Chefchaouen (“shef-sha-wen”) is one of the most photographic cities you will ever come across. Period. Located between the Rif mountains, it affords the perfect secluded environment to get away from the madness of fast-paced cities like Morocco and Fez.

There is not so much to “do” in the Blue City,  yet it’s more of a place to sit back and observe your surroundings and relax. There is something about the different shades of blue that is so calming.

Why are the Walls Painted Blue?

I’m glad you ask, and there are a few theories. The first being that the color blue deters mosquitos and keeps the city cooler during the hot summer months. Another theory is that the Jewish refugees painted it blue as a symbol of the sky and they saw this as a way to be closer to God. Which one is true? Who knows. The city is freshly repainted about once a year, making the bright blues really pop with color.

What to Do in Chefchaouen

• Go to the Spanish mosque perched upon the mountain for the best sunset view
• Eat at the cozy Molin Arte near the waterfalls
• Get completely lost in the blue maze streets (literally and figuratively) 
• Photograph the copious amounts of kitties
• Speak Spanish with the locals (ya, that surprised me also)
• Admire the #DoorPorn
• Indulge in the Hashish culture (if you’re into that stuff…it’s everywhere, you just gotta ask)
• Disconnect from the world♥

How to Get to Chefchaouen

• Chefchaouen is a little out of the way from other popular Moroccan destinations, but it’s worth the trip 110%. It was my favourite city in Morocco by far!
• CTM bus: Take a 5-hour by bus from Fez on CTM. It eaves at 7:30am or 8 from 2 different points in the city. It is also accessible via Tangier (and a bit closer).
• Once you arrive, take a taxi from the bus station to the medina. You can’t walk, trust me. It’s up a steep hill. The taxi should cost 10-20 dirham max! It cost me 10 dirham for a shared cab and only took 5 minutes. 

For more on my trip to Morocco, check out my 2 other posts here: Why I Have a Love/Hate Relationship with Morocco: Highlights & Lowlights and Solo Female Travel in Morocco: Yay or Nay?

Ok, I’ll shut up now and hopefully spark your wanderlust with these extremely blue photos:

Smurf town

The door ornaments were just as impressive as the colors

The gorgeous contrast of paint colors

Wandering around solo with my GoPro. I had most the streets to myself 🙂

View from hike to the Spanish Mosque

I wouldn’t mind living here, just sayin ♥

Being photographed by other tourists. They gave me a little photo shoot and I was going along with it!

Colorful rugs and scarves seemed to be staple items in Chefchaouen

Fresh paint for sale just waiting to be photographed

Tiny alleyways in the maze-like town

Lost in blue paradise

Kitty heaven on the streets of Chefchaouen

Every alley is a photo op waiting to happen

I’m blue, if I was green I would die…

Picture perfect

Can’t get enough of these blue hues!

The town is pretty quiet, meaning you practically will have the streets all to yourself

A little pop of color against the beautiful blue backdrop

Door porn on point in Chefchaouen

Can I go back already?

Have you been to  Chefchaouen? Was it as magical for you as it was for me? 🙂

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