Chefchaouen Morocco, Mediterranean Morocco

Located on the horn of North Morocco, about 250 km north of one of Morocco’s imperial cities Fez, Chefchaouen is a bit out of the way of any conventional Morocco itinerary making it somewhat of a hidden blue gem. Set upon hills of a mountain with two jutting peaks, the distant view of Chefchaouen and its vibrant blue façade is a magical one.

The city of Chefchaouen began as a Kasbah built in 1471. As the Kasbah grew, it quickly became a center of activity for both the Moors and the Jewish population. Although it wasn’t always a blue city, the bright blue Medina and baby blue houses are what Chefchaouen has become known for around the world.

Chefchaouen is compact which means it can be easily explored on foot. The best way to explore this mystical city is to simply get lost amid its blue façade. You will be captivated with every alley, street, and Souk as you trek through this hilly city and will be hard-pressed to find a building you don’t want to photograph.

The first place to start with any tour of Chefchaouen is in its stark blue Medina. With its roads, buildings, and everything in between, painted a wonderfully vibrant blue, Chefchaouen’s Medina is one of the most colorful places on Earth. It’s easy to spend an entire day perusing the many stalls offering handbags, clothing, and fabrics.

If you’re keen on learning the extensive history of this unique city then heading to Kasbah Museum should be next. Here, you’ll learn about Chefchaouen’s history as a fort to stave off any Portuguese invaders.

Finally, you’ll want to head upwards towards the Spanish mosque which offers stunning panoramic views of Chefchaouen. The serene space is an important part of the cities spirituality and is worth taking the time to explore.