• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Heart My Backpack uses affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission.

The Truth About Morocco’s Blue City, Chefchaouen

April 25, 2022 by Silvia 104 Comments

Edited April 2022

If you’ve ever gone on Pinterest or Instagram, then you know about Morocco’s famous blue city, Chefchaouen, nicknamed the “blue pearl of Morocco.”

Before ever visiting Morocco I was well acquainted with those gorgeous blue alleyways and blue-washed buildings. But I also always wondered about the blue city in Morocco – is it really so blue? Does the whole city look like that, or just a few streets? I was so curious!

Guys, this is the truth about Chefchaouen:

It is beautiful! And very, very blue.

Chefchaouen – Blue City Morocco

Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 in the Rif mountains by Jews and Moors fleeing Spain. I heard a lot of different (some quite unbelievable) theories about why Chefchaouen is blue. Some say it was painted blue by the Jews who settled there after fleeing Hitler, others say it’s to keep the mosquitos away, while some just said it represents the color of the sea.

I’m not sure which version is true, but it seems to have worked out well for Chefchaouen, as it sure looks good blue!

Before visiting, I hadn’t realized that Chefchaouen is up in the mountains –  the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco. The surrounding landscape is truly amazing. I really wish that we would have had time to do some hiking during our visit, but we only stayed two nights, and the first day was incredibly rainy. You can see my full two week Morocco itinerary here . 

It was also really, really cold. Like, if you’re heading to Morrocco’s blue city in March bring some sweaters, just in case. The first day in Chefchaouen was actually so cold and rainy that Danielle and I had to escape underground into a local hammam, or bathhouse.

There’s nothing like getting scrubbed raw by a stranger to warm you on a chilly day.

I won’t say I loved the hammam, because scrubbing = pain, but I did really enjoy the hanging out naked with local women part. But did I mention the pain? On the one hand, my skin is still crazy soft from the ordeal, but on the other hand, it really was an ordeal.

Luckily for my tender skin, the sun came out for our second day in Chefchaouen so no more hammam for me (at least until we got to Fes!).

Danielle and I split up to explore and take photos on our own (does anyone else feel less awkward taking photos solo?) and I officially fell in love with Chefchaouen. I love how quiet and relaxed the city is, and it really is just so ridiculously pretty. This is absolutely the sort of place I could have happily escaped to solo for a couple of weeks. 

  A post shared by Silvia Lawrence (@heartmybackpack) on Mar 7, 2017 at 8:32am PST

Chefchaouen is a perfect place to wander and take photos. As it’s a little far from the bigger cities which means prices are higher, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for shopping (though you won’t be hassled as much here as in the cities!) – mostly it’s just a perfect place to relax. Even the color of the blue town is peaceful. 

Danielle and I spent most of our time chilling in the local restaurants and browsing through the markets. We didn’t worry too much about seeing any particular sights – instead, we just wandered aimlessly and took in the beauty of this blue city Morocco had just introduced us to.

Chefchaouen is one of the most touristy places I visited in Morocco so two days there definitely felt like enough, but it’s so beautiful and unique that it was still worth the journey up into the mountains to see Morocco’s magical blue city.

A lot of people also only do day trips to the area. You can easily visit from one of the nearby cities on a tour. Here are some to get you started:

  • From Fes – Fes is around 3+ hours away, and this tour will give you about 4 hours of free time around Chefchaouen.   Check here for prices and availability
  • From Tangier – Tangier is around 2+ hours away, and you’ll have about 4-5 hours to explore.  Check here for prices and availability
  • From Rabat – Rabat is around 4 hours away, and it’ll give you about 2 hours in the city.  Check here for prices and availability

We had dinner one night at Chez Hicham , which was amazing. We sat upstairs, where they have a lovely outdoor terrace, which is probably nice in good weather, but since it was so cold and rainy we sat inside next to the fireplace. It was super cosy, and we enjoyed having a fancier meal in the town.

This might sound weird, but I highly recommend the “cheese salad.” It’s a salad topped with tons of goat’s cheese, walnuts, raisins, and all sorts of yummy stuff. Danielle and I both secretly admitted to each other that it was probably our favorite dish in Morocco.  And since sharing that people have written saying they took my advice and agree – it really is an amazing dish!

We even ordered it again for lunch the next day at a different restaurant – so remember: cheese salad in Chefchaouen.

Practical info about visiting Chefchaouen

We stayed at Dar Besmellah in Chefchaouen, which is run by the nicest family. The dad actually works in Oslo, so the son spoke some Norwegian! So random. And the daughter showed us to the local hammam when we were sad about the rain. Check current rates and availability on Booking.com here .

And if you’re looking for some truly luxurious accommodation check out Dar Elrio here and Riad Cherifa here – both are incredible (and still very affordable), though they fill up quickly so book early!

Danielle and I both flew into Casablanca, so to get to Chefchaouen from Casablanca we took the CTM bus , which took 6.5 hours and cost 140 MAD. Then to get to Fes from Chefchaouen we again took the CTM bus , which took 4.5 hours and cost 75 MAD.

The journey from Chefchaouen to Fes made me very motion sick – consider taking motion s ickness tablets for that one, and don’t forget to have travel insurance just in case it turns into something more serious!

And if you’re wondering what to wear as a female traveler in Morocco, you basically want to keep your knees, shoulders, midriff, back, and chest (and elbows and calves in conservative areas) covered. You can find more information about female travel in Morocco and what to wear in Morocco here .

As for colors, just think of what will go best with blue! You’re always safe with something neutral like this white dress or this black jumpsuit . However, you could always add more color! Just think of what would go with blue the best — yellow, softer pinks, reds, and greens. Also, don’t forget, bring a sweater in the colder months. Just try some of these below!

Want to see more of my travel photos? Follow me on Instagram here ♥

Want to see more of my travel videos? Subscribe on YouTube here ♥

Related Posts

female travel morocco

Reader Interactions

Get updates.

Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive updates and stories from my world travels and life in Norway!

Nynke de Haas says

March 17, 2017 at 3:16 pm

Wow – so blue, so pretty! I hadn’t ever heard of this place, but it does not hurt at all to see the pictures 🙂

Silvia says

March 29, 2017 at 2:53 pm

It really is such a gorgeous place!

priti verma says

January 17, 2018 at 4:22 am

Love your photos! Would you happen to know any photographers who can take our pics there? Yours are so lovely. Thanks!

Arielle says

March 17, 2017 at 4:18 pm

I always wondered if the whole place was really so blue, or if it was just one small section of town, or people really turned up the contrast. I know on one of those lists of “most colorful cities in the world”, Wroclaw was on the list with some HEAVILY edited photos, and the colorful buildings are literally only on the main square, so I approach everything with skepticism. Good to know it’s real!

Golden Triangle Tour 4 Days says

March 18, 2017 at 6:21 am

Wow! Its looks so amazing. I like blue color and your post is also blue. Your pictures so cool. Thanks for sharing it.

March 29, 2017 at 3:27 pm

Loved the blue there!

Rika | Cubicle Throwdown says

March 18, 2017 at 2:02 pm

I’ve never been to Greece but everyone’s photos are always so perfect…this looks like the jackpot for photos!

It really was!

Angélica says

March 18, 2017 at 9:59 pm

Gorgeous pictures! I think the last one with the kitties is my favourite one.What a beautiful place 🙂 I need to go here!

The cats there were so cute!

