This place was recommended to us by our hotel. day trip to chefchaouen[the blue city] cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Chefchaouen, also known as Chaouen, is a city located in northwestern Morocco, in the foothills of the Rif mountains.. Many cab drivers in the city will offer you a ride to the Akchour at pricey rates. One right behind the Blue City and one that we had to take a bus to. I hope you do too. The blue is said to symbolize the sky and heaven, and serve as a reminder to lead a spiritual life. Sometimes haggling is really fun and exciting and other times it is plain exhausting. One of my favorite interactions with the locals in Chefchaouen was while we were eating some Moroccan pastries. The Sephardi Jews settled and so came with them the blue hue’s Chefchaouen has become known for. Some people describe Chefchaouen as boring, saying that there isn’t a whole lot to do there. At least you know the meat is fresh! Chefchaouen a rare pearl Hidden away in the Kif Mountains just a four-hour coach ride from Fes. Chefchaouen is a gorgeous city in northeastern Morocco. this was my ultimate goal from my travel through Morocco. Saying it is picturesque is an understatement. Great playground for kids near the main parking lot. Jimmy was quite popular when we were in Chefchaouen. Their English is usually pretty good, especially the younger generation of people. Chefchaouen is a place with its own magic. This quirky town is probably one of the prettiest I’ve seen in Morocco because of its blue-washed streets and buildings. I visited another all blue city here in India and it was said there the blue brings the desert temperature down a few notches. [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. In some cases, stone steps march straight up the slope, giving your legs a good workout. The options are to take a bus from Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Fes, or another local town, rent a car, or hire a driver. There are approximately two hundred hotels catering to the summer influx of European tourists. It was founded by the Moorish exiles from Spain in 1492 and lies near the Rif Mountains. Chefchaouen is situated just inland from Tangier and Tétouan. It breaks my heart, and I wish I could help all of them find homes and food….but I know that I can’t. Chefchaouen isn’t exactly known for its food. The inside of it was very inviting and quaint with lovely decorations. Chefchaouen is no different. Nate and I kept looking at each other like, “Is this real life?” Everything that we saw was so different from our American culture that I often felt like I just couldn’t take it all in quick enough. It is an enchanting and easygoing place to visit that I absolutely adore. The Blue City is surrounded by beautiful mountains and hikes you can do. Discover and book day trip to chefchaouen[the blue city… Chefchaouene, also called Chechaouene or Chechaouen, French Chaouen, Spanish Xauen, town, northern Morocco, situated in the Rif mountain range. Chefchaouen is … The city is lively all through the year, with beautiful beaches all over.The city of Tangier lies in the northern coast of Morocco with a population of about 947.952 according to 2014 estimates. One family, with a little girl Jimmy’s age, particularly made an impression on me. The goat cheese native to the area is also popular with tourists. A resolution of the city council of Issaquah, Washington, establishing Chefchaouen, Morocco as Issaquah's newest sister city. The city is located at the Atlantic Coast and apart being the capitol, it is one of Morocco`s 4 Cities of Kings. Nestled in the foothills of the Rif mountains, around twenty miles from the Mediterranean coast, is Chefchaouen (sometimes just ‘Chaouen’). With that being said, if you have to haggle, Chefchaouen is good place to do it. Patrick and I did a couple hikes in the area. Lauren. It is perfect for a day trip. Moroccan people are notoriously friendly, especially with children. The countryside around it has a reputation for being a prolific source of kief. That’s how I would describe Chefchaouen, by far my favorite corner of this lively North African country. Since we visited Morocco during Ramadan, the variety and quantity of Moroccan pastries being sold was much higher than normal. Good luck in finding the entrance to this place. The market is where the Chefchaouen people buy their food for their families. We were all interacting, and Jimmy even gave the little girl a hug, and a kiss on the lips. Having enough suitcase room is always the issue! Chefchaouen is nestled in the Rif Mountains Because of Chefchaouen’s location in the Rif Mountains, in the northern part of Morocco, it isn’t easy to get to. The city was founded in 1471[1] as a small kasbah (fortress) by Moulay Ali ibn Rashid al-Alami, a descendant of Abd as-Salam al-Alami and Idris I, and through them, of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. I can’t wait to go back! The main square in the medina is lined with cafes and filled to the brim with locals and tourist mingling easily. Next time I go, I want to bring an empty suitcase with me so I have more room to bring more treasures home. Thus, a direct translation of the word Chefchaouen means "look at the peaks." [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, The Blue City, is a great place to visit in Northern Morocco. It was average pizza, but it definitely hit the spot and switched things up a bit. De hecho esta ciudad está hermanada con Ronda. That being said, here is a list of my favorite restaurants in Chefchaouen: Overly touristy, but the view can’t be beat. As far as I saw during my time in Chefchaouen, there is only one playground in the city. La Botica De La Abuela Aladdin. After spending sufficient time in the city, you can rest overnight for your Chefchaouen to Akchour journey. Happy travels! It’s a fascinating place that I absolutely fell in love with. It is a popular destination for tourist because of it’s proximity to Tangier, Morocco and Ceuta, Spain. They see blonde haired blue eyed children and go nuts over them. Feel free to leave me a question or comment below! 