The Chefchaouen waterfalls are the best example of the privileged location where this ‘blue town’ is situated: located in the Rif Mountains, its surroundings give rise to natural areas of great value, with spots that offer panoramic views, waterfalls, especially in the spring months. In this post, we provide information about this, so you can consider adding this excursion to your travel itinerary.
Which are the Chefchaouen Waterfalls
It should be noted that when we refer to “the Chefchaouen waterfalls”, it’s usually in reference to the Akchour waterfalls, located about 30 km by road from this town. Therefore, it’s important not to confuse them with the place called Ras el Ma, which is a small corner behind the historic medina, where there’s also a small waterfall, but in this case used to give life to the old washhouse.
In contrast, what we call “Chefchaouen waterfalls” or “Akchour waterfalls” are located in the Talassemtane National Park, a large protected natural area with this protection status, located northeast of the city. This park is one of the paradises for local hikers or for more adventurous travelers looking for a multi-day trekking activity in northern Morocco.
And when talking about “waterfalls”, in plural, it refers to the different waterfalls scattered across the terrain, near the town of Akchour, also often known as Achor. These waterfalls, during the thaw season, can drop several dozen meters in some cases, pooling in small ponds and delighting local bathers in the summer season. Moreover, these are clean and crystal-clear waters, as they come directly from the spring where they originate.
How to Go to the Chefchaouen Waterfalls
The most charming way to reach the different Chefchaouen waterfalls is on foot, taking a hiking route that can last several days and also leads through other spectacular corners of Talassemtane National Park, such as the Bridge of God.
However, this option is only suitable for people with an adequate level of fitness and experience in the activity, and who also have enough free days to organize such a program, as well as the necessary equipment to walk for extended periods (boots, hiking clothes, etc.).
On the other hand, the most common, quick, and easy way is to take a half-day or full-day excursion to the waterfall area. For this, it’s necessary to have a vehicle, for example, a private taxi with a driver, that can transport travelers from Chefchaouen to the foot of the waterfalls. In fact, the part most accessible to the general public has picnic areas and small bars to enjoy the surroundings from their own terrace. This makes these waterfalls one of the most appealing excursions for northern Moroccans. The car journey, moreover, will take around 40 minutes on roads that are very photogenic, as they wind through valleys between green mountains.
The more adventurous can also venture into the more pristine area of the park to admire the landscapes and flora of the place. But in this case, we strongly recommend having a professional guide who can accompany, explain, and provide support for any eventuality.
After spending a few hours here, the excursion returns to Chefchaouen by the same route. But there’s also the possibility of spending the night nearby, in some of the mountain accommodations (gite) that have been proliferating in recent years to take advantage of the tourist appeal that the Rif villages are acquiring.
