Chefchaouen is a superb village perched at an altitude of 600 m in the Rif mountains in the north-east of
Morocco. Built on the mountainside, it fascinates thousands of travelers from all over the world for the
color of its alleys and its houses with facades, shutters and doors tinted with blue.Discover a special and
original destination that ensures an extraordinary retreat in the mountains of northern Morocco.
Why is Chefchaouen nicknamed the “blue city”?
The city of Chefchaouen has an incredible character and charm. Surrounded by the green hills of the
north-east of Morocco, this village built on the mountainside is nicknamed “the blue city“ or ”the blue
pearl” because of the brilliant blue that covers the facades of the houses and this maze of picturesque
alleys, which go up and down.
With its whitewashed houses decorated with mineral blue, the “smalt blue”, Chefchaouen is one of the
most beautiful villages in Morocco.
But you should know that Chefchaouen has not always been blue. About twenty years ago, it was still a
white perched village as you can find in the Rif massif in Morocco, or in the south of Spain and the
Malaga region.The women from the village were the ones who came up with the idea to paint the
facades blue in order to draw in more visitors to Chefchaouen.Originally, only the old Jewish quarter was
repainted. Then, gradually, the blue color spreads in the houses and the medina. The women repaint the
walls three times a year in order to preserve the shade of blue and enhance the beauty and vibrancy of
the village with each new coat of paint.
Why blue? Some people evoke the color of freedom in Judaism, of the sky and the sea, a tribute to the
water sources of Ras el Maa, or even, more surprisingly, blue would ward off mosquitoes.
Places to visit in Chefchaouen
The Medina of Chefchaouen
Established in the 15th century, Chefchaouen’s historic district beckons visitors to immerse themselves
in a sea of azure, to wander through its maze of narrow streets painted in shades of blue.authentic
colors, adorned with charming details that will delight amateur photographers: narrow stairs, colorful
planters hanging on the walls, cats stretching in the sun, children playing ball… The heart of the medina
is sublimated by these magnificent bright blue oriental doors behind which shops and riads are hidden.
The Outa el Hamam Square
The main square of Chefchaouen is very lively day and night with its many terraces of cafes, allowing
you to rest while admiring the panoramic view of the mosque and its minaret, with the mountains in the
background. It is the ideal place to sip a mint tea, listen to traditional Moroccan musicians, sit in a shisha
bar, observe the hustle and bustle of local life.
The Kasbah of Chefchaouen
The Kasbah is one of the essential monuments of Chefchaouen. Built in 1471 by Prince Rachid Ben Ali,
this fortress with reddish walls stands along the Outa El Hamam square and contains the Chefchaouen
ethnographic museum which tells the history, crafts and culture of the city (pottery, weapons, traditional
instruments, costumes …).The Kasbah houses a beautiful Andalusian garden with a fountain, creating a
serene oasis within the city. Make sure to ascend to the summit of the Kasbah tower for a breathtaking
panoramic view of Chefchaouen and the surrounding area.
The Great Mosque of Chefchaouen
The great mosque of Chefchaouen is situated close to the Kasbah within the Medina, featuring an
octagonal minaret that is typical of the minarets found in northern Morocco. Only Muslim faithful can
enter the mosque.
Another remarkable mosque outside the city this time, the Bouzafar mosque, nicknamed the Spanish
mosque.Situated on the hill, it provides a vantage point with views of Chefchaouen and the valley.This is
one of the most remarkable viewpoints of the blue city at sunset.
The crafts of Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is renowned for its indigenous crafts and weaving studios. In the many stalls of the medina,
you can find fabrics, carpets, lamps, clothes, cushions with colorful pompoms, foutas, baskets and wicker
bags … As in the souks, it is a pleasure to go from shop to shop, and to take full view with this mix of
colors specific to the Moroccan style.
Chefchaouen is well-known for its excellent reputation in producing traditional fabrics, embroidery, wool,
and leather products. If you come to Chefchaouen, stop by the Botica de la Abuela Aladdin, a shop full of
flavors and scents where we find especially 100% natural soaps and cosmetics and spices. Travelers in
search of a magnificent Berber carpet will be spoiled for choice in the Local Berber Artisan shop, and at
very satisfactory prices.
