- 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 (1879ââ¬â1962). 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.
- Local guide
- On-board WiFi
- Driver/guide
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Round trip ferry ticket Tarifa / Tangier / Tarifa
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
