Visit Chefchaouen
The world's only
blue town
Background
Chefchaouen is a gorgeous mountain city in northeastern Morocco. It's no wonder that tourists flock here — this humble town is the embodiment of Morocco. The picturesque medina, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Rif Mountains, is filled with white-washed homes with distinctive, powder-blue accents, and the call to prayer rings out of several mosques around the town in chorus. If you've got a few days to relax from the rigors of travel, this is a good place to do it.
Chefchaouen is a popular shopping destination as well, as it offers many native handicrafts that are not available elsewhere in Morocco, such as wool garments and woven blankets. The goat cheese native to the area is also popular with tourists.
Attractions
Eat
The local specialty is baissara, but you'll also find the usual staples such as tajine (vegetable stew with goat or sheep), harira (tomato soup), kofte (meatballs) and tagras (fish). The Salada Marroqui is a salad of cucumber and tomatoes, while salada variada includes eggs. The region is also well known for olives and olive oil, and for goat cheese, which is sold on display in various shops.
We recommend...Assadaa: This little restaurant occupies both sides of the street, with tables on the road, under a tree, and on a roof terrace. Nice tajine and great cheese salad. lunch for 50Dh, all included. Read Reviews
Granada: Great fish tajine, great couscous. Open for 30+ years with a super friendly owner/chef! Mains ~ 25 Dh. Read Reviews
See all restaurantsSleep
Accommodation can be tight in the peak periods (mid-July to September) so it's advisable to arrive early or book ahead in these periods. A stroll through the medina will reveal dozens of cheap hotels, starting from Dh 40 per night for a single. Many of these hotels have roof terraces.
We recommend...for travelers on a budget
Riad Baraka: A wonderful guesthouse, very tastefully decorated and friendly. Good WiFi. Book exchange. A truly amazing rooftop terrace with amazing views over the town. English owner is helpful with organising day trips and has good local knowledge. Read reviews
for those with money to spendLina Riad & Spa: Surrounded by magnificent cerulean mountains and nestled in the heart of the medina, this luxurious riad enjoys a privileged position in one of Morocco's most unique destinations. Many of the bright and spacious suites enjoy views of the surrounding peaks and the bustling medina. Read reviews
See all hotelsHistory
The city was founded as a small fortress by Moulay Ali Ben Moussa Ben Rached El Alami to fight the Portuguese invasions of northern Morocco. Along with the Ghomara tribes of the region, many Moriscos and Jews settled here in medieval times.
The Spanish seized Chefchaouen to form part of Spanish Morocco. Spanish troops imprisoned Abd el-Krim in the kasbah from 1916 to 1917, after he talked with the German consul Dr. Walter Zechlin.
Spain returned the city after Morocco's independence.