Chefchaouen, the Blue City

   Chefchaouen, the Blue City

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Chefchaouen: Chefchaouen, or Chaouen, is a city in the Rif Mountains of northwest Morocco and is relaxed compared to other Moroccan cities. The blue buildings are what attract travelers to the city, but it’s the laidback lifestyle and mountain backdrops that make them fall in love with it. It’s known for the striking, blue-washed buildings of its old town. Leather and weaving workshops line its steep cobbled lanes. I know you’re wondering why the city is in blue. Some people say the blue is to symbolize the sky (or heaven), others say it is for mosquito repellent, others say it is to keep them cool, to represent the color of water, to look nice, to attract tourists. Turning to history, Chefchaouen was built in the 15th century (the early 1400s), but it wasn’t until the 1900s that it was painted blue. During that time Morocco saw a large influx of Jews as the Second World War started. For the Jews, the color blue represents the sky, which reminded people of heaven and God. Nowadays the community continues to keep up the blue color of the city to preserve the legacy and heritage of its people and its past. The blue buildings are what attract travelers to the city, but it’s the laidback lifestyle and mountain backdrops that make them fall in love with it.

You can visit Chefchaouen from any of the major cities in Morocco. Taking a trip from Tangier to Chefchaouen is the most common and shortest route, roughly a two-hour ride through the beautiful Rif Mountains. You can also visit Chefchaouen from the major cities of Fez, Casablanca, or Marrakech, with it being the following distances respectively: a 3-4 hour drive trip from Fez to Chefchaouen, a 5-6 hour trip from Casablanca to Chefchaouen, and 6-8 hour trip from Marrakech to Chefchaouen. Chefchaouen can be explored on foot, although many roads are narrow and steep with lots of steps. Taxis are also available for moving around outside of the historic center.

The best time to visit Chefchaouen is from May to September when the weather is warm and the skies are clear. Chefchaouen doesn’t get as hot as other inland cities like Marrakesh or Fez, so summertime isn’t quite as brutal.

Moroccan Arabic is the language spoken by locals, but because of tourism, many residents can converse at least partially in English, Spanish, and French. The currency used is the Moroccan dirham. Market stalls and local eateries may not accept credit cards, so definitely carry cash with you (ATMs are available in the city).

BEST THINGS TO DO IN :

Watch the sunrise over the Rif mountains: The sun rising and peaking through the surrounding mountain is a beautiful sight to catch in Chefchaouen. A lot of the hotels have rooftop terraces so if your’s faces the right direction, you are in for a treat!

Get lost in the Medina: The medina here is not only a striking visual smorgasbord but a haven for shoppers. You’ll find handcrafted goods not available anywhere else in Morocco alongside your usual medina finds. Hand-crafted pottery, lanterns, tagines, fabrics, and candles are all abounded. Great prices and a fun haggle, but don't forget these people have families to feed too!

Plaza Uta El Hamman: The heart of Chefchaouen Medina, Plaza Uta El Hammam, is the perfect place to sit, relax, and watch the village life go by. The shaded squared is lined up with cafes and restaurants, serving pretty much all the same decent Morocco food. We had breakfast there once, and it was a great place to see the town come to life.

Visit the Kasbah and the Clock Tower: The small Kasbah of Chefchaouen dates back to the 15th century and was built under the supervision of the town’s founder Moulay Ali Ben Ben Rachid. Within the wall of the Kasbah, you can visit a small ethnographic museum, a tiny art gallery and a pretty Andalucian style garden. Climb up the Clock Tower for some delightful views over the village and the surrounding mountains. The entrance of the Kasbah is located on Plaza Uta El Hamman.

Shop local crafts: Chefchaouen is also well known for being a center of handicraft and as such is a great place to do a little bit of shopping. The area is particularly well-known for wool blankets and Berber carpets but you can also find a lot of straw baskets, leather bags, spices, etc. The great thing about shopping in Chefchaouen is that the shop owners are not aggressive and the haggle is gentle and fun. For a wide range of carpets go to Local Berbere Artisanal located here. For something more original, visit La Botica de la Abuela Aladdin, a shop selling all sorts of natural soaps, perfume, oils, etc. Read more

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About Md. Sajedul islam

Hi everyone, my name is Md. Sajedul Islam, I am the Chief Exclusive Officer (CEO) of Righteously Tours & Travel Agency. I am a citizen of Bangladesh. 'Trips Advice' is a branch of Righteously Tours & Travel Agency. 'Trips Advice' provides the world's best travel guide to destinations, tourist attractions, and places of interest. Comprehensive guide to the world's best travel destinations Available in English, German, French and Spanish versions, RTT provides detailed and accurate travel content designed to inspire world travelers. Travel dates back to ancient times when wealthy Greeks and Romans traveled to their summer homes and villas in cities such as Pompeii and Baie for retirement. Although early travel was slower, more dangerous, and tended to be more dominated by trade and immigration, cultural and technological advances over the years meant that travel became easier and more accessible.