Nestled in the heart of Morocco’s majestic Rif Mountains lies Chefchaouen the Blue City, a destination renowned for its serene charm, striking blue-washed architecture, and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Known as the “Blue Pearl of Morocco,” Chefchaouen is a perfect escape for adventurous female travelers seeking beauty, culture, and authentic local experiences — all within a day trip from Tangier or Fes.

This guide offers a complete day trip itinerary designed to help you explore the best things to do in Chefchaouen while staying safe, inspired, and empowered.

🧭 How to Get to Chefchaouen the Blue City from Tangier or Fes

Chefchaouen is easily accessible by:

• Car rental: Approx. 2 hours from Tangier, 3.5 hours from Fes

• Grand taxi: Negotiate a round-trip fare beforehand

• CTM or Supratours buses: Reliable and comfortable (book in advance)

Departure Tip: Leave your base city by 7 AM to enjoy Chefchaouen before peak tourist hours.

🧕 What to Wear in Chefchaouen as a Female Traveler

• Lightweight long skirts or loose trousers

• Modest tops with short or long sleeves

• Comfortable walking shoes

• A scarf for sun protection, warmth, or modesty in cultural spaces

🎨 Top Things to Do in Chefchaouen the Blue City

🌈 1. Get Lost in the Blue Medina

Arriving mid-morning, step into Chefchaouen’s iconic medina — a maze of vivid blue alleyways, pastel walls, and indigo staircases. This is a photographer’s paradise and a peaceful space to simply wander, absorb the atmosphere, and meet friendly locals.

🧭 Travel Tip: Let yourself get lost — it’s part of the charm.

🛍️ 2. Shop Artisan Treasures in the Medina

Explore countless hidden shops offering:

• Handwoven textiles and Berber blankets

• Traditional Moroccan leather bags and slippers (babouches)

• Natural soaps, essential oils, spices, and metal lanterns

Support women-led cooperatives whenever possible and remember: bargaining is part of the culture—do it respectfully and with a smile.

🏰 3. Visit the Kasbah Museum and Uta el-Hammam Square

In the heart of the medina lies Plaza Uta el-Hammam, home to the Kasbah Museum:

• Restored 15th-century fortress

• Ethnographic exhibits and Andalusian-style gardens

• Climb the tower for panoramic views of the medina and mountains

📸 Don’t Miss: The view from the Kasbah tower — perfect at

midday when the light enhances the blue rooftops.

🍽️ Where to Eat in Chefchaouen the Blue City

Choose rooftop restaurants with a view for lunch:

• Café Clock (female-friendly with cultural programming)

• Other terraces near the main square

Try local dishes like:

• Vegetarian tagine

• Couscous with seasonal vegetables

• Mint tea or fresh smoothies

💧 Visit Ras El Ma: Where Culture and Nature Converge

Just a short uphill walk from the medina, Ras El Ma waterfall is both scenic and culturally rich:

• Watch local women washing clothes by hand

• Relax by the stream and enjoy the tranquil soundscape

It’s an authentic glimpse into daily life in Chefchaouen away from the tourist buzz.

⛰️ Hike to the Spanish Mosque for Sunset

One of the best things to do in Chefchaouen:

• 30-minute hike to the Spanish Mosque, perched above the medina

• Easy, safe trail (popular among solo travelers)

• Sweeping views of the Blue City glowing at golden hour

🌅 Sunset Tip: Bring a shawl or jacket — it gets chilly after sundown in the mountains.

🛍️ Souvenir Shopping Before You Leave

Before heading back, pick up unique souvenirs:

• Argan oil products and handmade soaps

• Saffron, ras el hanout, and other Moroccan spices

• Hand-painted ceramics and Berber jewelry

• Locally harvested natural blue pigment

🎁 Support local artisans, especially female-run businesses, to make your trip more impactful.

🚌 Getting Back Safely

• Confirm return transport before sunset

• CTM and Supratours buses are reliable

• For taxis, choose registered grand taxis with agreed-upon prices

• Carry water, a power bank, and a light jacket

💡 Final Thoughts: A Magical Day for Female Travelers

Chefchaouen the Blue City offers more than postcard-perfect photos — it’s a journey of color, culture, and calm. For adventurous women, it’s a safe, soulful experience where you can explore confidently, meet inspiring locals, and create memories that will stay with you long after you leave.

❓ FAQs About Visiting Chefchaouen the Blue City

Is Chefchaouen safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, Chefchaouen is known for being relaxed and friendly, especially compared to larger Moroccan cities. Use common sense and dress modestly.

Can I visit Chefchaouen in one day?
Absolutely! With an early start, a day trip from Tangier or Fes is doable and rewarding.

What’s the best time of year to visit Chefchaouen?
Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November) offer the best weather for walking and photography.

Would you like a downloadable PDF itinerary or a visual Pinterest pin for this article?