Charlotte says

March 19, 2017 at 12:03 pm

Wow your pics are amazing!! We went to Chefchaouen in April last year and the weather was the opposite. Really really hot! I guess it is hit and miss with the weather in the mountains. In terms of getting there, we used TangierTaxi ( http://www.tangiertaxi.com ). I’d highly recommend if you’re looking for a more comfortable alternative to the CTM bus.

March 29, 2017 at 3:26 pm

Thanks for the tip!

Joella says

March 20, 2017 at 7:10 am

I’ve wanted to go to Morocco since I was a kid and read a book about it, but it never worked out. Perhaps if I’d known this place existed it would have been extra inspiration. Ahh well- I can enjoy your photos anyway! The salad sounds delicious but not the motion sickness though! Ugh! I appreciate the warning in case I do ever make it there in the future.

March 29, 2017 at 3:25 pm

The salad was worth the motion sickness 🙂

Victoria @The British Berliner says

March 22, 2017 at 6:57 am

Ooooo! I love all the blue. A very pretty city indeed. I’ve been to Egypt many times and Tunisia too, but I’ve never been to Morocco. I’m guessing it’s now the last safe spot in North Africa!

What would you say?

March 29, 2017 at 3:21 pm

That’s funny, the only places in North Africa I had been before were Egypt and Tunisia! Not sure how safe they are now.

Kristin says

March 24, 2017 at 10:53 am

That vivid blue is amazing! I love how vibrant it is. Adding this to my must-see list!

March 29, 2017 at 3:14 pm

Yess it should be on the list!

Wading Wade says

March 25, 2017 at 6:38 pm

Thanks for demystifying this a little for us! And also the warning about the touristy aspect. My dad is from Morocco and I’ve never considered going here because one, he’s not mentioned it, and two I was starting to feel like it was just an Instagram spot! But thanks for shedding some light I probably will go now 🙂 but maybe just for one day.

March 29, 2017 at 3:12 pm

Oh interesting, you should definitely visit!

Julia Dent says

March 25, 2017 at 6:45 pm

Your photos are beautiful! 🙂 I would love to visit there and see all the blue for myself! And I really want that cheese salad now!

It was soooo good!

Alissa says

March 25, 2017 at 6:49 pm

I have some serious wanderlust looking at your photos. I’ve wanted to go to Morocco for years and Chefchaouen looks so so beautiful! Love the photo with the cactus! Also, the hammam seemed like an interesting experience – sorry to hear that it was painful, though! Thanks for sharing this post and your experience in Chefchaouen 🙂

March 29, 2017 at 3:11 pm

Haha yeah, painful but a good experience!

Claudia says

March 25, 2017 at 7:24 pm

This seriously makes me want to quit everything and head to Morocco! I’ve seen a few pictures of this city before but I’ve always actually wondered wether the whole city looks like that or just a few streets. Your pictures of the city from above are pure bliss! Great post, great tips 💕✨

March 29, 2017 at 3:10 pm

It really was bliss!

March 25, 2017 at 7:32 pm

You pictures look amazing!!! Now I really want to go there!

March 29, 2017 at 3:09 pm

You totally should!

March 25, 2017 at 7:38 pm

Your photos are absolutely gorgeous! I love the photo of the four cats. 🙂 Chefchaouen is one of my dream destinations.

Thanks for the photos of appropriate clothes for Morocco- very helpful!

The cats there were sooo sweet

Kiara Gallop says

March 25, 2017 at 8:06 pm

I absolutely adore your photos! Chefchaouen was already on my list, but reading this has made me want to book a flight now! (shame I only just got back from Tuscany and have no more leave/vacation time left *sad face*)

You made me giggle about the hamman, and no I’m not quite sure why we need to remove dead skin cells either! Although I think it’s the getting naked in front of strangers that would bother me the most 😉 (hey I’m British, what can I say?)

March 29, 2017 at 3:08 pm

Haha my boyfriend is British and totally the same about getting naked in front of strangers

Vrithi pushkar says

March 25, 2017 at 10:20 pm

Morrocco is on our bucket list for the next year! Your picture look stunning. So blue!! Love it. I can’t wait to go check it out in person.

I hope you love it!

March 25, 2017 at 10:25 pm

I have such a love affair for Morocco. Thanks for all the wonderful eye candy!

March 29, 2017 at 3:07 pm

March 25, 2017 at 11:17 pm

I love seeing photos of Chefchaouen. You’ve done a wonderful job of capturing the unique side of this city.

March 29, 2017 at 3:06 pm

I love seeing photos of it too

Jessica says

March 26, 2017 at 12:00 am

Your photos are absolutely stunning! Morocco is so very high on my wishlist so I loved reading this post. In addition to the incredibly unique scenery, any place that has a cheese salad is my kind of place 🙂

YES the cheese salad was so good

Jay Artale says

March 26, 2017 at 12:11 am

The color blue is meant to ward off evil. That’s why the traditional houses in Greece and Turkey have blue painted around the doors and windows, and the doors are blue. Looks like this town is taken that warding off evil to heart. This looks like an amazing place to visit. One to add to the list for sure. @rovingjay from Birds of a Feather Press

March 29, 2017 at 3:05 pm

Yes, that was one of the theories for the blue as well! So interesting.

Kristine Li says

March 26, 2017 at 6:08 am

So so so beautiful! The scenes look like movie setups and some of the photos look like paintings 😍 The one with the cats at the alley is super gorgeous. You know what, if you didn’t mention, I would never be able to tell it is cold, with the sun shining and all, glad you wrote that down. Now I shall dream of when I shall visit this otherworldly place 😊

I hope you do visit and love it!

March 26, 2017 at 12:48 pm

It’s so pretty! I’ve been wanting to go for awhile and your photos just make me want to go even more! I’m glad you included the tips about what to wear because I was wondering that actually.

March 29, 2017 at 3:04 pm

Yeah I was totally confused about what to wear, especially with all the glamorous instagram photos haha

March 26, 2017 at 2:05 pm

I was there last january and yes, it was cold. there was even snow and I did the exact same thing. I escaped to the local hammam. Interesting and painful experience indeed.

March 29, 2017 at 3:03 pm

Oh wow, it must have been pretty in the snow!

Rhiannon says

March 26, 2017 at 2:09 pm

I’ve always wanted to visit Morocco! I adore the blue buildings and beautiful ocean scenery. Such a gorgeous place to visit! Incredible pictures! 😍

It really is such a beautiful place!

Kristin @ Camels & Chocolate says

March 26, 2017 at 5:02 pm

Gorgeous photos, Silvia! I went here very long ago—11 years now—and am dying to go back with my full camera kit.

There are so many places I feel that way about (hello, Central Asia)!

Anne Morgan says

March 28, 2017 at 10:28 am

I so want to take a photo of a ginger cat against all that blue and eat a cheese salad. This place (which I’m not attempting to spell) has definitely moved up a few notches on my travel wish list.

March 29, 2017 at 2:55 pm

Yess it should be!

Monica says

May 20, 2017 at 5:17 am

Hi. I’ll have 9 days in Morocco with my hubby and 2 kids (10 and 8). Planning on Marrackech and Tagazhut. I really wanted to head to the Blue City but the flights are an obstacle (but possible) and we’re not sure we’re up for the ride/drive/train. Would you recommend making it happen or skipping it and going to Essaouira instead? You’ve been to both so I’d be grateful for your guidance. Thanks.

