Explore the "Blue City" Chefchaouen, Chefchaouen

Discover the sites, streets, and monuments of Morocco's famed "Blue City," Chefchaouen, or simply “chaoeun,” as the locals call it. Its name translates to “two horns,” referencing the town's two mountain peaks. Despite its popularity with tourists, Chefchaouen retains a much more relaxed atmosphere than some other popular cities and is home to some of the friendliest people in Morocco.

Beautifully perched beneath the raw peaks of the Rif, Chefchaouen is one of the prettiest towns in Morocco, an artsy, blue-washed mountain village that feels like its own world. It was founded in 1471 by Idrissid shorfa, descendants of the Prophet Mohammed, as a stronghold in the fight against the Portuguese. Chefchaouen, esteemed as a holy town, has eight mosques and several zaouias and marabouts. 

Chefchaouen was originally founded as a base for Riffian Berber tribes to launch attacks on the Portuguese in Ceuta. However, the town expanded with the arrival of Muslim and Jewish refugees from Granada in 1494, who built the whitewashed houses, with tiny balconies, tiled roofs, and patios (often with a citrus tree in the center). This history gives the town its distinctive Spanish flavor.

The old medina is a delight of Moroccan and Andalucian influence with red-tiled roofs, bright-blue buildings, and narrow lanes converging on busy Plaza Uta el-Hammam and its restored kasbah. The town has rapidly gentrified and offers a range of quality accommodation, good food, activities, and no hassles to speak of, making it a strong alternative to a hectic multicity Moroccan tour. You can peruse the nearby souks (markets) or enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants.

Next, head to the Grand Mosque and Kasbah. Although non-Muslims can't enter the mosque, anyone can admire its structure and tour the kasbah's gardens, museums, and old prison cells. At the Kasbah (old fortification), enjoy walking through a garden, museum, and some of the old prison cells used during Spanish rule. Then, get an amazing view of Chefchaoeun from the roof!

Then, wander into the Quartier Al Andalous. This district is reached from the northwestern corner of Plaza Uta el-Hammam, leaving the fondouk on the left. The Quartier Al-Andalus received the second wave of immigrants, and here, the houses, painted white, green, or blue. Notice the decorated doors and wrought-iron railings at some of the windows. They follow the steep gradient of the terrain, which makes for many exterior stairways and entrances at various levels.

End the day at Ras el Ma Spring, the town's primary water source, where some families wash their clothes in the river. Take a break at one of the quaint riverside cafes for a traditional cup of tea. Then, for an exceptional view of the city, walk past the walls and through its historic gates, making your way toward the Hotel Atlas. Then, if you have the time, continue up the path for another 30 minutes to enjoy the sunset from the Spanish Mosque.

Read more about cultural experiences in Morocco.