The Blue Pearl of Morocco

Blurb 1: The name Chefchaouen means ‘horns of goat’ which are a reference to the two peaks that stand behind the city.

Blurb 2: The blue buildings of Chefchaouen are repainted after every two years to maintain their beauty.

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The majestic beauty of Morocco, regarded as the gateway to Africa, has now reopened for tourists. Fully vaccinated tourists from the US, UK and Canada can travel to this marvel without testing restrictions. The views and tourist spots of this beauty will surely not disappoint. One such must-visit spot in Morocco is Chefchaouen- “The Blue Pearl of Morocco”. With beautiful blue buildings and traditional neighbourhoods, this medina in Morocco is all set to welcome you with love.

Originally built as a fortress to be used against the Portuguese in their invasion, Chefchaouen was built in 1471. Since then, the city has served as a safe haven for Jewish refugees twice in its history. The main attraction of this city is the blue buildings that make it so dearly loved by the tourists. Interestingly, the blue paint on the buildings is a traditional practice that began in the 1930s to serve as a reminder of god and a reflection of the sky. Some stories say that blue keeps the mosquitoes away while some regard it as the colour of the sea. Whatever may be the reason behind it, Chefchaouen is a must-visit spot that should be included in your ‘places to visit list. To give you all the more reasons to visit Chefchaouen, we have a list of top tourist attractions here. So, pack your bags, and join us.

Cascades d’Akchour

Starting 30 minutes from the city centre, the Cascades d’Akchour will provide the visitors with all the natural freshness they need. A short wonderful walk leading to a stunning waterfall. Tourists can take a dip in the crystal-clear water and enjoy the staggering greenery of this place. Admiring these majestic waterfall and rock pools is one of the top favourite activities of the visitors. While exploring the area, you should also look for a rock arch over the river known as the Bridge of God.

Rif Mountain Hike

To get a better view of the town and to reminisce in nature, even more, a hike in the Rif Mountain is just perfect for the visitors. Spots from this hike give you beautiful panoramic views of the town that will surely make a great memory. The peaks of the Rif Mountain rise 6500 feet above the Mediterranean and is known for their amazing hiking route. You can even choose to try the two-day trek to the Talasemtane National Park for its pleasing sites.

Kasbah Museum

If you are interested in knowing the centuries of history of this remarkable town, don’t forget to visit the kasbah museum. This brilliant museum is located within the Andalusian Gardens in the centre of the medina. The museum is open to all the tourists who want to traverse through the unrivalled collection of artefacts kept inside this museum. Each of these artefacts tells a story about Chefchaouen that intrigues the visitors. The museum has stored everything from an antique pot to a musical instrument. Inside the museum, there is a small art gallery that showcases the talent of wonderful artists. To learn about the history and culture of this town, this museum is a must-visit spot.

Grand Mosque

Moroccan culture gives much importance to the mosques situated around the country. The same amount of significance is given to the Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen, which makes it a prominent tourist spot in the city. The unique octagonal minaret of this mosque leaves one mesmerized. The remarkable architecture dates back to the 15th century making it one of the most important buildings in Chefchaouen. The call to prayer can be heard 5 times a day, creating a cultural environment where you can enjoy the beauty of the city in peace.

Plaza Uta el-Hammam

This is the town square. With a lovely ambience, Plaza Uta el-Hammam is a fusion of Arab and Spanish influences. This fusion can be spotted from the fantastic food you eat to the traditional streets you walk on here. This is the central point of the town. You can visit this spot to simply dive into the beauty of Chefchaouen by admiring the majestic mountain view or get into some activity with the townspeople.

Shopping

Any trip is incomplete without shopping. Although shopping in Chefchaouen may not give you a similar feel as larger cities like Fes, Marrakech and Casablanca do, you can still find a variety of commodities here. So, after you are done roaming around the blue streets of this city, don’t forget to try some local shops and buy some traditional souvenirs. You can stroll at leisure and try on some locally produced leather products which are famous in Chefchaouen.