The Akchour area, about 30 km east of Chaouen, is the best day-trip from the blue city and worth planning your visit around. A grand taxi from Chaouen to the village of Akchour takes around 40 minutes; from there the walking begins. Two routes branch out: a shorter path to a series of cascading waterfalls (two to three hours return), and a longer trail to God's Bridge, a natural rock arch carved by the Oued Farda river (four to five hours return).
The waterfalls trail follows the river through a limestone gorge with emerald-green pools. You will want to swim — the water is very cold even in summer, but the light in the canyon makes it irresistible. God's Bridge is quieter and more dramatic: a huge natural span with a deep gorge beneath it. A small café at the trailhead serves tagine; arrive early on weekends to beat Moroccan families who come in numbers.