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 35.1689°N, 5.2654°W at an elevation of 564 meters (1,850 feet) above sea level.
🗺️ Interactive Map of Chefchaouen
Explore the Blue City with this detailed interactive map showing the medina, major attractions, hotels, and transportation hubs:
📍 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.
📏 Distances from Major Cities
✈️ From Major Airports
• Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport: 112 km (70 miles) - 1h 30m drive
• Tetouan Airport: 65 km (40 miles) - 1h 15m drive
• Fez Airport: 200 km (124 miles) - 4h 10m by bus
• Casablanca Airport: 350 km (217 miles) - 6h 30m by bus
🚌 Transportation Hub Distances
• Tangier City Center: 95 km (59 miles) - CTM Bus: 50 MAD per person
• Tetouan: 60 km (37 miles) - Grand Taxi: 25 MAD per person
• Fez: 196 km (122 miles) - CTM Bus: 80-130 MAD
• Meknes: 170 km (106 miles) - 3h 30m drive
• Rabat: 230 km (143 miles) - 4h drive
🧭 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:
• Place Outa el Hammam: Central square with the Grand Mosque and Kasbah Museum
• Bab el-Ain (Western Gate): Main entrance to medina, start of Spanish Mosque hike
• Ras el-Maa: Natural spring area with cafés and washing pools
• New Town (Ville Nouvelle): Modern area with banks, transport stations, and hotels
🚗 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.
⚠️ Driving Tips
• Mountain Roads: Expect hairpin turns and steep grades
• Weather Conditions: Fog common in winter mornings
• Parking: Limited in medina; use designated lots outside walls
• Fuel: Fill up in larger towns - fewer stations in mountains
🏔️ 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:
• Jebel ech Chaouen: 2,050m - The "horned mountain" giving the city its name
• Jebel Bouhalla: 1,616m - Popular hiking destination
• Jebel Lakraa: 2,159m - Highest peak in the region
📱 Digital Navigation Tools
Recommended apps for navigating Chefchaouen:
• Google Maps: Detailed coverage of major streets and attractions
• Maps.me: Offline mapping ideal for medina exploration
• Citymapper: Public transport information for connections to other cities
• Rome2rio: Multi-modal journey planning from anywhere in Morocco
💡 Practical Navigation Tips
• Medina Navigation: Streets are narrow and often unmarked - use landmarks like the mosque minaret as reference points
• Address System: Many businesses use neighborhood names rather than street numbers
• Local Guidance: Residents are helpful with directions - learn basic Arabic greetings
• Emergency Reference: Place Outa el Hammam is always a safe return point
🗺️ Downloadable Resources
Planning your visit? These mapping resources will help you navigate confidently:
• Google Maps - Chefchaouen: Real-time navigation and business information
• OpenStreetMap: Detailed community-edited mapping
• GPS Coordinates: 35.1689°N, 5.2654°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.
