Complete Maps & Location Guide: Chefchaouen, Morocco
Navigate the Blue Pearl of Morocco with our comprehensive mapping guide. Located in northern Morocco's Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen sits at coordinates 35.1689Β°N, 5.2654Β°W at an elevation of 564 meters (1,850 feet) above sea level.
πΊοΈ Interactive Map of Chefchaouen
Explore the Blue City with this detailed interactive map showing the medina, major attractions, hotels, and transportation hubs:
π Geographic Location & Setting
Nestled in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen occupies a strategic position in northern Morocco, approximately 60 kilometers inland from the Mediterranean coast. The city sits in a valley surrounded by the peaks of Jebel ech Chaouen (from which it takes its name), creating a natural amphitheater that has protected it throughout history.
Provincial Capital: Chefchaouen serves as the capital of Chefchaouen Province within the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, governing a territory that extends from the Rif Mountains to rural valleys dotted with traditional Berber villages.
π Distances from Major Cities
βοΈ From Major Airports
β’ Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport: 112 km (70 miles) - 1h 30m drive
β’ Tetouan Airport: 65 km (40 miles) - 1h 15m drive
β’ Fez Airport: 200 km (124 miles) - 4h 10m by bus
β’ Casablanca Airport: 350 km (217 miles) - 6h 30m by bus
π Transportation Hub Distances
β’ Tangier City Center: 95 km (59 miles) - CTM Bus: 50 MAD per person
β’ Tetouan: 60 km (37 miles) - Grand Taxi: 25 MAD per person
β’ Fez: 196 km (122 miles) - CTM Bus: 80-130 MAD
β’ Meknes: 170 km (106 miles) - 3h 30m drive
β’ Rabat: 230 km (143 miles) - 4h drive
π§ Navigating Within Chefchaouen
The medina (old city) forms the heart of Chefchaouen, contained within ancient walls and centered around Place Outa el Hammam, the main square. The blue-painted streets radiate outward in a maze-like pattern typical of medieval Islamic cities.
Key Navigation Points:
β’ Place Outa el Hammam: Central square with the Grand Mosque and Kasbah Museum
β’ Bab el-Ain (Western Gate): Main entrance to medina, start of Spanish Mosque hike
β’ Ras el-Maa: Natural spring area with cafΓ©s and washing pools
β’ New Town (Ville Nouvelle): Modern area with banks, transport stations, and hotels
π Driving Directions & Routes
Primary access route is via the N2 National Route, a well-maintained toll-free highway connecting Tangier to Fez. The journey offers spectacular mountain scenery but includes winding sections requiring careful driving.
β οΈ Driving Tips
β’ Mountain Roads: Expect hairpin turns and steep grades
β’ Weather Conditions: Fog common in winter mornings
β’ Parking: Limited in medina; use designated lots outside walls
β’ Fuel: Fill up in larger towns - fewer stations in mountains
ποΈ Topographical Context
Surrounded by the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen enjoys a unique microclimate with cooler temperatures than coastal cities. The mountainous terrain creates natural boundaries that have preserved the city's authentic character while providing hiking opportunities and scenic viewpoints.
Notable Peaks:
β’ Jebel ech Chaouen: 2,050m - The "horned mountain" giving the city its name
β’ Jebel Bouhalla: 1,616m - Popular hiking destination
β’ Jebel Lakraa: 2,159m - Highest peak in the region
π± Digital Navigation Tools
Recommended apps for navigating Chefchaouen:
β’ Google Maps: Detailed coverage of major streets and attractions
β’ Maps.me: Offline mapping ideal for medina exploration
β’ Citymapper: Public transport information for connections to other cities
β’ Rome2rio: Multi-modal journey planning from anywhere in Morocco
π‘ Practical Navigation Tips
β’ Medina Navigation: Streets are narrow and often unmarked - use landmarks like the mosque minaret as reference points
β’ Address System: Many businesses use neighborhood names rather than street numbers
β’ Local Guidance: Residents are helpful with directions - learn basic Arabic greetings
β’ Emergency Reference: Place Outa el Hammam is always a safe return point
πΊοΈ Downloadable Resources
Planning your visit? These mapping resources will help you navigate confidently:
β’ Google Maps - Chefchaouen: Real-time navigation and business information
β’ OpenStreetMap: Detailed community-edited mapping
β’ GPS Coordinates: 35.1689Β°N, 5.2654Β°W (for offline devices)
Whether arriving by bus, taxi, or private vehicle, understanding Chefchaouen's geography helps you appreciate both its strategic historical importance and its modern-day appeal as Morocco's most accessible mountain retreat.