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. The bright blue color that is a constant theme throughout the whole town is magical and wonderful to capture on camera. To this day most people here speak Spanish. This restaurant has a huge menu with a lot of variety. During the summer approximately 200 hotels cater to the influx of European tourists. We provide safety and proper knowledge. chefchaouen city is a water sport in which a rider trails behind a boat on special board. It was fun experimenting with our camera in such a uniquely beautiful part of the world. It is a gorgeous city in northern Morocco. It is the chief town of the province of the same name, and is noted for its buildings in shades of blue. Founded as a holy city in 1471 by the warrior Abū Youma and later moved by Sīdī ʿAlī ibn Rashīd to its present site at the base of Mount El-Chaouene, it became a refuge for Moor s expelled from Spain. It is the main city of the province with the same name. Chefchaouen is known to be one of the most peaceful and serene towns in Morocco. There are so many adorable spots and darling corners that are screaming to have their pictures taken. 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. Welcome, to the best and modern windsurfing center! [10] On a hill overlooking the town to the east there is also a disaffected mosque built by the Spanish in the 1920s, now a popular lookout point. Iris. The finest part would be the look of the city with most of the buildings painted brilliant sky blue. Chefchaouen or Chaouen also knows as “the blue town” is located in the Rif Mountains in the northern Morocco. A firm favourite with locals … I’m here to help you nibble your way through all my city travels. 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. My main complaint was the portion size of the food. This is true to an extent. 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 distinction possessed by Chefchaouen is its blue-rinsed houses and buildings. The service was good too and the place seemed clean and well managed. Everything that you buy must be haggled for. It is the chief town of the province of the same name, and is noted for its buildings in shades of blue. Chefchaouen (Arabic: شفشاون‎ Shafshāwan [ʃəfˈʃɑːwən]; Berber languages: ⴰⵛⵛⴰⵡⵏ Ashawen), also known as Chaouen, is a city in northwest Morocco. They give the tourists what they want I guess! Chefchaouen doesn’t have any grocery stores. Rabat is a modern city but also has an old part, both small and pleasant. I was apprehensive to let him play with the older cats because I didn’t know if they carried any diseases that could be transferred on to Jimmy. Despite that, the playground was entertaining and perfect for people traveling with kids. We enjoyed our food and would of eaten there again if time permitted. Luckily, the cats in Chefchaouen seemed much healthier and happier than the cats in other cities in Morocco, which was so nice to see. They specialize in leather items and wooden handicrafts. Chefchaouen (Arabic: شفشاون ‎ Shafshāwan [ʃəfˈʃɑːwən]; Berber languages: ⴰⵛⵛⴰⵡⵏ Ashawen), also known as Chaouen, is a city in northwest Morocco. Chefchaouen is a town in northwest Morocco situated in the Rif Mountains. It is the chief town of the province of the same name, and is known for its buildings in shades of blue. The French had occupied Marrakech and other areas at times and the Spanish tried to take where North Chefchaouen is located. [2] Along with the Ghomara tribes of the region, many Moriscos and Jews settled here after the Spanish Reconquista in medieval times. You can get some great stuff that you would pay a fortune for elsewhere. [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. In 1492 it started to develop considerably, welcoming Muslims and Jews fleeing from the capture of Granada. The growing tourist industry is geared especially towards Spanish tourists, who are numerous during great Catholic feasts like Semana Santa and Christmas. In Chefchaouen, a quick and deep connection between the city and our five senses is immediately created. But, what makes Chefchaouen so special and a place that people want to visit is its beautiful blue color. 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 is a small city in the Rif mountains in the north-west of Morocco. It is full of cute décor replicating Disney’s Aladdin movie. It is a relaxed city with affordable accommodation. I promise it will be a delicious journey with many exciting stops along the way. The others are Marrakech, Fez and Meknes. [10], The beauty of Chefchaouen's mountainous surroundings are enhanced by the contrast of the brightly painted medina (old town). His tomb and the village surrounding it is roughly 50 kilometers northwest of from Chefchaouen on the old road to Larache. 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. [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 children are so sweet too and would follow us around the town showing us around and welcoming us to their country. It was founded by Berber tribes in 1471 as a base to launch attacks on the Portuguese who had conquered Ceuta. It ended up being my favorite place that we went to during our weeklong visit to Morocco. Both Nate and I bought handmade leather bags, Nate a shoulder bag and me a backpack, during our time in this amazing country. We came across some adorable families while at the park that we interacted with. Taxis, food markets, souvenirs, accessories, clothing- everything must be haggled for. A city that was made famous by the movie, Casablanca, Tangier is a hot spot for celebrities and tourists looking to relax. Jimmy loved them, the kittens loved the attention, and I loved the cute pictures that I got from it. It takes a lot of time and you get a little better at it and braver with each encounter. I hope you enjoy your time in Chefchaouen, Morocco! chefchaouen city is a surface water sport that combines elements of surfing and sailing. Win, win, win. It was a very sweet moment. During World War II (1939–45) the city was the seat of These words describe the city's location between the protective "peaks" of the Rif Mountains. I promise it will be a delicious journey with many exciting stops along the way. Traveling in Morocco – My Trip to Chefchaouen the Blue Pearl Words simply cannot describe the beauty of Chefchaouen The Blue Pearl. Tourism in Chaouen is also driven by its reputation as center of the marijuana plantations region in north Morocco. To this day, we both use our Moroccan bags on a daily basis. Read my post here to read more about Moroccan pastries and to hear the whole story about Jimmy sharing with the little Moroccan girl. 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 Spanish Army retook the city in 1926.[4]. chefchaouen city a kiteboarder harnesses the power of the wind with a large power kite. There are plenty interesting places for shopping in Chefchaouen. buy fruits with peals. We encountered so many friendly people here. Chefchaouen wasn’t always a blue city. There really isn’t that many good restaurants to chose from in this city, or even many restaurants at all.