Tangier Trip Overview
Experience the magic of Morocco’s blue pearl on this impressive private tour departing from Tangier. Discover with our local guide the fascinating history and the vibrant culture of Chefchaouen’s UNESCO-listed Medina, admire the intriguing blend of Andalusian and Riffian architectures in Chaouen’s landmarks that effortlessly preserve their authenticity over time, and enjoy the rustic charm of one of Morocco’s most laid-back cities.
Additional Info
* Duration: 8 to 10 hours
* Starts: Tangier, Morocco
* Trip Category: Private & Custom Tours >> Private Sightseeing Tours
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What to Expect When Visiting Tangier, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, Morocco
Experience the magic of Morocco’s blue pearl on this impressive private tour departing from Tangier. Discover with our local guide the fascinating history and the vibrant culture of Chefchaouen’s UNESCO-listed Medina, admire the intriguing blend of Andalusian and Riffian architectures in Chaouen’s landmarks that effortlessly preserve their authenticity over time, and enjoy the rustic charm of one of Morocco’s most laid-back cities.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Tangier, Tangier, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima
Upon arrival, or at the exit of your accommodation in Tangier, you will be welcomed by our agent having at your disposal a comfortable, Wi-Fi-fitted air-conditioned, private vehicle for a 2h30 ride that will take you to Chefchaouen, through the scenic western Rif Mountains.
The road passes through a Jbala region. So it’s quite often to see Jbala women and men with their traditional dresses selling their organic produce and handicrafts.
At your request, your driver will be happy to stop for photos or for shopping.
Stop At: Chefchaouen Medina, Chefchaouen Morocco
Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 as a small Kasbah (fortress) by Moulay Ali Ibn Rashid Al-Alami, a descendant of Abd As-Salam al-Alami and Idris I, and through them, of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Al-Alami founded the city to fight the Portuguese invasions of northern Morocco. Along with the Ghomara tribes of the region, many Moriscos and Jews settled here after the Spanish Reconquista (Inquisition) in medieval times.
The city’s blue palette drives its origin from that same era. Arriving Jewish exiles painted their houses blue to reflect their divinity — a tradition that continued through the centuries. It wasn’t until recently that the blue shades spread out of the Jewish quarter (the Mellah) to the other parts of the Medina (the old town) making it the “Blue Pearl” we know today.
Once in Chaouen, as it’s called locally, you will immediately absorb the Berber, Moorish, and Andalusian vibes while exploring the maze of its alleyways with our experienced local guide. The tour starts by entering through one of the Medina’s gates, usually Bab El Ain or Bab Souq, or by going straight to Demnat Majzen square. Chaounis are very friendly, you’ll be often invited to have a chat on a cup of mint tea and therefore learn from them a bit about their lifestyle.
If you happen to be in Chefchaouen on a Monday or a Thursday, you’ll definitely be taken to visit the Souq. During these days the farmers of the neighboring Rif valley come down to the streets of the Medina to sell their products. This can vary from fruits and vegetables to handmade crafts and mountain herbs.
By strolling down the Medina’s labyrinthine alleyways, the tour will take you through the most important landmarks of the city such as the Kasbah and its Museum, Hawta square, Ras El Maa, the Great Mosque, and the bustling Outa El Hammam main square. After a break for lunch, your tour guide will escort you to the Spanish Mosque, or Bouzaafar Mosque, to take in the breathtaking view over Chefchaouen from the outside.
At the end, we would take you back to Tangier and the drop-off would be at the pickup point or anywhere within Tangier.
Duration: 3 hours
Pass By: BAB EL AIN, Rue Assaida Alhorra, Chefchaouen, Morocco
Bab El Ain is one of the main gateways into the historic 15th-century Medina of Chefchaouen. It is located at the southern side of the Medina, close to a large cemetery. The imposing terracotta-colored stone façade has a relatively small archway through which people can pass and small windows in the upper section.
Stop At: Place Outa el Hammam & Kasbah, Avenue Hassan II, Chefchaouen 91000 Morocco
Every town and city has its square, and Chefchaouen is no exception. Plaza Outa El-Hammam boasts an ambiance which is a fusion between Moroccan and Spanish influences, seen overall in the fantastic food, both street food and restaurants, available throughout. The name means literally “The flat ground where the Hammam is” because near the square there is a Hammam as well as the Great Mosque and the Kasbah; so it could have been named Outa El-Kasbah or Outa El-Jamaa (mosque), but no. Anyway, it’s a great central point of the town; it can be great for simply relaxing and admiring the majestic mountains which overlook the city.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Kasbah Museum, Medina Avenue Hassan II, Chefchaouen 91000 Morocco
Chefchaouen’s small yet charming Kasbah dates back to the 15th century. It was built under the command of the city’s founder, Moulay Ali Ben Moussa Ben Rached El Alami. The purpose was to defend the new settlement from attacks by the Portuguese and Spanish. The Medina of Chefchaouen subsequently grew around the Kasbah’s walls. The fortress has 11 towers, some of which can be climbed for great views over the area. The style is Andalusian-Moroccan, and architectural elements include arches, domes, pillars, passageways, and parapets. Peek inside the old prison, complete with wall-mounted shackles. The Kasbah is located next to the Great Mosque, just a few steps away.
Inside the Kasbah lies the beautiful Andalusian Garden which stands as a tranquil green oasis complementing the calming flood of blue which characterizes the town. Within the garden stands the Ethnographic Museum, known as the Kasbah Museum, which invites visitors to explore its unrivalled collection of artifacts which tell the story of the Chefchaouen region, with everything from pottery to musical instruments. Not only that, there’s even a small art gallery within the museum. A visit here is a must to learn about the history and culture of this beautiful town – it’s simply not enough to appreciate the aesthetics.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Grand Mosque, Plaza Uta el-Hammam, Chefchaouen 91000 Morocco
Constructed in the 15th century, Chefchaouen’s Grande Mosque was built on the orders of the son of the city’s founder. It features an octagonal minaret, which is somewhat unusual when compared to the many square minarets that generally tower over the nation’s myriad mosques. The shape was influenced by Andalusian styles, brought to the country by Muslims from Spain. Built from stone, the shades of brown and beige are juxtaposed against the nearby blue and white buildings. Admiring the mosque is among the top things to do in the city.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Ras El Maa Waterfall, East outside of Chefchaouen medina, Chefchaouen Morocco
Translating as head of the water, this is the point at which the fresh mountain water trickles its way into the town, and proves a popular gathering place for locals. An alternative to the remote and grand waterfalls of the mountains, these refreshing falls are much better to both escape the heat, and to get another insight into standard daily life; locals gather here to wash their clothes and simply have a friendly water cooler moment. The thundering water is used to power some mills (Rhas) spread on the sides of the water stream.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Spanish Mosque, Chefchaouen 90001 Morocco
Located two 650 meters from Ras El-Ma, the Spanish Mosque is perched on a hilltop. The evocative ruins overlook the city, and it’s a terrific vantage point from which to admire the surroundings. The white-washed mosque was built in the 1920s by the Spanish. It failed to attract local worshippers; it never has been used as mosque. Consequently, it fell into disrepair. Restoration works were later carried out. As a non-working mosque, all visitors can take a peek inside. It also called Boujaafar Mosque, and the word Boujaafar refer to the Spanish official who was in charge of building the mosque and who had unusually big mustache.
Duration: 30 minutes