The traditional market in Chefchaouen takes place on two occasions every week, specifically on Monday
and Thursday.
Berber merchants arrive from the mountains with their local products and settle in the medina, on the
Bab souk square.
Hiking around Chefchaouen
After discovering the blue city of Chefchaouen, go on an adventure during a one- or several-day trekking
in the mountainous and rural province of Rif. It is a paradise for hikers who wish to explore another side
of Morocco with its steep and wild mountains, dotted with stony paths, small villages, goats and sheep,
forests, caves, rivers and natural bridges.
The Waterfalls of Akchour
A few kilometers from Chefchaouen are the Akchour Waterfalls, an irresistible place accessible in 2 or 3
hours on foot from the village of Akchour. Let yourself be tempted by this guided hike through the
incredible landscapes of the Moroccan desert mountains and their breathtaking views, before enjoying
the ultimate reward: a swim in crystal clear and refreshing waters. Not to be missed on the way to the
walk, the Bridge of God, a superb arch formed in the rock.
The Talassemtane National Park
Hiking, 4×4 excursions will transport you to the Talassemtane National Park, about twenty kilometers
from Chefchaouen. This green mountainous park of 58,000 hectares backed by the Western Rif, offers
magnificent walks and hikes through immense forests of firs and cedars, spectacular cliffs and
impressive gorges.
Where to eat in Chefchaouen?
It is impossible to ignore the Moroccan specialties when you come to spend a day or more in
Chefchaouen. The blue city attracting more and more tourists, so there are many restaurants to appease
the hunger of visitors, lunch and evening.
The El Houta Square is lined with typical restaurants and canteens where people come to feast on
couscous, tagines, and other local dishes. Likewise around the inescapable Outa el Hammam square
with its sunny café terraces. Here are some places to remember where we eat very well :
Aladdin Restaurant: correct prices, international or Moroccan dishes (kefta, tagines, couscous), romantic
and oriental decoration, terrace with panoramic view of the blue city.
The Morisco: excellent Moroccan dishes, the best harira (Moroccan soup) in the city, good quality / price
ratio, squeezed orange juices, authentic setting, on the Outa el Hammam square.
The Hamsa: pleasure for the eyes and taste buds, tasty dishes, terrace with a 360 ° view of the blue
facades of Chefchaouen, a very good address on the Outa el Hammam square.
Chez Fouad: small restaurant above the place Outa el Hammam, nice and cheap, real Moroccan cuisine
like at home.
Where to stay in Chefchaouen?
Finding where to stay in Chefchaouen is not difficult, the number of small hotels and guest rooms has
largely developed since the success of the destination. So you will be spoiled for choice if you want to
stay a night or more to get lost in the small streets of the medina. On the other hand, feet are more
expensive compared to Fez or Marrakech. Here are some suggestions :
Dar Ba Sidi & Spa :
Here is one of the most rated addresses in Chefchaouen for nature lovers. Located outside the city,
nestled between rivers and forests at the foot of the Rif mountains, Dar Ba Sidi & Spa is a luxurious
haven of peace: outdoor swimming pool surrounded by a lush garden, themed rooms with refined
decoration, wellness spa, gourmet restaurant offering the full range of Moroccan and international cuisine
… From € 82 / night including breakfast.
Casa Hassan :
This magnificent set of guest rooms with colorful and authentic architecture, is located in the heart of the
medina of Chefchaouen, very close to the Outa El Hammam square. This old house with a peaceful and
magical atmosphere, reveals a large patio, a typical Moroccan outdoor lounge, a dining room, a fountain,
a traditional hammam and a roof terrace overlooking the roofs of the city. From 68 €/night including
breakfast.
Dar Echchaouen Guest House & Riad :
Superb riad near the medina of Chefchaouen and the source of Ras El Ma with typically Moroccan
rooms and suites. The panoramic view of the perched village is to die for. The outdoor swimming pool is
a delight and the breakfast composed of fresh fruits can only be validated by the travelers. From 91 € /
night including breakfast.
The Dar Zambra :
Pretty little traditional guest house in the heart of the old town in a quiet, very welcoming and friendly
place. The blue-painted terrace gives character and offers a magnificent view of Chefchaouen and the
mountains. Big crush for breakfast based on different special Moroccan breads. From 37 €/night
including breakfast.