Stubborn Travel

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This past April (2024), I found myself surrounded by blue hues of every colour. My dream.

Chefchaouen, also known as the Blue City of Morocco, could have been created by a painter. Found in the Rif Mountains of Northern Morocco, the city is known for blue-washed buildings and labyrinthine streets that wind around the city.

In today’s post, I cover a bit on the history of Chefchaouen, theories of what brought the colour to the Blue City of Morocco, and some tips on what to do. By the end, hopefully you’ll see why this blue gem, while on the touristy side, is totally worth the visit.

The history of Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen was founded in 1471, by Moulay Ali Ben Moussa. Initially established as a fortress to fight against Portuguese invasions, it soon became a refuge for Jews and Muslims fleeing Spain during the Reconquista in 1492.

In 1920, Spain seized the old town, and it became a part of Spanish Morocco. When, Morocco declared its independence in 1956, Chefchaouen rejoined it once again.

Over time, it’s evolved into a community known for unique architecture and a blend of Berber, Jewish, Moorish and Spanish influences.

But why is the city actually blue?

There are quite a few different theories around why Chefchaouen is blue, depending on who you ask. Here’s a summary.

Jewish heritage

Some people believe Chefchauouen’s blue has to do with its Jewish heritage. In Judaism, blue represents the sky and heaven, and it is thought that Jewish refugees in the 1930s began painting their homes blue as a symbol of divinity and peace.

Climate control

Another theory suggests that painting buildings blue helps keep them cool during hot summer months. The light colour reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it, which helps maintain lower indoor temperatures—a practical benefit in Morocco’s often sweltering climate.

Mosquito repellent

Others yet say that the colour wards off mosquitoes. To be fair, I didn’t see any when I was there, but it might have more to do with the fact that I visited in early April.

It’s very pretty

Beyond any symbolic meanings, the aesthetic appeal shouldn’t be understated. The different shades of blue, that on a sunny day are difficult to distinguish from the sky, create an enchanting atmosphere. It feels physically difficult to be in a bad mood.

Colour symbolism

In cultures around the world, colours can hold significant meanings. Some say that to Chefchaouen’s residents, blue symbolises peace, tranquility, and protection from evil spirits.

It’s good for tourism

While there are potential historical and cultural reasons, there’s also an important economic aspect to consider: tourism.

The distinctive blues have turned Chefchaouen into the Blue City of Morocco and an important tourist destinations. Sure, it’s not up there with Marrakesh and Fes just yet, but it definitely brings people – both local and international.

One theory for the blues (and according to our guide, one of the most likely) is that locals noticed how the blues attracted both national and international visitors, who flocked to take in the blues and get the perfect picture. Seeing the positive economic result, the community invested efforts into keeping the town blue.

This point is quite important and a unique aspect of Chefchaouen, so I’ll elaborate below.

Tourism in Chefchaouen

Tourism is really important in Morocco. Most years it’s the most visited country in Africa, and contributes around nine billion USD to the country’s GDP.

Generally, Chefchaouen welcomes tourists with open arms. Keeping the city blue requires a concentrated effort, work and regular painting, which locals are happy to do as a way to keep welcoming tourists.

Unfortunately, when people come in droves, some of them will be obnoxious. Blocking roads to get the perfect Instagram shot, wearing revealing clothing, littering, drinking in public, making noise, taking photos of people without their permission, entering private roads and ignoring local customs are all ways to ensure that the locals’ friendly demeanour changes over time.

Chefchaouen is currently a clean and enchanting celebration of what good tourism can look like. Walking through as a visitor, I felt welcome. People were warm, smiling or even saying hello.

If you go, please help to keep this beautiful example beautiful by being respectful and challenging bad tourists.

What is there to do in Chefchaouen, the Blue City of Morocco?

So if you make it to Chefchaouen, what is there to do?

Visit the Medina: naturally, you’ll want to visit the Medina, the heart of Chefchaouen, a vibant maze of blue alleys, markets and historic buildings. I loved losing myself in the blues from different angles and hours.

I would really recommend getting a guide for visiting. We went with a man named Mohammed (nicknamed Simo), who was fantastic – knowledgeable, kind and charismatic. He shared so much about the community of Chefchaouen, and it was fascinating. He’s also a photographer, so if you also want help getting a shot, this is your guy.

He was happy for me to share his details: you can find him on Instagram here and his AirbNB medina tour listing here.

Visit the Bouzafer Mosque at sunset: perched on a hilltop, this Spanish mosque offers stunning panoramic views of the city. The road up can be very windy and busy right before sunset, as crowds gather to watch the sun go down. But it’s totally worth it to go up and see the view.

Hike around the Cascades d’Akchour (the Akchour Waterfalls): this one takes a bit more preparation, as it’s around a 30-45 minute taxi ride out of the centre. Still, there’s a free trail for hikers with some waterfalls and pretty spectacular views.

Drop by the Kasbah Museum: located in the medina, the Kasbah Museum offers some quick information around the region’s history, alongside a view. However, the information is in only in Arabic and Spanish. A lot of people give this a skip, as there are plenty of free places for a view.

Shop till you drop: the narrow streets in the medina are filled with artisan shops selling everything from textiles to pottery, making it a nice place to pick up a souvenir.

Should you visit the Blue City of Morocco?

Chefchaouen can feel a little touristy, but that doesn’t make it any less enchanting. Right after Eid (which can be a busy travel period for Moroccans), I thought the crowds were more than manageable, and I could always find a quiet street when I searched for it. I also found the city a welcome respite after the craziness of Marrakesh and even Fes, to a certain extent.

The labyrinthine narrow alleys are really magical, and if you’re up for wandering on foot, you’ll never know what you might find. I personally loved getting lost within alleys, watching the sleeping dogs and cats (the locals look after them quite well here), and counting the endless shades of blue, delighted to find them never-ending.

Chefchaouen: FAQs

What is the best way to get to Chefchaouen?

There is no airport by Chefchaouen, but you can get there by bus (CTM is the public bus company), car or mini van from Tangier, Fes, or Casablanca. I went from Tangiers and it took around 2-3 hours.

Is Chefchaouen safe for tourists?

Yes. Chefchaouen is generally considered very safe, with a low crime rate and friendly locals. I found it much, much more laid back than Casablanca, Marrakesh and Fes, and regularly wandered by myself without any issues.

Are there good accommodation options in Chefchaouen?

Absolutely. From budget-friendly hostels to upmarket riads offering luxurious stays and traditional Moroccan decor—you’ll find plenty accommodation options to suit your preferences and budget within walking distance main attractions.
I stayed at the Hotel Dar Mounir and it was my favourite hotel in Morocco.

What should I wear when visiting Chefchaouen?

I’d always err on the side of caution and go for modest clothing (covering shoulders, with nothing too short) out of respect for local customs. When I went, there were considerably more Moroccan tourists than international ones, and foreign tourists dressed in revealing clothing definitely stuck out.

When should you visit?

Most people consider the best time to visit Chefchaouen is during spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) when temperatures are mild and comfortable. I hear summer can be stifling, which I imagine makes some of the hikes and uphills pretty uncomfortable.
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Have you been to Chefchaouen? What did you think? I’d love to know in the comments.