We sailed into Ceuta, Spanish Morocco and drove to Chefchaouen. It is in the Moroccan Rif Mountains and it takes just under three hours to reach.
In the Medina of Chefchaouen in Morocco, it is all about the blue. Everything is painted blue!
Walking through the narrow streets all you see is blue walls, blue doors, blue window frames, blue plant pots, blue stairs and blue paths in all different shades of blue.
Why is everything blue?
Why is it all blue? There are several theories:
- The blue keeps the mosquitos away
- The blue symbolises the sky and heaven and acts as a reminder to lead a spiritual life
- The blue was brought in by the Jewish when they took refuge from Hitler in the 1930s
The blue looks beautiful and is so different from any other place. Walking through the town there are shops selling herbs and spices, coloured powders, oils, blankets, knitted hats, camel-hair rugs, paintings, ceramic pots and souvenirs.
Medina of Chefchaouen
There are many hotels and restaurants in the Medina (old town) of Chefchaouen or as the locals call it ‘Chaouen’.
We ate in a local restaurant and had a chickpea soup, pita bread, salad, lamb and vegetable stew, followed by little cookies and mint tea.
The city was founded in 1471 and still in the centre of the Medina is an old fortress from that time. Today surrounding the fortress is a market square with local people selling their wares.
We were there in the middle of April and the season had started so there were quite a few tourists already. In the summer months Chefchaouen is a busy tourist destination, so keep that in mind when booking your trip.
Essential Info:
- Weather: Winter: 14*C – 18*C/Summer 20*C – 30*C
- Top Tip: Wear layers and keep your wallet close to you.
- Currency: Euro, but they also take US Dollars
I hope you have enjoyed reading about Chefchaouen, please share on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest so your friends and family can read too. Sharing is caring!
Have you been to Chefchaouen? What would you recommend doing?
Happy Travels
Love Lucy x
Beautiful place, great photos!
Author
Thank you so much!
This is really beautiful! My boyfriend and I are going to Morocco in April for our anniversary. We’re flying to Marrakesh and keep debating on if we should make the journey out to the “Blue City” it looks absolutely gorgeous and blue is my favorite color. I’m going to show this to the boo to try and continue plead my case on why we should trek out there!
Thanks for this!
My mom’s favorite color is blue, so I think I might have to take her here! Also, I never knew about blue keeping the mosquitos away. I get eaten like no other, so I’m going to have to work more blue into my summer wardrobe haha
Such a beautiful place. The blue architecture reminded me of a similar place in India, called Jodhpur. I am definitely noting down your tips when I travel here.
Hey, this blue city has always lured me to visit it because of its lovely colour and vibrant culture. And after visiting its twin city Jodhpur in India, I can’t wait to plan for Morocco.
I would love to visit Morocco, or if you ever find time, visit Jodhpur and Bundi in India. Same colors, same vibe.
This blue area is one I dream visiting. It is a paradise for a photographer like me.
Such a lovely spot. If I ride here, I surely remember your suggestions.