Rif Mountains & North Morocco Guide: Chefchaouen, Akchour & Hiking
Hassan Ait Baha · 11 min · North Morocco
How to explore the Rif Mountains and northern Morocco — the blue city of Chefchaouen, Akchour Waterfall, hiking trails and practical tips.
The Rif Mountains are Morocco's green northern range — a Mediterranean landscape of pine and cedar, dramatic gorges and white-and-blue villages, running parallel to the coast from Tangier to the Algerian border. It's cooler and greener than the High Atlas, and its crown jewel is Chefchaouen, the famous blue city. For hikers and slow travellers, the Rif is a quieter, gentler alternative to the south.
Chefchaouen — The Blue City
The Rif's star attraction. A medina painted every shade of blue, set beneath the mountains, with a relaxed pace that's a world away from Marrakech. Wander the streets, climb to the Spanish Mosque for sunset, and use the town as a base for hiking. See our Chefchaouen guide.
Akchour Waterfall & God's Bridge
The Rif's most popular hike, about 30 minutes' drive from Chefchaouen. The trail follows a river through a gorge to a series of swimming pools and waterfalls, with the dramatic God's Bridge rock arch above. Allow 3-4 hours round trip. Wear water shoes and bring a swimsuit in summer.
Other Rif Highlights
- Talassemtane National Park — protected cedar and pine forest with marked trails
- The Spanish Mosque — the classic Chefchaouen sunset viewpoint
- Ras el-Maa — the spring where Chefchaouen's river begins
- Tetouan — a UNESCO medina with Andalusian architecture
- The Mediterranean coast — quiet beaches near Martil and Cabo Negro
Hiking in the Rif
The Rif offers everything from 30-minute viewpoint walks to full-day gorge traverses. Trails are less marked than the High Atlas, so a local guide helps for anything beyond the popular Akchour route. The walking is moderate — less altitude than the High Atlas, but plenty of up-and-down.
Where to Stay
Chefchaouen is the obvious base — riads and guesthouses inside the blue medina, many with rooftop terraces. For hikers, small guesthouses near Akchour offer a quieter, nature-focused stay. Book well ahead in spring and autumn.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking. Summer is hot but the mountains are cooler than the lowlands. Winter is cold and wet, with some higher trails muddy or closed.
Book a Rif Mountains Tour
Explore the Rif on a northern Morocco loop or a Chefchaouen-based hiking trip. Book a Rif Mountains tour and hike the green north.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the Rif Mountains?
The Rif is the northernmost mountain range in Morocco, running parallel to the Mediterranean coast from Tangier to the Algerian border. Chefchaouen is its most famous town, set in the heart of the range.
What is the best hike in the Rif?
The Akchour Waterfall and God's Bridge trail is the most popular — a half-day walk through a gorge to swimming pools and a dramatic rock arch. The Spanish Mosque trail above Chefchaouen is a shorter sunset option.
How do I get to the Rif Mountains?
The main gateway is Chefchaouen, about 2.5 hours from Tangier and 4 hours from Fez by road. There is no train. Most travellers come by bus (CTM or Supratours) or private transfer.
Is the Rif good for hiking?
Yes — the range has excellent walking, from short medina-adjacent trails to full-day gorge and ridge walks. It's greener and cooler than the High Atlas, with Mediterranean vegetation and dramatic gorges.
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