bus: 2.5 hours, around 80 DH
- 🚗 Private Taxi: 2 hours, around 800 DH
From Fes:
- 🚌 CTM Bus: 4.5 hours, 140 DH
From Casablanca or Rabat:
- It’s a longer journey (5–7.5 hours) with multiple stops along the way, from 175 DH
Solo tip:
Book buses in advance through the CTM website or 12Go. Chefchaouen’s bus station is a short taxi ride from the medina (40 DH) or a 30-minute walk uphill.
Where to stay in Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is home to beautiful riads and casas (guesthouses) that are perfect for solo travellers. Many have sun-dappled terraces overlooking the medina and fireplaces to keep you warm on chilly winter nights.
At the higher end of the range, you’ll find swimming pools and spas for a little post-sightseeing pampering.
Recommended hotels in Chefchaouen for solo travellers:
Budget-Friendly: Casa Blue Pearl or Hotel Molino Garden
Mid-Range: Casa Meftah Blue or Dar M&D
Luxury: Dar Echchaouen Maison d’Hôtes & Riad or Dar Jasmine
Solo tip:
Choose accommodation inside or near the medina to be within walking distance of restaurants and attractions.
Top things to do in Chefchaouen for solo travellers
1. Wander the blue-hued medina
There’s no better way to experience Chefchaouen than to get lost in its blue streets – you’ll find something new around every corner.
Aside from some amazing street art, there are colourful potted plants lined up outside windows and cats sunbathing on steps. In short, the photography opportunities are amazing!
The relatively easy-going atmosphere of Chefchaouen lets you wander at your own pace while enjoying the crisp mountain air. The only areas where you might encounter crowds are at the most sought-after photo locations.
Be aware that some of these places are created and adorned by locals and they request a small fee (10 or 20 DHs) if you wish to take pictures there.
Solo tip:
Early morning (before 10 am) is the best time for photos and peaceful wandering. This is before the day trippers arrive from Tangier and Fes.
2. Soak up the views from the Spanish Mosque
A 20-minute walk uphill from the medina leads to the Spanish Mosque, which offers the most iconic view of Chefchaouen.
At the top, you can gaze out across the blue and white buildings that blanket Chefchaouen, all set against the backdrop of the Rif Mountains. A path extends from the mosque into the nearby countryside if you’re eager to explore more.
The Spanish Mosque is especially popular at sunset when the blue houses glow under the golden light. But I think it’s wonderful at any hour and love seeing the mountains illuminated in the midday sunshine.
If you’ve spent the last few days immersed in busy medinas, hiking to the Spanish Mosque offers a wonderful chance to reconnect with the great outdoors.
Top tip:
Wear comfy walking shoes and bring water. There’s also a small shop halfway up to the Spanish Mosque where you can purchase drinks and snacks.
3. Eat a fruit cup overlooking the cascades of Ras el-Maa
Located on the eastern edge of the medina is Ras el-Maa, a series of cascades where local women have traditionally gathered to wash their clothes.
In recent times, however, you’ll encounter more vendors pressing orange juice and selling fruit cups – these are Insta-worthy in their own right!
While the cascades of Ras el-Maa are by no means grand, they offer a refreshing escape from the summer heat. Plus, there are a few restaurants where you can enjoy a meal while listening to the river flow by.
Solo tip:
Ras el-Maa is usually busiest around the bridge. If you want to find a quieter spot for reflection, walk downstream a few minutes. There are more fruit cup vendors here too!
4. People-watch in Plaza Uta el-Hammam
At the heart of Chefchaouen’s medina is Plaza Uta el-Hammam, a cobblestoned open space that fuses Arabian and Spanish influences. It’s watched over by a 15th-century kasbah and a mosque with a uniquely octagonal minaret.
While non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the mosque, it’s worth admiring from the outside. The Kasbah, however, is open as an ethnographic museum. From its tower, there are panoramic views across the medina.
Budget tip:
Chefchaouen’s Kasbah Museum receives mixed reviews and many think the 80DH entrance fee is too expensive. If you’re travelling Morocco solo on a budget, this might be one to miss.
5. Feast on Moroccan and Spanish cuisine
Chefchaouen has a laid-back restaurant scene with plenty of options for solo diners. There are lots of alfresco eateries in Plaza Uta el-Hammam where you can watch the world go by, as well as a handful of rooftop restaurants.
