Chefchaouen: Morocco's Enchanting Blue Pearl

Nestled in the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco, Chefchaouen is unlike anywhere else on Earth. The medina's distinctive blue-painted buildings create an otherworldly atmosphere that draws photographers, artists, and dreamers from around the globe. Walking through its winding streets feels like stepping into a living watercolor painting.

Overview & History

Chefchaouen (also spelled Chaouen or Xaouen) was founded in 1471 by Moulay Ali ibn Rashid al-Alami as a small fortress to fight Portuguese invasions in northern Morocco. For centuries, the town remained isolated and forbidden to foreigners—Christians faced the death penalty for entering until the Spanish occupation in 1920.

The famous blue color has several origin stories. The most accepted theory credits Jewish refugees who fled Spain in the 15th century, bringing with them the tradition of painting buildings blue to represent the sky and heaven. Others believe the blue repels mosquitoes or simply keeps buildings cool in summer. Whatever the origin, locals have embraced and maintained this tradition, repainting buildings annually to keep the distinctive blue vibrant.

Why Is Everything Blue?

The striking blue hue varies from powder blue to deep cobalt throughout the medina. While the Jewish tradition explanation is most popular, practical reasons also play a role:

• Temperature control: Blue paint reflects sunlight, keeping interiors cooler
• Insect repellent: Some believe the blue repels mosquitoes
• Religious symbolism: Blue represents the sky and reminds believers to lead a spiritual life
• Aesthetic tradition: The color has become central to Chefchaouen's identity and tourist appeal

Residents take great pride in maintaining the blue appearance, and you'll often see fresh coats being applied, especially before major holidays.

Top Attractions & Things to Do

The Blue Medina

The main attraction is the medina itself. Unlike larger Moroccan cities, Chefchaouen's medina is small enough to explore leisurely without getting lost. Every corner reveals a new shade of blue, from pale sky blue doors to deep indigo walls, often decorated with potted plants and hanging textiles.

Photography tips: The best light occurs in early morning (7-9 AM) and golden hour (1-2 hours before sunset). Midday light can wash out the blue colors, while overcast days create softer, more saturated tones.

Plaza Uta el-Hammam

The heart of Chefchaouen, this spacious square is surrounded by cafés and restaurants where you can sip mint tea and watch life unfold. The plaza features the Grand Mosque with its distinctive octagonal minaret and the Kasbah, a 15th-century fortress now housing a small ethnographic museum.

The Kasbah

This restored fortress offers a small museum showcasing traditional Riffian crafts, weapons, and musical instruments. The garden courtyard provides a peaceful escape, and the tower offers panoramic views over the medina and surrounding mountains.

Ras El-Maa Waterfall

A short walk from the medina brings you to this small but refreshing waterfall where the Ras El-Maa river emerges from the mountains. Local women gather here to wash clothes in the traditional way, and the natural pools offer welcome relief on hot days. The walk there passes through particularly photogenic blue streets.

Spanish Mosque

For the best panoramic views of Chefchaouen, hike 30 minutes uphill to this abandoned Spanish-era mosque. The structure itself is modest, but the sweeping views of the blue medina against the green Rif Mountains are spectacular, especially at sunset.

Hiking in the Rif Mountains

The surrounding mountains offer excellent hiking opportunities ranging from easy day walks to challenging multi-day treks:

• Talassemtane National Park: Home to endangered fir forests and diverse wildlife
• Akchour Waterfalls: A popular half-day hike to impressive cascades
• God's Bridge: A natural rock arch formation reached via a scenic trail

Food & Dining

Chefchaouen offers a relaxed dining scene with Riffian specialties and international options:

Must-Try Dishes:

• Fresh trout from mountain streams
• Goat cheese—the Rif region is famous for its dairy
• Bissara (fava bean soup) for breakfast
• Traditional tagines with mountain herbs
• Fried fish from local rivers
• Honey and almond pastries

Where to Eat:

• Rooftop restaurants overlooking the medina offer magical sunset dinners
• Plaza Uta el-Hammam cafés for people-watching
• Local restaurants in side streets for authentic, budget-friendly meals

Best Areas to Stay

Inside the Medina

Staying within the blue walls offers complete immersion in Chefchaouen's magic. Many traditional houses have been converted to charming riads and guesthouses. The trade-off: luggage must be carried through narrow streets, and some accommodations lack modern amenities.

