Weekend Fez → Chefchaouen: the blue pearl of the Rif

Tucked away in the Rif mountains, Chefchaouen — the famous "blue city" — is one of the loveliest getaways from Fez. The drive covers around 200 km, or 3 to 4 hours on the road, which makes it the perfect weekend trip, easy to pull off even if you leave on Saturday morning.

The drive from Fez

The simplest route goes via Ouazzane, on well-maintained regional roads that climb gradually into the Rif. The landscape soon turns green and rolling: plan a few photo stops, especially on the approach to town, when Chefchaouen appears clinging to the mountainside at around 600 m above sea level, as described in the overview of Chefchaouen.

What to do in Chefchaouen?

The blue-walled medina is best explored on foot, camera in hand. Don't miss Outa el-Hammam square and its 15th-century kasbah, the Spanish Mosque (a 20-minute climb rewarded with a superb view over the town at sunset) and the local craft shops — the town is renowned for its weaving and its Rif herbal products. Chefchaouen is also famous for its calm: a restful interlude after the buzz of Fez.

Why is the city blue?

Several explanations do the rounds: a tradition introduced by the Jewish community in the 20th century, tinted limewash meant to cool the houses and repel mosquitoes, or simply an identity that became a tourist signature. Whatever the origin, the result is unique in the world — and extremely photogenic.

Tips for the journey

• Leave in the morning to enjoy the light and avoid driving in the mountains after dark.
• The medina streets are pedestrianised and steep: park at the entrance to town, in a supervised car park.
• Pack something warm: the altitude makes evenings cool, even in summer (see our article When to visit).
• A compact car is ideal for the mountain roads and for parking.
• Keep your maps offline: mobile signal can fade in the Rif.

You can turn this weekend into a loop by travelling out via Ouazzane and coming back down through Meknes, for a change of scenery. Find this itinerary and many more in our big guide to road trips from Fez.