Chefchaouen: Highlights of the Blue City, Chefchaouen, Morocco
Chefchaouen, also known as Chaouen or Xaouen, is one of the most special places that I've ever visited. Located in the middle of the Rif Mountains, this town is well known worldwide thanks to the bright blue colour used to decorate its houses and streets.
However, its remote location and distance from other major cities or airports can make it difficult visit. Is Chefchaouen really worth the long drive across winding roads? Should you save some time during your time to Morocco for this hidden gem? Absolutely!
Chefchaouen is right in the heart of the Rif Mountains. It doesn't have a major airport nearby, so you'll probably need to travel from a different city if you want to visit this picturesque town. There are two common routes to get there:
Arrive from Tangier or Tetouan. Tangier is only 114km north of Chefchaouen, while Tetouan is located merely 70km away. When I visited, I decided to stop in Tetouan for a couple of days before continuing south, which made it a fairly quick journey. However, be warned, highways in Morocco are quite poor, and the fact that Chefchaouen is located up in the mountains makes the trip much longer than you'd expect considering the distance. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
However, its remote location and distance from other major cities or airports can make it difficult visit. Is Chefchaouen really worth the long drive across winding roads? Should you save some time during your time to Morocco for this hidden gem? Absolutely!
Chefchaouen is right in the heart of the Rif Mountains. It doesn't have a major airport nearby, so you'll probably need to travel from a different city if you want to visit this picturesque town. There are two common routes to get there:
Arrive from Tangier or Tetouan. Tangier is only 114km north of Chefchaouen, while Tetouan is located merely 70km away. When I visited, I decided to stop in Tetouan for a couple of days before continuing south, which made it a fairly quick journey. However, be warned, highways in Morocco are quite poor, and the fact that Chefchaouen is located up in the mountains makes the trip much longer than you'd expect considering the distance. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
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Sights Featured in This Article
Guide Name: Chefchaouen: Highlights of the Blue City
Guide Location: Morocco » Chefchaouen
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Alberto C.
Read it on Author's Website: https://www.arwtravels.com/blog/chefchaouen-highlights-blue-city
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Morocco » Chefchaouen
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Alberto C.
Read it on Author's Website: https://www.arwtravels.com/blog/chefchaouen-highlights-blue-city
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Fortress of the Kasbah
- Outa el-Hammam
- Great Mosque
Insider Tips for Chefchaouen, Morocco
Charming Chefchaouen
I wrote charming because....well....it rhymed. But more than charming I would say Chefchaouen is mesmerizing, or at least the medina or old town is. The entire medina is awash in vibrant blue colors that captures your attention and holds it as you round every corner. Chefchaouen, or Chaouen as most of the locals call it, is a city in the Rif Mountains of northwest Morocco. It lies about 60... view more
Morocco: Chefchaouen Guide
Chefchaouen was built in 1471 by Moulay el Ben Rashid ed Alami, a Moorish exile from Spain. It served as a refuge for Moriscos and Jews escaping the Spanish Inquisition and was also a stronghold against the Portuguese. It’s Jewish population painted the town blue during the 1930’s, possibly to control mosquitos, though the actual reason seems open to speculation.
A Second Trip to the Blue City
The air is cooler, and the atmosphere is much more relaxed. If you’re spending time in Morocco by way of Tangier or Fez, I’d highly recommend at least a one-night stop in this enchanting city. I’ve been lucky enough to visit twice.
One Day in Chefchaouen, Morocco’s Beautiful Blue City
Chefchaouen, the “blue pearl of Morocco,” is a small town in northwest Morocco, in the Rif Mountains. It’s known for its charming blue-washed buildings.
Despite Chefchaouen being a popular tourist town, the town still retains a laid-back authenticity. Or maybe it just felt that way because I was visiting there in the middle of February in the low season. But the experience was certainly... view more
Despite Chefchaouen being a popular tourist town, the town still retains a laid-back authenticity. Or maybe it just felt that way because I was visiting there in the middle of February in the low season. But the experience was certainly... view more
No Monday Blues Here!
If you’ve ever gone on Pinterest or Instagram, then you know about Morocco’s famous blue city, Chefchaouen, nicknamed the “blue pearl of Morocco.” The entirety of the small city is painted in vivid shades of blue, and, really, it has to be seen to be believed (because yes, it’s even more dazzling than Instagram makes it appear)! When it comes to Chefchaouen, Chaouen for short, it really... view more