Where to Stay in Chefchaouen: Best Areas, Riads and Guest Houses
Where to stay in Chefchaouen: the best areas of the blue medina, from Outa el Hammam to Souika and Ras el Maa, and the best-rated riads and guest houses for every budget.
Chefchaouen is at its most magical in the early morning and the evening, when the day visitors have gone and the blue lanes belong to locals and cats. Staying at least one night is the best way to enjoy it. Almost every guest house is inside the small medina, so the real choice is between staying near the main square, in the quieter upper lanes or just outside the walls with parking and views. Here is where to stay in Chefchaouen and the best-rated places in every budget.
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Where to stay in Chefchaouen at a glance
- For a first visit: the medina around Plaza Outa el Hammam and the Kasbah
- For character and old houses: Souika, the oldest quarter of the medina
- For quiet and views: the upper medina near Ras el Maa, or just outside the walls
- How long: 1 to 2 nights
Where to stay: the areas
Around Plaza Outa el Hammam. The main square, with the red-walled Kasbah and the Grand Mosque, is the heart of the medina, surrounded by cafés and restaurants. Staying nearby puts everything within a few minutes’ walk.
Souika. The oldest quarter of the medina, just below the square, is a maze of blue lanes, little shops and some of the most beautiful old houses in town.
The upper medina and Ras el Maa. Near the spring at the top of the medina, the lanes are steeper and quieter, close to the walk to the Spanish Mosque viewpoint.
Outside the medina. Guest houses on the edges of town are easier to reach by car, often have parking and the best mountain views, but you will walk uphill or take a taxi to the centre.
The best places to stay in Chefchaouen
Casa Sabila
Budget · Old town · breakfast included
A good-value guest house in the medina with hundreds of excellent reviews, budget double rooms and breakfast included.
Dar Hannan
Budget · Old town · great location
A popular guest house in the medina with more than 1,500 reviews, a location guests rate highly and triple rooms for small groups.
Dar Kisania
Mid-range · Old town · exceptional reviews
One of the best-rated places to stay in Chefchaouen, with nearly 1,800 reviews, comfortable superior rooms and excellent value for money.
Riad Nila
Mid-range · Old town · top location
A riad in the heart of the medina with more than 800 reviews, breakfast included and an outstanding location score.
Dar Bleumain
Mid-range · Old town · breakfast included
A well-known guest house in the medina with more than a thousand reviews and breakfast included.
Riad Sultan Chefchaouen
Mid-range · Souika · exceptional reviews
A highly rated riad in the old Souika quarter, with breakfast included and excellent value for money.
Casa Layan
Mid-range · Old town · family rooms
A well-reviewed guest house in the medina with classic triple rooms, a good option for families, and breakfast included.
Dar MD
Mid-range · Old town · great value
A highly rated guest house in the medina with twin rooms, breakfast included and excellent value for money.
Dar Elrio
Mid-range · Outside the medina · mountain views
A peaceful place about a kilometre from the centre, with small wooden cabins facing the mountains and breakfast included. Ideal if you have a car.
Getting there and around
Chefchaouen has no train station or airport. CTM and Supratours buses connect it with Tangier (about 3 hours), Tetouan, Fes (about 4 hours) and Casablanca. Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport is the closest major airport; book a fixed-price transfer with Kiwitaxi, or compare rental cars on DiscoverCars. Cars cannot enter the medina, so park at one of the lots outside the walls. Day trips to the Akchour waterfalls and the Rif mountains can be booked on GetYourGuide.
Do it like a Moroccan: local tips
- Pack light. The medina is all steps and steep lanes. A backpack or small suitcase makes arrival much easier, and porters can help.
- Send your guest house your arrival time. Many will meet you at the nearest gate, as addresses are hard to find.
- Ask about heating. Winters are cold and damp in the Rif; check that your room has heating or extra blankets.
- Walk early. The blue lanes are empty and the light is soft before 9 am, the best time for photos.
- Stay connected. A Morocco eSIM from Airalo helps you find your guest house in the maze.
Plan your visit with our Chefchaouen travel guide, the Tangier travel guide and the best day trips from Fes.
Cover photo: Mohammed on Unsplash
Questions and tips
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