May 20, 2017 at 10:45 am

I’d go to Essaouira instead. Chefchaouen is cool, but Essaouira felt less touristy and I actually found the city more beautiful than Chefchaouen. Have an amazing time!

May 20, 2017 at 5:37 pm

Thank you so much.

Terri Robinson says

May 15, 2018 at 2:00 pm

Essaouria is prettier and much easier to get to. Also consider the cities on the Mediterranean coast like Tetuoan, M’diq and of course Marina Beach. I go every year. All over Morocco. Enjoy

Nash&Kim says

May 22, 2017 at 6:02 pm

Chefchaouen was our favorite city in Morocco. I feel that the tones of the blue-washed city helped to calm not only the locals, but also the tourists that roam the streets. Such a contrast to Marrakech!

Thanks for such a beautiful and informative post! Keep up the inspiration.

Nash&Kim Care.Inspire.Share.

thenomadicpeople.com

May 30, 2017 at 4:26 pm

I did love the calm atmosphere there!

May 31, 2017 at 2:42 am

Hello, Love your blog! Can you tell me which part of March you were there? I am planning for next March and don’t want to be too cold. Thank you

June 1, 2017 at 3:00 pm

I was there at the very beginning of March!

June 1, 2017 at 5:40 pm

Thank you so much! Also were you alone? I have read that’s one of the few cities in Morocco that is comfortable for a solo female traveler…even a seasoned one. Was that your experience? Thank you!

June 12, 2017 at 3:44 pm

I was there with another woman. I felt probably the most comfortable in Chefchaouen and Essaouira, and the least in Marrakech, though really as long as you dress conservatively you shouldn’t get too much attention. I did see some girls walking around in shorts in Chefchaouen and they were getting a lot of comments from people and looked kind of upset by it. Not sure if it was because of how they were dressed or not, but I would dress conservatively just to be on the safe side.

June 12, 2017 at 6:39 pm

Thank you so much! I have decided to take an Intrepid tour of Morocco. I like to travel independently but it seems to make sense to take a tour there. Thank you!

Katharina says

June 23, 2017 at 11:22 am

Fantastic Article!! … Absolutely stunning photos, thankyou for sharing 🙂

issam afazaz says

November 11, 2017 at 6:26 pm

My Home Town 😍 😍 😍

November 21, 2017 at 1:27 pm

Hello Silvia!

I was in Chefchaouen last year – and I don’t recall being in another place that felt so whimsical.

Great read – thank you!

Jordan says

December 27, 2017 at 10:21 pm

We are heading to Morocco in a few months. We are wanting to purchase things to take home, but some people warned us not to interact with the sellers at the medinas, especially in Fez and Marrakesh… Advice?

December 31, 2017 at 1:22 pm

That seems like odd advice. You should be careful about not paying more than you’re comfortable with, as you do have to bargain quite hard to get reasonable prices, but there’s so much lovely stuff to buy in Fez and Marrakesh (at a much better price than you’d find at home) so it would be a shame not to interact with the sellers at all! If you’re really worried though, I think there are a lot of day shopping tours you can books, so that a guide can help you buy things.

Said Hayani says

January 1, 2018 at 10:01 pm

I LIVE IN Morocco but I never visit chefchauen ,it’s a beautiful city ,I visited almost all the citys,I live in Marakech,I recommend you visit Marrakech and go to hammam and jamae fana, you will enjoy it,and your are welcome in our city, Thank you Silvia for such amizing pictures 🙂

Cassidy Slockett says

March 6, 2018 at 2:03 pm

Hey just one little note.. the Jews coming here were not fleeing Hitler.

April 8, 2018 at 2:18 pm

I’m going to Fez with a friend next month only for 4 days, and we were thinking about booking a day trip to Chefchaouen. We would only be 4 hours in the city, do you think it is worth it?

All the pictures look amazing! I can’t wait to go to Morocco!

April 11, 2018 at 3:36 pm

Personally I wouldn’t do it because I got really carsick on the drive from Chef to Fez, but if you’re fine with winding roads then yeah, it would be worth it! It really is such an amazing place to see – and I mean, how often is one in Morocco?

Hassan Abidar says

July 17, 2018 at 2:14 am

Today is my first day on chefchaoun even I’m a Moroccan it is really a blue city and i like it here,

October 25, 2018 at 3:57 pm

Always loved to visit Chefchaoun whenever I get a chance to visit my home country. It’s calm and colourful with so much positivity around here.

November 14, 2018 at 11:50 pm

Im thinking of going for my birthday next month. I would be alone and I have an expensive camera. Is it safe for a woman to travel alone and wander around taking photos? Also is three days too much? Im coming from Spain so not to far….

November 16, 2018 at 3:17 pm

I wandered around alone taking photos and felt fine, though I did avoid talking to any men just to be safe.

February 6, 2019 at 11:17 am

I’m coming to Morroco for vacation In March and I have never heard about Chefchaouen. After seeing these pictures I think I have to reserve a few days just to visit this city. Both of my kids’ favorite color is blue, so I think it will be an awesome trip with plenty of great warm memmories. Thanks for spreading word about this place 🙂

February 7, 2019 at 6:00 pm

Sounds perfect, they will love it!

Shanti Cross says

February 12, 2019 at 1:08 am

Hi, Loved your posts & photos!! Wow! About the hammam, I had hammam in Marrakesh and in a village in the Atlas mountains and neither of them was painful – vigorous scrubbing, but not painful, and the hot water and steamy atmosphere felt great. I enjoyed it and felt great afterwards. I loved the communal hammam in the village. In the village, women scrubbed each other (not a special ‘hammam’ person), and the woman whose house my friends and I were staying in scrubbed me. In Marrakesh it was someone brought in by the Riad management to use their hammam room for guests. Again, thank you for the wonderful and helpful posts & photos!

February 26, 2019 at 9:02 pm

Know I’m late to the conversation, but I saw this place online and now I really, really want to do there! But I was bit concerned when you said that it was one of the most touristy places; can you elaborate a bit? I think my heart is set on going, but I don’t want to spend time in a place that is designed for tourists…. thanks so much!

Nourrdine Aidoun says

June 24, 2019 at 9:43 pm

im local from chefchouen and I can promise that you will love it blue peaceful and simple .

We don’t really paint it for tourist it local painted for us to give a good picture of our houses strret and door since the color is a apart of our culture .

April 18, 2019 at 3:50 pm

What’s the name of the Hammam??

July 4, 2019 at 9:45 pm

Enjoyed reading your post. My family will be taking a 3/2 day Sahara dessert tour from Marrakech on 8/28/19 and planning to travel from there to Fez .. what would be your travel recommendation. Thanks

Morocco Top Trips and Tours says

July 17, 2019 at 11:24 am

Hi Carlos If your familly need any services, they can contact us

July 17, 2019 at 11:23 am

Wonderful article about the Moroccan blue city. It’s one of the best cities to explore. If you plan any new adventure to Morocco: Desert tour, Atlas Mountains, Marrakech, off-road experience…. please feel free to contcat us

berber way says

October 17, 2019 at 10:29 pm

i really liked this post .thank you for the great words about my country and its people .i have been working in Morocco tourism for 15 year now and most of the people go with a smile and full of memories.

November 12, 2019 at 9:40 pm

It’s painted blue because that’s the color YHWH the God of Israel gave to the 12 Tribes of Israel to put in their tzit tzits. 9 strands of white, one strand of blue.

