Itinerary for 2 days from Tangier to Chefchaouen

An Overview of Sights to See Between Tangier and Chefchaouen in Two Days

Tetouan:

Our two-day trip from Tangier to Chefchaouen will begin off at the city of Tetouan. One of Morocco’s primary ports on the Mediterranean Sea is located in this city, which is also home to a beautiful beach of the same name. In addition to being called the “white dove” because so many of its structures are bright white, the city also has this moniker. In addition, a monument of a white dove symbolizes the city’s ethos by guarding the central roundabout.

It’s around 60 kilometers (km) to Tetouan from Tangier, and another 112 kilometres (km) to Chefchaouen. Also, Tetouan is just approximately 102 kilometers from Gibraltar’s peak. In 2014, its population was estimated to be 387,878. In light of this information, Tetouan is recognized as the eleventh most populous city in all of Morocco. Further, it is located in the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima area, which is only one of Morocco’s 12 administrative divisions.

The city has a historic district known as the Medina, which dates back to the city’s first colonization by Berbers from Mauritius in the third century. Town of Tamuda, or Tamuda as the Phoenicians called it, was colonized by Roman Emperor Augustus and later became part of the city of Tamuda.

The historic Medina was constructed by the Marinid Berbers, who are known for their Kasbah architecture. Later on, Sultan Abu Thabit Amir added to and fortified the city. However, the Castilians devastated the city’s historic core at the start of the fifteenth century. Old Medina is still a lovely sight to see.

Conquest by the Spanish and the Tetouans:

Ali Al Mandri, an emigrant from Andalusia, constructed the modern medina around the end of the 15th century. People of Jewish and Muslim faiths migrated north from Andalusia. It follows that many of the cultural touchstones you encounter will have a Spanish flavor. Some Jewish people even refer to it as “little Jerusalem.”

In 1913, Spain annexed Tetouan as a protectorate in Morocco. However, it lost that status in 1956, when Morocco achieved its independence.

Since 1997, the historic district has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it has become the hub of a thriving local arts and crafts industry.

The Waterfalls of Akchour:

Just twenty kilometers from Chefchouen, the blue gem of Morocco, are the waterfalls of Akchour. They are also 119 kilometers from Tangier’s starting point and roughly 72 kilometers from Tetouan, the white dove. The term Akchour comes from a Berber word that refers to a fragment or a piece.

Both of the location’s waterfalls are named the Akchour, although the larger one is far more impressive than its lesser counterpart. While the longer distance required to reach the larger ones is offset by the beauty of the outdoors encountered along the route, it is still well worth it. In addition, you will have the opportunity to walk over the Puente de Dios (Spanish for “bridge of God”). The latter is a bridge formed by the Farda River flowing below a bridge of mountains. It might take you around two to three hours to get to the largest waterfalls.

People from the bustling metropolis often come here to get away from it all. So they pack lunches, go swimming, and take in the scenery at the waterfalls.

Chefchaouen:

Chefchaouen, known as the “blue jewel of Morocco,” is a must-see on any trip to the country. Moulay Ali ibn Rashid Al Alami constructed the Kasbah in 1471 to stave against Portuguese invasions of Morocco. Many Moriscos and Jews, as well as members of the indigenous Ghomara Berber tribe, lived in this area throughout the Maldive era and the Spanish Reconquista.

Hashish is readily accessible and simple to get, therefore many tourists go here to get high. Nonetheless, Chefchaouen is a lovely place to stroll and take in the city’s brightly painted buildings. Also, the area is home to three of the world’s best attractions.

The earliest and most recognizable structure in Chefchaouen is the Kasbah. Now art is shown there. The result is a wealth of visual resources for learning about and exploring Chefchaouen.

Second, as soon as you leave the Kasbah, you’ll find yourself in a plaza known as Wetat Lhmam, which is home to several cafés and local musicians.

Third, the Akchour waterfalls flow over the if highlands and into Chefchaouen. Some of the local women go to this spot, known as Ras El Ma (which literally translates as “head of the water”), to do their laundry. Tourists flock to the area to take in the river’s beauty. In addition, it serves as a marketplace where you may purchase authentic Chefchaouen goods like Jalabas.

As a fourth must-do, climbing to the top of the ancient Chruch reveals a breathtaking panorama of the city below. Sunsets are very stunning in this area. On day one of our two-day excursion from Tangier, we’ll trek up to this spot.