Chefchaouen – Morocco’s Most Photogenic Blue City

I have no doubt that Chefchaouen is Morocco’s most photogenic blue city. There are no skyscrapers here but mountains and there are no flickering light bulbs at night but stars. The houses aren’t made of steel and glass windows but of adobe bathed in blue. If you are in Tangier, it’s worth visiting for a night and two days.

Welcome to the blue city under a blue sky!

These houses aren’t coated in blue to beckon tourists to Chefchaouen.

It’s not even for aesthetic beauty but more of a religious reason.

So, you asked me, “Why blue?”

Well, centuries ago, the Chefchaouen or Chaouen (for short), was a fortress for Spanish exiles.

Most of these exiles were Jewish who wanted to escape the Spanish Inquisition.

Here, the Jews, the Muslims and the Christians are living in harmony.

Even the cats seem to love this city.

When the Jews landed here, they brought with them the tradition of painting things blue to reflect the sky and the power of God.

And as you can see – even until today – this tradition lives on, while many of the Jews already moved on.

Literally, walking in the sea of blue has never been true but here.

The stairs are blue.

The mosques and the arches are blue.

The windows are blue.

And the doors are, too.

You want to get the most photogenic photos in the city?

Wake up early before the shops open!

It’s quiet and only few people roam around the streets.

You have the streets all to yourself – and you can pose the way you like without someone watching or judging you. 😀

The play between the sun and shadows are real and dramatic.

And in the afternoon, hike to the mountain where the Spanish mosque stands and enjoy the city’s panorama at sunset.

Staying two nights in the city is fair enough. Don’t forget to explore the city beyond the blue houses. Restaurants are cheaper there and you’ll find interesting cultural differences with your own on how locals spend their day. If you want to extend longer, there’s a waterfall in a nearby national park where you had to walk for two hours.

WHERE TO STAY IN CHEFCHAOUEN 

Stay at Casa Amina when you’re in the blue town. This is more like a home than a hostel. The family members who run it are nothing but hospitable and helpful. Expect everything blue in its exterior and interior. Their rooftop also offers a panoramic part of the town.

DISCOVER MOROCCO

Not into travelling solo or alone?  Discover Morocco via Intrepid Travel. They have tours that aren’t crowded but limited participants. Choose from the different itineraries they have, exploring part of or the whole country. You’ll love their tours!