Chefchaouen – Morocco’s Blue City

Of all the places I wanted to visit in Morocco, Chefchaouen topped my list. Morocco’s blue city captivated me in photos that I had seen across social media, but I have to say, what I found there was greater than any photo – and the photos were pretty great! Chefchaouen is so unique from the other cities we visited in Morocco not only because of its striking color, but it also has a completely different feel to it. Chefchaouen was both Matt’s and my favorite destination in Morocco.

THE BEAUTY OF MOROCCO’S BLUE CITY

Obviously, the beauty of Chefchaouen is the biggest thing that draws crowds of people to the blue maze of walls. There are certain incredibly famous alleyways and doorways that will have lines of people waiting to take their perfect photograph. (This is especially true if you’re traveling in peak season, like we were.) The already gorgeous Chefchaouen is made even more beautiful by its mountainous backdrop. Like many other medinas (old towns) in Morocco, it can be difficult to navigate and find your way through the twisted streets, up and down staircases and under arches. However, one big difference we found is that when we finally broke down and asked someone for directions, they actually led us to the place that we were looking for and asked for nothing in return. (I wish that was more common in Morocco.)

MY FAVORITE DOORS AND ALLEYWAYS IN MOROCCO’S BLUE CITY

This alleyway/door combo was hands-down my favorite!
   

THE THEORIES BEHIND THE BLUE CITY

There isn’t a definitive answer to why exactly the city walls and the doors of Chefchaouen have been painted blue. However, there are a few different theories. You can decide which you think it right. 
⋙ PRACTICALITY – Many believe it’s a method of repelling mosquitos.
⋙ A SYMBOL OF HEAVEN – Chefchaouen’s appearance is also rumored to have come along with an influx of Jews in the 1930’s as Hitler came to power in Europe. Blue is a symbol of the sky and heaven, which acted as a reminder of spirituality.
⋙ A REMINDER OF THE SEA – Could it really be that simple?
 

THE HIKE TO THE SPANISH MOSQUE OVERLOOKING CHEFCHAOUEN

You’ll often see photos of Morocco’s blue city from above. In a world full of drone photography, it’s easy to assume that these are taken by drone. While some are, there is a beautiful overlook that’s incredibly popular, especially at sunset. Sitting atop a mountain just south of Chefchaouen, there’s an old abandoned Spanish Mosque. There’s a steep, but short footpath from the eastern most side of the city that leads up the mountain for a spectacular view.  
The path up isn’t marked or anything, but it’s the only one leading up. You just follow it up to the top. It’s lined with cacti and yucca plants. When you get to the top, it’s the best view of the city AND the sunset. However, there’s an opening in the path that offers what I think is the best view. You can see it pictured below!

SHOPPING IN MOROCCO’S BLUE CITY

Chefchaouen has some of the most amazing shopping opportunities. Yes, Marrakech has some impressive souks, but Morocco’s blue city has some of the most unique and more-often-than-not truly local items for sale. Everything I bought here was beautiful and high quality. The bartering culture in Chefchaouen is different. Still barter a little to get the best deal, but the prices didn’t seem to be as outrageously gouged, so they’re not going to budge too much. I also found, that in many shops prices were set, but they were also fair. Above, I’m sniffing homemade soaps – this was the most beautiful shop I’ve ever seen. Soaps were in piles and hanging from the ceiling.

You will also find metal trays, jewelry, unique weavings made from goat hair, paintings, etc. We love collecting artwork from places we travel, and this painting by Mohammad (he’s the man holding the painting, of course!) is one of my favorites from our travels.
This store was just so pretty! This is the storefront that you see from the street. You go up the stairs to find the tables full of soap. It was the epitome of Moroccan-boho feels.

HELPFUL TIPS FOR VISITING MOROCCO’S BLUE CITY

⋙ GETTING TO CHEFCHAOUEN – Chefchaouen is a short drive from Tangier and getting the bus here is super easy, beautiful and not scary at all. The bus journey between Chefchaouen and Fez is through the mountains was nausea-inducing, therefore, I took a dramamine and I was knocked out the whole time. Matt said it was terrifying and he wished he too had been unconscious. However, it’s a popular tourist route and buses run daily. If you’re traveling in peak season (March-May) get your ticket at least two days in advance from Chefchaouen.
*Helpful Hint* If you know for sure what day you’re leaving, buy that ticket upon arrival because the bus station is at the bottom of the hill outside of the blue Medina.
⋙ WHERE TO STAY IN CHEFCHOUEN – There are so many options to choose from in Chefchaouen. We opted for a budget option, with a stellar location. Hostel Mauritania is just off of the main square. I loved hearing the call to prayer from here, being able to walk to restaurants and cafes and find loads of shopping opportunities. Be sure to book in advance in Chefchaouen, if you want to stay in the medina. Otherwise, you’ll be outside of it or potentially miss out on a good quality accommodation.
⋙ SPECIALTIES OF CHEFCHAOUEN – Chefchaouen is well known for its goat cheese and even better than that, its delicious fresh-squeezed orange juice. You have to order a fruit salad because in addition to the freshly sliced strawberries, apples, kiwi and more, you’ll find it’s drizzled with that fresh orange juice. It’s unbelievably tasty! 
⋙ CHEFCHAOUEN IS ALSO KNOWN FOR ITS GREEN – Morocco’s blue city is also known for its marijuana plantations. Apparently, it’s very easy to find weed here. Matt and I aren’t partakers, so for those who read this and are afraid that’s the center of the culture, I can assure you that it’s not.
⋙ WANT TO JUST VISIT FOR A DAY? There are day tours you can take to Morocco’s blue city. Staying in Tangier? There’s a day tour! Staying in Fez? You can take a tour from there too!

Chefchaouen was hands-down my favorite stop in Morocco. I loved the friendly locals, the delicious foods and how could you not be mesmerized by the maze of blue. Often times, things that are overly Instagrammed can be a letdown, but Chefchaouen, although touristy, wasn’t a letdown to Matt or me. We felt comfortable, at ease and we both wish we would’ve stayed even longer!

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