Tangier to Chefchaouen: A Full-Day Trip Review & Guide
Have you heard about Chefchaouen? Also commonly called the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco? Well, if you’re hanging around in Tangier and thinking about checking out somewhere pretty different for the day, a full-day trip there could actually be a fantastic idea. It’s almost like stepping into a picture postcard, with its totally blue-washed buildings sort of tumbling down the hillside. Hopefully, this review is to help you get a better sense of whether it’s the correct adventure for you, so you are able to get the absolute most from your time.
What to anticipate from a Day in Chefchaouen
Basically, right, you will want to know just what this trip really involves? So, that way, you can decide if it really suits your interests and the energy you might have. Generally, most trips from Tangier begin somewhat early, this is really because it’s to try to get you there and ensure you have an adequate amount of time just to investigate. Usually, the trip to Chefchaouen can take approximately two to three hours, and also the road could be quite windy in parts, so just be ready if car sickness is something you encounter. As a matter of fact, the trip itself can give you fantastic views of the Moroccan countryside. And seeing those rolling hills dotted with tiny villages might really just take your breath away. In some respects, so keep those peepers open!
Once there, anyway, the magic kicks off, right? That way you can stroll around those narrow, twisting alleyways and soak it all in, and don’t forget that camera since you would like to capture that gorgeous blue on blue. You might think, like your sense of direction is leaving you, but you’ll find there is something special about getting a bit lost; every corner is hiding some awesome photo moment, that could be a decorated doorway or a cute cat sleeping. A full day can typically allow adequate time for things such as stopping for that delicious Moroccan mint tea at among those little cafes. It’s also giving you a little time to shop for some unique souvenirs from neighborhood artisans too.
The Highlights you don’t want to miss
In Chefchaouen, clearly there actually are a couple of spots that actually aren’t to be overlooked, which will enhance your travel experience. If you like your panoramic views, anyway, you could head up to the Spanish Mosque; now, even though it does involve just a little bit of a hike, is that the views on top are certainly worth the effort, particularly at sunset. That gives a golden hue towards the blue buildings; pretty good for Instagram, I suppose! Next up there is Outa el Hammam, basically it’s the town’s main square and just an awesome place to sit back. You also have those people watching, so the nearby kasbah is also a fascinating spot to have a quick investigation with its very own gardens and a little museum showcasing some of the local history. That said, I found that merely wandering with no set destination, is probably the best method of exploring the place.
Then you should see Ras El Maa waterfall. This is a spot where, at the edge of town, water emerges out from the mountain, offering the residents potable water. And where it produces like a revitalizing and charming interlude from your exploration of Chefchaouen. It also can be an extremely popular meeting area for natives. Especially as this could present the possiblity to experience a lot more of local life; I think it is fairly special too.
Getting about; Tour vs. going it Alone
Thinking on how you should make it happen; either on the tour or alone? So, you have flexibility when heading to Chefchaouen from Tangier, there is the tour route as well as doing it separately. I’m going to weigh up several sides here: when reserving an arranged tour it has that advantage; that is they care for all of the logistics of travel. Meaning that all transportation is considered, often with a local tour guide that knows the location well and are able to offer contextual knowledge on Chaouen’s history along with the cultural nuances, they are also really efficient, and the journey may take much less effort. In comparison, a fully guided adventure definitely gives a considerably enriched feel to it.
Yet, doing it separately absolutely does afford more flexibility and also allows for your discovery speed, that suits the personal style; You’d simply get a coach, a Grand cab or a smaller regular taxi cab and then find lodging whenever required. You may have that advantage; that you can spend just as long, anywhere that interests the group and overlook some of those not quite so thrilling landmarks; however you might risk missing some understanding of this region without that knowledgeable neighborhood professional’s feedback! To have the most from taking time out there and to completely uncover the area’s enchantment is weighing it up.
Snacking in Chefchaouen: Local Tastes
Alright, let’s talk food because exploring is not only seeing places; but more than likely that tasting local snacks happens to be integral! Food-wise, I have found Chaouen is just an utter pleasure and a real treat with all types of Moroccan tastes in its small neighborhood restaurants. Also? Tagine is basically like the go to which actually includes gradually braised stew within a clay container; Couscous is typically served along with meats or simply just garden fresh veges and is fairly common for Friday food culture throughout the territory.
Then, when you are out and walking round town look for some Bisara, a type of broad bean soup commonly swallowed especially during colder weather months which gives comfort as you stroll round these roads; grilled meats and the kebabs which can be found coming from assorted providers can really make on the go meals if people choose anything simple. You need to experience several mint teas that do not just operate to be refreshing but it gives the window to observe and engage with neighborhood traditions – be that it’s that excellent for drinks also meals – you actually begin incorporating yourself during Chefchaouen at several local’s concentrations!
Useful Recommendations for Your Trip
Some really worthwhile ideas really can create a far better improvement for your time period within Chefchaouen to guarantee it passes more readily: when packing to head here ensure to wear comfy footwear simply because you are very much more than probably going to do fairly bit of trekking even over unregular cobbled surface areas! Bringing just a little something to help one comprehend several standard Arabic phrases probably could be polite and fairly handy too and also getting some forms or Euros. It should come in handy mostly because while many dealers in big urban stores may just take cards often you will be prepared as more compact businesses or the ones that reside inside medina do often favour payment with money.
Value deals as something common, you know; but achieve this honorably. Additionally, be familiar with and regard neighborhood cultural standard practices through dress even slightly but above all act very carefully with local people in order that everyone gets fun memories by their conversation while traveling on overseas terrains!
Ultimately always keep that personal valuables must always secure at all of their situations, know all personal possessions regardless and often watch your personal belongings against those possibility just because most tourist destinations tend simply bring minor burglary. Simply by sticking towards those factors pointed out it may provide better comfort therefore that site guests generally acquire only rewarding events leaving Chaouen in all honesty appreciating all areas there has without the protection becoming affected!
In short: Is the Tour Worth It?
Then that million dollar question; “Does this day go really pass standards, though?”. Truthfully speaking any travel decision must connect properly depending greatly with regards with preference with finances – yet some day journeys provided from Tangier right towards Chefchaouen generally show by themselves actually really worthy experiences due generally to something rather interesting plus really culturally filled that you just will remember a lot and also possibly treasure.
The one-of-a-kind elegance originating out from wandering and absorbing the gorgeous town itself. I believe which they generate just amazing events both as the photograph partner also something that really connects one as authentic, by Moroccan way of lifetime experiences also generates these sort of travel especially amazing to most persons planning authentic trips!