5 of the Best Tours in Chefchaouen: Food + Nature + Culture
- Malika
- Feb 1, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 14
Looking for the best tours in Chefchaouen? Explore my curated collection of day trips and experiences in the "Blue Pearl" of Morocco.
While you could spend days simply being enchanted by the blue-hued city of Chefchaouen, the area has so much more to offer. From picturesque cascades and swimming holes to protected fir forests and rugged hiking trails, the Rif Mountains are breathtaking, to say the least.
I've been luxury enough to explore Chefchaouen numerous times and whenever I visit, I love getting out to explore the surrounding landscapes. It's a great opportunity to scratch below the surface of this Insta-famous destination and really immerse yourself in the local culture and spectacular scenery.
In this article, discover 5 of the best tours in Chefchaouen, including traditional cooking classes and guided city tours with a local at the helm.
For more Chefchaouen travel inspiration, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Chefchaouen, which details things to see and do, the best time to visit and highly-rated places to stay in the "Blue Pearl".
Just looking for a transfer? This private Chefchaouen transfer from Tangier offers door-to-door service in an air-conditioned minivan.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best tour in Chefchaouen for nature enthusiasts
Best cooking class in Chefchaouen
Best guided tour of Chefchaouen with a local
Best private tour of Chefchaouen
Best hiking tour from Chefchaouen
Best tours from Chefchaouen
Best tour in Chefchaouen for nature enthusiasts
If you're a nature lover, then this guided tour to Cascades d'Akchour from Chefchaouen should be at the top of your list. This picturesque series of waterfalls tumbles into several tranquil rock pools within Talassemtane National Park, which sprawls to the east of Chefchaouen.
On arrival, you’ll walk to the first waterfall where you’ll have time to soak up the area’s natural beauty and enjoy a freshly squeezed orange juice or traditional mint tea. If you’re feeling energetic, continue walking to the second cascade and the Bridge of God, a natural rock arch spanning the Oued Farda River.
The great thing about this tour to Akchour Waterfalls is that it is tailored to your fitness level and hiking pace - just communicate this to your guide at the start. When hunger strikes, you can enjoy traditional Moroccan fare at one of the open-air restaurants that line the river.
“Incredible guides!! They were worried about making us have a good time, being safe and they never rushed us!” (read more reviews here)
Best tours in Chefchaouen
Best cooking class in Chefchaouen
Beyond the bright blue facades of Chefchaouen lies a rich food culture waiting to be explored....and recreated! During this Chefchaouen experience, you'll join a local chef on a culinary adventure into Moroccan cuisine and discover what sets the Rif Mountains region apart.
It begins with a wander through one of Chefchaouen's bustling produce markets, taking in the sights and smells as you gather ingredients for the day's feast. Back in the kitchen, watch as your host demonstrates age-old cooking techniques passed down through generations before testing them out yourself
Sizzle spices in a tagine, knead dough for fresh bread and hear the stories behind each dish as you prepare a multi-course Moroccan meal. With the chef's guidance, you’ll gain first-hand insights into the flavours and culinary traditions of northern Morocco and get to feast on all your hard work!
“Fun, informative and authentic” - Nana (read more reviews here)
Best tours in Chefchaouen
Best guided tour of Chefchaouen with a local
There’s nothing like exploring a city with a local at the helm and this guided tour of Chefchaouen receives rave reviews from travellers. As you weave through the narrow alleys with your private guide, you'll discover the reasoning behind the blue-washed walls that surround you at every turn.
Listen as your guide shares insights into the city's unique Arab-Andalusian architecture before marvelling at the 15th-century Grand Mosque (famed for its octagonal minaret). During this highly-rated Chefchaouen tour, you'll also visit the cascades of Ras el-Maa, a sacred site for locals, and soak up the incredible views from the Spanish Mosque.
With the experience tailored around your personal interests, you'll uncover Chefchaouen's charms at your own pace and discover things you won’t find in the guidebooks. Whether you crave early morning serenity or prefer the energy of midday, customisable tour times are available to suit your needs.
