There are more pictures in this post than words and I think it was the best way to capture this city. The pictures can do all the talking.
Welcome to one of the most serene and enchanting destinations to visit in Morocco.
A city that for a brief twenty-four hours I got to call home. I wish I could have stayed longer.
After traveling through the alluring chaos of Marrakech and Fes, Chefchaouen felt like reaching an oasis. Nestled among the Rif Mountains in Northern Morocco, the town is a scene of cascading blue houses, babbling mountain streams, clean crisp air, and THE ART. The entire city feels like a piece of art to live in.
The theme of the city is the color blue and that is what it’s most famous for, attracting tourists and photographers from all over the world.
Some believe that it was painted blue by Jewish immigrants after WWII as a religious practice to help represent the sky and connect the city closer to heaven and God.
Others believe that it’s painted blue to help ward off mosquitos and temper the blistering summer heat.
As a child my favorite color was any shade of blue.
It’s the color that still draws me in and the biggest reason why I chose to make this stop on my travels in Morocco.
All because I love the color blue.
Here, I felt closer to the ethereal feeling of the unknown. Felt something bigger than Earth and all it’s human problems.
Within reach of the feeling of peace.
Blue calms, cools, and pairs well with all other colors.
Blue is serene in a chaotic world of uncertainty.
And there were no mosquitos in sight.
Travel Tips for Chefchaouen:
You can easily catch a bus that travels from Fes or Tangier to Chefchaouen, whether coming north or south. There are buses that run daily, I would try to book at least 24 hours in advance. It’s an easy ride with incredible views.
Download the app marKoub.ma for bus transportation within Morocco. You can book directly and pay on the app. It worked great for my travels, otherwise the other bus company is CMT.
There are many great Riad’s here, I stayed at Casa Blue Star and I would recommend it 1000 times over. It’s absolutely stunning, clean, and has breath-taking views.
Pack as light as possible. The way to get to the Medina and Old Town is up hill and has MANY stairs. I broke a sweat lugging my huge suitcase and even had help from my friend, I regret not paying for a taxi. Just bring a small backpack or pay for the taxi. I promise it’s worth the money.
I would plan to stay for at least two nights here (or more if you are in search of peace and serenity). There are many nature sights and hiking trails near here, I just did not have time to explore outside of the city.
xx,
Sarah
This post and the color blue reminded me of my friend Aparna! She always aligns with this color blue and has shades of turquoise or blue in her hair whenever I see her. Oh, and she wears blue eyeliner and has a jellyfish tattoo for a sea connection! She recently started a surf hostel in Varkala for women, all themed around blue, the sea, and the ocean! I just sent her a text that your blog reminded me of her! A beautiful share, and thanks for giving me a lot of remembrance of blue and its people in my life, Sarah! <3
Wow I've never heard of Chefchaouen before. I haven't been to Morocco yet, but I believe it will be an epic trip when it happens. I'm going to have to add this city to the list. Thanks for sharing!