They see blonde haired blue eyed children and go nuts over them. It was founded by Berber tribes in 1471 as a base to launch attacks on the Portuguese who had conquered Ceuta. decrease your chances of . Thank you Lauren for your nice compliment on Chefchaouen city,,I live in a small city near Chefchaouen city,,,I do really feel happy when I head good things on my own area. It’s a fascinating place that I absolutely fell in love with. Jimmy loved them, the kittens loved the attention, and I loved the cute pictures that I got from it. Children are completely blind to the fact that people are different than them, and I love it. It is true that there aren’t specific tourist sites that you have to go and see like you would have at other travel destinations, like a famous church, museum, or landmark. You can get some great stuff that you would pay a fortune for elsewhere. The market is where the Chefchaouen people buy their food for their families. Al-Alami founded the city to fight the Portuguese invasions of northern Morocco. That’s why it got nicknamed “the Blue Pearl of Morocco”. Chefchaouen is a small city in the Rif mountains in the north-west of Morocco. Chefchaouen, The Blue City, is a great place to visit in Northern Morocco. The Blue City is surrounded by beautiful mountains and hikes you can do. I’m here to help you nibble your way through all my city travels. That being said, here is a list of my favorite restaurants in Chefchaouen: Overly touristy, but the view can’t be beat. It is perfect for a day trip. Legend has it that the buildings were officially painted blue to keep mosquitoes away, another legend states that the buildings are blue to symbolize the sky and heaven. The service was good too and the place seemed clean and well managed. The Reasons Why The City of Chefchaouen in Morocco is Entirely Blue: The Jews: The color blue is representative of the sky according to Jewish belief. Jewish communities, therefore paint things blue and use blue-colored fabrics, especially prayer mats. Known as ‘Morocco’s Blue City’ people visit from all around to walk through the town and see the vividly painted buildings, alleys and even paths. They specialize in leather items and wooden handicrafts. Get your camera ready! This is true to an extent. To this day most people here speak Spanish. The options are to take a bus from Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Fes, or another local town, rent a car, or hire a driver. Sometimes I just want to simply buy something and not have to put in the work to not get ripped off by the vendor. Chefchaouen – or Chaouen, as it is often called by Moroccans – is a popular tourist destination because of its proximity to Tangier and the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. We were also very surprised when we saw that they had pork pizza toppings. Chefchaouen is a place with its own magic. [9] However, according to some locals, the walls were mandated to be painted blue simply to attract tourists at some point in the 1970s. Chefchaouen (Arabic: شفشاون ‎ Shafshāwan [ʃəfˈʃɑːwən]; Berber languages: ⴰⵛⵛⴰⵡⵏ Ashawen), also known as Chaouen, is a city in northwest Morocco. I hope you do too. It is also where a lot of people make their living selling food to support their families. Chefchaouen is also called “The Blue City,” and for good reason! The blue is said to symbolize the sky and heaven, and serve as a reminder to lead a spiritual life. The majority of buildings in this city, located in the mountains Rif Valley region, are painted blue. The city gets its name of Blue City Or Blue Peral because of the magnificently painted blue alleys. This is also right next to the parking lot where we parked our rental car after we drove into town. This quirky town is probably one of the prettiest I’ve seen in Morocco because of its blue-washed streets and buildings. I ate way too many during my stay, but I don’t regret a single one. The French had occupied Marrakech and other areas at times and the Spanish tried to take where North Chefchaouen is located. With its steep, narrow streets, little squares, exuberant fountains and houses whose doors invite you with their richly decorated façades. chefchaouen city is a surface water sport that combines elements of surfing and sailing. The people here are more fair, calm, and willing to work with you than other bigger cities in Morocco. Since we visited Morocco during Ramadan, the variety and quantity of Moroccan pastries being sold was much higher than normal. It is a town made famous by the many shades of blue it is painted. Sometimes when eating nothing but Moroccan food for a few days, my taste buds start screaming for some variety. It seemed a bit small, and we all left feeling like we would need to eat a small snack later that evening. Travel Hint: Try and only. It is full of cute décor replicating Disney’s Aladdin movie. To this day, we both use our Moroccan bags on a daily basis. Next time I go, I want to bring an empty suitcase with me so I have more room to bring more treasures home. buy fruits with peals. [2] Along with the Ghomara tribes of the region, many Moriscos and Jews settled here after the Spanish Reconquista in medieval times. Discover and book day trip to