“Muhammad is a great tour guide, really friendly and knowledgeable about the city. I came away with a much better understanding of, not just the city, but Morocco.” - Danielle (read more reviews here)
Best tours in Chefchaouen
Best private tour of Chefchaouen
Walking is definitely the best way to explore Chefchaouen and this private tour ticks off all of the city’s top sights. Wander the winding alleys of the medina while admiring its Andalusian-influenced architecture and discovering the significance behind its blue walls and intricately carved doorways.
It includes a visit to the Chefchaouen Cemetery, which I found surprisingly beautiful, as well as the bustling main square of Plaza Uta el-Hammam. Sit awhile amidst its energy before visiting the Kasbah and its ethnographic museum. Although the impressive Grand Mosque is off-limits to non-Muslim visitors, you can still admire its unique octagonal minaret for the exterior.
During this guided tour of Chefchaouen, you will also visit the cascades of Ras el-Maa before ending the day watching one of Morocco’s best sunsets at the hilltop Spanish Mosque.
“This was the best walking tour I have ever been on…Nouaman went above and beyond! Kept the tour interesting for our group and gave us so many insights and recommendations. Highly recommend.” - Allison (read more reviews here)
Best tours from Chefchaouen
Best hiking tour from Chefchaouen
This hiking adventure to Mount Lakraa from Chefchaouen is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of northern Morocco. Led by a highly experienced local guide, it includes pick-up from your riad or hotel and a scenic drive through the spectacular Rif Mountain's countryside in a private 4WD.
Pass by centuries-old forests as you make your way deep into Talassemtane National Park, which was established in 2004 to preserve Morocco's threatened fir forests. Lace up your hiking boots and climb to the summit of Mount Lakraa, where unforgettable views of the Mediterranean coastline await.
After taking in the panoramic views, you'll slowly descend the mountain and stop in a local Amazigh village along the way. Here, you'll enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch paired with aromatic herbal tea - the perfect way to refuel after your hike.
"We couldn't have asked for a better guide...All and all it was a fulfilling and uplifting day long experience.” (read more reviews here)
Tips for finding the best tours in Chefchaouen
While simply exploring Chefchaouen's blue-hued medina could easily fill an entire itinerary, the surrounding Rif Mountains offer a wealth of natural wonders to explore. Cascading waterfalls tumble over rugged cliffs, feeding crystal-clear swimming holes perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
For the more adventurous traveller, challenging hiking trails wind through protected fir forests and across craggy peaks, offering ample opportunities to immerse yourself in the area's natural splendour.
No matter what you're seeking, these Chefchaouen tours promise unforgettable adventures that extend well beyond the blue-washed buildings of the city itself.
When searching for the best tours in Chefchaouen, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you have an experience that not only satisfies your interests but also meets your expectations. First, consider what type of tour you're looking for - whether it's a nature excursion, a deep dive into the local culture or an insider's look at Chefchaouen’s iconic blue-washed medina.
For outdoor enthusiasts, a guided hike through Talassemtane National Park or a visit to the Akchour Waterfalls are must-do activities that showcase the natural beauty of the Rif Mountains. If you want to get hands-on with a Moroccan cultural experience, consider a traditional cooking class where you'll learn to make authentic dishes with a local.
If you want to explore the Chefchaouen medina with the help of a local, opt for a private walking tour with a knowledgeable guide who will share fascinating insights about the city's history and culture. This is a great opportunity to scratch below the surface and discover what it’s like to live in one of Morocco’s most photographed destinations.
No matter what type of tour in Chefchaouen you choose, be sure to read reviews before booking to hear about the experiences of previous guests and carefully check what is and isn’t included in the price. Lastly, look for reputable tour operators in Chefchaouen (Viator’s Badge of Excellence is a good indicator) to ensure you have the best possible experience exploring this enchanting Moroccan destination.
