Known for its blue-painted buildings, this Moroccan mountain town has a calm atmosphere. Visitors can explore narrow streets, local markets, and nearby hiking trails.
Chefchaouen, a small city in northern Morocco, is known for its striking blue-painted buildings. Nestled in the Rif Mountains, it has a calm atmosphere compared to larger Moroccan cities. You can walk through winding blue alleyways, climb to the Spanish Mosque for city views, and browse local handicrafts in the medina. The surrounding mountains offer hiking trails, while restaurants in town serve traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine.
The Blue Medina
Chefchaouen's old town is painted in various shades of blue, from powder blue to deep indigo. The tradition of painting buildings blue dates back to the 1930s when Jewish refugees settled in the city. Some locals say the blue keeps mosquitos away, while others believe it represents the sky and heaven. As you walk through the narrow streets, you'll see blue stairs, archways, and doors. Each spring, residents repaint their buildings to maintain the blue hues.
Hiking in the Rif Mountains
The Rif Mountains surrounding Chefchaouen create opportunities for hiking. A trail leads to the Akchour Waterfalls, about 45 minutes from the city. The hike takes you through olive groves and along a river, ending at a 100-meter waterfall. For a shorter walk, head to the Spanish Mosque on a hill overlooking the city. It takes about 30 minutes to reach and gives you a view of Chefchaouen and the mountains.
Local Cuisine
Chefchaouen's restaurants serve traditional Moroccan dishes with some local specialties. Try the goat cheese, a regional product, often served in salads or as a starter. Many restaurants offer tagines, slow-cooked stews with meat or vegetables. For a quick snack, look for local bakeries selling fresh bread and pastries. Some places to eat include Bab Ssour for affordable Moroccan dishes and Beldi Bab Ssour for its terrace views.
Shopping in the Medina
The medina of Chefchaouen has many small shops selling local handicrafts. You'll find colorful woven blankets, leather goods, and brass teapots. The city is known for its wool garments and woven baskets. Shopkeepers in Chefchaouen tend to be relaxed in their approach to customers. However, bargaining is still expected. The main square, Plaza Uta el-Hammam, has several souvenir shops, while the nearby souk offers a more local shopping experience.
Travel and Accommodation
Chefchaouen doesn't have an airport, so you'll need to travel by road. From Tangier, the closest major city, it's about a 2.5-hour drive. You can take a bus with companies like CTM or Supratours, or hire a taxi. From Fes, the bus journey takes around 4 hours. If you're coming from Marrakech, consider breaking up the journey, as it can take over 10 hours by bus. Some travelers choose to rent a car, which gives more flexibility but requires navigating mountain roads.
Chefchaouen has a range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to mid-range hotels. Many visitors choose to stay in a riad, a traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden. Dar Baibou and Casa Perleta are riads in the medina. For a more budget-friendly option, consider staying at a hostel like Aline Hostel. If you prefer modern amenities, look for hotels just outside the old town. Book in advance during peak season (July-August), as Chefchaouen can get busy.
