Chefchaouen is a town in the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco, known across the country as the Blue City for the blue-washed buildings that climb its hillsides. Visitors often call it the Blue Pearl too. Its streets and walls, painted in many shades of blue, give the old quarter a calm, otherworldly look that draws photographers and slow-paced travellers alike.
What the visit is like
The town suits a relaxed visit rather than a checklist of sights. Much of the pleasure lies in wandering the medina, where the lanes twist uphill and the light changes from one corner to the next. Photography is a clear draw here, as the blue surfaces and small details of doorways and plant pots make for striking frames at almost any hour.
Traditional handicrafts are part of the local life. Stalls and workshops in the medina offer goods made by hand, and browsing them is a good way to get a feel for the town's everyday economy.
Around the town
Chefchaouen also works well as a base for the surrounding landscape. It is described as a gateway to hiking trails in the Rif Mountains, so travellers who enjoy walking can use the town as a starting point and return to its quiet streets in the evening.
- Walk the medina on foot, letting the lanes lead you without a fixed plan.
- Take photographs of the blue walls and rooftops, ideally at a slower pace.
- Look for handmade crafts sold in the old quarter.
- Set out on the mountain trails that begin near town.
Because the town is small and walkable, a visit can fit comfortably into a few days, whether you spend them in the medina or in the hills beyond it. Anyone deciding whether to go will find Chefchaouen best suited to those who want atmosphere, scenery and time to take it all in.
