Although roaming the streets of Morocco’s blue city is exceptionally beautiful, it’s well-worth getting a view from above as well! Chefchaouen’s Spanish Mosque, is the best place to get that stunning view from above. The Spanish Mosque was built in the 1920’s and sits on a hill that perfectly overlooks Chfchaouen’s medina. The only way to get up there to enjoy this incredible view is to take the hike up there.
A LITTLE ABOUT CHEFCHAOUEN’S SPANISH MOSQUE
Don’t mind our blogging fail, but we forgot to take a photo of the actual mosque – but this is me sitting on the wall of the grounds taking in the view.
⋙ THE MOSQUE ISN’T IN USE AS A MOSQUE – In fact, the mosque (from what I’ve heard and read) was never actually used. It’s only started to be renovated and restored within the last decade.
⋙ IT WAS BUILT DURING A WAR – During the Rif War which was fought between the Spanish, who was colonizing the region, and the Berber tribes of the Rif Mountains.
⋙ IT’S THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SPOT FOR SUNSET – Even though our sunset wasn’t the most spectacular sunset I’ve ever seen it’s never a waste to see a sunset. I’ve heard that many sunsets are shrouded in clouds, like ours was. That’s typical of sunsets in the mountains, though.
THE HIKE TO CHEFCHAOUEN’S SPANISH MOSQUE
It’s super easy to get to the start of the hike up the hill to Chefchaouen’s Spanish Mosque. Exit the medina at the Eastern Gate – it’s easy to find and anyone you ask can help guide you there, if need be. The hike up is about one mile each way and is all uphill and downhill, but there are plenty of places to stop and take photos to catch your breath. The walk up should take you around 30 minutes. Along the way, you’ll see small houses, interesting plants and even some livestock. It made for a little insight into the local lives of the people who live in these mountains.
About 10-15 minutes up from the trailhead is this rocky area that has my personal favorite view of Morocco’s blue city. I love all of the vegetation that surrounds the viewpoint. Matt took some of my favorite photos from here. From here, you really only see the medina, which makes Chefchaouen look much smaller than it is.
THE VIEW FROM CHEFCHAOUEN’S SPANISH MOSQUE
Chefchaouen’s Spanish Mosque is probably the best place to catch a sunset in Chefchaouen. Its situation to the southeast of the city makes for the perfect vantage point of not only the city, but also the sunset! Even on days that don’t have spectacular sunsets (like the one we saw) it’s still well-worth it!
NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT CHEFCHAOUEN/CHEFCHAOUEN’S SPANISH MOSQUE
⋙ WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES – You don’t need hiking boots or anything, but just be sure to wear something that’s comfortable because it is uphill! I wore Teva sandals (which are available for men or women) and they were perfect for the trail.
⋙ LOOKING TO DO A DAY TRIP? – If you’re more comfortable with a tour or just want someone else to take care of anything there are day tours available from Tangier and from Fez.
⋙ DON’T FORGET YOUR FLASHLIGHT – If you’re going up for sunset, don’t forget to bring a flashlight or be sure your phone is charged enough to use your phone flashlight.
⋙ WHERE WE STAYED IN CHEFCHOUEN – There are so many options to choose from in Chefchaouen, but they do book up, so be sure to book enough ahead. We tried to stay longer and the places we wanted to stay were booked up. Hostel Mauritania was our pick for it’s reasonable price and location just off of the main square. We were close to the main square in the medina, which is perfect for shopping, eating and just wandering around the medina.
No Comments