‘I went to a city where every house is painted blue – it felt like a dream’ | Travel News | Travel

While travelling through Morocco, I heard rumours of a beautiful mountain city with wildly photogenic blue-washed walls and narrow streets that had become a magnet for photographers and social media-savvy travellers.

And, by all accounts, it was full of cats. Needless to say, that was me sold. Located high up in the scenic Rif Mountains, this Blue-hued city is Chefchaouen – Morocco’s ‘Blue Pearl.’

With its pretty, maze-like streets and vibrant hues, this charming city feels like stepping into a technicolour fever dream.

As a freelance travel journalist and host of the Travel Goals Podcast, I’m incredibly fortunate to travel to many curious and unique places worldwide. I can rarely resist visiting somewhere new, so I packed my bags to discover the bluest city in the world.

After exploring the “Blue Pearl”, here’s why it should be on your travel bucket list.

History is everywhere

Chefchaouen’s history is as rich and colourful as its buildings. The town was founded in 1471 by Moulay Ali Ben Moussa Ben Rached El Alami, primarily a fortress to protect northern Morocco from Portuguese invasions.

Over the centuries, it has evolved into a dynamic cultural mix, blending Andalusian, Jewish, and Berber influences. This confluence of cultures is evident in the town’s architecture, traditions, and food.

The most distinctive feature of Chefchaouen is undoubtedly its bright blue buildings and alleyways.

Theories abound about why the town is painted blue. During my visit, I spoke to several local cafe owners and residents, and one popular belief is that Jewish refugees who settled here in the 1930s introduced blue paint, symbolizing the sky and heaven, to remind them of God and instil a sense of serenity.

Others speculate that the blue colour repels mosquitoes or helps keep buildings cool during the hot Moroccan summers.

Regardless of the reason, the dreamy blue streets have become a well-known and enchanting aspect of the town, drawing photographers and travellers from across the globe eager to get colourful snaps.

Part of my job in travel journalism involves taking photos for articles and sharing them on my Instagram, so I was excited to get out and snap lots of gorgeous pictures of Chefchaouen.

However, I was less thrilled by the thought of waiting to take my shot behind swarms of TikTokkers performing lip-synch dance routines and having multiple outfit changes.

Luckily, I had decided to stay in Chefchaouen for several days. This meant that after all the selfie stick day trippers had left, I could wander the relatively quiet streets, taking snaps and awkwardly posing awkwardly for my own photos with no one else around.

If you refuse to queue for photos like me, stay a few nights in Chefchaouen to avoid the busy daytime crowds. Wander around at golden hour to get enviable pictures of Place El Haouta, the Arch and the Triple Doors.

Don’t just focus on wide shots of the city’s blue buildings. Zoom in on the details—the intricate doors, the colourful market textiles, and the small, charming courtyards. These small features tell the story of Chefchaouen’s rich culture and history.

Always ask for permission before photographing people, and be mindful of private spaces; you don’t want to be a nuisance tourist.

Get Lost in the Chefchaouen Medina

Meandering through Chefchaouen’s low-key Medina is a real treat. You’ll stumble across small shops, cafes, and lots of cats!

The old town is a labyrinth of narrow, winding alleys, each turn revealing a new shade of blue and a slice of local Moroccan life.

The architecture, primarily preserved from the 15th century, features whitewashed buildings with blue accents, creating a picturesque and laid-back atmosphere.

Like most Moroccan Medinas, it’s filled with artisan shops, cafes, and colourful markets where locals sell traditional local goods such as woven blankets, leather products, and spice.

At the heart of the Medina lies the vibrant Outa el-Hammam square. This lively hub is lined with cafes and restaurants, where you can sit under mulberry trees, sip on mint tea, and dreamily watch the world go by.

The square is also home to the Kasbah Museum, housed in a restored 18th-century fortress. Here, you can learn about the town’s history and admire traditional Moroccan architecture.

See the Cascades d’Akchour

While visiting Morocco’s Blue City, make sure that you take a brief taxi ride outside of town, about 30 minutes. There is a scenic walking trail where you will find waterfalls with waters just as blue as the walls in Chefchaouen.

You can swim in the rock pools or simply sit and watch the majestic falls. While there, don’t miss the Bridge of God, a magnificent stone archway over the river.

Go for a Hike in the Rif Mountains

If you enjoy hiking like me, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to explore the Rif mountains, where you will find some of Africa’s most beautiful hiking trails.

A popular trek is to the Spanish Mosque, perched on a hilltop overlooking the town.

The 45-minute hike is rewarded with panoramic views of Chefchaouen’s blue rooftops and the surrounding landscape. Another must-visit is the Cascades d’Akchour, a stunning series of waterfalls perfect for a refreshing dip after a scenic hike.

Eat local food 

Foodies will find plenty to love in Chefchaouen. The local cuisine is a fantastic blend of rich Moroccan flavours, with dishes like tagine, couscous, and kefta (spiced meatballs) taking centre stage, along with freshly squeezed orange juice.

Chefchaouen’s dining scene is as vibrant as its blue streets, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary Moroccan cuisine. Restaurant Casa Aladdin is a top choice, featuring delicious traditional dishes and gorgeous panoramic views from its rooftop terrace. Its charming Arabian décor enhances its appeal, making it a must-visit spot in the city.

Cafe Clock Chefchaouen offers a relaxed atmosphere and an innovative menu, including its famous camel burger. It also hosts cultural events and cooking classes.

In the heart of the Medina, Bab Ssour provides an authentic Moroccan dining experience with generous portions and a cosy atmosphere. It serves traditional dishes like Harira, cheese omelettes, and tagines.

For an upscale dining experience, El Kasbah Restaurant offers indoor and rooftop dining with a menu featuring vegetable couscous and tagines.

Perched atop the kasbah, La Lampe Magique offers 360-degree views of the Medina and serves traditional Moroccan dishes in an Arabian Nights-themed setting.

Vegetarians will love Dar Com, which offers a variety of veggie dishes, such as Moroccan salads and couscous, in a romantic, artisanal setting.

The journey is an adventure

Reaching Chefchaouen begins with a journey through the scenic landscapes of northern Morocco. Located in the Rif Mountains, this blue-painted town can be accessed via several routes, each offering unique vistas.

The town is not served by trains or major airports, so most visitors from nearby cities like Tangier or Tetouan arrive by bus, taxi, private car or organised tour.

Travelling by bus is a cheap and convenient way to reach the blue city. From Tangier, it’s a 2.5-hour ride, and CTM buses provide regular services.

For those coming from Fes, the bus ride takes about 4 hours and winds through picturesque landscapes.

You can also visit Chefchaouen via an organized group tour with Intrepid Travel. Intrepid Travel’s Morocco Tours offer a seamless way to explore Morocco, with several guided tours that include a stop at the blue city of Chefchaouen.

These tours provide a well-rounded experience, covering significant attractions and hidden gems with expert guides. They are a hassle-free way to enjoy Morocco’s rich culture, history, and scenic beauty while making new friends and enjoying a structured itinerary.