Chefchaouen, Morocco’s best-known blue-painted town, sits about 2 hours from Tangier across the Rif Mountains — a shorter drive than from almost anywhere else in the country, since Tangier is the closest major city to the north. Most travelers see it as part of a longer route heading south, but this day trip is designed for those based in Tangier, or just off the ferry from Spain, who want a look at the blue city without committing to an overnight stay.
The road climbs into the Rif past Tetouan before descending into the town, where stepped lanes and blue-washed walls make for a striking change of scenery from Tangier’s port-city character. Because the drive is relatively short compared to day trips from Fes or Marrakech, there’s more time left for exploring the medina itself before the return journey.
