Photo: Николай Максимович, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsTarifa or Algeciras to Chefchaouen by Ferry and Car
From Tarifa the ferry lands at Tanger Ville port, about 111 km and 2 hours by road from Chefchaouen. From Algeciras it lands at Tanger Med, about 122 km and 2 to 2½ hours away.
- Days
- 2
- Driving
- about 123 km
- Starts
- Tanger Ville port (from Tarifa) or Tanger Med (from Algeciras)
- Ends
- Chefchaouen
- Quote
- Free, in writing
Spain to Chefchaouen by ferry: the stops
Ferry to Tangier, drive to Chefchaouen (day 1)Photo: HrAd, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Chefchaouen medina and Spanish Mosque (day 2)Photo: Badr Rachadi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Day-by-day itinerary
Two ports, two different starts. Know which one your ticket says, because they are about 45 km apart. Both roads go through Tetouan, and both reach the blue town the same day.
Day 1: Ferry to Tangier, drive to Chefchaouen
- Tangier to Tetouan · 60 km · about 1 hour
- Tetouan to Chefchaouen · 63 km · about 1¼ hours
Photo: HrAd, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons From Tarifa you arrive at Tanger Ville, right next to Tangier's medina. From Algeciras you arrive at Tanger Med, a big port on the coast east of the city.
Passport control can be on the boat or at the port. Your driver waits outside the terminal with your name.
Stop in Tetouan for lunch and a walk in the white medina, or go straight up into the Rif. Either way you are in Chefchaouen before dark.
Overnight: Chefchaouen
Day 2: Chefchaouen medina and Spanish Mosque
Photo: Badr Rachadi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Walk the medina early, see the kasbah and Ras el Ma, and climb to the Spanish Mosque for sunset.
From here you can go back to the ferry, continue south to Fes, or stay longer for Akchour.
Overnight: Chefchaouen
Your free quote
Private and custom, so there is no fixed price: we shape this route to your dates, your group and your budget (the car, the nights, where you sleep, a local guide in the medinas or not). Tell us what you have in mind and we send a free written quote.
Drive times and distances
| From → to | Distance | Drive | Road |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tangier → Tetouan | 60 km | about 1 hour | Coast motorway and N2 |
| Tetouan → Chefchaouen | 63 km | about 1¼ hours | N2 up into the Rif |
Distances and times from OpenStreetMap routing, checked November 2026, rounded up. They leave out stops. Mountain roads in the Rif are often slower.
Tips before you go
- Check which port your ticket names. Tarifa sailings land at Tanger Ville. Algeciras sailings land at Tanger Med.
- Spain's clocks run ahead of Morocco's. Ferry times are printed in local time at each end.
- Bring your passport, not just an ID card. Many nationalities need no visa for a short stay, but check the rules for yours.
- Sea crossings get cancelled in strong wind. Leave a spare day before a flight home.
FAQ
Which ferry is best for Chefchaouen, Tarifa or Algeciras?
Tarifa, if you are on foot. It lands at Tanger Ville port in the city, about 2 hours by road from Chefchaouen. Algeciras lands at Tanger Med, which is a little closer to Tetouan and suits people bringing a car.
How far is Chefchaouen from Tanger Med port?
About 122 km by road, 2 to 2½ hours via the coast motorway to Tetouan and then the N2 into the Rif.
Can I do Chefchaouen as a day trip from Spain?
It is possible but tight: about 4 hours of driving plus two sea crossings. Most people sleep at least one night in Chefchaouen.
More North Morocco tours from Chefchaouen
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Photo: Giles Antonio Radford, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Northern Morocco 7-Day Itinerary: Tangier to Fes via Chefchaouen
Photo: Ben Bender, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons