One Day in Chefchaouen, Morocco’s Beautiful Blue City, Chefchaouen, Morocco

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.

The name Chefchaouen means ‘Look at the horns”- a reference to the twin mountain peaks that tower over this hillside town. The locals call it Chaouen, but for most travellers to Morocco, it’s simply known as “The Blue City.”

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 more relaxed than what you’ll likely experience in Marrakech or Fes.

In 1471, Moulay Ali Ben Moussa founded the town of Chefchaouen. The town began as a small fortress to fight off the Portuguese invasions of Morocco. The Ghomara tribes, Moriscos, and Jewish immigrants settled there after the 1492 Spanish Reconquista.

Centuries later, in 1920, Spain took control of Chefchaouen, and the town became part of Spanish Morocco until 1956, when Morocco gained independence.

Set off early to roam the streets, and you have the place to yourself before the day trippers arrive. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).