Blue Streets and Beyond: Your Ultimate Chefchaouen Guide
Exploring the Blue Gem: Things to Do in Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen, commonly referred to as the Chefchaouen Blue City of Morocco, is a stunning location that lies in the mountains of Rif. Chefchaouen, with its beautiful nightlife, colorful houses, and sweet nature, is one of the places that every tourist has to visit who is in search of culture, photography, and rest.
A visit to the medina is like taking a journey to another universe. Every street is covered with blue, which brings the feeling of tranquility and enchantment. There are various things to do in Chefchaouen, from shopping for art to taking a nap in a tranquil café. With so many attractions, the city offers excellent opportunities for Chefchaouen sightseeing, making it a must-visit destination in Morocco.
The top number of activities one can do in Chefchaouen are:
- Wandering the Blue Streets:
Do not rush and take your time to discover the curved alleys, painted doors, and colored walls which nicknamed the Chefchaouen the Blue Pearl.
- Going to Plaza Uta el-Hammam:
This busy square is the center of the city. It is the best place for observing people and for tasting the traditional Moroccan food.
- The Kasbah Museum:
Here you can get to know the history of the city and also get to see the gardens of the fortress from a point that gives you an overview of the city.
- Rif Mountains Hiking:
The nature lovers will not be disappointed, as the trails around Chefchaouen will take them to the places with the most stunning views and to the well-known Akchour waterfalls.
- Buying Local Crafts:
The city is popular for its produced wool blankets, leather items, pottery too; thus, Chefchaouen is a good spot to purchase genuine gifts.
Exploring the Blue Streets and Chefchaouen sightseeing
What makes Chefchaouen Blue City unmissable is how it merges into a dreamland with its blue streets and alleys.
The old medina is tiny and circumscribed, a twisting pathways of alleys left to be traversed. Occasionally, the entire scene pauses to seize a moment in vivid color, showcasing everything from decorated doors to hidden gardens filled with fantastical and inventive elements a perfect reflection of the charm and beauty that make Chefchaouen so unforgettable and a highlight of Morocco tours
Few spots in Chefchaouen that can't be skipped:
- The Museum and Ethnographic Center of Chefchaouen:
The museum is housed in the medina next to Ras el Ma. Many examples of traditional clothing and local crafts are displayed here, along with historical information on the Rif region.
- Ras el Maa Waterfall:
Located on the edge of the medina, this is an idyllic place to relax and witness the beauty of nature.
- Spanish Mosque:
Walk only a bit far (usually about a 30-minute hike) up a hill from Chefchaouen to reach this view offering a 360-degree panorama having the most beautiful views, particularly when the sun sets.
- Local Bazaars (or Souks):
Experience colorful markets with heaps of spices, textiles, and handicrafts, most probably handcrafted right before your eyes. Oh, your bargaining skills are such pure fun!
In Chefchaouen, culture is ideally maintained as well. Walking through the medina offers an authentic local experience, thanks to the friendly residents and the classic Moroccan architecture. History, color, and mountainous backdrop combine for a most original ambiance, often described by visitors as magical.
Chefchaouen Essentials: Where to Stay, Dine, and Sightseen
To make the most of your visit, planning your stay, meals, and sightseeing is essential.
Where to stay
Riads and guesthouses: Nestled inside the medina, these accommodations offer traditional Moroccan designs, from cozy to another full local experience.
Boutique Hotels: A few have rooftop terraces that offer stunning mountain views while providing the perfect spot to watch the vigorous view of the sunrise and sunset over this quaint town.
Where to eat
Highly recommended for those who are strict traditional cuisines lovers are great traditional local dishes, such as tagine, couscous, and harira soup.
Sit in a café overlooking Plaza Uta el Hammam and enjoy a refreshing cup of mint tea and some snacks to fuel you on.
Sightseeing Tips
- Walking around early, before the crowds fill the streets, adds to the charm.
- In hot weather, wear proper walking shoes because the alleys can be uneven underfoot.
- Don't miss the wonderful view from the Spanish Mosque at sunset, or from the surrounding hills.
Chefchaouen is where you get a feast of mixed cultures, nature, and history. Starting from rambling through the ever so blue walled alleys or trekking in the Rif Mountains to sample authentic local Moroccan foods and crafts, there is always ample to take in for everyone. Proper planning lets you relish all the city has to offer, making your stay unforgettable.