Great! Here’s the same article with the structure and keywords preserved, but rewritten in a more natural, human-sounding tone — less robotic, more relatable, and travel blog-friendly:

Chefchaouen the Blue City Day Trip: A Travel Guide for Adventurous Women

By HeadToMorocco – April 6, 2025

Tucked away in the peaceful Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen, Morocco’s famous Blue City, is like stepping into a dream. With its calming blue alleyways, friendly locals, and laid-back vibe, it’s a great escape for curious women who love to explore new places. Whether you’re based in Tangier or Fes, a day trip to Chefchaouen is not only doable — it’s unforgettable.

This guide is for female travelers who want to make the most of one magical day in the Blue City — safely, confidently, and with a real sense of adventure.

🧭 How to Get to Chefchaouen from Tangier or Fes

Reaching Chefchaouen is pretty straightforward:

• Driving yourself takes around 2 hours from Tangier and 3.5 hours from Fes.

• Grand taxis are available — agree on the price before the trip.

• CTM or Supratours buses are affordable, safe, and comfortable.

👉 Pro tip: Aim to leave by 7 AM so you can enjoy the city before it gets too busy.

🧕 What to Wear in Chefchaouen as a Woman

Morocco is generally modest, but especially in small towns like Chefchaouen. That said, you don’t need to overthink it — just be respectful and comfortable:

• Loose pants or a long skirt

• T-shirt or blouse that covers your shoulders

• Comfy shoes for walking (lots of stairs!)

• A scarf or shawl for sun protection or modesty if needed

🎨 Best Things to Do in Chefchaouen

🌈 1. Wander the Blue Medina

Start your day by simply strolling through the old medina. The streets are painted in every shade of blue you can imagine — sky blue, ocean blue, lavender-blue. You’ll find cute doorways, sleepy cats, and lots of cozy corners that are just begging for a photo.

✨ Let yourself get lost — the magic is in the wandering.

🛍️ 2. Shop Local in the Souks

Pop into small artisan shops hidden in the medina. You’ll find:

• Handwoven blankets and scarves

• Leather sandals and colorful bags

• All-natural beauty products and handmade soaps

Many shops are run by locals and even women’s cooperatives. Don’t be shy about haggling — it’s totally normal and often fun.

🏰 3. Visit the Kasbah and the Main Square

In the heart of the medina is Uta el-Hammam, a lively square surrounded by cafés. There, you’ll find the old Kasbah, a 15th-century fortress with:

• A quiet little garden

• A small museum about the region’s history

• A tower you can climb for amazing views of the blue rooftops

📸 Tip: Around late morning, the light is perfect for rooftop photos.

🍽️ Where to Eat in Chefchaouen

When you’re ready for lunch, head to a rooftop restaurant to enjoy the mountain air and some Moroccan flavors. A couple of favorites:

• Café Clock: Great food, beautiful view, and often hosts cultural events

• Any café around the main square with a terrace

Try a veggie tagine, couscous, or even a chicken pastilla if you’re feeling adventurous — and don’t skip the mint tea.

💧 Cool Down at Ras El Ma

A short walk from the medina takes you to Ras El Ma, a little waterfall where local life comes alive. You might see women doing laundry by the stream or kids playing in the water.

It’s a refreshing place to rest, dip your feet, or just people-watch while listening to the sound of rushing water.

⛰️ Hike to the Spanish Mosque at Sunset

Before heading home, take the 30-minute hike up to the Spanish Mosque. It’s not too steep, and the views are absolutely worth it. From the top, you’ll see the whole city glowing as the sun goes down.

🌅 Sunset Tip: It gets cooler up there, so bring a light jacket or scarf.

🛍️ Grab Souvenirs Before You Leave

On your way out, stop for a few final finds:

• Argan oil and rosewater

• Saffron and ras el hanout spice blends

• Hand-painted bowls or silver earrings

• Locally made blue pigments or soaps

Supporting small shops — especially those run by women — helps keep the city’s charm alive.

🚌 Heading Back Safely

• Double-check your ride back before the sun sets

• Buses like CTM are comfy and reliable

• With taxis, make sure you agree on the fare ahead of time

• Keep water and a power bank on hand just in case

💡 Why Chefchaouen is Perfect for Women Travelers

Chefchaouen is peaceful, friendly, and very walkable — a great mix for solo or small-group female travelers. You can move at your own pace, enjoy slow travel moments, and meet locals without feeling overwhelmed.

This isn’t just a city to see — it’s a city to feel. And for one day, you’ll be part of it.

❓ Quick FAQs About Visiting Chefchaouen

Is Chefchaouen safe for women?
Yes! It’s one of the safest and calmest towns in Morocco. Use basic travel smarts and dress modestly.

Can I visit in just one day?
Absolutely. With an early start, you’ll have time to explore, shop, eat, and hike before heading back.

When’s the best time to go?
Spring and fall are ideal — not too hot, and everything looks stunning under soft sunlight.