Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl in Morocco
Chefchaouen is one of the prettiest city in Morocco. Located nestled in the Rif mountains, it’s characterized by bright-blue buildings and narrow alleys. The Andalusian influence mixes perfectly with Moroccan authenticity and the result is amazing.
We reached Chefchaouen from Fez (you can read our experience in this city here).
There are different options: the public bus, an excursion or a private transfer. We chose the public bus because the private transfer is economic if you find other people to go with otherwise it’s very expensive.
That’s why we took the bus. It’s a long journey (approximately 4 hours) but you can see the landscape and different villages along the way.
The reasons why Chefchaouen is entirely blue.
Anyway, do you know why this city is so blue? Well, there are several theories as to why the walls were painted blue. One is that the blue keeps the mosquitos away. Others said that Jews introduced the blue when they took refuge from Hitler in the 1930s in order to stick to their religious practices. The color blue is representative of the sky according to Jewish belief. Other locals think that the heat is the reason for the color, because the shades of blue are supposed to keep the buildings cool during the summer.
We suggest to get lost in the Medina to see different spots of Chefchaouen. It’s not that big so you will always find your way back home. If you have the chance, find a place to stay there one night. In the morning there are less people so you will enjoy the beauty of this place.
Shopping here is a far more relaxing experience than elsewhere in Morocco. People are not as persistent as in other Moroccan cities.
Particularly, traditional crafts made by Berber tribes in the surrounding Rif mountains represent the best offer.
For other info, please, just write something in the comment below.
Every corners is a paradise for you camera, so you don’t have to worry about finding mesmerizing spots!
13 Comments
Charlène Jiho
This place looks amazing ! I would love to go here !
Anshul
These photos are so gorgeous. I really want to visit Morocco someday just to stroll around these alleys.
Kev S
I always wondered why things are blue there. Thanks for the pics too
Valentina Vucicic
Ver nice post. I love Morocco although I haven’t been there yet but many of my friends did and they were telling me many stories, showing many photos. Great content, I felt like I was there!
Nishil
Excellent pictures. I visited Morocco a few years ago but missed out on Chefchaouen. You did a great job showing its beauty
Mayuri Patel
Love reading the post, have heard so about Chefchaouen and its blue Medina. I haven’t been to here but explored blue city Jodhpur of India. Walking around the alleys looks awesome.Your captures are beautiful.
blair villanueva
Indeed, the whole community painted in blue makes it look so fresh in the eyes. Should I painted my house blue as well to shoo away those mosquitoes (i hate them!). I wish to visit this place soon, and hope by then travel will be cheaper again.
Manjulika Pramod
Such lovely pictures. The different reasons for blue were interesting. Apart from keeping the mosquitoes away, I had read about the others. I would love to get lost in Chefchaouen.
Ami Bhat
Chefchouen reminds me of Jodhpur in India with all its blue color. I guess that was meant for the homes to be cool. Did not know though that these could keep the mosquitoes away. Your pictures also, tell me a tale of a deep-rooted culture.
Ana
I was always amazed to see the pictures of Chefchaouen on Instagram as it looks like such a splendid destination. I also had no idea about the blue wall theories. I’d love to visit there someday and click plenty of pictures. By the way, loved all your pictures and you’ve captured the essence of the city so beautifully!
Yukti Agrawal
Chefchaouen really looks like the Blue Pearl in Morocco and your first photo has sold me out for this place. I too have seen that many ancient towns or cities used blue color in their architecture for obvious reasons like keeping evil spirits away or keep heat away but really blue color has its own charm when used in architecture. I would love to have a look those traditional crafts made by Berber tribes in the surrounding Rif mountains and would buy some of them. Strolling in these blue streets must be great here and I would end up taking thousands of photos.
Cherryl
Beautiful photographs – I haven’t visited Chefchaouen – it’s definitely on the list though!
Cherryl
So gorgeous!! I didn’t visit here when I went to Morocco but feel like a dedicated trip to Chefchaouen would definitely be in order – it’s stunning 💙 🔆