If there was one metropolis we weren’t going to skip throughout our time in Morocco, it was Chefchaouen. We weren’t strangers to this little city nestled within the Rif Mountains. It was a vacation spot we’ve seen grace the pages of many journey magazines and on-line publications, labelled as “mesmerising,” “electrical magnificence,” and “Morocco’s best-kept secret.”
Was all of it advertising fluff, phrases that look good on journal covers, or was The Blue Pearl of Morocco actually as lovely as they made it sound? We have been about to search out out.
The blue-coloured houses might be seen from afar as we strategy the city of Chefchaouen, Morocco.
Touring Chefchaouen, Morocco
We rocked as much as Chefchaouen within the early afternoon after a straightforward 2-hour drive from Tangier. We didn’t e book a resort or have any strong plans for issues to do in Chefchaouen, Morocco.
We parked our automobile, and with backpacks on our backs, we walked proper into the medina and have been instantly transported right into a fairytale setting. We anticipated to see some blue in Chefchaouen, perhaps a number of cute blue alleyways a few blue homes, however no. EVERYTHING contained in the Chefchaouen medina was blue, from the general public sq. and authorities buildings to vibrant plant pots and benches.
‘What’s with all of the blue?’ you ask. Nicely, because the story goes, this funky decor dates again to 1471, when town of Chefchaouen was based as a small fortress to combat the Portuguese invasions of northern Morocco. It was round that point that town additionally grew to become a big settlement for the Jewish individuals who fled right here after the Spanish Reconquista. It’s stated that it was the Jewish teachings that related the color blue with the sky and with God’s energy that impressed the locals to brighten the medina in shiny blue.
At the moment, regardless of the absence of Jewish refugees, the intense blue color stays an emblem of the village. And much more so, it’s what turned this small city of some 40,000 residents into one of many greatest vacationer sights in Morocco. We heard that to maintain up the enchantment; the native authorities even supplies the required provides (blue paint, brushes, and many others) to the villages.
Nevertheless it wasn’t simply the picture-perfect blue backdrops that we liked about Chefchaouen, Morocco. Having visited a number of different cities in Morocco, we will confidently say that Chefchaouen was by far probably the most laid-back, probably the most pleasant, and probably the most nice city we got here throughout throughout our time in Morocco.
We ended up staying in a gorgeous little riad within the coronary heart of the medina and spent 2 days roaming across the lovely blue streets, indulging in scrumptious meals, or people-watching in the primary sq..
One of the vibrant alleyways in Chefchaouen, Morocco.
All the pieces in Chefchaouen was blue!
Even the insides of some riads are blue in Chefchaouen
These blue hues are up stored yearly
Simply one other image good avenue in Chefchaouen, Morocco.
Chefchaouen, Morocco – additionally known as Bleuville by graffiti artists!
Children (additionally sporting blue) operating round within the medina of Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is stuffed with cats and youngsters
Inside our riad, Maison Lodge, in Chefchaouen
Roaming round Chefchaouen
Hanging out in Chefchaouen
Issues To Do In Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is a type of cities that doesn’t require a properly thought out itinerary. There isn’t an extended listing of issues to do in Chefchaouen or a slew of actions and sights you simply can’t miss.
The great thing about Chefchaouen is the city itself.
That stated, there are some things to do in Chefchaouen which might be nonetheless value making time for.
Laid Again Procuring
In case you love an excellent trinket hunt, then you definately’ll love a great deal of little memento retailers to wander by means of, and the bargaining right here is extra laid again than in Marrakech or Fes. The store house owners aren’t as pushy, so the expertise is rather more nice. You may get fairly priced textiles, rugs, slippers, attire, paintings, and handmade crafts, in addition to all of the touristy gadgets.
When you’re wandering by means of this photographer’s paradise, preserve an eye fixed out for fruit stands promoting native produce and juices. The contemporary orange juice in Chefchaouen is legendary, and you could find contemporary pomegranate juice too!
Work of Chefchaouen bought within the alleyways of Chefchaouen.
Take A Guided Tour
If you need a extra in-depth have a look at town, you possibly can at all times take an organised Guided Tour of Chefchaouen. The complete-day tour features a guided stroll by means of the slim streets to the primary sq., its 18th-century kasbah, central grand mosque, and Jewish Quarter. You’ll have free time to flick through the native market and revel in lunch with a scrumptious Moroccan mint tea.
Get pleasure from The Views From The Kasbah
Head to the center of the medina to search out the Kasbah. It was beforehand a jail however has been transformed into an artwork gallery and museum. Whereas the museum itself isn’t a lot to write down residence about, they’ve a gorgeous oasis-like backyard good for stress-free after wandering the medina. However one of the best factor to do right here is to climb the Kasbah watchtower and look over the blue metropolis and the encircling mountains.
