Chefchaouen

A sea of startling blue buildings set against a backdrop of the rugged Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen (pronounced “shef-sha-wen”) is one of the real gems of Morocco’s north, effortlessly retaining its authenticity amidst the influx of tourists. There’s no mistaking where the “Blue City” gets its nickname and with its bright blue-painted walls, doors and stairways, punctuated by red-tiled roofs, it’s a city begging to be photographed. 
Chefchaouen might be notorious for its prevalent (but still illegal) hashish trade, but the real highlight is its UNESCO-listed Old Medina, where the lively cafés, cobbled souks and distinctive handicrafts stalls show off the town’s unique heritage—an intriguing blend of Spanish, Moroccan and Riffian cultures. 

Practical Info

Chefchaouen is located around 200 km north of Fez in northern Morocco.