Chefchaouen Day Trip from Spain: Explore the Blue City's Arab-Andalusia Art and Traditions
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Tanger
Embark on a private day trip from Tangier cruise port to Chefchaouen, the enchanting blue city. Discover its Arab-Andalusia art and traditions in the stunning backdrop of the Rif mountains.
Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Chefchaouen Medina - Your transportation will commence from your accommodation in Costa del Sol or the nearest pickup point, where you’ll be comfortably driven in a climate-controlled van to the Tarifa port. An early morning departure marks the beginning of your day trip to Morocco, setting sail from Tarifa port (located in southern Spain). You’ll traverse the Strait of Gibraltar aboard a state-of-the-art high-speed catamaran. Many travelers embarking on a day journey to Tangier from Spain opt for the ferry departures at either 9 am or 11 am. Within an hour, you’ll step foot on the African continent, entering a world of stark contrasts. Due to the time difference, Morocco’s time is one hour behind, meaning you’ll arrive at 9 am local time in Tangier. I’ll be there to greet you at the port of Tangier, holding a sign with your name. Once you’ve arrived, we’ll embark on an exciting private exploration of Tangier’s historic medina, the kasbah, and the bustling souks. If fortunate, we may even partake in a traditional Moroccan meal with a local family in Tangier.

09:00 am: Journey through the breathtaking Rif Mountains, taking in the undulating terrains.

11:30 am: Commence your exploration of the city of Chefchaouen.

11:45 am: Make a stop at the Al Makhzen market, a unique blend of a traditional Moroccan bazaar and its contemporary counterpart.

12:15 pm: Discover the renowned Ras El Ma spring, which emerges from the mountain encased within the stone fortifications of the town at the northeast end of the Medina. This refreshing retreat provides a picturesque panorama of the valley below.

1:00 pm: Savor an authentic Moroccan lunch at Casa Hassan. The meal includes a choice of half a bottle of mineral water or lemonade per person, a Moroccan salad, Couscous with chicken and dried grapes, Tagine with calf meat and vegetables, and a dessert of fruit salad.

2:00 pm: Visit Uta El Hamam square, the vibrant center of this Moroccan city. The square’s highlights include the Kasbah and the central mosque, surrounded by numerous cafes where you can bask in the sunshine and observe the daily life of the locals. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day filled with sightseeing.

2:15 pm: Wander through the city’s quaint and charming medina and browse the souks. The medina is distinguished by its iconic blue Andalusian-style architecture, featuring archways, quaint plazas, and fountains. Chefchaouen is celebrated for its fine local Rifi textiles, ceramics, leather goods, and woodcrafts.

3:30 pm: Depart from Chefchaouen.

6:00 pm: Conclude your tour with a return to the port of Tangier or to your hotel, or the nearest drop-off location in Tangier.

Chefchaouen, also known as Chaouen, is a city in the northwest of Morocco. It serves as the capital of the province bearing the same name and is renowned for its buildings painted in various shades of blue. Chefchaouen is located a short distance from Tangier and Tétouan.

The city was established in 1471 as a modest fort by Moulay Ali ibn Rashid al-Alami. Al-Alami erected the city as a defensive measure against Portuguese incursions into northern Morocco. Following the Spanish Reconquista in medieval times, the city became a refuge for Ghomara tribes, Moriscos, and Jews. In 1920, Chefchaouen was captured by Spanish forces and became part of Spanish Morocco. Spanish soldiers detained Abd el-Krim in the kasbah from 1916 to 1917, following his discussions with German consul Dr. Walter Zechlin (1879–1962). After his defeat with the assistance of the French, Abd el-Krim was exiled to Réunion in 1926. Spain relinquished control of the city following Morocco’s independence in 1956.

Chefchaouen is also a favored shopping destination, offering unique local crafts unavailable elsewhere in Morocco, such as woolen items and woven blankets. The region’s goat cheese is another attraction for visitors.

The blue-painted walls of Chefchaouen are a subject of fascination. Several theories exist regarding the reason behind the blue coloration. One common belief is that the blue repels mosquitoes, while another suggests that Jews introduced the blue during their refuge from Hitler in the 1930s. The blue is often interpreted as a symbol of the sky and heaven, serving as a reminder to lead a spiritual life.

The burgeoning tourist sector is particularly aimed at Spanish visitors, who flock to the city in large numbers during significant Catholic celebrations such as Semana Santa and Christmas.

What's Included
  • Local guide
  • On-board WiFi
  • Driver/guide
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • Round trip ferry ticket Tarifa / Tangier / Tarifa
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks
Additional Information

Embark on a private journey to the azure city of Chefchaouen from Tangier’s cruise port in a contemporary vehicle. Experience the city’s richly-maintained Arab-Andalusia culture and customs. Known as Chaouen in Berber language, this idyllic town is among the most picturesque in the Rif mountains. It represents the final barrier before reaching the Mediterranean and the Iberian Peninsula.

  • This is a private excursion
Location
Port de Tanger Ville
Boulevard Mohamed VI
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
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Aokarim
Jun 7, 2019
Excellent Private Transport Service - An excellent service and experience! Highly recommended (both the trip and this very company). The car was clean, new, with enough leg room. We had AC, and the Wi-Fi was excellent, very reliable. The driver, Ilyas, arrived on time, was patient while we checked out from our hotel. He is an excellent driver. He accommodated our requests and was very friendly. He made sure to stop where we can take good pictures, something that was very appreciated on our end. He was good with his recommendations and unlike some people did not try to push us to eat at a specific restaurant or cafe. He just provided recommendations when asked for, otherwise left us unrestrained. He stayed in touch with me by text while we toured the city on our own. We originally booked Chefchaouen and Tetouan, but had to cancel the second part (we chose to spend more time in Chefchaouen). He again was patient though we had a delay at a restaurant. In our way back, Ilyas recommended places in Tangier for the few hours we have left in the city, and dropped us of in one of them at our request. Once again my friends were more than happy with his recommendations. The people of Chefchaouen are super nice. We did not use a guide, but were asking people for directions and information. (Do not engage with anyone offering you drugs). It sure did help that I speak the language so I was able to speak to everyone from all ages. But some locals have allowed my friends (do not speak the local language) to take pictures of their entrances and were polite and friendly, even without a conversation. My friends were very happy with the local vibe.
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minimum 2 guests
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up to 15 guests
2 Adult
June 2024
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