When it comes to the "Blue City", many travelers may think of Jodhpur, which is often called the "Blue City of India". However, today we will introduce you to another blue city, which may not be as big as Jodhpur, but it is just as beautiful and has an equally long history.

Chefchaouen: A Historic Haven in the Rif Mountains

Nestled in the Rif Mountains of northeastern Morocco lies the enchanting town of Chefchaouen. Founded in 1471 as a refuge for exiled Moors and Jews from Spain, Chefchaouen boasts a rich history and a unique cultural heritage.

The city's distinctive feature is its buildings, painted in a soft blue hue, and the vibrant colors adorning the doors. According to local lore, residents began painting their homes blue in the 1930s to honor the city's patron deity.

Today, we will take our friends on a walking tour of Chefchaouen… Is one day enough? Absolutely!

How we got here: My family and I visited during March, when the weather was relatively cool and there was a lot of fog in the mornings. We hired a car from Fes and drove ourselves. Normally, the drive from Fes to Chefchaouen takes about four hours, but there were so many interesting places to stop along the way that we had to extend our journey a little.

On our way, we stopped to visit the cities of Meknes, Moulay Idriss, and Volubilis. By the time we reached Chefchaouen, it was already nightfall, so we decided to spend the night at a small hotel called Dar Elrios. The next morning, we checked out and went for a walk around the city.

The hotel we stayed in was clean and conveniently located near Place Uta el-Hamam (pictured below), the city's central square. A leisurely five-minute walk was all it took to reach the square.

At Place Uta el-Hamam, there are numerous small shops and restaurants... For us, this square is the best starting point for exploring the city of Chefchaouen.

4 Must-See Places

The first stop is the Kasbah Museum (open Wednesday-Monday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM, closed Tuesday), located west of the Place Uta el-Hammam. This former fortress has been restored as a museum, housing a collection of artifacts and local artwork from Chefchaouen.

Afterward, it is recommended to visit the Medina (Old Town) and the Quartier Al-Andalus district, where the houses are painted in alternating white and blue colors. The front doors of each house have different shapes and patterns, making it a truly charming neighborhood.

Another place worth visiting is the Fondouk, an old hotel built to accommodate merchants traveling from abroad. Today, it is open to the public for free and is located on the corner of Place Uta el-Hammam and Quartier Al-Andalus.

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We stopped for lunch at Casa Aladin (address: 26 Rue Targi; phone: +212 665-406464; hours: 10-23), a small four-story building located on a hill just off Place Uta el-Hamam. The top floor offers excellent views of the central square.

After finishing our meal, we took a short stroll through the shops selling trinkets before catching a ride back to Fes. As we drove out of town, we came across a parking lot (coordinates: 35.160808, -5.262053) where visitors could stop and capture stunning panoramic views of Chefchaouen.

How did it come about?

Chefchaouen lacks a train station, necessitating travel by bus or taxi. Most tourists arrive from Fes (approximately 4 hours by car) or Tangier (2-3 hours). Buses from Fes also stop in Meknes, offering a convenient stop for those wishing to explore nearby towns like Moulay Idriss and Volubilis before continuing to Chefchaouen.

Parking in Chefchaouen can be challenging due to the steep hills and narrow streets. If you are driving yourself, it is recommended to park your car at the Hotel Parador, which offers convenient parking options.

. . .

Our three-person family's two-week travelogue through Morocco is available here: Morocco Archives

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