Things to Do in Chefchaouen
On this guided walking tour of Chefchaouen, we'll visit the historic centre of this beautiful city in the Rif, also known as the blue city of Morocco.
Welcome to my city, Chefchaouen. The corner of the world where everything was dyed blue.
In Chaouen it is easy to fall under a spell because time seems to move at a different speed, you will see it as soon as you arrive.
There is no better way to get to know a city than by walking through it with a local.
The fact of being born in Chaouen gives me the pleasure of showing you the most hidden scenes of my city, those that you can only see with the help of a local.
I will help you discover all the details and curiosities of my city, without forgetting the places of greatest interest that the Uta el Hamman square houses, such as the Alcazaba and the great mosque, including non-religious buildings but of great cultural interest such as laundries from Ras-el-ma , a meeting point for the women of the area who, oblivious to the looks of the curious, washed clothes while chatting calmly.
I will introduce you to " Es Sueca ", the oldest neighborhood in the city and which has a multitude of craft and textile shops.
The traditional ovens that cook the bread of each neighborhood, wells that conserve the water of many houses and an endless number of secrets that I am willing to reveal to you on my fun and cultural tour, that is how I like to define it.
You dare? 🙂
My tours in THE BLUE PEARL, i will take you to explore the splendor of Andalusian civilization . Sould be an Exciting tour of Historic Chefchaouen , where we will learn about the legacy left by the ancients governors, and the interesting life of our ancestors of the most emblematic buildings of the city.
The tour lasts approximately 2:00 hours.
We start the tour near the iconic bulding of AL-KASABA , where I will introduce the historical side of the city, and talk to you a littil bit about the founder of the city MOULAY ALI,
than we will visit one of the oldests jewish quarters in the northen region and lear abouti't, than, we will visit the first place where they started painting the houses by wite and blue color and i will tell you all the reasons benhand't,of corse 🙂 !
After a short walk in side the first residential and commercial quarter that called SOUIKA where we will learn something about this quarter, from differents sides, traditions and others, than trough it ,we will arrive to the second quarter where is the majestic Plaza AL-ALHOUTA , where I will tell you about the varied activity that has been since its creation.
Next, we will then keep going in the same quarter wish is the most instgramed quarter in 2018 in the world, stopping on any time and every famous and infamous spot, alley, corner for enjoying the pictures.
Therefore this second quarter give us access to the third quarter called AL-ONSAR (the springs) , where we will be ending this quarter by visiting the springs and the washing area, you will learn about the water system of the town, the same place shall rode us to the forth quarter wish is less importante than the others, and where we will finish the tour near of the main square OTA-HAMMAM ,
I really want to share with you the real life of Chefchaouen
💎Discover Chefchaouen, the enchanting Blue Pearl of Morocco nestled in the Rif Mountains ! ✨
🌟 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR OUR VALUED WALKERS🌟
If your desired time slot is fully booked or if you're trying to book at the last minute (e.g., it's 11:30 AM and you're looking for a 12 PM slot), it might not appear as available. In that case, you can also make a reservation at:
https://doodle.com/bp/youssefajilyan/t1
Find me on Google: Chefchaouen Tours by Youssef | Historic Meetup Spot.
📍
Right outside, in front of the main entrance of Hotel Parador
https://maps.app.goo.gl/aavDqRxsUcdRrf3e9
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♿ACCESSIBILITY♿
Most areas are accessible.
We strongly believe in equal access to our tour for people of all abilities, including those with reduced mobility.
With a tailored itinerary, individuals with reduced mobility can also fully enjoy this visit.
An assistant is required. Please indicate it during the reservation.
If the person with reduced mobility is not accompanied, we also offer the option to book a local assistant who can provide support and guidance throughout the tour.
We want to ensure that everyone feels welcomed, comfortable, and empowered to explore and enjoy their visit to the fullest extent possible.
We will do our utmost to provide an enjoyable and inclusive experience for them, ensuring that all guests can explore the wonders of our destination, regardless of their physical limitations.🙏🏻💎
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📍Highlights🗺️
🚩Visit the "Handicraft Center", the new ambassador of local culture, you'll discover handcrafted treasures made with local materials, providing an authentic glimpse into the region's heritage.
