Where to Stay in Chefchaouen 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Chefchaouen is Morocco's blue pearl - a mountain medina where every wall, door, and step is painted in shades of blue. Unlike the intensity of Marrakech or Fes, Chefchaouen offers a gentler, more relaxed Moroccan experience. The entire medina is small and walkable, making accommodation choice about atmosphere rather than location.
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Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Medina (Central)
Stay in a riad within the blue medina to wake up surrounded by the color that brought you here. The medina is small enough that anywhere inside is walking distance to everything. Traditional riads offer the authentic experience - blue courtyards, tagine dinners, and rooftop terraces with mountain views.
Medina
Plaza Uta el-Hammam
Upper Medina
Ville Nouvelle
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Chefchaouen is in the Rif - cannabis is offered constantly, politely decline
- • Ville Nouvelle has no blue streets - don't book there expecting the Instagram views
- • Some riads require luggage porters due to stairs and no vehicle access
- • Winter (December-February) can be cold and wet - bring warm clothes
- • Photography is welcome but ask before photographing people
Understanding Chefchaouen Geography
Chefchaouen clings to the Rif Mountains with the blue medina as its heart. The main square (Plaza Uta el-Hammam) sits at the center with the kasbah. Streets wind uphill to quieter residential areas. The new town (Ville Nouvelle) with bus station lies outside the medina walls. The Spanish Mosque viewpoint overlooks everything from above.
Neighborhood Overview
Explore different areas by price range. Click a neighborhood to learn more.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Chefchaouen
Medina (Old Town)
Best for: Blue-washed streets, riads, photography, authentic atmosphere
"Instagram-famous blue labyrinth of Morocco's mountain medina"
Pros
- The blue streets
- Authentic riads
- Mountain views
Cons
- Uphill walks
- No vehicles
- Can be touristy
Plaza Uta el-Hammam
Best for: Central square, restaurants, people watching, kasbah access
"The heart of Chefchaouen where locals and travelers mingle"
Pros
- Central location
- Best restaurants
- Social scene
Cons
- Most touristy
- Can be pricey
- Busy during day
Upper Medina
Best for: Quieter streets, mountain views, authentic neighborhoods, sunsets
"Residential upper reaches with views and tranquility"
Pros
- Quieter
- Better views
- More authentic
Cons
- Steep walks
- Far from restaurants
- Basic facilities
Ville Nouvelle (New Town)
Best for: Bus station, practical services, cheaper accommodation
"Modern Moroccan town outside the famous medina"
Pros
- Near buses
- Cheaper
- Local services
Cons
- Not blue
- No atmosphere
- Walk to medina
Akchour (Day Trip)
Best for: God's Bridge, waterfalls, hiking, nature escape
"Natural wonder with swimming holes and dramatic rock bridge"
Pros
- Stunning nature
- Swimming holes
- Escape crowds
Cons
- No accommodation
- Day trip only
- Taxi required
Accommodation Budget in Chefchaouen
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
$ Best Budget Hotels
Casa Perleta
Medina
Boutique guesthouse with stunning blue-and-white interiors, rooftop restaurant, and artistic attention to detail.
Dar Gabriel
Upper Medina
A charming family-run riad in the Medina featuring traditional Moroccan decor, a panoramic roof terrace with mountain views, and warm hospitality.
$$ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Dar Echchaouen Maison d'Hôtes & Riad
Medina
An upscale hillside guesthouse featuring a large panoramic swimming pool, traditional Moroccan décor, and stunning views of the blue city from its gardens.
Riad Hicham
Medina
Family-run riad with rooftop terrace, traditional rooms, and genuine Moroccan hospitality.
Riad Cherifa
Upper Medina
Peaceful riad in the quiet upper medina with stunning terraces, mountain views, and warm hospitality.
Dar Meziana
Medina
A charming 3-star riad in the Medina featuring a rooftop terrace with panoramic mountain views and traditionally decorated rooms. Known for its authentic atmosphere and exceptional Moroccan breakfast.
$$$ Best Luxury Hotels
Lina Ryad & Spa
Medina
Elegant riad with hammam spa, beautiful courtyard, and refined Moroccan design. Best mid-range option.
Dar Jasmine - Chefchaouen
Ras El Ma
A charming boutique riad featuring unique stylish rooms, a stunning panoramic pool, and expansive terraces with breathtaking views over the blue city and mountains.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Riad Baraka
Medina
Enchanting traditional riad nestled in the heart of the blue-painted medina, featuring exquisite Moroccan tilework, serene courtyards, and a rooftop terrace with sweeping views over the Rif Mountains.
Casa Sabila
Medina
Beautifully decorated intimate riad right in the heart of the blue medina with cozy air-conditioned rooms, charming courtyard, and magical rooftop terrace serving breakfast with sweeping mountain views.
Smart Booking Tips for Chefchaouen
- 1 Book 1-2 weeks ahead for April-May and September-October peak
- 2 Summer (July-August) is hot but less crowded than peak seasons
- 3 Most riads include breakfast - excellent Moroccan spreads
- 4 2-3 nights is enough for Chefchaouen unless hiking extensively
- 5 Tangier or Fes are common connections - buses run regularly
- 6 Many riads are family-run - book direct for better rates and personal touch
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Chefchaouen.
Updated: February 25, 2026
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Chefchaouen: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.