If you’re wondering how to get to Chefchaouen from Spain, you’re not alone. Travelers across Spain want to reach the Blue City as fast as possible, especially those booking a Tarifa to Chefchaouen day trip, a 2-day trip to Morocco from Spain, or longer Morocco adventures.
This updated expert guide shows you the fastest routes, smartest travel hacks, timetables, and transport options, plus insider advice from our experience running private Moroccan tours for years.
The fastest way to get to Chefchaouen from Spain is to take the 1-hour ferry from Tarifa to Tangier Ville, then continue 2 hours by private transfer to Chefchaouen. Total travel time: 3 hours each way, depending on ferry schedule and border checks.
Table of Contents
How to Get to Chefchaouen from Spain?
Why Chefchaouen Is Worth the Trip
Chefchaouen is Morocco’s most photogenic town, with blue-washed alleyways, quiet mountain views, artisan shops, and relaxed vibes. Many guests booking our private Marbella to Chefchaouen Day Trip and 2-day trip from Seville to Morocco say it becomes the highlight of their Spain–Morocco vacation.
Whether you start from Tarifa, Algeciras, Seville, Malaga, Marbella, or Gibraltar, this guide shows the best way to reach it.

The Fastest Ways to Reach Chefchaouen from Spain
1. Tarifa → Tangier Ville Ferry → Chefchaouen (Fastest Route Overall)
This is the quickest and most popular option.
Travel Steps:
- Ferry from Tarifa to Tangier Ville – 1 hour
- Private transfer from Tangier to Chefchaouen – 2 hours
Total travel time: 3 hours
Perfect for:
- Travelers booking a Tarifa to Chefchaouen Day Trip
- Visitors coming from Seville, Malaga, Marbella, Gibraltar, and Cadiz
- Anyone wanting the smoothest border crossing + fastest transfer
Further Reading: Why Travelers Fall in Love with Chefchaouen’s Blue Streets?
This is the same route used on our:
- 3-day trip from Seville to Morocco
- 2-day trip from Malaga to Morocco
- 2-day trip from Marbella to Morocco
- Private Morocco day trips from Spain

2. Algeciras → Tangier Med → Chefchaouen (More Ferries, Slightly Longer)
This is a strong alternative if you are coming from eastern Andalusia or the Costa del Sol.
Travel Steps:
- Ferry from Algeciras to Tangier Med – 90 min
- Private transfer to Chefchaouen – 2 hours
Further Reading: Tarifa vs Algeciras: Which Port Is Best for Morocco Day Trips?
Total travel time: 3.5–4 hours
Best for:
- Travelers starting from Malaga, Marbella, Gibraltar, and Estepona
- Those who prefer flexible ferry schedules
- Larger groups
3. Seville → Tarifa → Tangier → Chefchaouen (Best for Tour Packages)
Travel Steps:
- Private transfer from Seville to Tarifa – 2 hours
- Ferry to Tangier Ville – 1 hour
- Transfer to Chefchaouen – 2 hours
Further Reading: Morocco Ferry Guide: Times, Prices & Best Routes from Spain
Total travel time: 5 hours
This is exactly the route used for our:
It is still efficient thanks to seamless connections.
Featured Table: Fastest Ways to Get to Chefchaouen from Spain
| Departure City | Fastest Route | Total Travel Time | Recommended For | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarifa | Tarifa → Tangier Ville → Chefchaouen | 3 hours | Day trips, 2-day, multi-day tours | ★☆☆ (Very Easy) |
| Algeciras | Algeciras → Tangier Med → Chefchaouen | 3.5–4 hours | Costa del Sol travelers | ★★☆ |
| Seville | Seville → Tarifa → Tangier Ville → Chefchaouen | 5 hours | Day trips, 2-day, multi-day tours | ★★☆ |
| Malaga | Malaga → Tarifa → Tangier → Chefchaouen | 5 hours | Private tours | ★★☆ |
| Gibraltar | Gibraltar → Algeciras → Tangier Med → Chefchaouen | 4 hours | Groups & families | ★★☆ |
| Marbella | Marbella → Tarifa → Tangier Ville → Chefchaouen | 4 hours | Luxury travelers | ★☆☆ (Easy) |
What You Can Expect in 24 Hours
Spain and Morocco operate in different time zones depending on the season:
- Summer: Spain = Morocco +1 hour
- Winter: Spain = Morocco (same time)
- Ramadan: Morocco sometimes shifts one hour back
Further Reading: How to Plan a Jewish Heritage Trip from Spain to Morocco?
Example:
- Guests board the 09:00 ferry in Tarifa
- They arrive in Tangier 10:00 local time (summer)
But during Ramadan:
- Guests board the 09:00 ferry
- They arrive in Tangier at 08:00 local time

This matters for:
Further Reading: What to Pack for a Morocco Day Trip from Spain? (Checklist)
- Tour planning
- Booking guides
- Timing transfers
- Restaurant opening hours
This is why our Chefchaouen private tours always adjust for seasonal clock changes.
Tips for an Easy Trip from Spain to Chefchaouen
✓ Book the earliest ferry
Further Reading: How Safe Is Tangier for Tourists?
Morning ferries avoid wind delays and port queues.
✓ Use Tangier Ville instead of Tangier Med if possible
Closer = faster.

✓ Choose a private transfer (fastest & safest option)
Public buses add 2–3 hours of delays.
✓ Bring your passport (valid 6+ months)
Mandatory across the strait.
✓ Consider a 2-day tour
Chefchaouen deserves time. Many guests upgrade to our:
- 2-day trip from Marbella to Morocco
- 2-day trip from Malaga to Morocco
- 2-day trip from Gibraltar to Morocco
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the fastest way to get to Chefchaouen from Spain?
The fastest route is Tarifa → Tangier Ville ferry → private transfer to Chefchaouen, taking about 3 hours each way.
-
Can I visit Chefchaouen on a day trip from Spain?
Yes, especially through a Tarifa to Chefchaouen Day Trip. It’s tight but totally doable with private transportation and early ferries.
-
Is there a direct ferry to Chefchaouen?
No. All ferries go to Tangier Ville or Tangier Med, then you continue by road.
-
How far is Chefchaouen from Tangier?
About 2 hours by private transfer (110 km).
-
What is the best port to reach Chefchaouen?
Tarifa Port — fastest and closest.
-
Can I get to Chefchaouen by bus from Tangier?
Yes, but it is slower. Private transfers are recommended for day trips.
-
Is Chefchaouen safe for tourists?
Yes, it’s considered one of the safest towns in Morocco.