January 14, 2020 at 2:35 pm

I just discovered your blog and am enjoying your posts. We will be going to Morocco in early September 2020 for 25 days. I saw that you ate salad there which I am told is a big no no. Did you have any intestinal issues while you were there? Thanks. Former Leominster, MA resident.

January 14, 2020 at 10:01 pm

I did not have any issues, but it’s always a bit of a risk!

Danny Beiler says

April 26, 2020 at 3:23 pm

I think that visiting Morocco, without visiting chefchaouen is really missing a big part of the real soul of north morocco, this is by far the best place to visit ( 3 to 5 days) and relax especially during summer

Sahara says

April 27, 2020 at 12:26 am

Very nice and interesting blog, thank you for sharing your experiences with us, keep it up!!

May 5, 2020 at 4:04 pm

So beautiful Morocco. Wishing all this crazy situation ends so that I can come back. Great post thanks for sharing and making us dream!

Ho Lien says

May 12, 2020 at 5:50 pm

You have beautiful pictures and memories Thank you for sharing

Philipp says

May 17, 2020 at 6:36 pm

I really like your blog, i have been in morocco and is very beatiful country, sahara desert & chefchaouen are my favorite places, thank you for sharing this article with us

November 23, 2020 at 7:30 am

Such colorful and vibrant pictures. Really longing to visit Chefchaouen.

Adrar Travel says

December 3, 2020 at 12:33 am

It’s always fascinating to see such beautiful articles about our Country, it makes us proud and appreciates it More! Thank you so much for sharing your tour in Morocco with the world!

gareth wilson says

March 22, 2022 at 10:34 pm

This is a wonderful article which helped me find this amazing hotel

Let's Visit Morocco says

April 9, 2022 at 5:32 am

Such an amazing blog. Thanks for the share!

November 16, 2023 at 6:30 pm

Best article thank you for sharing 😊

January 24, 2024 at 9:56 pm

Hello that’s amazing Thank you for this information

February 24, 2024 at 1:12 am

You have beautiful pictures and memories Thank you for sharing with us

Caravane Du Grand Erg says

March 29, 2024 at 7:37 am

It’s just amazing seeing these incredible articles about our country! They really make us feel proud and grateful. Thank you a bunch for sharing your journey in Morocco with everyone!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Once a full-time nomad, I'm now trying to find a balance between continuing to explore off the beaten path places around the world while also building a home in Norway. Want to know more? Head to my About page !

COME AND GET IT!

Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive updates and stories from my world travels and life in Norway:

blue city morocco tour

  • Attractions
  • From Casablanca
  • From Marrakech
  • From Tangier
  • Sightseeing

Logo

Chefchaouen “Chaouen” is an ideal spot to go on short trip in Morocco. Change of scenery and take shots and post them in Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest like influencers and bloggers. As The blue city of Morocco is far from the major cities and big touristic sites; I wouldn’t really suggest it for shopping ! However I suggest this blue town in Morocco after a busy tour in Marrakech and Fez . Generally it’s only an ideal blue village to relax.

Where is Chefchaouen located?

The road to this blue city of Morocco climbs, twisting and turning, into the Rif Mountains. You turn a corner, and suddenly there it is, clinging to the mountainside, with rocky peaks and precipitous valleys all around. Chaouen in Morocco, meaning ‘the horns’, owes its name to the twin peaks between which it seems to hang. We also call it blue pearl or blue town in morocco by reason of its wall streets are a mixture of blue and white color.

Chefchaoen, Blue town in Morocco

Brief history about the blue city of Morocco 

Like Tetouan, blue town in Morocco was built by 15 th century muslim refugees from Andalusia. It was established as fortress for the faith, capable of resisting any assault from nearby Portuguese redoubts. However, until the Spanish arrived in 1920 and seized Chefchaouen and other Morocco cities to be part of Spanish Morocco. This remote mountain fastness had remained closed  to the world for centuries. Only three Europeans had ever succeeded in reaching it.

Must Read:   Things to know about Morocco country

Why is Chefchaouen blue?

You cannot visit Morocco without going to Chefchaouen . Its Berber name, “Chaouen” was allocated by its first occupants. The blue city of Morocco hosted the Muslim refugees following the fall of Granada. With more of fifteen mosques and fortress, this blue town is permeated with a climate of profound peacefulness and tranquility in Morocco. Because white is symbol of the peace, and blue is symbol of the sea! The new inhabitants built their houses blue and white with small doors leading onto Andalusian style patios.

The blue village in Morocco fascinate likewise originates from its narrow streets where you won’t only wander but you will find yourself. It is pleasant to crisscross the labyrinth of blue streets of chefchaouen, and take a hot mint tea in Place Outa el Hammam to enjoy some street artists’ songs.

blue village in Morocco, Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen Morocco weather

Normal temperatures in blue city of Morocco shift extraordinarily. Thinking about moistness, temperatures feel extremely decent a great part of the year. However, sweltering in the mid year and cold in the winter with a low shot of precipitation the majority of the year. In case you’re searching for the hottest time to visit Chefchaouen blue town in Morocco, the most sultry months are August, July, June, and afterward May; by the way this is the best time to visit Morocco . The hottest season is commonly right on time to mid August where highs are routinely around 96.9°F (36.1°C)! With temperatures once in a while dipping under 67.6°F (19.8°C) during the evening.

Wind in this Morocco blue town is generally quiet. The windiest month is May, trailed by June and April.

On the off chance that dry climate is the thing you’re pursuing; the months with the most minimal possibility of huge precipitation in Chefchaouen are August, July, and afterward June.

Things to do in Chefchaouen The blue city of Morocco

Get lost in the chefchaouen medina and blue streets.

The main attraction for tourists is the charming Chefchaouen medina. Is planted in the heart of Rif mountains and its labyrinth of narrow streets, with blue painted walls, at a moment we think we are at Santorini “Greece”! Give to this blue village in Morocco an amazing change of scenery and a soul of peace and love.

Red tile roof and Moorish arches recall Chaouen’s Spanish heritage in Morocco. The main square in the Chefchaouen medina is Place Outa el Hammam, lined with tiny shops and cafés. On one side is the centuries old Kasbah, recently restored, and housing a little museum. Then the blue city of Morocco has colourful gardens, planted with palm trees and flowers, are a haven of tranquility. A 3 Km (2 mile) walk up stream from blue town leads to the waterfall of Ras el Ma, a lovely picnic spot. The water arrives from the peaks of the Rif mountains offers a reviving area.

Ras el MA Blue city in Morocco

Hike To The Spanish Mosque

There’s a Mosque created by the Spanish in the 1920’s roosted on a peak sitting above the blue city of Morocco. to reach it you have to hike this hill and pass by prickly plants and cacti. In this site you can enjoy astonishing views of this blue town in Morocco.

Since the mosque is somewhat became a touristic site, non-muslims are permitted to regard inside and get a general idea. Make a point to take a water bottle, however on a sunny day you will be thirsty there.

The duration of this hike is about 30 to 45 minutes single direction.

Ecotourism and excursions around the blue city of Morocco  

The blue town in Morocco is the best city to visit in Morocco , where nature is conserved in its purity, to find on this blue pearl of Morocco. Mountain explorers will be allowed to fans to appreciate new scenes with pinnacles ascending to very nearly 2000 meters. Walks can be arranged on site with bivouacs along the mountains of the region.

The country around The blue city of Morocco provides excellent hiking! Steep green foothills covered with fields and orchards and small, white, tin-roofed houses surround the town; with rocky mountains rising steeply behind.

