Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen (Overview)

Chefchaouen or as we Moroccans like to call it “Chaouen”, the blue city of Morocco is a fairy tale destination. The walls are painted a vibrant blue and the streets are filled with friendly people, who often stop to chat with you as you walk through. It’s easy to see how this place has become so popular: it’s a joyous place where everyone seems happy and content.

The best thing about Chaouen is that it’s different from any other city in Morocco. The colors that make up the walls of this town are bright and cheerful, yet still respectful of the desert climate. The buildings are made from sandstone and clay, which helps them blend into the landscape without looking out of place.

About Chefchaouen

If you have not visited Chaouen yet, there is no better time than now. This quaint Moroccan city is a stunning destination, which fills travelers with joy and contentment. Located in northern Morocco, the picturesque blue city overlooks the Rif Mountains.

The streets are painted a vibrant blue, and the entire city seems to sparkle beneath the bright sunlight. The relaxed atmosphere in this town leaves visitors feeling relaxed, and they often stop to chat with one another on the streets.

From vibrant markets filled with food vendors to local restaurants where families gather to eat delicious Moroccan meals made with fresh ingredients, Chaouen certainly leaves an impression that lasts long after its visitors leave.

All You Need To Know About Chefchaouen Before Traveling To Morocco - Quick Morocco

Chefchaouen Highlights

The lovely Blue Pearl of Morocco is more than just a pretty face; it is bubbling with attractions. It has a rich history. The indisputable Medina, with its famous narrow winding alleys, provides an opportunity to mingle with the locals and smell and taste delights ranging from freshly baked bread to expertly prepared tagines.

There’s also the Kasbah, which stands in the heart of the old quarter: its lush gardens are a haven of freshness in the heart of the city. Its museum, which houses a collection of old weapons, city photos, and textiles, is a must-see.

Chaouen, with its unique geographical location, is a walker’s paradise. The paths of the surrounding mountains provide enjoyable hiking opportunities. As you walk through the Rif mountain range, you’ll discover a new side of Morocco.

Make the most of your stay in the picture-perfect Blue city!

Chefchaouen's Location On Map

Chaouen, located in northern Morocco, is a bustling city that overlooks the Rif Mountains. This charming city is filled with winding alleyways and colorful murals on buildings. It is also famous for its colorful souks—marketplaces where you can find anything from spices to souvenirs to clothes.

The town has a great deal of history behind it as well. According to legend, Chaouen was founded by refugees from Granada, who had fled after being expelled from their home country by Ferdinand II of Spain (1452-1516). These refugees built their homes in an area called El Djoum where they could rest and shelter from the elements until they could return home safely.

Best Time To Visit

Morocco is a great destination for year-round travel, and Chaouen is one of the most beautiful cities in the country. It’s a perfect place to visit any time of year.

So What are you waiting for?! Pack your bags and book a flight. We will be happy to make your dream vacation happen.

When you’re ready to travel to Morocco, we have just the right itineraries for you! With some of our favorite places to visit in this beautiful country.

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FAQs

Chefchaouen, or chaouen, was founded in the 15th century (early 1400s), although it wasn't painted blue until the 1900s. As the Second World War began, Morocco had a massive migration of Jews. For Jews, blue signifies the sky, which reminded them of heaven and God.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's blue city, is a truly magical destination. It's well worth visiting on your vacation to Morocco, whether you stay in town and stroll through its painted periwinkle lanes or walk to its waterfall or the viewpoint over the skyline.

Chaouen is nicknamed as Morocco's "Blue Pearl" due of its beautiful blue buildings and streets. People have been wondering why Jewish immigrants painted their houses blue for years. This mystique lends the city its fascination and contributes to its long-standing popularity as a tourist attraction.

Apart from Moroccan Arabic, Spanish is significantly more popular in these areas, which include Tetouan, Chaouen, Tangier in the north and Sidi Ifni in the south. The Spanish had a major impact on these places, not least through their language.

Many tourists who have visited the city before will go about their day at a steady and pleasant pace, refusing to speed up even when night falls and wraps the whole city in darkness. It appears that there is basically zero crime, and the safety is nearly unprecedented.

Chaouen is a small town with only two days to view the main attractions. However, because many people come here to relax in one of the hammams or stroll in the neighboring mountains, you may wish to plan ahead of time.

Chaouen is one of the few towns in Morocco and North Africa in which you can drink the tap water. It's as natural and pure as the surrounding scenery. It comes pouring down from the mountains, so almost nothing has a chance to contaminate it.

Tetouan (TTU) Airport is the closest airport to Chaouen, located 46.3 kilometers away. Tangier (TNG) (85.6 km) and Fes (FEZ) are two more nearby airports (140.1 km).

Plaza Uta El-Hammam in the heart of Chaouen's historic medina is a lovely area to spend the nights. The square is surrounded by restaurants and small cafés where you may have a classic Moroccan cuisine or tea while soaking in the local vibe.

Yes, if you decide to do your trip at your own pace, you could rent a vehicle and drive yourself to Chaouen or any other city. it is 100% safe to drive in Morocco, just watch out of the bumpy roads! we have a lot! lol

I'd bring pastels, whites, or anything else that would contrast wonderfully with the light blue hue. And, because Chefchaouen is a fairly conservative Moroccan town, dress modestly, even in the heat of July.

To go from Marrakech to Chaouen, take the 08h20 train to Souk El Arbaa (first class is usually 300 dirhams (including Supratours bus to Chefchaouen) / switch trains at Casablanca Voyageurs). The arrival time at Chefchaouen is 19h04.

Wandering around the twisty alleys of the "blue jewel of Morocco" is the ideal way to spend a day in Chaouen. A sunny day is terrific for highlighting the blue walls for those vivid memories you came here to make.

It is easy to get to Chefchaouen as there are daily buses from Tangier, Casablanca, and Fez. Tangier is the closest major city and is roughly three hours away by bus, whereas Fez is four hours and Casablanca is six hours. Cities off the beaten path, like as Tetouan and Meknes, are even closer.

The distance between Marrakech and Chefchaouen is 576 kilometers, which takes at least 9 hours to drive. As a fact, a day excursion from Marrakech to Chefchaouen is not an option. A day excursion to Chefchaouen is accessible from Fes and Tangier, but NOT from Marrakech. And we recommend at least three days starting in Marrakech.

To reach to Chaouen from Fez, you can hire a private transfer, drive, take a grand taxi, or take a bus. This route is not serviced by trains. The travel from Fes to Chaouen by route N13 takes slightly under four hours, and CTM runs five or six buses every day between the two cities.

To spend a day in Chefchaouen, catch a ferry from Algeciras to Tanger Med and then drive or take a cab to Chefchaouen in 2 hours. If you take a high-speed ferry, the trip to Tanger Med takes only 30 minutes. Tickets begin at €36.

Sadly, there is no railway from Casablanca airport to Chaouen. Instead, you may catch a train from Casablanca to Tangier "TGV" (2 hours journey) and then hire a car from Tangier to Chefchaouen (2 hours).

Chaouen is a Moroccan city known for its bluish tinge. While it was founded in 1471, it didn't gain its unique hue until 1492, when an influx of Jews fleeing the Spanish inquisition brought with them a custom of painting buildings blue.

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