With its mesmerizing shades of blue that adorn homes and buildings, Chefchaouen has grow to be a global celebrity attracting and galvanizing vacationers from around the globe. Situated on the foothills of the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen sits nestled in a lush panorama and the town overlooks the ocean. In recent times, its recognition has enormously elevated (largely resulting from social media) making it one in all Morocco’s hottest locations to discover and {photograph}. It is without doubt one of the fundamental stops in lots of Morocco package deal excursions. Chefchaouen first donned its blue colours in 1492 when Jewish refugees arrived right here after fleeing the Spanish inquisition. There was a time when the colour blue separated Jews from Muslims till your entire inhabitants determined to undertake the colour in solidarity.
There are a number of completely different theories as to how Chefchaouen got here to be painted its vibrant blue hues. Some consider it’s tied to Jewish mysticism; the colour blue being related to the sky the place the heavens and God reside. Others think about it a mosquito repellant to push back malaria. Some suppose the reason being apparent, the blue represents the colour of the ocean. No matter the actual cause, Chefchaouen is sure to captivate and encourage.
Take Pictures
Many vacationers come right here simply to {photograph} this magical, blue walled metropolis and its slender, winding streets that result in nowhere and all over the place. Surprises lie round each nook and also you by no means know what you may be capable of seize along with your digital camera. You’ll see many uniquely adorned and brightly coloured doorways and home windows, curious avenue cats, and locals going about their every day enterprise. Images is an effective way to doc the town’s ambiance and bear in mind your expertise right here.
Purchase Native
Chefchaouen additionally attracts consumers and that is the place to seek out distinctive and genuine souvenirs. Medina is a superb place to start out. Rugs and leather-based items are the most well-liked objects offered right here and might be present in abundance. Take a second to admire the harmonious stability of Moroccan and Andalusian architectural types as you drift by means of the streets and alleyways. There are lots of retailers and distributors at weekly markets that promote handmade crafts and conventional objects. Supporting native artists and shopping for regionally produced items helps maintain many villagers in enterprise.
Grand Mosque
Admire this grand, stone magnificence because it lights up the sky with its earth tones and stands out amongst the dominant blues of the town. That is Chefchaouen’s oldest mosque constructed through the 15th century and encompasses a distinctive, architectural design that’s its octagonal minaret possible influenced by Andalusian type. Understand that solely Muslims are allowed to enter this spiritual establishment.
Ras el- Ma
Wander to the sting of the town to go to this pure spring the place the locals go to chill off and girls typically wash their garments old-fashioned type at this small waterfall. There are additionally pathways that lead up the mountain for individuals who are adventurous.
Plaza Uta El Hammam
An awesome place to sit down outside and folks watch from the guts of the medina. This plaza with its spacious, cobblestone avenue gives an opportunity to take a break and observe the sights and sounds of the blue metropolis.
Bouzaafar (Spanish Mosque)
Overlooking Chefchaouen, this mosque was constructed within the Nineteen Twenties by the Spanish and is simply 2 km from the medina. You possibly can select to hike there (roughly takes round 45 minutes) or take a taxi. The mosque was constructed for native worshippers however was by no means used thus falling to spoil. The most effective time to go to right here is at sundown to absorb some superb, panoramic views of the town.
Kasbah Museum
This ethnographic museum lies on the middle of the outdated medina close to Plaza Uta el-Hammam. The crimson stoned construction was constructed within the 15th century and is in wonderful situation that homes beautiful Andalusian gardens. The museum’s assortment is devoted to the area’s cultural artifacts equivalent to conventional clothes, folks artwork, pottery, and musical devices. You possibly can achieve extra perception into the native cultural heritage and traditions.
Hike across the Rif Mountains
Prepared for an journey within the nice outside of Morocco? The Rif Mountains are the place it’s at and there are a number of trails that may take you thru this majestic panorama. A number of the trails might be accessed straight from Chefchaouen whereas others require transportation and might be reached about an hour outdoors of the town. You possibly can select half-day or full-day hikes and for these you actually wish to dive deep into the wilderness, supply an prolonged length hike that may last as long as 4 days or extra. No matter you determine to do, don’t miss a possibility to interact with Morocco’s pure atmosphere.
Go to Talassemtane Nationwide Park
Talassemtane is the proper day journey from Chefchaouen as it’s simply over one hour from the town. This nationwide park was created in 2004 to protect and defend the endangered fir bushes which can be sadly the final in all of Morocco. This park is residence to many different tree species equivalent to oak, cedar, and pine amongst many others. There are a number of trails to select from the place you may admire limestone cliffs and discover caves, uncover waterfalls, and get near wildlife. This expertise will expose you to a special aspect of Morocco that’s certain to go away an impression.
There are two widespread climbing trails right here: The Cascades d’Akchour (waterfalls) and God’s Bridge. The Cascades path takes you down a transparent and well-defined path by means of the forest the place you’ll encounter two unbelievable waterfalls. The primary is small, however its measurement doesn’t make it any much less magical. It is going to take about an hour to succeed in right here.
The second is the big waterfall with its jagged, moss-covered physique that hangs over a crystalline pool. The most effective time to witness a superb circulation of water right here is after the wet season in early Spring or late Fall. There’s even a small cave behind the waterfall the place you may sit and hearken to the calming sound of water dashing down from the mountains.
God’s Bridge is one other spectacular sight that takes you excessive above the panorama and backs down right into a canyon the place you’ll uncover the large, pure, crimson rock formation that makes a land bridge between the 2 sides of the gorge. Shrouded in wild greens, this natural construction rises as much as round 25 meters excessive above the Oued Farda River the place you may wade by means of, rock-hop alongside, or take a dip. A real oasis, this spot is might be reached in simply 45 minutes the place you may delight in its magnificence.
Chefchaouen is really the perfect mixture of each city and nation. With its laid-back ambiance and gradual tempo, it’s extra bohemian than bustling. Uncover one other aspect of the tradition of Morocco by spending a few days right here to wander, calm down, and be impressed.