As well as hiking, Chefchaouen is known by several activities in morocco like mountain biking, Kayak and trekking. In the core of the mountain we discover the Talassemtane national park, the just one in Africa. For beach lovers They are some of the most beautiful and best Mediterranean beaches at 60 kilometers from this blue village in Morocco.

Must Read: 13 crazy adventures to have in Morocco

Akchour waterfalls of gods in Morocco

You can likewise visit Akchour a waterfalls of gods in Morocco! A spot where the tranquil climate meddles with the songs created by the cascades.

Akchour waterfalls is a trail that trains a couple of cascades in the Rif Mountains. You have to take a taxi from Chefchaouen, or drive your own car to get to the beginning of the trail, and good shoes for this climb to the waterfalls.

The trail is loaded with lavish green vegetation, a fascinating regular stone extension called “God’s Bridge”! And a wonderful swimming opening with a cascade as your reward toward the end.

Where to eat appetizing Moroccan Food in blue city of Morocco?

One of the top pattern anybody should go to Kingdom of Morocco is the astounding Moroccon cuisine! And you can discover and taste traditional Moroccan foods in the Blue City of Morocco; like Couscous , Tagine, bastila, chicken… there are many restaurants in Chaouen that provide good meals, like restaurant Bab El Sor in the medina; personally I stay here when I visit Chefchaouen.

Orange juice is famous in Chefchaouen and Morocco, it is superb refreshing and enjoyabled. you can take and drink a glass of orange juice from street vendor just for 5 MAD wich is 0.5 $ but believe me is irresistible.

If you want to take a cup of coffee or Hot mint tea, the pleasant place is Place Outa el Hammam. Where you can find traditional cafe with terrace.

Must Read:   Moroccan cooking class | Things you must know before you start

Where To Stay In the blue city of Morocco?

There are different way where To Stay in Morocco and blue town, however there are Hotels, Riads, apartments, shared houses… I suggest to take a Riad to enjoy Moroccan traditional townhouse with decent service.

Riad in Chefchaouen

There are lot of Riads in Chefchaouen and I suggest to book one located in the medina near Place Outa el Hammam! And here are my recommendations:  Dar Dadicilef Hostel, Chez Hicham, Riad Assilah Chaouen.

How to get to Chefchaouen

The least expensive approach to get to Chefchaouen is by public transport. There are numerous transports every day from urban areas like Fez, Tetouan, Casablanca, Rabat , and Tangier in Morocco . The principle and trusted Moroccan transport Company for foreign travelers is CTM and more you can buy your ticket online.

If you have enough money and you want to benefit a private tour, you have to book a tour with a transfer company.

From Tangier to Chefchaouen :

One of the most memorable excursions you can make from Tangier is to Chefchaouen “blue village” in Morocco, 120Km (75 miles) away, high in the Rif Mountains. There are 2 departures From Tangier to Chefchaouen by CTM, which is 00:15pm and 08:15pm (2h30 away) the ticket price is 50 MAD/ 5$.

On the way, a short detour leads to Tetouan, some 60Km (38 miles) south of Tangier, strikingly situated on a steep hillside. The town was a major settlement area for Moorish exiles from late 15 th -century spain, expelled after the Christian Reconquest! And later became the capital of Spanish Morocco during the protectorate; it retains a distinctly Spanish flavor even to this day. Tetouanis proudly call their city ‘the daughter of Granada’.

Must Read:   What language in morocco do they speak? Useful guide

From Fes to Chefchaouen :

Blue city of Morocco is around 3:30 H (211Km) away from Fes. And this visit will give you 4 hours and Plus of leisure time to explore Chefchaouen; if you won’t plan to stay here for one or two days.

There are 6 departures From Fes to Chefchaouen by CTM (08:00 am, 11:00 am, 00:00 pm, 02:00 pm, 04:15 pm, 11:45 pm) and the ticket price is 75 MAD/ 7.5$.

From Marrakech to Chefchaouen :

The safe and good way to go from Marrakech to Chefchaouen in Morocco is by train “ONCF”, and high speed train (al boraq) but you have to go through Tangier. From Marrakech to Tangier is around 570 Km and 06 to 08 hours away, it depends if you will take high speed train (al boraq) from Casablanca to Tangier or no. The ticket price online for the train from Marrakech to Tangier is between (304 and 338 MAD)/(30$ and 34$) in the second class, (355 and 449 MAD)/(35$ and 45$) in the first class. And once you are in Tangier you can continue from Tangier to Chefchaouen via CTM.

https://www.oncf.ma/en/Horaires

Must Read: Private Morocco Tours | Unveiling the Mystique of Morocco

From Casablanca to Chefchaouen :

The good and direct way to go from Casablanca to Chefchaouen “blue town” in Morocco is By CTM.  Is around 340 Km and 7 hours away by bus. Second way to go from Casablanca to Chefchaouen is by high speed train (al boraq) to Tangier, and then you will take CTM or Taxi to Chefchaouen.

You need more information or suggestion about your travel to Chefchaouen? Have you visited this bleu town of Morocco? You want more tips for your visit to Chaouen and Morocco travel ? Please feel free to drop me a message in the comments below!

FAQ About Best Things to Do in Chefchaouen Morocco

Chefchaouen the blue city of Morocco, nestled in the Rif Mountains, is renowned for its striking blue-washed buildings, creating a unique and picturesque atmosphere. This charming town has become a popular tourist destination for those seeking a tranquil escape amidst vibrant blue streets and a blend of cultural influences.

Chefchaouen is accessible by various means. Visitors can take a bus from major cities like Fes or Tangier, hire a private taxi, or opt for a rental car. The journey itself offers scenic views, allowing travelers to enjoy the beauty of the Moroccan landscapes on their way to Chefchaouen.

Chefchaouen boasts several must-visit attractions. Explore the vibrant Medina with its blue-painted streets, visit the Kasbah Museum to learn about the town’s history, and hike to the scenic Spanish Mosque for panoramic views. Additionally, the Ras El Ma waterfall and the local markets offer authentic experiences for visitors.

The blue color in Chefchaouen’s architecture holds cultural and historical significance. It is said to represent the sky and heaven, creating a calming and spiritual atmosphere. The tradition of painting buildings blue is believed to have originated from Jewish teachings, symbolizing a connection with the divine and fostering a sense of tranquility within the community.

While visiting Chefchaouen, it’s important to respect local customs and traditions. Modest clothing is appreciated, especially when exploring religious sites. When taking photographs, seeking permission from locals is courteous. Engaging in the local markets and savoring traditional Moroccan cuisine is encouraged to fully immerse oneself in the rich cultural tapestry of Chefchaouen.

  • Chefchaouen

Related Articles

10 best places to visit in morocco in 2024, 10 best riads in marrakesh, morocco | special place to stay in marrakech, 10 best things to do in merzouga, morocco | full travel guide, subscribe to our newsletter.

Subscribe to receive all the latest news, tips, and travel updates about Morocco, delivered right to your inbox!

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

MOROCCO TRAVEL WAY

Hi, welcome to The Morocco Travel Way, a Morocco travel guide and blog! For lovers of travel, food and adventure in Morocco. Looking for travel inspiration, culinary encounters, culture and adventure in Morocco? You’ll find all this on The Morocco Travel Way with travel guides and tips to help you make the most of every trip.