Medina Edge

Properties at the medina's edge often offer the best of both worlds—easy access to the blue streets while providing parking access and sometimes better facilities.

Outside the Medina

Hotels outside the walls typically offer modern amenities, parking, and often spectacular mountain views. A short walk brings you into the blue maze.

Prices & Budget

Chefchaouen is one of Morocco's most affordable destinations:

• Budget: 150-250 MAD ($15-25) per night in basic guesthouses
• Mid-range: 400-800 MAD ($40-80) per night in comfortable riads
• Luxury: 1,000+ MAD ($100+) per night in boutique hotels with views

Daily expenses:

• Meals: 60-150 MAD ($6-15) per meal
• Coffee/tea: 10-20 MAD
• Souvenirs: Handwoven blankets 200-500 MAD, leather goods 100-300 MAD

Shopping

Chefchaouen's souks are less aggressive than larger cities, making shopping more relaxed:

• Woven blankets and rugs: Traditional Riffian textiles in bold stripes
• Leather goods: Bags, belts, and slippers
• Local goat cheese: Available in the food markets
• Kif pipes and accessories: Cannabis has long been grown in the Rif (possession remains illegal for tourists)
• Blue paint: Yes, you can buy the famous blue pigment

Getting Around

The medina is compact and entirely walkable—no vehicles are allowed inside. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as streets are steep and often feature uneven steps. The entire medina can be explored in a few hours, though lingering in cafés and getting pleasantly lost is highly recommended.

Getting There

Chefchaouen has no train station or airport, making it slightly challenging to reach:

• From Fes: 4 hours by bus (CTM or private taxi)
• From Tangier: 2.5-3 hours by bus or taxi
• From Casablanca: 6 hours by bus
• From Marrakech: 9+ hours (consider breaking the journey)

Many visitors combine Chefchaouen with Fes or Tangier as part of a northern Morocco itinerary.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, wildflowers blooming, clear mountain views
• Fall (September-November): Pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists than summer
• Summer (July-August): Hot during midday but cooler evenings; peak tourist season
• Winter (December-February): Cold and occasionally rainy, but atmospheric with fewer crowds

Sample Itinerary (2 Days)

Day 1: Explore the Blue Medina

• Morning: Wander the medina streets during optimal photography light
• Late morning: Coffee at Plaza Uta el-Hammam
• Afternoon: Visit the Kasbah museum, then walk to Ras El-Maa Waterfall
• Sunset: Hike to Spanish Mosque for panoramic views
• Evening: Rooftop dinner overlooking the medina

Day 2: Mountains & Markets

• Morning: Day trip to Akchour Waterfalls or God's Bridge
• Afternoon: Shopping in the medina souks
• Evening: Traditional Riffian dinner, final blue hour photography

Photography Guide

Chefchaouen is one of the most photographed towns in Africa. Here's how to capture it at its best:

• Best hours: Early morning (6-8 AM) for empty streets and soft light; golden hour for warm tones
• Overcast days: Actually ideal—clouds create even lighting that saturates the blue colors
• Details: Look for doorways, cats (there are many!), potted plants against blue walls
• People: Ask permission before photographing locals; many appreciate a small tip
• Viewpoints: Spanish Mosque, rooftop restaurants, hotel terraces

Practical Tips

• Bring warm layers—mountain evenings can be cool even in summer
• Cash is essential; ATMs are available but sometimes run out
• Learn basic French or Arabic phrases; English is less common than in major cities
• Hire a local guide for mountain hikes; trails aren't always well-marked
• Respect residents' privacy; don't photograph into homes without permission

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many days do I need in Chefchaouen? A: 2 days is ideal—one for the medina and one for surrounding nature. One day is sufficient if pressed for time, but you'll want to linger.

Q: Is it really that blue? A: Yes! The medina is genuinely and extensively painted blue. Photos don't exaggerate—if anything, they undersell the experience of being immersed in it.

Q: Is Chefchaouen safe? A: Very safe, even for solo female travelers. The town is known for its relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Normal precautions apply.

Q: What about the cannabis? A: The Rif region has cultivated cannabis for centuries. While you may be offered it, possession remains illegal for tourists. Politely decline.

Q: Can I visit as a day trip from Fes? A: Possible but not recommended. The 4-hour journey each way leaves little time to appreciate the town. An overnight stay is strongly advised.