Chefchaouen Morocco
Chefchaouen blue medina is without a doubt one of the most stunning spots on the planet. This picturesque mountain town is nestled between the rocky Rif Mountains in northern Morocco.The enchantingly gorgeous ancient town of Chefchaouen is the centerpiece since the medina is entirely painted in blue and white. You may spend hours wandering around a stunning environment of azure hues, learning about a distinct side of Morocco.
MOROCCO’S BLUE CAPITOL
You may be asking why Chefchaouen is blue. Berber people from the Rif mountains created Chefchaouen in 1471. As a consequence of the Spanish Inquisition, Jewish immigrants from Granada found safety there beginning in 1494. The homes were painted in their distinctive blue, which is a significant hue in Judaism, about 1930. Nowadays, the medina is a lovely fusion of Moroccan and Andalusia elements. Narrow lanes and red roof tiles characterize the cityscape, and Spanish is heard more often than French or Arabic. Chefchaouen is a unique location that you should not miss when visiting Morocco. Moroccan desert tours
Are you interested in learning more about the sights and activities available in Chefchaouen, Morocco’s blue city? My top ten recommendations for Chefchaouen are listed below.
1. RELAX IN RELAXED CHEFCHAOUEN AND ENJOY THE RARE PEACE
In comparison to the Moroccan royal capitals of Fes and Marrakech, Chefchaouen seems like a tranquil sanctuary. The residents are tranquil, and the medina is extremely quiet, and it’s not simply the soothing blue with which the homes are painted. Chefchaouen is the best place to unwind after a busy vacation around Morocco. This is a town where you want to stay a bit longer. Because the ambiance is pleasant, the rates are reasonable, and the people are quite nice.
But be warned: the area of Chefchaouen’s most well-known export is cannabis. In the highlands, there are “kif” crops, and getting marijuana is not difficult. In Morocco, however, it is illegal to purchase, sell, or consume narcotics. It has a maximum penalty of ten years in jail.
2. PLAZA UTA EL-HAMMAM BREAKFAST AND MINT TEA
The Plaza Uta el-Hammam is the pulsing heart of Chefchaouen. This is a lovely plaza surrounded by tiny cafés and eateries. You may start your day in quiet with an orange juice, egg, goat cheese, and olive oil breakfast prepared by the locals. Later in the day, mingle with the locals while sipping mint tea and people-watching.
Also see: The finest suggestions for a visit in Fez’s historic medina
3. BLUE MEDITERRANEAN SHOPPING
In the blue city, you’ve come to the proper location for a unique keepsake. Chefchaouen is famed for its wool manufacturing, and lovely blankets and carpets can be found in the various souvenir shops. Many establishments feature a workshop where you can see the weaving of blankets and carpets. Taking a glance inside is a necessity. Handmade jewelry and lovely leather purses are also available. Each purchase is negotiable, and the agreement is sealed with a glass of mint tea. Are you on the lookout for anything lovely? Then spend an afternoon with the locals sipping tea, listening to their tales, and taking home a one-of-a-kind gift from the area.
4. THE SPANISH MOSQUE FROM THE OUTSIDE
The Spanish Mosque, a remnant of the Spanish occupation in 1920, is located just outside the city walls. It’s one of Chefchaouen’s most well-known landmarks, and it’s a lot of fun to stroll there. The mosque was never utilized, although it offers a fantastic perspective of Chefchaouen’s blue center. To reach there, take Bab el-Ansar out of the medina and cross the road at the waterfall Ras el-Maa. You can easily see the building and the route leading to the mosque from here. Keep an eye out for incoming donkeys and ladies washing their laundry in the river.