Latest Articles

Aït ben haddou morocco | exploring the historic kasbah, popular category.

  • Information 29
  • Destination 28
  • Morocco news 18
  • From Marrakech 15
  • Sightseeing 14

Popular Articles

Best 15 things to do in fez morocco for 2024 |..., marrakech, morocco | important things to know before you go in..., what to buy in morocco & how to bargain | shopping..., when is the best time to visit morocco | full weather....

Morocco Travel Way

POPULAR POSTS

The 10 best beach towns in morocco | guide with photo....

  • From Fez 14
  • Hotels and Riads 11
  • Terms & Conditions

Touring In Morocco

The Blue City of Morocco, All About Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen, the blue city of Morocco

Table of Contents

The blue city of Morocco, Chaouen

This article is a practical guide to Chefchaouen, the Blue City of Morocco. Here is our Chefchaouen itinerary with what to see and do in and around the city, how to go, where to stay, and when to visit. It also includes a tourist map to get your bearings.

There is no one who does not want to visit Chefchaouen, the blue pearl of Morocco. Especially after seeing captivating photos on Instagram that prove the photogenicity and personality of this city. Chefchaouen is one of Morocco’s icons. We dare to say that it is the most beautiful Moroccan city. Not only for the eternal sky reflected in the blue-washed walls but also for the relaxed and tranquil atmosphere that exudes in all its corners.

Foundation of the blue pearl, Chefchaouen city

Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 when the Moors were fleeing Spain during the Reconquista, but also by Jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition. Perhaps this is why a certain Andalusian atmosphere is felt, most evident in the architecture but also visible in the local people. Life here is more peaceful and quiet, and visitors are not so besieged by store or workshop owners. Chefchaouen is one of the favorite places to relax from the hustle and bustle of the big Moroccan cities and find refuge from the merciless African sun.

Why is Chefchaouen blue?

The biggest attraction of Chefchaouen is the blue color of the walls of its houses. But why were they painted this color? There is no proven reason.

The most accepted theory is that during the Spanish Inquisition, right after the foundation of the city in the 15th century, several Sephardic Jews migrated there as a Jewish custom. They painted the area they lived blue, because the color refers to the sky, and consequently, to the divine. If we stop to think about it, blue is a very common color in Judaism, see the flag of Israel and the city of Safed.

Furthermore, at that time, the region was infested by mosquitoes, and the Arabs, seeing that in the Jewish area of the city the mosquitoes did not remain, decided to copy and paint the rest of the city blue. This is because mosquitoes associate the color with water, because insects like to be near water, but not in it. I don’t find this part very logical, because I don’t doubt that mosquitoes can see color!

The blue pearl of Morocco, Chaouen

Whether the color keeps the mosquitoes away or not is not known, but certainly, the blue city attracts another type of swarm – tourists – who ensure that the tradition lasts, as they ensure movement in the local economy.

The quietness and tranquility of the blue city of Morocco, Chefchaouen

Unlike most tourist spots in Morocco, Chefchaouen is a very quiet town where you can walk around, take pictures, and observe local life without too much worry.

I say this not because Morocco is a dangerous country, quite the contrary, but because of the harassment of the locals on tourists, very common in its more touristy destinations. As the Moroccan medinas are like labyrinths, the locals act as guides in the city streets to earn money. What could be a stroll can turn into a nightmare, because the approaches are so intense and frequent, and there are so many “no’s” you will have to say along the way.

This, however, does not happen in Chefchaouen. In the blue city of Morocco, unlike Marrakesh and Fes, the atmosphere is very calm. The locals let the tourists walk in their own time, without pestering. Also, Chefchaouen is a much smaller city and (still) little-visited, which makes life easier for travelers.

How to get to the blue city of Morocco?

One of the biggest questions for travelers planning to visit Chefchaouen is how to get there. Unfortunately, no solution is quick or easy. However, Chefchaouen has a unique charm that is worth the effort and the scenery is a balm during the hours the trip will take you.

The blue city has only land connections to most major Moroccan cities. Chefchaouen has no airport, it can only be reached by bus, grand-taxi or car. The nearest airports are those in Tangier and Fes. To get to Chefchaouen, you will still have to use other means of transportation.

One of the most practical and comfortable ways is by your own car or rent a car. Because you will have all the freedom to stop in the spots that call your attention.

Another decent way is to book a tour in Morocco . This option is the most recommended because the travel agency will take care of everything; food, where to sleep, the best places to visit… allowing you to discover the city in the best way.

From Marrakech to Chefchaouen:

There is no direct transport between Marrakech and Chefchaouen, neither bus nor train. What travelers do most is travel on the night train to Fes followed by a bus to Chefchaouen. You also have the option of taking an internal flight to Tangier (national flights in Morocco are actually quite cheap) and from there a bus to Chefchaouen.

From Fes to Chefchaouen:

CTM bus; trip duration 4 (direct) to 5 hours (via other locations).

From Tangier to Chefchaouen:

CTM bus via Tetouan; travel time is less than 3 hours; there is the option of using Grand-taxi (more expensive): you share the car with other passengers but only pay for your seat.

From Casablanca to Chefchaouen:

1 CTM bus daily mid-day via Rabat; trip duration 8 hours.

When to visit Chefchaouen, the blue city of Morocco?

The best time of year to visit Chefchaouen is either in the spring (March-May) when Morocco gets greener and more blooming. Or in the fall (September-November) when the torrid summer temperatures begin to subside. If you visit Chefchaouen in the off-season (late fall to early spring), you can avoid the crowds of visitors in search of the perfect photo. But be prepared for rain and the cold winter weather: Chefchaouen is located in the mountains.

Where to stay in Chefchaouen – accommodation suggestions

Morocco is a great travel destination for those who want to experience luxury accommodation at 3-star prices in Europe. Chefchaouen confirms the rule because the offer is vast which makes the prices nice. We advise you to book your accommodation inside the medina, it is the best location. But outside the medina, Riads, and hotels with excellent quality are beginning to appear. And it makes it easier to carry your bags.

Watching the sunrise on the terrace of a riad, with panoramic views over the Medina of Chefchaouen is one of those moments in life that you never forget. Simply magical! That’s what we experienced at Lina Ryad & Spa. This Riad exceeded all our expectations of comfort, quality, and cleanliness. If you want to surprise your partner, include a real Moroccan hammam session in the riad’s spa. We were super spoiled and spared no compliments on Lyna Riad & Spa, so highly recommended.

If you like privacy and all the amenities for pleasant stays with quality and attentive service, you can always book a room in one of the many hotels that are great value for money. We recommend the Usha Guesthouse, the Sandra Hotel, and the riad Dar Elrio. Book in advance as they fill up quickly.

If you are looking for a stay in Chefchaouen with more luxury, then you should book your accommodation at Casa La Palma or La Petite Chefchaouen. Expect refinement, good service, and comfort at prices that are nevertheless affordable. Both hotels are very beautiful and exquisite.

Top 9 things to do and see in Chefchaouen, the Blue City of Morocco

You must be wondering what there is to do in Chefchaouen besides… seeing its blue walls? I dare say there is not much else to do there. But I have separated some tips below because no tourist is satisfied with just visiting the city to photograph its houses.

The blue city of Morocco

In the list of what to do in Chefchaouen, the blue city of Morocco, we highlight:

1. Walk through the Medina (old town)

The coolest part of visiting a tourist destination in Morocco is being able to get lost in the alleys of the Medina, which is the oldest part of the city. The Medina of Chefchaouen differs from others in the country by having almost every house and street dyed blue, making every alley perfect for a photo.

