5x the best things to do in Chefchaouen

One of our favorite destinations in Morocco was Chefchaouen. This is a small mountain town located in the Rif Mountains of Morocco, also known as the ‘Blue Pearl’ of Morocco. Chefchaouen is famous for its striking blue-painted buildings, making it a popular destination for photographers and travelers alike. Give yourself a day or two to fully enjoy this charming town. In this blog post, we will take you on a day trip to Chefchaouen and explore the city’s unique features, history, and things to do.

Why is chefchaouen painted blue?

First things first, why is Chefchaouen painted blue? About a 100 years ago, Jewish immigrants painted the houses in Chefchaouen blue. However, today it seems to be a mystery why they did so! There are several theories about why Chefchaouen is blue. Some say the blue color was used to repel mosquitos, others believe that the blue color keeps the buildings cool during the hot summer months. However, the most popular theories is that the buildings were painted blue to symbolize the sky and heaven, as a reminder to live a spiritual life.

Whatever the reason is behind the blue color, it has become an iconic feature of Chefchaouen, drawing visitors from all over the world who are captivated by the town’s charming aesthetic.

What to do in Chefchaouen?

1. Get lost in the maze of streets

A walk through the blue-washed alleys of Chefchaouen is a magical experience. Compared to the many busy and chaotic cities of Morocco, such as Marrakesh and Fez, Chefchaouen is a much more peaceful destination. You can spend hours wandering through the town’s blue alleys, taking in the beautiful colours and architecture, seeing something new at every corner.

💡 Tip: Wear comfortable shoes: The town is built on a hillside and the alleys can be steep and uneven, so comfortable shoes are a must to navigate the town’s narrow streets and stairs.

2. Take pictures, but be respectful!

Chefchaouen is an incredibly Instagrammable destination, with its blue-painted buildings, colorful souk, and picturesque alleyways. The town’s unique aesthetic has made it a popular location for travel photographers and Instagram influencers looking to capture the perfect shot.

To capture photos without crowds, it’s best to explore the streets before 9 am. Chefchaouen typically wakes up around 10 am, allowing you to roam its alleys mostly alone, aside from the occasional cat.

However, do realise that the blue-painted houses are not just for aesthetic purposes, but are actual homes where locals live. To ensure that you’re being respectful, it’s important to refrain from entering any private property or taking photos of people without their permission.

Additionally, some popular spots in Chefchaouen, such as doorways, may require a small fee to be paid to the homeowner before you can take a photo. It’s important to be aware of this and to respect the homeowner’s wishes if they do not want their property photographed.

3. Shopping in the Medina and Souk

The medina and souk (market) of Chefchaouen are a maze of narrow alleys filled with artisan workshops, and street vendors. The souk is open on Mondays and Thursdays, and is a great place to bargain with the local merchants. Here you can find a wide range of Moroccan handicrafts, such as pottery, rugs, leather goods, and silver jewelry. Also, make sure to try some local Moroccan delicacies such as goat cheese, and pastries.

4. Discovering the Kasbah

The Kasbah of Chefchaouen is a fortress built in the 18th century to defend the town against the Spanish invaders. The Kasbah’s walls are decorated with intricate mosaic patterns and calligraphy, and the courtyard features a beautiful garden and fountain. The Kasbah now houses a museum of local history and culture, where you can learn about the town’s past and present.

💡Tip: Looking for a spot to lunch with a view of the Kasbah? Head to Chez Hicham, a restaurant with a sunny rooftop terrace. A perfect place to rest after exploring!

5. Hike in the Rif Mountains

One of the best things to do in Chefchaouen is to hike in the surrounding Rif Mountains. You can hike to the Spanish Mosque which offers panoramic views of the town and the mountains, and it is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the fresh mountain air. The view is especially beautiful during sunset, so be sure to start hiking on time!