The Moroccan blue city of Chefchaouen is a daydream

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The blue city of Morocco is not the title of a children’s fairy tale: Chefchaouen, this is its name, has a history and real inhabitants, among the Andalusian-style houses painted in all shades of blue, so much so that it seems the historical center a bizarre swimming pool. All this would already be enough to run to pack your bags: then here’s what to see, what to do and also how to get to this surreal place to say the least.

Blue city of Morocco

When we talk about the blue city of Morocco, we refer to a place where really buildings and streets are blue, but we must go in order: what is the name of the blue city in Morocco? Its name is Chefchaouen and it is also the capital of the homonymous province of the Moroccan department of Tangier-Tetuan-Al Hoceima: the country, since 2015, has been divided into fifteen regions. In this particular Moroccan city, its inhabitants live regularly, today mainly of the tribes in the mountainous areas of the Rif and in a minority Arabs. When Chefchaouen in Morocco was founded, however, in 1471, its population was mainly made up of Andalusian exiles, Muslims and Jews: for this reason its architectural aspect contains a mix of the typical elements of the aforementioned cultures, such as the streets with the irregular layout of the Spanish villages, the presence of the medina, the Hamman square, the kasbah and the mosque. Defined “the blue pearl” and for many centuries considered a sacred city closed to foreigners, it was made accessible during the period of the Spanish protectorate: but why is Chefchaouen blue? There is no single answer, but some theories: one of these wants the buildings to have been painted blue and blue to chase away mosquitoes, while another, more accredited, tells how the tradition of blue painting began with refugees. Jews who populated it during the reconquest of Spain, a community that sees blue as its emblem and at the same time a symbol of spirituality. Certainly Chefchaouen is a place where calm reigns, perfect for finding yourself, compared to the chaotic Moroccan cities such as Marrakech and partly also Fez. Of course when it’s not overrun with hordes of tourists taking photos.


What to see in the blue city

Is a tour of the main cities of Morocco planned for your next vacation? Anyone wondering what to do in Fes three days? Or in Tangier? In the itinerary concerning Morocco and what to see in the area, you cannot miss a trip to this fantastic jewel known as the blue city, especially if the stay allows it. Already the first visual impact of Chefchaouen, the blue city of Morocco, is worth the journey to reach it but, to be more precise, here is also what to see in the blue city, wandering through its streets.

The Medina of Chefchaouen

From the square of Uta-el-Hammam wind the narrow streets of the Medina of Chefchaouen, a labyrinth of small irregular streets, stairways, arches and open spaces that allow the visitor to immerse himself in the typical atmosphere of Morocco and its cities, plus the alienating effect of seeing everything blue, dotted with yellow and red vases. Another aspect that characterizes the blue city of Morocco is found in the fact that not many houses have been bought by foreigners, despite the charm of the place, so the inhabitants are mainly local people.

The Kasbah of Chefchaouen

At the bottom of Uta-el-Hammam square, moreover, there is the Kasbah of Chefchaouen to visit: today it is a splendid garden, while it was once the local fortress. Also to be considered as a panoramic point, all around is also the souk, the typical Moroccan market where you can buy souvenirs, bijoux, clothing and various handicrafts.

Ras el-Maa

Also in Chefchaouen in Morocco there are waterfalls: pushing out of the ancient and blue city, and heading east into the new area, there is a small waterfall on the edge of a suggestive walk, called Ras el-Maa. Here the local women do their laundry and people stop to chat in a small bar where they can enjoy, perhaps, a good mint tea. If the weather is not tight, in Morocco the blue city must be lived until sunset and dusk, to admire further, incredible shades from the belvedere.


Blue city of Morocco how to get there

If so far we have talked about the wonders of the blue Moroccan city of Chefchaouen, now it is the turn of some sore point: the place, in fact, is on average far from the major Moroccan arteries. So, how to get to the blue city of Morocco? The most practical way is to rent a car, if you are not traveling with your own and are not in an organized group that includes an excursion to Chefchaouen. Alternatively, you can use the local buses, with daily runs: about the blue city of Morocco and the distance from Marrakech, it is seven hours by bus, from Casablanca six hours, from Fez five hours, therefore the closest city. to reach it is Tangier, four hours away by public transport. How long does it take to visit Chefchaouen? In one day you can go around the center, its monuments and the surrounding areas.

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The Moroccan blue city of Chefchaouen is a daydream