The Blue Pearl of Morocco

Chefchaouen

In today’s world, Social media web sites such as Instagram and Pinterest are very famous treasure hunter for travelers. Because of these website some places come out form this beautiful world as a pearl. Chefchaouen is one of these hidden gems which is famous for its blue washes streets and buildings. That’s why it is known as “the Blue Pearl of Morocco”.

Chefchaouen is a small city in the Rif Mountains in the north-west of Morocco. This place is one of the prettiest places in Morocco.

 Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 in the Rif mountains by Jews and Moors fleeing Spain. There are many different (some quite unbelievable) theories about why Chefchaouen is blue. Some say it was painted blue by the Jews who settled there after fleeing Hitler, others say it’s to keep the mosquitoes away, while some just said it represents the color of the sea. Whatever the true reason for the blue color might be, up until today the locals still apply a fresh coat of paint on their houses about twice a year.

If you visit Chefchaouen during the low season (from late autumn to early spring) you can avoid the biggest crowds. The only downside is that it often rains and it can get really cold during the winter as Chefchaouen is located in the mountains.

It’s still a unique experience and a photographer’s paradise! Tourism

Chefchaouen is a tourist hub due to its unique ambiance and the surrounding Rif Mountains which give it a scenic appearance. It is very popular among tourists. Chefchaouen has about two hundred hotels to cater to its summer visitors, who mostly come from Europe. The hotels offer a variety of local cuisine to the guests. One of the most sought after local dishes is goat cheese. Besides the hotels, the town has other attractions such as a theatre at the Iglesia and the fortress from which the city grew.

The vivid colors of the woven souvenirs are enough to draw your eye to the plethora of shops in Chefchaouen. There are many stalls all vying for your custom around the kasbah.

As you wander the alleys of the medina, you’ll find even more. Many shops sell a selection of goods, from paintings to leather goods, silverware and rugs.

But Morocco’s blue city, Chefchaouen is home to many skilled artisans. Try visiting the weaver making rugs, or the artist painting the blue scene before his eyes.

Buying your souvenirs from these artisans will make them all the more special knowing they’re not mass production imports from Fez.

The language is spoken in Chefchaouen

Because the Spanish enclave of Ceuta is close by and with a history of Spanish invasion, Chefchaouen has retained a Spanish influence.

So you’re as likely to hear Moroccans speaking Spanish as you are French. Return the greeting in Arabic and delight the locals.