5. VISIT THE ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM AND THE OLD KASBAH
The historic kasbah in Plaza Uta el-Hammam is by far the most spectacular structure in Chefchaouen. The Ethnographic Museum and a gallery are currently housed in this sandstone fortification, which was completely rebuilt. Local artists’ work is on display, but be sure to take the steps up. The viewing towers provide a great view of the area as well as the surrounding mountain ranges. 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
6. RESERVE A ROOM IN A BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Chefchaouen, like the rest of Morocco, has exquisite hotels and elegantly designed houses. These Moroccan houses often have a lovely courtyard as well as a roof terrace with views of the neighboring roofs. A place to stay in Chefchaouen does not have to be expensive; for 20 to 30 euros, you can enjoy a comfortable stay for two people. I stayed at the lovely boutique hotel Casa Miguel with my partner for three nights for the equivalent of 90 euros.
7. GET LOST IN THE BLUE STREETS NETWORK
Chefchaouen’s blue medina is a draw in and of itself. The ancient town is made up of a maze of blue alleyways. Viewpoints and waterfalls, well-hidden eateries, and scenic locations may all be found along the streets. Wandering endlessly in this blue maze is one of the nicest things to do in Chefchaouen. With all of the dead ends and mazes of homes, it’s easy to become lost, but if you keep traveling, you’ll eventually come to a recognized spot.
8. AT RESTAURANT BELDI BAB SSOUR, EATING TAGINE WITH LAMB AND PLUMS
Restaurant Beldi Bab Ssour, a modest living room restaurant situated on a side street west of Plaza Uta el-Hammam, serves by far the greatest Moroccan cuisine. You should not be frightened to sit on the floor and share a table with others. Nonetheless, it comes highly recommended since the meal is reasonably priced and quite tasty. My suggestion is the lamb and plum tagine, which is one of the most exquisite Moroccan meals in my view.
9. VISIT THE AKCHOUR WATERFALLS
Do you have some extra time and want to know things to do in the Chefchaouen area? Morocco’s blue city is intriguing enough to stay for a few days, but you can also use it as a base for day travels across the region. The Akchour waterfalls, for example, are around 30 kilometers outside of the city. This is a lovely natural reserve with crystal clear water, meandering rivers, and stunning waterfalls.
TREKKING THROUGH THE REEF MOUNTAINS is number ten on the list.
Chefchaouen is encircled by the Rif Mountains’ verdant peaks, and the region offers excellent treks and climbs. Visit the Talassemtane National Park or the Bouhachem Regional Nature Reserve, for example. With a guide, you can trek for half a day, but you may also take more time and spend the night in huts and mountain communities. It is also feasible to climb the peak Jebel El Kelaâ in one day from Chefchaouen, albeit some athleticism is required.
TICKET TIPS CHEFCHAOUEN
You can’t fly straight to Chefchaouen from the Netherlands; instead, you’ll have to fly via Fez. This is a compelling rationale to unite these two cities. You may also travel via Tangier, however I’m not sure whether this city is worth seeing. I have not visited the area. Airline tickets to Morocco are often inexpensive, and you can always get a good deal on Tix.nl.
HIRING A CAR
Chefchaouen is 200 kilometers south of Fez and 115 kilometers north of Tangier. I propose renting a vehicle and driving yourself to Chefchaouen. I always hire a vehicle from Sunny Cars, which is the most dependable car rental company in my opinion. You will always pay all-inclusive pricing with them, and you will never be required to purchase extra insurance when picking up the automobile. Furthermore, if anything goes wrong along the road, you will always get your money back. In a nation like Morocco, this is quite useful.
OVERNIGHT
In Chefchaouen, there are several lovely hotels and b&b’s to choose from. On Booking.com, you’ll discover a long variety of reasonably priced hotels; we stayed in the picturesque Casa Miguel.
A DAY TRIP TO CHEFCHAOUEN
I’m often asked whether Chefchaouen can be visited in a one day. Yes, that is certainly feasible, but you have a hectic schedule. It’s a three-hour journey from Fez, for example, so you’ll spend half of your time in the vehicle. You can hire a vehicle, but booking a trip may be more cost-effective and pleasant. This may simply be done ahead of time online. A day trip from Fez to Chefchaouen costs € 45 per person.
