The blue dream in Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is located in northern Morocco. The city, nicknamed"the blue city", takes its name from "chouf" and "echaouen", which mean "look" and "horns", terms that refer to the peaks of the mountains that surround the city. The most plausible translation is "observe the mountain tops". Its distinctive feature is its blue colour. A colour that covered the walls of the city in the 1930s, painted by Jewish refugees who settled here.

While the primary aim was toattract tourists and thus boost the city's economy by repainting the entire city, the colour blue was not chosen by chance. Indeed, this colour is reminiscent of heaven and the sky. Whatever the case, the gamble paid off, with thousands of tourists visiting Chefchaouen every year and diving into this Moroccan ocean.

It's not just any shade of blue that covers the streets of Chefchaouen. There is a colour code that must be respected, depending on the houses and their architecture. The higher the houses, the lighter the blue tones. It is this gradation that gives rise to the marvellous mosaic that is Chefchaouen. Today, the town is included on UNESCO's list of the world's intangible cultural heritage.

Getting lost in the blue streets of the medina

Although the whole city is not painted blue, the medina resembles an ocean, with its deep blue walls. Chefchaouen's medina is magnificent, and many consider itone of the most beautiful medinas in Morocco. Lose yourself in its blue alleyways to discover all its secrets. Every corner tells a story and every house bears witness to the town's traditions.

The medina remains the area most visited and photographed by tourists, certainly because it is the best-kept district of Chefchaouen and the place where the blue is most intense.

Meet its cutest inhabitants

The blue city of Chefchaouen is a veritable sanctuary for cats. These little creatures have always been very popular in the Muslim world, and even the Prophet Mohammed was very attached to his cat Muezza. Even today, the inhabitants of Chefchaouen continue to perpetuate this attachment.

More generally, Mediterranean countries are often overrun by these purring little fur balls. Greece and Tunisia are excellent examples. Cat lovers, you now know where to plan your next holiday. "Meow!

Shopping in the souks

Handicrafts play an important role in the economy of the city, and of the country in general. Many shops display their creations on the blue walls. There is no shortage of ideas for souvenirs from Chefchaouen. Carpets, lighting, decorations, spices... there's something for everyone! A souvenir of Chefchaouen in your home is a little piece of home travel.

Visit the kasbah

In the heart of the blue medina, the kasbah of Chefchaouen and its verdant gardens evoke theAndalusia so close to home. It's a delight to get lost in this ocean of greenery and wander from room to room asthe intense history of the town is recounted. And to recover from your emotions, there's nothing like taking a short break to enjoy a mint tea on one of the terraces in the many small squares around the city, while gazing at the surrounding mountains.

Dressed all in blue and white, the village of Chefchaouen is a unique place in the world: don't overlook it on your next trip to Morocco! Allow at least half a day to be able to tour it and enjoy its singular atmosphere.

🚌 How do I get to Chefchaouen?

The nearest international airport is Tangier, around 110 kilometres away. Fez airport, meanwhile, is almost 200 kilometres away. From there, you'll need to take a car or book a day trip to visit Chefchaouen.

👉 When should you go to Chefchaouen?

To fully experience this 'blue dream', it's best to visit Chefchaouen between May and June, before the summer heat, and between September and October, when there's still plenty of light to admire the city's flamboyant colours. What's more, plane tickets to Morocco are cheaper at this time of year than during the summer months. It's a great way to visit the blue pearl of the Maghreb.