🚩Follow the gentle Ras al Maa' stream and pause to soak in its tranquility, offering a sanctuary to explore the diverse natural and ecological wonders of the region.
🚩Immerse yourself in its azure charm as you wander through the ancient Medina, where diverse cultures intertwine.
🚩Lose yourself in the labyrinth of blue streets, each turn revealing a new shade and mystery, you'll see iconic landmarks like the Historic Oven of Sidi Ben Lehcen and El-Mellah El-Jadid, the first significant constructions in the city.
🚩Discover Haouta Square, a vibrant space where history and culture converge. Admire its Andalusian-inspired four-sided fountain, its role as a historic market, and its importance as a gathering point for the city’s rainwater and patriotic memories.
🚩Explore Outa El Hammam Square and the Kasbah exterior and surroundings, experiencing the stories woven within its walls.
🚩End your journey at the Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen, an iconic landmark built in the 15th century by Moulay Ali Ben Rachid. Focus on its stunning exterior architecture, featuring the unique octagonal minaret, and appreciate its strategic location at the heart of the city, offering a profound connection to Chefchaouen's cultural and spiritual essence.
✅ Reserve your spot now and let Chefchaouen's magic unfold before you 😉 !
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🔔 Important message regarding your free tour contribution
To ensure quality and sustainability, we kindly ask for a minimum fair contribution:
- 👣 Groups of 4 or more walkers :
- €12 / ~ $14 per person.
This helps us cover our efforts and ensure everyone enjoys a meaningful experience.
- €12 / ~ $14 per person.
- 👣 Small groups (1 to 3 people):
- group contribution of €36 - €40 / ~ $42 - $47
This allows us to run the tour even with very small groups.
- group contribution of €36 - €40 / ~ $42 - $47
- 🚫 Anything below the minimum contribution is simply not acceptable.
It means we’re working at a loss and it disrespects the value of our work and dedication !
🤝 Friendly reminder
Remember (see Guruwalk section : How does a GuruWalk cost )
that free tours operate on a flexible pricing model. Walkers usually tip their guides between 12€ and 50€ per person.
🧭 As you may know, the concept of a Free Tour is based on the idea of “Pay what you want”, but that doesn’t mean “Pay what you want with no minimum”.
This concept offers you the freedom to decide as mature and responsible and "allows your generosity to shine through" ! (with that freedom comes a sense of responsibility and mutual generosity.)
💫 Your contribution reflects not only your appreciation for the experience, but also your level of human maturity and generosity in response to the high professionalism, care, and passion we bring to every tour.
👉 For us, €12 per person is the absolute minimum, and even that doesn't fully cover all the expenses, including :
- the certified guide’s work,
- local professional taxes,
- back-office and reservation management,
- Guruwalk platform fees,
- and of course, the global inflation we are all facing...
🚫 Any contribution below €12 is simply not acceptable.
Less than €12 does not even cover the basics and unfortunately, "it disrespects the value of our work and dedication".
We are certified professional guides, and offering a high-quality experience involves real costs and responsibilities!
🙏 So we kindly ask you to be fair and respectful of the quality and professionalism we deliver.
€12 is not generosity – it’s just the bare minimum.
✨ If you enjoyed the tour, please be generous.
Your fair contribution is what allows us to continue offering meaningful, high-quality Free Tours.
😊📸💭 We will surely remember you with gratitude.
It is this precious bond woven by respect and mutual generosity that remains
throughout life! 🫶🏻♾️💓
🤝 We give our best with authenticity and generosity and we trust that you’ll do the same.
🙋🏻♂️ Thank you and hope to see you Soon ! ✨
💙🤍💙🤍💙💙🤍💙🤍💙💙🤍💙🤍💙
💙🤍💙🤍💙💙🤍💙🤍💙💙🤍💙🤍💙
Join me in one of the most beautiful places in Morocco. Let’s create memories and explore Chefchaouen, the Blue City.
We will begin our tour by getting acquainted with some local history as we explore the paths of the city and visit following places :
• plaza Mohammed V (meeting point)
• Bab El Ain
• Bab Souk
• Square el haouta
• Ras El ma
• Hiking to Spanish Mosque (30 minutes walk)
• plaza outa Hamam ( we drink something and say goodbye)
All of these places have rich history and stories to tell. We can even take you to more newly famous Instagram photo destinations.
