Is Ras el-Maa free to visit?

Yes. Ras el-Maa is an open-air natural site with no entrance fee. You only pay if you sit at one of the riverside cafés or hire a guide for a wider medina tour.

Where is Ras el-Maa and how do I get there?

It sits just beyond the far northeastern edge of Chefchaouen's medina, a 5–10 minute walk from the centre through the blue alleys. Follow the sound of running water, or ask any local for 'Ras el-Maa'.

What can you do at Ras el-Maa?

You can watch the spring water cascade over the rocks, see locals washing wool and laundry, relax at a riverside café, and start the uphill walk to the Spanish Mosque viewpoint from the bridge beside the spring.

CHEFCHAOUEN · LOCATIONS

Ras el-Maa

The spring at the edge of Chefchaouen's blue medina

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Ras el-Maa, Chefchaouen

The spring at the edge of Chefchaouen's blue medina

Ras el-Maa, meaning 'head of the water', is the natural spring at the northeastern edge of Chefchaouen's medina, where cold Rif-mountain water gushes out over the rocks. The spring is the reason the town was founded here in 1471, and locals still wash wool and laundry in its pools. A bridge beside the water marks the start of the walk up to the Spanish Mosque viewpoint.

Location

Chefchaouen

FAQs

Ras el-Maa, meaning 'head of the water', is a natural spring and small waterfall at the northeastern edge of Chefchaouen's medina, where mountain water emerges from the rock. It has supplied the town with water since Chefchaouen was founded in 1471.