chefchaouen[the blue city… As far as I saw during my time in Chefchaouen, there is only one playground in the city. This restaurant has a huge menu with a lot of variety. Most always when Moroccans see that you’re an American, they automatically think that you're made of money and try to rip you off. De hecho esta ciudad está hermanada con Ronda. Chaouen está hermanada con Vejer de la Frontera (Cádiz), que a su vez estuvo bajo el dominio musulmán durante cinco siglos. My favorite cities in Morocco are not easy to rate, but the capitol Rabatis such a beautiful city that it has to come high up on the list, so why not first! The town was occupied by the French in 1907, and during the French protectorate (1912–56) Casablanca became the chief port of Morocco. We ate on the very top terrace area and the view was spectacular. chefchaouen city a kiteboarder harnesses the power of the wind with a large power kite. Good luck in finding the entrance to this place. A very un-Moroccan city. The Blue City, The Blue Pearl – those are a couple of other nicknames that have been given to this unique hidden gem in northern Morocco. Chefchaouen's blue walls are a popular subject of interest. Chefchaouen (Arabic: شفشاون‎ Shafshāwan [ʃəfˈʃɑːwən]; Berber languages: ⴰⵛⵛⴰⵡⵏ Ashawen), also known as Chaouen, is a city in northwest Morocco. It was a very sweet moment. A nearby attraction is the Kef Toghobeit Cave, one of the deepest caves in Africa.[8]. They give the tourists what they want I guess! Feel free to leave me a question or comment below! We were all interacting, and Jimmy even gave the little girl a hug, and a kiss on the lips. The food was pretty good, nothing to write home about but good nonetheless. In Morocco, nothing has prices. I hope you enjoy your time in Chefchaouen, Morocco! Win, win, win. It is an enchanting and easygoing place to visit that I absolutely adore. It has those nicknames for a reason. Founded in 1471 as a small kasbah to fight the Portuguese invasions, Chefchaouen is a favorite local getaway to unwind from the mayhem of the big Moroccan cities and find refuge from the merciless African sun. [4], Following the 1924 retreat of the Spanish army from the city [es],[4] Chaouen was part of the Republic of the Rif (led by Abd el-Krim el-Khattabi) from 1924 to 1926. Patrick and I did a couple hikes in the area. We both loved our children and both were there to play with them as a family at the park. Moroccan people are notoriously friendly, especially with children. Thousands of tourists visit it every year to see the blue walls, to feel the specific atmosphere of the medieval town, and, of course, to buy souvenirs. Chefchaouen is a town in northwest Morocco situated in the Rif Mountains. [5], In September 1925, in the middle of the Rif War, a rogue squadron of American volunteer pilots, including veterans of World War I, bombarded civilians in Chaouen. Being the animal lover that I am sometimes it’s hard to travel to foreign countries and see all the homeless animals everywhere. In some cases, stone steps march straight up the slope, giving your legs a good workout. Chefchaouen, also known as Chaouen, is a city located in northwestern Morocco, in the foothills of the Rif mountains.. We encountered so many friendly people here. Their English is usually pretty good, especially the younger generation of people. I wrote all about Moroccan pastries in my post here. It was average pizza, but it definitely hit the spot and switched things up a bit. With that being said, if you have to haggle, Chefchaouen is good place to do it. There was me, Nate, and Jimmy, this American family, wearing traditional American summer clothing, interacting with a Moroccan family of three, dressed in their traditional Moroccan clothing, the mom wearing a hijab. In Chefchaouen, a quick and deep connection between the city and our five senses is immediately created. Some things were shocking even, like the guy selling live chickens and chopping their heads off right there for you on the spot. I promise it will be a delicious journey with many exciting stops along the way. His tomb and the village surrounding it is roughly 50 kilometers northwest of from Chefchaouen on the old road to Larache. Chefchaouen Medina: You can't describe the blueness - See 3,796 traveler reviews, 6,054 candid photos, and great deals for Chefchaouen, Morocco, at Tripadvisor. [11], Also of great historical and religious importance to the city is the mausoleum dedicated to the patron saint of northern Morocco's Jebalah region, Moulay Abdessalam Ben Mshish al-Alami. The city's oldest and historically most important mosque is the Great Mosque located at Place Uta Hammam at the heart of the medina. One of my favorite interactions with the locals in Chefchaouen was while we were eating some Moroccan pastries. People believe that the Jewish refugees spread the blue fever to the entire ‘medina’ in 1930. One distinction possessed by Chefchaouen is its blue-rinsed houses and buildings. My main complaint was the portion size of the food. It was a moment that made a lasting impression on me, one that I will always remember when I think back on this charming city. Often times they even physically picked him up and gawked over him and his American