When framing your pictures, try to see beyond the blue color that tints the walls of the houses. The Medina of Chefchaouen was built at the time of its foundation in the 15th century. Much of its architecture is still preserved from that time.

Besides highlighting the architecture, a walk through the Medina also serves to observe the daily life of the locals, making bread, selling fish, and saying their prayers.

The Medina today is very much geared toward tourism, so expect to see many stalls selling Moroccan lamps, leather goods, clothing, and dyes. Several restaurants line the area, but be aware that they close early. As night falls, the local women no longer go out on the streets, and only men can be seen, so if you are a female traveler, I wouldn’t advise straying too far from your hotel late at night.

2. Uta El-Hammam Square

Uta El-Hammam square is the heart of the Medina of Chefchaouen and is where the old Kasbah of the city is located. The atmosphere of the square is very cool, tree-lined. And full of restaurants, which can often be more expensive than those seen in the smaller alleys of the Medina, as it is an extremely popular place with tourists.

The square is a great place to relax and watch life go by. There are several vendors at one end of the square, a place where the vendors are more aggressive in approaching tourists. They enter restaurants and try to sell their knick-knacks to whoever is there.

3. Kasbah Museum

The Kasbah Museum is a museum that operates inside the former palace of the sultan and founder of the city. The building was erected in the 18th century, after the British were expelled from the region, to protect the area from the Portuguese and Spanish.

The architecture of the Kasbahs (which in Arabic means citadel) is already impressive in itself, as they are palaces built entirely of clay and have lasted for centuries. You can have a panoramic view of the city from the top of one of the Kasbah’s towers, as well as visit its old prison and its inner courtyards.

This particular Kasbah of Chefchaouen stands out for having a good collection of historical artifacts. Among them are tools used by humans in the region during prehistoric times. Greek and Roman artifacts from when northern Morocco was occupied by the Roman Empire, objects from the Roman city of Volubilis , and pieces of local jewelry from the 16th century.

A visit to the Kasbah is one of the only non-free attractions in the city, but it may be worth it for all the Moroccan history that is succinctly found inside. Take advantage of the ticket and stroll through its photogenic courtyards as well.

4. Grand Mosque

The city’s Grand Mosque (there are several others, but they are hard to recognize among the many unidentified buildings inside the Medina) is located in Uta El-Hammam Square, next to the Kasbah Museum, and is very easy to spot.

It was built in the 15th century at the behest of the son of the city’s founder, and differs from other mosques in the country by its minaret having an octagonal shape. Its architecture was inspired by that seen in southern Spain, in Andalusia.

Unfortunately, non-Muslim visitors can only view the mosque from the outside.

5. Bab El-Sor Square

Bab El-Sor is a cute little square in Chefchaouen that is not so busy, but worth a visit. It stands out for its blue tiled fountain in the center that people use for washing clothes and drinking water.

Besides the fountain, the buildings around its perimeter are occupied by airy restaurants of a more economical standard than the ones in Uta El-Hamman Square. Making it a good option for those who want to save some money on their meals.

It is the best way to see a genuine place in the city, without the tourist appeal and without the harassment of the locals. Because there the tourist is free to move around and choose where to sit and eat.

6. Ras El-Maa Waterfall

It is a small waterfall on the way to the Spanish Mosque, high in the Rif Mountains. The waterfall itself is not pretty, it doesn’t have much water volume (at least at the time we were there) and it has a cemented bottom.

The description is not the best, but the interesting thing about going there is that you can see the locals washing their clothes in it and refreshing themselves on very hot days.

Anyway, you will pass it on your way to the Spanish Mosque, so it is worth the stop. Try to get there early to see the movement of women washing their clothes on the banks and drying them on the bushes around them.

7. Spanish Mosque and the Rif Mountains

Chefchaouen is in a valley surrounded by the Rife Mountains, which cross several towns in northern Morocco. The view of the city from above is incredible.

To get a view of the city from this angle, head for the Spanish Mosque (or Mosqueé Bouzâafar). It is a 40-minute walk from the main street of Chefchaouen. It is a hilly walk with some hills and on slightly hilly ground, so it is good to go with comfortable shoes and at a less sunny time.

The Mosque was built by the Spanish during the occupation of Morocco in 1920 as an attempt to win over the local people. But it was never well accepted. Over time it fell into disuse and today it lies in ruins. It is still standing, but empty.

However, from a tourist point of view, the Mosque is still relevant because of the view one has of the whole city from there. Locals even go to the site to sit on its wall in the morning and watch the time go by. A route from other cities to Chefchaouen also passes through there, so the place is constantly in motion.

Going there during sunset is a great option too, the view will not disappoint.

8. Akchour Waterfalls

The Akchour waterfalls are one of the hidden gems in Chefchaouen. They are half an hour’s drive from the city and, perhaps because of this, are still little explored by tourists. They are two beautiful emerald green waterfalls in the middle of the forest.

When you arrive at the place, you have to take a very well signposted trail through the jungle until you reach the waterfalls. On the way there are some restaurants, for those who didn’t take any food on the trip.

The best way to get there is by cab or renting a car. The taxi drivers already know the place well and can take tourists there in private or collective cars. The more people share the ride with you, the cheaper it is. A more reliable way is to ask your hotel to book the ride directly, but it will probably cost more.

9. Explore the Rif

Talassemtane National Park is a small, verdant natural paradise that is highly sought after for trekking experiences. Nature lovers will love this region, as the Rif Mountains have good hiking trails to fill days of exploration. Feel the overwhelming power of one of the most beautiful views of Moroccan landscapes high in the Rif Mountains.

FAQ about the blue pearl of Morocco

Chefchaouen was founded around 1471, however, the painting process did not start till the influx of the Jews escaping the Spanish inquisition around 1492.

The reason behind the blue color of Chefchaouen can be separated into two different stories. Firstly, some say that the Jews painted it in blue which for them resembles sky and heaven. Others say that it is to get rid of mosquitoes.

The blue city has only land connections to most major Moroccan cities. Chefchaouen has no airport, it can only be reached by bus, grand-taxi, car, or by booking a Moroccan tour.

Most people believe that it was the Jews who painted Chaouen in blue because for them the blue color represents the sky and heaven.

When arriving in Chefchaouen, you can go strolling the city and visit its main attractions such as Utat-Lhmam, The Kasbah Museum, and the Grand Mosque.

Chefchaouen is a tourist destination, at first sight, so souvenirs are everywhere in the city. There are a lot of things that you can buy such as carpets , lamps, jellabas, caftans, and Berber jewelry.

Chefchaouen, the blue city of Morocco, is located on the Rif mountains in the Northwest of Morocco.

