Do I need to hire a car to explore Chefchaouen and the surrounding area?
To visit Chefchaouen, hiring a car has both advantages and disadvantages, and your choice will depend on your personal preferences, your budget and the way you travel.
Advantages of hiring a car
Hiring a car to visit Chefchaouen can be an excellent choice if you value independence and flexibility. It allows you to travel at your own pace, stopping wherever you like along the way to take in the incredible scenery of northern Morocco, and visiting nearby sites that you might not be able to reach easily by public transport. The drive from Tangier, for example, is fairly short (around 2-2.5 hours), so you can enjoy a day or weekend trip without too much time pressure. From Fez, it will take a little longer, around 3h30 to 4 hours, but it remains an affordable option.
One of the great attractions of the car is also the possibility of discovering Chefchaouen’s surroundings, in particular the magnificent Akchour waterfalls, a popular natural site around thirty kilometres from the city. If you want to get off the beaten track and discover less touristy places, a car will give you that freedom.
Disadvantages of hiring a car
However, there are also a few disadvantages to consider. Chefchaouen, a mountainous town famous for its winding, narrow streets, can be difficult to navigate by car. Parking is often complicated, especially in areas close to the medina. It is generally advisable to park in private car parks outside the city, which can add a bit of walking to reach your final destination. Add to that the cost of rental, combined with petrol and insurance, and you can quickly add up, especially if you’re travelling alone or as a couple. In this case, a car may not be the most economical option, and other solutions may be more appropriate.
Limited availability of rental cars in Chefchaouen
If you’re thinking of hiring a car to visit Chefchaouen, you’ll quickly notice that the majority of rental offers are mainly in Tetouan or Tangier, rather than Chefchaouen itself. There are several reasons for this.
First of all, Chefchaouen is a small town nestled in the mountains that attracts mainly tourists looking for an authentic and peaceful experience, rather than large tourist flows that require a large infrastructure for car rental services. As a result, local demand for vehicles is lower here than in larger cities such as Tangier or Tetouan, which are major regional hubs for travellers.
Secondly, these major cities are often the departure points for trips to Chefchaouen. Visitors landing there are likely to consider hiring a car directly on arrival. The proximity of Tangier and Tetouan to infrastructure such as airports and railway stations also makes it logical for car rental companies to concentrate their fleets in these transit locations. Chefchaouen, on the other hand, is mainly accessible by road, so does not benefit from a regular flow of travellers arriving directly by plane or train.
Alternatives to car hire
If hiring a car isn’t for you, there are other equally practical ways of visiting Chefchaouen. Bus travel, particularly with CTM, is a popular and affordable option. The journey from Tangier costs around 50 dirhams and allows you to avoid the hassle of driving, while offering a good level of comfort. It also allows you to enjoy the journey without the stress and hassle of parking.
And to sum up, for those looking for a little more comfort without driving themselves, it’s possible to take a taxi or book a private tour. This option, although more expensive, can be a rewarding experience, especially if you enjoy chatting to a local driver who can tell you anecdotes and give you tips on the area.