Visit the old town of Chefchaouen, a true blue labyrinth

Chefchaouen is a charming small town of about 40,000 inhabitants located in the north-east of Morocco, not far from the Mediterranean Sea. Situated in the heart of the Moroccan Rif mountains, Chefchaouen is a delight for tourists, not only for its affordable prices, but above all for its picturesque old town, recognisable by its whitewashed houses covered in a very distinctive blue.

Flickr – Jean-François Gornet

Chefchaouen was painted blue by Jewish refugees who lived there during the 1930s, reminiscent of the blue of the sky and paradise. The beauty of the mountain landscape of Chefchaouen is enhanced by the contrast of the vibrant colours of the Medina (the old town). It is this beauty and the relaxed atmosphere of the town that makes Chefchaouen a very attractive place for visitors. The main square of the Medina is lined with cafés and filled to the brim with a crowd that easily mixes locals and tourists.

Flickr – Jean-François Gornet

There is another reason why backpackers love Chefchaouen: the availability of drugs. Tourism in Chefchaouen is also driven by the presence of cannabis plantations (legal, one of the only places in Morocco where cannabis cultivation is tolerated). During the summer, about 200 hotels cater to the influx of European tourists.

Flickr – Hugues

Chefchaouen is also a popular destination because you can buy handicrafts there that cannot be found anywhere else in Morocco, such as woollen clothing and woven blankets. Goat cheese native to the region is also popular with tourists.

Flickr – Mark Fischer

The town of Chefchaouen was founded in 1471. Situated in an enclave that is difficult to access, it dominated the trade route between Tétouan and Fès and served as a base to limit the entry and influence of the Portuguese (at the time) from Ceuta. During the 15th and 17th centuries, the town prospered and grew considerably with the arrival of the Moriscos and Jews who were expelled from Spain. In 1920, the Spanish seized Chefchaouen to integrate it into the Spanish protectorate. Spain returned the town after Morocco's independence in 1956.

Flickr – Mário Tomé

Source – dimoxod

Source – oneworldtwoexplorers.com

How to get to Chefchaouen?

Chefchaouen is located in the North-East of Morocco, and a little over an hour and a half's drive south of Tangier.

Flickr – Michael Sheridan

Flickr – Sorin Rechitan