Chefchaouen is one of the safest cities in Morocco , I say this not because Morocco is a dangerous country, quite the contrary, but because of the harassment of the locals on tourists to buy products, very common in its more touristy destinations but not in Chefchaouen.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title="blue city morocco tour"> <abbr title="blue city morocco tour"> <acronym title="blue city morocco tour"> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Walking Tour of Chefchaouen, the "Blue City" of Morocco - Full Day Tour

blue city morocco tour

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Driver speaks English, Spanish and French
  • Coffee and/or Tea
  • Our driver will pick you up at your accommodation in Fes at approximately one hour before the scheduled departure time.
  • Sais Airport, Fes Morocco
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Infant seats available
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 7 travelers
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

blue city morocco tour

  • chadcB5463LX 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience He was the best guide. Helped us find great food. Our medina tour took longer than expected and he still finished the whole tour, Which ran late into the night. The walking guide was very knowledgeable we learned a lot and he kept me interested the whole time. Great experience!! Read more Written April 26, 2024
  • 521zakiam 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Just AMAZING The camp was amazing, our tent gorgeous and bad super comfortable. We had a mouthwatering dinner, a falò with live music and the staff was really kind with all of us. I suggest to go to the camp with the camel..the Sahara desert is stunning! Read more Written April 24, 2024
  • Y4131TIserenaf 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Morocco! Amazing experience. Omar is a very good driver, kind and always on time. He is always keen to answer to your questions about Morocco, in fact he knows Italian language perfectly. Very recommended! Read more Written April 3, 2024
  • anurag m 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best Guide in Morocco!! We had Mr. Berrada for the whole of our trip. We went from Casablanca to Chefchouen to Fez to Merzouga to Marrakech. Quite simply, this whole trip would have been stressful without Mr. Berrada's detailed curation of the trip, to our requirements. I cannot recommend this enough to anybody who wants to absorb as much of Morocco during their trip. The fact that he is a joyful presence throughout your trip, makes it an even better deal. Read more Written March 31, 2024
  • sonerc376 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Moroccan experience! Mr Berrada has been our guide in this trip. It was an amazing experience through the beautiful places of Morocco, and Mr Berrada was a great travel buddy. He brought all the detail knowledge that allowed us to have a most unique experience of the country, tailored to our needs. I can definitely recommend taking this trip, you will not regret!! Read more Written March 31, 2024
  • Global37820442275 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Extraordinary trip through Morocco. Itinerary was great, we saw many places that would have been hidden otherwise. Mr Berrada is very friendly, was always available via WhatsApp and replied quickly. He recommended great places to us and organized tour guides in cities. We had a great time with him. Read more Written March 27, 2024
  • Arad6592 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Exceptional Morrocan holiday Exceptional tour. Mr. Berrada is hardworking and passionate about his profession and has very knowledgeable of Morrocan history, culture and geography. We are a group of 5 with varying interests so we customised the tour to our tastes, sometimes at the last minute and sometimes during the tour Casablanca- Chefchaouen- Fes- Mergouza- Ourzazate-Marrakesh. Start and end time, activities (such as sandboarding), stops, breaks, everything was accommodated by Mr. Berrada who was ever so patient even when the tour is taking place during Ramadan. We visited neighbouring sites such as Akchour falls, Volubilis, fossil museum, Dadés gorge, Fes (city tour) with his travel company. A big thanks to him for making our trip so memorable and exceptional moments such as feeding Barbary monkeys, meeting Berber nomadic people, visiting a school in the desert etc. etc.. We cannot wait to come back and explore Morrocco together with him by our side. I highly recommend this tour and all others offered by his travel company. It is better to get in touch with him directly through his website rather than booking through viator or getyourguide (as we did). Read more Written March 27, 2024
  • manuelmH4461BJ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience Omar was very kind and helpful in anything I needed and for any requests about city and tips for places to visit. Super recommended! 5 stars Read more Written March 23, 2024
  • Z3090ITandrewf 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic adventure in the desert! This was great! The tour was accommodating, the scenery was interesting and the desert is breathtaking! I would 100% recommend. Some tips: - the night gets colder than you might expect, so bundle up! - make sure you take some snacks with you to camp, the dinner can be a little light Read more Written February 1, 2024
  • Pioneer695923 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience The experience was very fun, I was picked up from outside my riad and we drove down to an area known for pottery and mosaics. I was dubious booking because there was only 1 other review, but it was worth it. I got to paint my own mini tajine ceramic, saw the people at work, and got to make my own tiles. Both of which (mini tajine, ceramic) I got to keep! I also got offered, water and tea. I would without a doubt recommend this experience. The guide/owner was also very nice, since I ended early, he showed me a place to see the whole medina of fez and also dropped me off to my bus, he went above and beyond. Read more Written January 31, 2024
  • 733hanym 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Horrible An absolute scam , Do not use their service . I had the worst experience with them traveling from Chefchaouen to Fes . Shame on them . They are destroying the great reputation of Moroccan people. You see the photo in the Ad , I ordered this car as advertised including WIFI, Bottled water and of course AC and I got A FILTHY DIRTY Hyundai with irresponsible driver who was late for more than an hour . I sent an official complaint and this is their reply ( copied from their message ) ‘ The customer did not ask for a Mercedes. They supplier bottled water and air condition was on also the customer did not request for a Wifi so we did not provide the password, also car is 4x4 which is very comfortable’ Read more Written January 13, 2024
  • srinivas306 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Morocco Trip We have recently visited Morocco and booked our trip from Casablanca Airport to Fez and all the local tours with Mr. Berrada. He was always on time for our trips. Berrada is a kind person and made us comfortable and happy every step of the way during our trip. He even took us for a wonderful dinner in their Riad. He is also very knowledgeable with local landmarks and culture. He is fluent in English and prompt communicator on WhatsApp. We would highly recommend Berrada tours and travel services. Read more Written January 11, 2024
  • Departure37766887938 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Workshop Fes Our guide Mourad was one off the best. He explained everything very good. And we were really happy when he brought our pottery to the Riad a few days later.Thanks for all, Mourad, we had an excellent day! Read more Written November 21, 2023
  • iuliaancan 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Misleading description, 15 people instead of max 7 on the way to Marrakesh and no stop for Ait Benhaddou and Atlas Studi The accommodation was good and well organized trip, but we were more than 7 people on the way to Marrakech. We came back with a group of travellers that came from Marrakech and returned there. We didn't have the option to visit the Ait Benhaddou and Atlas Studios (because they already visited on their way to the desert) and we were very disappointed about this. Also disappointed about the fact that we were 15 people in a minibus (and not 7 max). The restaurant where we stopped was overprices, the food was not tasty and portions size was small. All went well except the last day of the trip, which left us with a bitter taste. Better book a more expensive tour and see the Unesco heritage site. We will probably never return to Morocco because the world is big, so we missed the only opportunity to visit Ait Benhaddou ☹️ Read more Written November 18, 2023
  • 423mavig 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Nice tour from Fes to Marrakech Nice experience in Marocco, the driver was nice and he guided us around for the 3 days. The camelback and night in the desert was nice and we enjoyed the view of the sunrise on the dunes. Read more Written November 5, 2023

More to explore in Fes

blue city morocco tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Happiness03707727627

Buy it with

blue city morocco tour

Walking Tour of Chefchaouen, the "Blue City" of Morocco - Full Day Tour provided by Berrada travel

IMAGES

  1. Chefchaouen, The Blue City Of Morocco DBB

    blue city morocco tour

  2. La ciudad azul de Marruecos: Chefchaouen

    blue city morocco tour

  3. 6 Must-Do Activities in Morocco’s Blue City

    blue city morocco tour

  4. The sunsetting over Chefchaouen. Morocco's blue city. : r/pics

    blue city morocco tour

  5. What Can You do in Morocco's Blue City

    blue city morocco tour

  6. 8 Reasons to Put Morocco’s Blue City on Your Bucket List

    blue city morocco tour

VIDEO

  1. Strolling through Morocco's BLUE CITY!

  2. The Blue City of Morocco