Tangier to Chefchaouen and Fes: the 2 day route
This trip turns what would otherwise be a long transfer between Tangier and Fes into a short northern Morocco tour, with the blue city of Chefchaouen as the overnight stop.
| Day | Route | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tangier – Tetouan (optional) – Rif Mountains – Chefchaouen | Tetouan's UNESCO-listed medina, Rif scenery, guided walk to Plaza Uta el-Hammam and the Kasbah | Chefchaouen riad or hotel |
| 2 | Chefchaouen – Volubilis and Meknes (optional) – Fes | Morning photos in the empty blue lanes, Roman ruins, Bab Mansour | Drop-off in Fes |
As a rough guide, Tangier to Chefchaouen takes around 2 to 3 hours of driving, depending on whether you stop in Tetouan, and Chefchaouen to Fes about 4 hours direct. Adding Volubilis and Meknes makes day 2 noticeably longer but very rewarding for history lovers.
Why stay overnight in Chefchaouen?
Most visitors see Chefchaouen on a rushed day trip, arriving mid-morning with the coaches and leaving by late afternoon. Staying the night changes the experience completely. In the evening the lanes empty, the blue walls glow as the light fades and the square fills with locals rather than tour groups. Early the next morning you can photograph the famous stairways and doorways almost on your own.
A night in the medina also gives you time for small pleasures: a slow dinner on a rooftop, a walk up to the Spanish Mosque viewpoint at sunset, or browsing the woven blankets and local goat cheese without rushing. If you only have a single day, compare this with our Tangier to Chefchaouen day trip; for background on the town itself, see the Chefchaouen travel guide.
Who this northern Morocco tour suits
- Ferry arrivals from Spain who want to reach Fes without spending a whole day on the road.
- Travellers on a longer independent trip who will continue from Fes by train or with another tour.
- Photographers and slow travellers who want Chefchaouen at its quietest.
If you have more time, the route extends naturally. From Fes you can head to the Sahara, or book a longer journey from the start: the 4 day tour from Tangier to Marrakech continues through the desert, and the 7 days tour from Tangier covers the north, the imperial cities and the Sahara. All our options are on the private tours from Tangier page.
Tetouan, Volubilis and Meknes: choosing your optional stops
Tetouan sits between Tangier and the Rif. Its whitewashed medina, strongly shaped by Andalusian refugees, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and much quieter than the medinas of Fes or Marrakech. A short stop works well on day 1 and breaks up the drive nicely.
Volubilis, also UNESCO-listed, is the best-preserved Roman site in Morocco, with mosaic floors, a triumphal arch and columns standing in open farmland. Nearby Meknes, one of the four imperial cities, is known for the monumental Bab Mansour gate. Together they add a few hours to day 2, so choose them if you are happy to reach Fes in the early evening. Entrance fees and any local guide at Volubilis or Meknes are paid separately.
Not sure which to include? Tell your driver-guide on the day; because the tour is private, the stops can be adjusted to your pace and energy. Our guide to Fes and Meknes has more on what to see once you arrive.
Practical tips: season, packing and what's included
- Season: spring and autumn are ideal. Summer is pleasant in the mountains but warm in Fes; winter brings rain to the Rif and cool evenings in Chefchaouen, so pack a waterproof layer.
- Packing: comfortable shoes for steep, cobbled lanes, a light jacket for the evening and modest clothing for villages.
- Money: the dirham (MAD) is a closed currency; carry cash for meals, entrance fees and tips, as small restaurants in Chefchaouen rarely take cards.
- Etiquette: people live in the blue lanes, so ask before photographing residents and keep noise down in residential alleys.
Included: pick-up in Tangier, drop-off in Fes, private air-conditioned vehicle with driver-guide, one night in Chefchaouen with breakfast and the guided walking tour. Not included: lunches, dinners, drinks, entrance fees, optional local guides, personal expenses and tips.