Skip to content
Kingdom of Morocco
Placeholder image: blue and white stairway in Chefchaouen

Destinations · 2 June 2026 · 5 min read

Blue lanes and Rif trails around Chefchaouen

Slow down in the Rif mountains: where to walk, what to eat and how to avoid the crowds.

Why the town is blue

Several explanations are given, from Jewish refugees who arrived in the 15th century to practical reasons such as cooling and discouraging insects. Whatever the origin, the blue lanes of the medina are a defining sight.

Early mornings and evenings

The old town is calmest at sunrise and after dinner. Climb to the Spanish Mosque viewpoint around sunset for views over the rooftops and the Rif mountains.

Walking in the Rif

Talassemtane National Park and the Akchour waterfalls offer marked trails of different lengths. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water and consider a local guide for longer routes.