Because of Chefchaouen’s proximity to Spain, don’t be surprised to find paella and other Spanish dishes on the menus, alongside all the Moroccan staples.
Discover 10 dishes to try while visiting Morocco in my foodie article here.
Where to eat in Chefchaouen:
- El Cielo: Not far from Ras el-Maa, this highly-rated restaurant offers delicious Moroccan food in a garden setting.
- Restaurant Sayeda Alhurra: Just outside the medina (opposite the cemetery), this multi-floor restaurant serves up affordable Moroccan fare. Opt for a window table for incredible people watching and medina views.
- Mido’s: On the edge of Plaza Uta el-Hammam, this cafe (run by two brothers) does burgers, tacos and quesadillas. Don’t miss the fresh mint-infused lemon juice!
5. Shop for local artisans’ goods
Chefchaouen’s blue streets are dotted with artisan stalls selling everything from handmade leather goods to traditional woollen clothing and aromatic soaps.
The shopping experience here is far more relaxed than in Fes or Marrakech and I always find the stall owners to be friendly and helpful.
If you’re looking for a uniquely Chefchaouen souvenir, I personally love the red-and-white fabrics that local women wear around their waists. They can be used for various purposes back home, from wall hangings to sofa throws and table coverings.
Want tips for shopping in Morocco? Check out my guide to surviving Morocco’s souks.
Solo tip:
Bargaining is still customary in Chefchaouen, although some shops have fixed prices displayed. Radiate towards these if you find the haggling experience intimidating!
6. Go hiking in the Rif Mountains
If you’re a solo traveller who loves nature, Chefchaouen makes an excellent base for day hikes. The surrounding Rif Mountains provide plenty of hiking adventures, whether you are a dedicated trekker or just a casual explorer.
While they may be less famous than the Atlas range, these peaks that rise above the Mediterranean Sea feature some of the best hiking trails in North Africa.
Popular hiking routes in the Rif Mountains:
- Akchour Waterfalls: A 45-minute drive from Chefchaouen leads to the start of this trail – it leads to a series of cascades and the “God’s Bridge” rock arch.
- Jebel Tidirhine: A 3 to 4 hour hike to the highest peak in the Rif Mountains.
- Jebel Tissouka and Sfiha Telj: A challenging 8 to 9 hour trek offering spectacular views across the Rif range.
For more Rif Mountains hiking inspiration, check out my detailed article here.
Solo tip:
Hire a local guide or join a group trek for safety and to ensure you don’t get lost on the (sometimes) unmarked trails.
If you don’t have your own transport, this full-day excursion to Akchour Waterfalls and Talassemtane National Park is a great way to experience the cascades and the surrounding landscapes.
Want to embark on a multi-day hike from Chefchaouen? This three-day guided trek takes in many of the Rif Mountains’ highlights. It also includes three nights in mountain refuges.
Visiting Chefchaouen as a solo traveller
If Morocco’s big cities feel overwhelming, Chefchaouen is the perfect antidote. It’s small, safe and soul-soothing.
Chefchaouen is the kind of place where you can unwind and relax your defences, making it one of the best destinations in Morocco for solo travellers. I’ve always felt safe visiting Chefchaouen solo, even when walking alone at night.
Whether you stay two days or a week, I can guarantee that Chefchaouen’s blue magic will stay with you long after you’ve left.
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Book flights via Kiwi or Booking
Search for buses and trains via 12Go or Omio
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About Me
I’m Malika, an Australian-born travel writer with an intense love for Morocco. I first travelled here solo in 2014 and after meeting (and marrying) a local, I made this North African gem my home. Since that time, I have explored the country extensively, travelling to all corners with my partner, friends and on my own.
Morocco is an incredible destination and one that I think everyone who has the “travel bug” should experience. The scenery is spectacular, the medinas are enchanting and the locals are among the friendliest (and funniest) people I’ve ever met.
It’s no secret, however, that there a lot of questions and concerns voiced online about solo travel to Morocco, particularly from female travellers. So I wanted to create this resource filled with honest and up-to-date information. It’s designed to help solo travellers explore the country safely and have an amazing time along the way.
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I’m Malika, an Australian-born travel writer with an intense love for Morocco. I first travelled here solo in 2014 and after meeting (and marrying) a local, I made this North African gem my home.
Over the last 10 years, I have explored the country extensively, travelling to all corners with my partner, friends and solo.
