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Chefchaouen, the blue city in the Rif mountains, is one of the most photogenic places in Morocco, but it is far from Marrakech. There is no train to the town, so the journey is by road and needs some planning.
This guide covers the distance, the best way to break the trip and how to make it comfortable.
Chefchaouen is well over 600 km from Marrakech, and the drive takes the better part of a day. Driving straight through is possible but tiring, and you would arrive with little time to enjoy the town. Most travellers break the journey.
The most rewarding option is to travel north in stages: Marrakech to Fes, one of Morocco’s great imperial cities, then Fes to Chefchaouen. See our guides to travelling from Marrakech to Fes and the Fes medina. A stop in Rabat is another option if you prefer the coast.
There is no train to Chefchaouen, so the final stretch is by road in any case. A private driver lets you leave when you like, stop along the way and be dropped at your riad without transfers, which matters on a route this long.
Wander the blue medina, visit the kasbah, walk up toward the viewpoint over the town and enjoy a slow meal. Early morning and late afternoon are the quietest and best for photos. Our Chefchaouen guide has the details.
Spring and autumn are most comfortable. Summer is hot, and winter can be rainy and cool in the mountains. See our best time to visit Morocco guide.
More than 600 km by road, which takes most of a day of driving.
No. Trains reach other northern cities, but the final leg to Chefchaouen is by road.
Two to three days is comfortable, with a stop in Fes or Rabat on the way.
Yes. It avoids connections on a long route and lets you stop where you like.
Spring and autumn offer the best weather for walking the blue medina.
We arrange private journeys between Marrakech, Fes and Chefchaouen with driver, stops and well-chosen riads.
See our luxury private tours from Fes.
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