Watch The Sundown From The Spanish Mosque
One other nice viewpoint within the metropolis is only a 15-minute stroll from the medina. The Spanish Mosque is on the highest of a hill, so be ready for a little bit of a climb. In case you’re searching for one of the best photograph alternative with out a bunch of sundown vacationers ruining your photographs, simply slip off to the facet and you’ll get unspoilt photographs of Chefchaouen, Morocco, glowing because the sunsets.
Sundown over the blue metropolis of Chefchaouen
Go For A Hike In Talassemtane Nationwide Park
Positioned simply exterior of Chefchaouen, the Talassemtane Nationwide park is stuffed with mountaineering trails that hyperlink the small mountain villages of El Kelaa and Akchour. This park can be residence to God’s Bridge, a formidable pure stone arch that this park is legendary for. With all the trails, waterfalls, and rock formations to discover, you possibly can simply flip a go to to this park right into a day journey.
Merely Soak Up The Ambiance
However actually, top-of-the-line issues to do in Chefchaouen is to only chill, get misplaced within the blue, wander aimlessly, and simply let the sights, sounds and smells of Chefchaouen, Morocco soak in!
Public sq. in Chefchaouen, Morocco
Important Journey Data For Visiting Chefchaouen, Morocco
How To Get To Chefchaouen
Attending to Chefchaouen is fairly simple, as there are every day buses from many of the main cities, together with Casablanca, Fes, and Tangier. The bus trip takes about from Fes and 6 hours from Casablanca. Travelling by bus is probably the most economical choice, however remember the fact that the bus station in Chefchaouen is on the backside of an enormous hill. Most guests take a taxi from the bus station to city, particularly if they’ve baggage.
You can even be a part of one of many many guided day journeys to Chefchaouen. These excursions go away from all main cities, together with Fez, Tangier, Casablanca. These excursions embrace transportation to and from Chefchaouen, a guided tour, and a few embrace lunch.
Lovely view of Chefchaouen
The place To Keep In Chefchaouen
For resorts, Chefchaouen has numerous choices; you’ll be spoilt for alternative, actually. Dar Dadicilef is true within the thick of it, situated within the medina and with superb views of town from the rooftop chill-out space.
In case you fancy just a little little bit of pampering, then Lina Ryad and Spa might be simply the ticket. You’ve views of the medina and the mountains, and you’ll relaxation your weary toes after a day of sightseeing within the on-site spa with an indoor pool, a hammam, and a sizzling tub!
In case you’re searching for hostels, Chefchaouen has a number of respectable choices within the centre. Casa Blue Star is situated within the Previous City district and has spacious rooms with a non-public lavatory, which is fairly uncommon in hostel lodging!
For the eco-conscious traveller, you could must go just a little additional afield to search out sustainable lodging. Gite Talassemtane is a visitor home situated 12km from Chefchaouen, in Zaouia Habteene village. It’s an incredible spot to benefit from the blue metropolis, discover the encircling nature of the Rif Mountains, and study concerning the native tradition and customs of the Berber group.
Oksana within the alleys of Chefchaouen
The place To Eat In Chefchaouen, Morocco
Moroccan meals is a tremendous reflection of the nation’s layered cultural historical past, with conventional dishes exhibiting influences from Berber, European, Arab, Jewish, and sub-Saharan cultures. Conventional Moroccan delicacies is splendidly aromatic and stuffed with spices, completed superbly with a cup of freshly made mint tea.
Don’t be afraid to attempt native dishes whilst you go to Chefchaouen – there are veggie-based dishes too! Listed here are some spots that we got here throughout on our day journey to The Blue Pearl of Morocco.
Bab Ssour: Serving meat, vegetarian, and vegan choices, Bab Ssour is a good spot for a fast and engaging chunk to eat, with a number of Moroccan salads to select from. It’s just a little exhausting to search out, situated within the medina on the best way to the primary sq. and down some steps, however definitely definitely worth the effort!
Sofia: Even tougher to search out (ask the locals!) is Sofia. It’s up a degree from the primary avenue and has no signal exterior, making it the good hidden gem. They serve meat and vegetarian meals with glorious flavour. Attempt the Babaganush!
Cafe Clock: For great meals with a view to match, then that is the place. With its rooftop terrace and glorious meals, it’s simple to see why Cafe Clock is Tripadvisor’s number-one restaurant in Chefchaouen. Additionally they have an glorious vary of vegan and vegetarian choices on their menu.
Having fun with a scrumptious meal in Chefchaouen
Extra Moroccan meals
Morrocan mint tea is a must-try!
Have You Ever Heard Of The Magical Blue City Of Chefchaouen?