Jbel El Kelaa Summit Hike above Chefchaouen

About the Jbel El Kelaa hike

Jbel El Kelaa is the mountain you see behind Chefchaouen in every postcard. At 1,616 metres it rises more than a thousand metres above the medina, and on a clear day the summit looks over the blue town, the Rif valleys and, far to the north, the Mediterranean.

The path starts at Ras El Ma, at the top of the medina, so there is no driving at all. It climbs past the hamlet of Kalaa and through holm oak, cedar and pine to open limestone slopes where shepherds bring their goats in summer.

It is a full day of walking, around seven hours return with breaks, and a real workout. Your guide carries a picnic and makes mint tea on a small fire near the top.

Highlights

• Summit at 1,616 m with views to the sea
• Starts on foot from the medina
• Oak, cedar and pine forest
• Shepherds’ paths and Rif villages
• Picnic lunch and mint tea on the mountain
• Local mountain guide

Route map of the Jbel El Kelaa hike

The famous blue pearl of the Rif, with painted lanes, mountain hikes and a slow, peaceful pace. All tours in Chefchaouen

Itinerary for the day

1. 08:00 Ras El Ma

   Meet at the spring

   Start walking up the valley behind the medina.

2. 10:00 Kalaa village and the forest

   ≈ 500 m climb

   Rest in the hamlet, then continue through the forest.

3. 12:30 Summit

   ≈ 1,000 m total climb

   Picnic, tea and the view over Chefchaouen and the Rif.

4. 13:30 Descent

   About 3 hours

   Same route down, arriving at Ras El Ma around 16:30.

Times and driving durations are approximate and can be adapted. It is a private tour, so you can change stops with your driver-guide.

Prices for the Jbel El Kelaa hike

Your private tour, with prices per group size. All prices are in euros and include everything listed under “What’s included”.

The more you are, the less you pay per person. Children count as travellers when they need a bed.

What's included