We will start our day tour Casablanca to Chefchaouen early in the morning, with our driver picking you up from your Casablanca accommodation. Settle into our comfortable vehicle as we set off on a scenic 4 hour drive northeast to Chefchaouen. As you make your way there, take in views of the Rif mountains and small Berber villages, getting a sense of rural Moroccan life. We will make a brief stop at a local roadside café. 

Upon arrival in Chefchaouen, also known as the Blue Pearl of Morocco, you will be instantly captivated by the stunning blue-washed building. An experienced local guide will meet you and lead the group on a 4-hour walking tour of the city showcasing its most famous landmarks.  

You will start your Chefchaouen excursion by exploring the historic Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take time to wander through the medina’s blue-washed streets, a tradition that dates back to the 15th century when Jewish refugees fleeing the Spanish Inquisition settled here. They introduced the custom of painting buildings blue, symbolizing spirituality and good luck.

Our walk through the old town reveals key points of interest, such as the Ras el-Maa waterfall just outside the medina walls. We will also visit Place el-Hauta, a small square that serves as a hub for local artisans. Here, you’ll find workshops specializing in weaving and woodwork.

Then visit Plaza Uta el-Hammam, Chefchaouen’s main square of the city and the heart of local life. Here, you will find a variety of restaurants and cafes where you can take a break and savor some traditional Moroccan cuisine or refreshing mint tea. Spend some time browsing the stalls filled with a wide array of handcrafts and take the opportunity to interact with locals.

Next visit is Kasbah Museum, also known as Ethnographic Museum,  a 15th-century fortress-turned-museum. The Kasbah was built by the city’s founder Moulay Ali Ben Moussa Ben Rached El Alami, who is said to be a descendant of the prophet Mohammed.

Next to the museum stands the Grand Mosque, an architectural masterpiece dating back to the 15th century. Though not open to non-Muslim visitors, its octagonal minaret is a striking example of Andalusian architecture and offers a perfect photo opportunity. 

For lunch, we will sample regional specialties at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will hike (20-25 minutes) to the Spanish Mosque, situated on a hill overlooking Chefchaouen. We’ll take time here to enjoy the breathtaking views of the blue washed buildings of Chefchaouen cradled by two mountain peaks of the Rif Mountains, which gave Chefchaouen (meaning “look at the horns” in the local Berber language) its name. 

There is also another hike to Ras El-Maa, a scenic waterfall nestled in the verdant hill surrounding Chefchaouen. Our Casablanca to Chefchaouen day trip concludes as we make our way back through the Rif Mountains. We’ll return you to your Casablanca accommodation in the evening, concluding our Casablanca to Chefchaouen Itinerary.