Chefchaouen – Powder blue with a splash of turquoise

Unique Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is one of the most unusual cities I have ever visited.  I have read that Chefchaouen is regularly listed as one of the top 10 must see cities in the world and I agree.

The streets, the houses, public buildings, lampposts and garbage bins are washed in powder blue paint with a splash of turquoise highlighting windows and doorways.  Apparently the custom of painting everything in blue dates back to the 15th century when Jewish refugees fleeing from the Spanish Inquisition, painted things blue to mirror the sky and remind them of God.

Chefchaouen sits in the heart of Morocco’s Rif Mountains that also serve as a spectacular backdrop to this beautiful blue town.  It is home to about 40,000 Moroccans.

Chefchaouen Medina

I really enjoyed visiting the Medina at the heart of the town with it’s colourful restaurants and locals milling around.  It was fun to meander through the streets of the town in pure amazement and then to stumble come across some fantastic little shops that sold handicrafts I hadn’t seen anywhere else in Morocco.  My friend and I picked up some beautiful and very unusual jewellery.

I guess every town has a darker side and Chefchaouen is no different.  Backpackers come here given the easy availability of drugs driven by marijuana plantations in North Morocco.  The trade seems to sit ‘easily’ within the town, however our Intrepid tour guide warned us about touts that are often followed by eager interrogation by the towns law enforcers that may be subdued with an alternative cash offer!  None of this worried us on our visit.  We were blissfully unaware of any underhanded activity.

Our Chefchaouen Riad – Dar Echchaouen

I really enjoyed staying at Dar Echchaouen.  The Riad is in a great position to explore the town.  The rooms are cosy with great bathrooms.  The thing I enjoyed most about this Riad was the social area.  Off to the side of the restaurant was a small sitting room for reading or catching up on your travel journalling.

The gardens are immaculate.  Unfortunately for us, it was drizzling so we didn’t get to use the gardens much, nor the pool for that matter!

I’d recommend a stay here.

 

 

This is the tour I took with Intrepid

Just a note that I traveled independently on this tour.  Intrepid were unaware that I would write a review of the tip.  I thoroughly recommend it!

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Up to 25% Off last Minute Trips w/ Intrepid Travel!

 

 

 

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