Chefchaouen Travel Guide

Things To Do In Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen must be one of your travel dreams! It offers many things to do, see and know. Thus, the city was founded in 1941 as a small castle to fight the Portuguese invasions. During medieval times, many Moorish and Jews people settled in this city to escape the Spanish Reconquista. That is to say, Chefchoauen offers Andalusian and Moroccan architecture and culture. It is also one of the popular tourist destinations in Morocco. Its fascinating blue Medina, surrounded by mountains, gives a relaxing atmosphere.

There are many theories that explain the reason behind the blue colour. But, we would like to shed light on a few of them in things to do in Chefchaouen.

Jewish Belief and Culture:

The blue colour presents the sky according to Jew beliefs. This means that it reminds people of heaven and God. The Jewish communities have a strong tradition of painting things blue as they use blue-coloured fabrics, especially prayer mats. However, locals believe that when Jews settled in Chefchaouen, they spread the blue colour in the Medina. This practice of painting walls in blue signifies the strong connection of the Jews to their religion and traditions. Locals also believe that the blue walls of the city were only in the Mellah, Jewish parts.

Avoiding the Mosquitoes:

According to what locals said, the blue colour helps keep mosquitoes and insects away. Usually, mosquitoes and insects live beside the water and not in the water. Therefore, painting the whole Medina blue would look like a sea or flowing water. This could keep the mosquitoes as they cant be in the water. Maybe locals thought that there were few mosquitoes in Jewish parts. And then they tried to make their home blue like Jews.

Attracting Tourists:

Chefchaouen was previously an unremarkable tourist site. Yet, it has become a popular tourist destination now. The most reason that makes it famous and attractive is just because of blue walls. The city takes its benefits of visibility and welcomes curious tourists who come to discover its beauty. Therefore, they visit it and shot wonderful photos for social media that makes it famous all over the world.

Common Things to Do in Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is quieter and calmer than in other cities. Thus, it is funny to get lost in the narrow street of Medina and discover local life. It is also a wonderful chance to shot pictures for Instagram with architectural doors and blue walls. However, make sure to be respectful when you want to take pictures of locals. Not all people can accept to take pictures of them, especially women. It is better to ask before you take pictures of anyone while doing their daily rituals. Wandering through the narrow streets, lined with native traditional items is one of the best things to do in Chefchaouen.

It is the main square time in the heart of Medina. It is lined with cafes, Kasbah, restaurants, shops and the Grand Mosque. Try Moroccan traditional dishes, relax and admire the local life while enjoying the food. Many tourists spend the evening in the square after a day of sightseeing and watch people walking around.

The mosque dates back to the 15th century. It offers an octagonal shaped tower and wonderful architecture. Unfortunately, non-Muslim tourists can enter it, but you can enjoy its design and the beautiful praying calls five times a day.

The walled fortress Kasbah hosts a beautiful garden. Near the garden, there is an ethnographic museum and art gallery. Here, you will learn more about the history of this town through old artefacts, clothing, instruments. You can also climb the fort tower to experience the whole view of the mountains and the Medina. Besides, you will learn the culture of the Rif Mountains and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. Hence, you should not miss things to do in Chefchaouen.

It is a point by which freshwater of mountain trickles into the town. Discover another daily ritual of locals and escape the heat. People gather there to wash their clothes and have cool moments. Put your feet in the cool water and relax and watch things around.

The Spanish Mosque was built in the 1920s. It sits isolated above the hill overlooking Chefchaouen to the east. So, it is easy to hike up the hill and enjoy the amazing views of the whole Medina and the mountains. In addition to that, it is the best place to catch the stunning sunset view.