Chefchaouen, Morocco
Chefchaouen Cats
Morocco’s blue mountain town, where street cats nap on blue steps and medina lanes.
Before you go
- Early morning is quieter and often better for photos and calm cat watching.
- Cats may not always be in the same doorway — keep expectations flexible.
- The medina is residential — please do not block doorways or chase cats for photos.
About Chefchaouen Cats
Chefchaouen (often called Chaouen) is Morocco’s famous “Blue City” in the Rif Mountains. The medina’s blue-washed walls, stairways, and doorways make an unmistakable backdrop — and street cats are a familiar part of everyday scenes here, resting on steps, in doorways, and along quieter residential lanes. Plaza Uta el-Hammam and the surrounding medina are an easy place to start; wander slowly and you will often meet cats without looking hard.
Chefchaouen Walking Map
Open in Google MapsThis walking map covers Bab el Ain, Plaza Uta el-Hammam, the Kasbah, the blue lanes, Ras el-Ma, the Spanish Mosque viewpoint, and other highlights around Chefchaouen’s medina. The medina is also a place of daily life — please do not block doorways or chase cats for photos. Locations are approximate.
Chefchaouen Spot Guide
How to get to Chefchaouen Cats
Chefchaouen has no airport or train station — you arrive by road. The nearest major gateway is Tangier (about 2–3 hours by CTM bus or shared grand taxi). Buses also run from Fes (about 4 hours), Tetouan, and other cities. From the bus station, it is about a 15–20 minute uphill walk (or a short petit taxi) to Bab el Ain, the main medina gate.
Once inside the medina, explore on foot. Steep lanes and stairs are common, so comfortable shoes help. Observe cats quietly and respect residents’ homes and shops.
- Fly into Tangier (TNG) when possible, or continue from Fes, Casablanca, or another Moroccan hub.
- Take a CTM / intercity bus or shared grand taxi to Chefchaouen (about 2–3 hours from Tangier; about 4 hours from Fes).
- From the bus station, walk uphill about 15–20 minutes to Bab el Ain, or take a short petit taxi.
- Enter the medina and start around Plaza Uta el-Hammam — then wander the blue lanes at a slow pace.
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