🔸 The tour ends in the main square or if it is preferred your local accommodations.
🔸 If needing assistance with accommodations I am happy to help find what suits your needs.
Chefchaouen is one of the most picturesque cities in the region. It is known as the blue pearl city and its blue alleys are a must see attraction. It is next to its main source of water that comes from the mountain (Ras El Maa), and its cobbled streets lead to a series of shaded squares.
You can't skip visiting Outa Hamam square, which is the heart of the city, where international travelers takes place to enjoy the beauty of both the grand mosque and the Kasbah.
To provide you with an overall view of our tour here are the places that we are going to visit:
- The new city
- The old city
- Passing by the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Ibn Rachid, the founder of Chefchaouen city
- Crossing by the main gates of the old city
- Diving in the blue narrow streets and the old moresco architecture of the houses
- Visiting the pottery and the traditional souqs, where you can find the pleasure of discovering the Berber handicraft such as colorful carpets, natural perfumed soaps, essential oils, different spices and also to shop anything you like
- Visiting Outa Hamam square
- The grand mosque
- The kasbah ancient castle (optional).
My tour includes (paid by each traveler if desired):
- Drinks and snacks
- Making henna tattoo
- Taking nice pictures by wearing our traditional northern outfit.
I hope that you can give me the opportunity to share with you the charm of my city!
Hello people! welcome
We will start our walk from the main square and, after some historical notes concerning the kasbah and the mosque , we will walk along narrow blue alleys until we reach the river , where I will show you the old system of wash houses ; from here towards the Spanish mosque and then enjoy a total overview of the city , including the walls and towers that surround it!
Historical notes on the importance of wood-burning ovens and public hammams will be a must!
We will go through the most important gates of the seven present in this city surrounded by a defensive wall and towers dating back to the 15th century!
Traveling together tourist itineraries but also outside the common routes, I will present the city without veils or hypocrisy... seen through the eyes of a foreigner who lives here; I often also have with me photographs taken years ago, to show you the evolution over time !
We will move slowly, just like the time that flows slowly here;
"(...) run to go where?" and even the good Salvadores would be in the right place!
Feel free to express your curiosities and I will design a personalized tour!
Peculiarities regarding 'street food' and home cooking in general (I'm Italian, precisely!), so I will show you in which places you can taste local recipes, strictly avoiding everything that is commonly definable as 'tourist' : genuine, cheap meals and taverns frequented only by 'locals'!
Eh well ..... what else to add if not a 'I'll wait for you'!
We start this free walking tour through Chefchaouen next to the imposing Kasbah or Alcazaba , where we will meet at the indicated time. Let's visit the most beautiful corners of the blue city of Morocco!
After a brief introduction , we will head to the old town , where you will quickly guess why this city is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. Walking through the streets, we will see up close the traditional houses decorated with striking bluish colors in all possible variations : indigo, light blue, sapphire, cobalt… By the way, do you know why the houses are painted this color? The answer will surely surprise you!
We will continue the tour in the old medina of Chefchaouen , where we will contemplate the exterior architecture of the Great Mosque. We will also walk along a section of the wall to identify the Bab El Ain gate, which connects the southern area of the medina to the new area.
Next stop? The charming Mohammed V Square, named after the former King of Morocco. The free walking tour through Chefchaouen also takes us to Plaza El Hauta, where we come across a beautiful blue and white fountain . The perfect place for a souvenir photo!
We then head to the Ras el Maa waterfall, a source of drinking water that supplies the city. Before finishing the route, we will tell you about the first market in Chefchaouen and reach the Spanish Mosque. From there, the view is impressive!
The places we visit on this tour.
- Uta El Hammam Square
- The Alcazaba, the monument
- The laundries of Ras-el-Ma
- The Bouzafar viewpoint
- Talassemtan National Park
- Bab El Onsar Gate
- The Great Mosque
- El Haouta Square
Two hours later we end the free walking tour by saying goodbye with the panoramic view of Chefchaouen at our feet.
