Morocco’s Chefchaouen is as unique as it is beautiful. Tucked between peaks of the marijuana-laden Rif Mountains, the village crawls (often times, steeply) up a hillside and treats visitors to the land of one-thousand welcomes.
But, there is more to the town than the warm hospitality and Moroccan culinary delicacies like the delightfully colorful and flavorful Berber dishes of tagine, raisin-topped couscous, and cup fulls of sweet mint tea — there is the city itself which easily reaches its way into the hearts of travelers from every corner of the world.
Located in the northwest of the country, Chefchaouen is quite possibly the most photogenic place I have ever visited. Here, buildings are two-tone, powder blue on the bottom, white on the top.
Accents on buildings are an array of turquoise and aqua.
In some areas, even the white looks blue, thanks to the intense coloring and reflection of the bright azure shades.
Some say the blue is painted on the white-washed buildings to keep the mosquitoes and flies out; others reason the painted walls are rooted in the Jewish history of the town.
Aside from the walls (and marijuana/hash/kief), Chefchaouen is also known for its shopping.
It’s nearly impossible to not stop and stare at the bright pops of leather goods, hand-woven rugs, clothing and more on display.
You never know what you will find.
There is definitely something extremely magical and surreal about wandering through the medina of Chefchaouen. The bursts of vines hanging overhead. The quaint cafes serving food that is just as colorful as the shop displays. The fresh air. The welcomes. The blue tint of the skin by day and the stars sparkling overhead at night. Unlike Marrakesh, Fez and other major cities, Chefchaouen bursts with a character and a true beauty I’ve never seen before.
Getting there:
From Tangier, hop on the bus to Chefchaouen. Take note: Chefchaouen is built on a hill. For those carting large luggage, particularly luggage with wheels, you would do better to take a cab from the bus stop up to the medina. For those who opt to walk, god speed. It just looks vicious.
D Travels 'Round 
Makes me want to head there to do some shopping!
LikeLike
Yes!! I got a great pair of fuschia sandals while I was there and a beautiful scarf.
LikeLike
The colors in that first photo are amazing!
LikeLike
Beautiful, I’ve been dreaming of Morocco for ages, can’t wait to go!
LikeLike
Go!!!
LikeLike
Beautiful, colourful photos, Diana! Chefchaouen looks very tempting.
LikeLike
Thank you, Sophie! It is truly a beautiful and charming city!
LikeLike
I really want to go here, it looks so pretty with all those blue buildings!
LikeLike
It’s gorgeous, Ali!
LikeLike
Love everything you said about this town. I arrived straight from Spain and thought I would only spend two days there… um I spent 8. I never wanted to leave. This is one of the most magical towns in the world… the winding streets and million shades of blue is just amazing. I loved that it was sleepy and everyone was so nice.
LikeLike
Wow, you spent eight days?!? I would LOVE to go back and do that. I was there for a quick visit, as I had a lot of Morocco to cram into one week. Next time, I want to spend more time here and Essouaria (sp?).
LikeLike
Absolutely beautiful. I can’t wait to visit Morocco.
LikeLike
Let me know if you need any tips!!
LikeLike
So bummed we didn’t have the time to make it here when we were in Maroc. It looks beautiful.
LikeLike
Next time! I bet your photos would be spectacular!
LikeLike
Ahhh – one of my favorite stops in Morocco – such a beautiful town bathed in blue!
LikeLike
It is definitely one of my favorite places! Especially as the sun sets!!
LikeLike
I’m now totally intrigued by this place. My freiend and I were just pondering the other day where in Moracco I should go and I think this might just be it. The steep hill climb would probably be part of the adventure, no? I love the colors!
LikeLike
It is definitely a must in Morocco! As for the hill, I had no desire to do it, but yes, could be part of the adventure!
LikeLike
What attractive pictures. I loved the blue and white contrast all over the islands in Gtreece, so I am sure I would like this as well. It does seem somehow wrong to have a black and white pic in the middle of a place with so much color, though.
LikeLike
Thank you! I wanted to have one B&W pic, just because I think the city is gorgeous in both. 🙂
LikeLike
The amount of color never ceases to amaze me. From food to clothing to buildings. Fantastic!
LikeLike
I loved it there!!
LikeLike
We’ve heard so much about Morocco lately. We’ll definitely have to add Chefchaouen to our list!
LikeLike
Definitely … it was my favorite place in Morocco. So vibrant. Such lovely people. Worth the bus ride, for sure!
LikeLike
Makes me feel so … blue!
LikeLike
Haha! Yes 🙂
LikeLike
I love that you used the photo from Chefchaouen for your header, ha! I loved Chaouen, it was so photogenic. I did brave my way up and down that hill from the bus station — it’s not that bad depending how heavy your bag is!
LikeLike
My bag was super heavy!!! Chefcahouen is amazing!!
LikeLike
I am planning to visit Morocco this year. Chefchaouen is def on my list. I have 8 days off and I have seen many traveler’s blog about Morocco. As you mentioned on your article, we can go by bus from Tangier. How long it takes? I am coming in and out of Casablanca. Thank you
LikeLike
Hi Ade, it takes a couple of hours from Tangier. Maybe three? I don’t know how far it is from Casablanca. Safe travels and enjoy!!
LikeLike
Hey Diana, thanks for sharing. We are going in November, is two nights enough? Are there hiking/outdoor things to do?
LikeLike
Hi, I think it is, but you may want to stay longer if you want to hike, etc. You will need to consult your guidebook for hikes, but there are def walks, etc. within the area.
LikeLike
Awesome. Thanks Diana!
LikeLike