cuteness. Chefchaouene, also called Chechaouene or Chechaouen, French Chaouen, Spanish Xauen, town, northern Morocco, situated in the Rif mountain range. That’s how I would describe Chefchaouen, by far my favorite corner of this lively North African country. Chefchaouen is a popular shopping destination as well, as it offers many native handicrafts that are not available elsewhere in Morocco, such as wool garments and woven blankets. Ifrane is one of Morocco’s most surprising cities, resembling a Swiss mountain village more … We provide safety and proper knowledge. There are so many adorable spots and darling corners that are screaming to have their pictures taken. Everything that you buy must be haggled for. Jimmy was quite popular when we were in Chefchaouen. Chefchaouen View from the Spanish Mosque Trail Early Morning Calm in the Blue City Exploring The Blue City. Read my post here to read more about Moroccan pastries and to hear the whole story about Jimmy sharing with the little Moroccan girl. Chefchaouen wasn’t always a blue city. Walking through the market in Chefchaouen was fascinating to me and was such a cool cultural experience. There weren’t that many tourists there so we got a full unfiltered Moroccan market experience, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Chefchaouen is known to be one of the most peaceful and serene towns in Morocco. We are always very happy with the quality of the items that we’ve purchased. A city that was made famous by the movie, Casablanca, Tangier is a hot spot for celebrities and tourists looking to relax. It helps. And yes, if you’re wondering, it really is as blue as everyone says, even without filters. We enjoyed our food and would of eaten there again if time permitted. [6] Colonel Charles Michael Sweeney had proposed the idea to French Prime Minister Paul Painlevé, who "warmly welcomed the Colonel's request. Chefchaouen is situated just inland from Tangier and Tétouan. I'm here to help you nibble your way through all my city travels. There are several theories as to why the walls were painted blue. It’s about two hours from the coastal town of Ceuta or the city of Tangier. chefchaouen city is a water sport in which a rider trails behind a boat on special board. There are approximately two hundred hotels catering to the summer influx of European tourists. The finest part would be the look of the city with most of the buildings painted brilliant sky blue. Many cab drivers in the city will offer you a ride to the Akchour at pricey rates. The countryside around it has a reputation for being a prolific source of kief. Chefchaouen or Chaouen also knows as “the blue town” is located in the Rif Mountains in the northern Morocco. Since then, the growth and development of the city have been continuous and rapid. "[7], After al-Khattabi was defeated with the help of the French, he was deported to Réunion. The spoken English in Chefchaouen isn’t as good as the bigger cities like Fez or Marrakesh, but it is still quite easy to communicate with them. It is the chief town of the province of the same name, and is known for its buildings in shades of blue. Eat at Casa Aladdin, Casa Hassan, and Mandala Pizzeria. Strangers would come right up to him and kiss him on the cheek, sometimes even on the lips, without permission. One popular theory is that the blue keeps mosquitos away. It is a small, conservative city that is a bit out of the way, but is well worth the visit-- washed in vibrant shades of blue, this place is one of a kind. Also known as Morocco’s “Blue City,” Chefchaouen is located in the Rif Mountains of northwest Morocco. We have the best, passionate and experienced instructors in the world. At least you know the meat is fresh! This city in northern Morocco is the headquarters of the province of Chefchaouen and is 557 meters above sea level. A resolution of the city council of Issaquah, Washington, establishing Chefchaouen, Morocco as Issaquah's newest sister city. November 26, 2015 at 9:14 pm — Reply. During the summer approximately 200 hotels cater to the influx of European tourists. Happy travels! Thus, a direct translation of the word Chefchaouen means "look at the peaks." One family, with a little girl Jimmy’s age, particularly made an impression on me. Chefchaouen is one of the most charming and relaxed places in Morocco. Saying it is picturesque is an understatement. 1924 retreat of the Spanish army from the city, https://books.google.com/books?id=jdlKbZ46YYkC&pg=PA208#v=onepage&q=morocco&f=false%7C, "Las ciudades santas y prohibidas de Marruecos: La santidad, la sacralidad y la impenetrabilidad de Chefchauen en los textos coloniales españoles y franceses", "History : When an American squadron violated US neutrality laws, bombing Chefchaouen", "Chefchaouen: Walking the blue streets of Morocco", "Spanish Mosque | Chefchaouen, Morocco Attractions", "Associacao Nacional Municipios Portgugueses", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chefchaouen&oldid=996998879, Populated places established in the 1470s, Articles with French-language sources (fr), Articles with Arabic-language sources (ar), Srpskohrvatski / српскохрватски, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 29 December 2020, at 15:19.