18 Photos that Will Make You Fall in Love with Chefchaouen, Morocco
When we were first planning our trip to Morocco, I didn’t think we’d have time to make it all the way to Chefchaouen. It was far away from where we were flying into, and the only real reason I wanted to go there was to take a cool picture in the blue city. But after our travel plans changed and we ended up booking a ferry from Europe to Africa (so cool!), Chefchaouen became an easy addition to the itinerary. And I’m so glad it did because it was one of my favourite stops in Morocco!
Chefchaouen, in Morocco’s northwest, is best known as the blue city. Almost all the exterior walls of the buildings are painted blue. No one is quite sure why, but there are a number of competing theories that try to explain it. All we do know is that the end result is pretty picturesque.
The best thing to do in Chefchaouen? Just get lost. Go for a stroll and decide at each fork whether you want to go left or right, up the slope or down the stairs. Admire the buildings, buy trinkets from the shopkeepers, read the plaques that tell Chefchaouen’s history, and watch out for the cats!
We only spent two nights in Chefchaouen but it was enough to get a taste of this place. It’s not a large city and you don’t need too much time there. We didn’t do any sightseeing beyond wandering the streets, and that worked perfectly for us. If we had one more day, I would’ve liked to walk up to the Spanish Mosque to see the view over the city, which I hear is pretty great.
Chefchaouen was a great introduction to Morocco. We had just finished up 10 days of travelling through London and Spain with my siblings, and needed a bit of a rest before tackling a new country – and a new continent! Chefchaouen gave us that break. We visited in February and the city was nice and quiet, not yet packed with tourists. When we wandered down the streets, we were often the only people walking through. I highly recommend visiting in the winter when it’s still warm, but not swarming with tourists.
In Chefchaouen we stayed at a lovely little riad. This was our first riad experience, and like all of the others we stayed at in Morocco, it was awesome. Our hosts waited up for us on our arrival night, meeting us on the street at 11PM to help guide us through the winding alleyways. They explained the city to us, brought us breakfast on the rooftop terrace and even walked with us to the bank when we needed to take out Moroccan Dirham.
My favourite moments in Chefchaouen were on rooftops. We started our days with breakfast on the rooftop of our riad. Everything was quiet (a far cry from the cities of Fes and Marrakesh we would visit next) and we got to look out over the city as it was waking up. We even spotted an adorable puppy on the rooftop next to us!
For lunch, we went to a rooftop restaurant in the centre of Chefchaouen called Aladdin (pro tip: the entrance is around the back!). The food was delicious and the views were incredible! Lastly, we enjoyed one last rooftop view back at our riad. I had to do some work and decided to do it on the rooftop terrace where we got to watch the sun set over Chefchaouen.
I really loved our time in Chefchaouen and wish we had given ourselves one more day there. The only thing I didn’t love was the very bumpy bus ride coming in and out of the city. Warning, if you get motion sick, make sure you take something for the bus rides!
Chefchaouen is a great introduction to Morocco if you want to start somewhere that’s a bit quieter and at a slower pace. It’s also a great spot if you’re looking to relax for a few days without a hectic itinerary. And, of course, the blue is pretty beautiful!
Are you in love with Chefchaouen yet?
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You always take such beautiful photographs! Chefchaouen really does look beautiful reminds me of Santorini.
Thanks so much, Shelly! I hope to visit Santorini one day.
That’s exactly what I thought when I saw the pics. I, too, love Santorini!
OMG! So beautiful! I love the pics you shared…love the blue, love rooftop views/rooftop patios/rooftop leisurely drinks/food!!! The city is so lovely and also love the slower pace, sounds perfect! You guys look great in these pics too. And the food looks yummy! Check, check and check! Definitely a must see! xo
Thanks, Moo! Yes, beautiful place for sure. I think you would really like it!
Such a gorgeous place! Definitely added to the bucket list. You have taken some gorgeous photos
Thanks so much! Yes, beautiful indeed and well worth a visit.
Love the photos Riana. I have been dying to go here before, now even more so. And I want some of that lunch. So tasty. Another trip to Morocco is definitely a priority after all this.
Thanks so much! Yes, definitely recommend a trip to Chefchaouen – especially in the winter when it isn’t as hot or crowded.
Well, you certainly wasn’t wrong! I’ve definitely fallen in love with this place and I’ve never even been! I love all the gorgeous blue hues 🙂
Aw thanks! Hope you make it to Chefchaouen one day soon!
These pictures are absolutely stunning! I’m loving all of the blue tones. I’ve been to Morocco before but it was Marakesh. You’ve just inspired me to take another trip as soon as I can!
Thanks! Hope you get back to Morocco soon!
Wow! As always, you have wonderful posts!
I have never heard about Chefchaouen but I am sure you have found a hidden gem! Looks really amazing and unusual. I like places that have their own story, secrets, colors, and atmosphere! Chefchaouen is definitely one of those places!
Thanks so much! Chefchaouen is pretty popular amongst the Instagram crew so I’d steer clear in high season. Hope you make it there on day!
Looks really nice! Love the blue motifs of the streets!
Thanks! Yes, it’s a gorgeous place.
Hi Riana. I’ve found you via Twitter. Thx so much for introducing me to Chefchaouen. I’ve not yet been to Morocco, but I have another friend who is tempting me to go, so perhaps it will be my big post pandemic splurge! I love the blue colour, the slow travel mode, and all the cats! Looks like my kind of destination to explore.
Hi Doreen, thanks so much for finding your way to my blog! I am so glad you’re liking the look and sound of Chefchaouen. I hope you can enjoy a trip there one day!
What was the name of the Riad you stayed at in Chefchaouen please?
Thanks for reading and commenting, Iris! The riad was called Hotel Honeysuckle on hotels (dot) com but I believe they were rebranding under a different name. I think you might be able to find it under Hotel Honeysuckle still though.