chefchaouen, morocco blue city

Chefchaouen used to be a hidden gem in Morocco but since the rise of Instagram and Pinterest, it became a very touristic place. The night of Al-Qad is observed on the 26th of, Mawlid Nabaoui (Muhammad's birthday) is celebrated on the 12th of Rabii Al-Awwal. The Ultimate Chefchaouen Travel Guide The Blonde Abroad Morocco is a predominately Muslim country, so its important to dress conservatively. The 17 most beautiful places to visit in Morocco. Women traditionally gather along the banks of the river to socialize as they wash clothes and blankets. A small tip or contribution (anywhere between 50 and 100 dirhams) is also always appreciated. To get to the bridge, it is advisable to take a taxi a half-hour out of the blue town in Morocco to the small town of Akchour to start the hike to Gods Bridge. He went to Emirate of Granada in 1460 and achieved outstanding services in battle against the Crusaders. From the south the route is very different, being a national road with fairly congested traffic, so it takes about four and a half hours to get to Chefchaouen. Along the two hiking trails mentioned above, youll come across some marijuana farms. (2018). Planning a Trip to Hawaii 10 Steps to an Awesome Hawaii Vacation, What To Wear In Morocco Ultimate Clothing for Morocco Packing List, What is a Riad? If youre planning on visiting Chefchaouen during the summer, its good to make a reservation in advance. The weather in Chefchaouen varies greatly throughout the year. I mean, it's not authentic Morocco. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. This is the BLUE CITY. HeyMondo offers excellent short and long-term travel insurance policies. There are several theories behind this peculiar color, two of which stand out. They're noisily clamoring for your sale, and as a result, it's hard to emerge from any sort of journey without feeling overheated, overtired and remarkably . my name is Tarik, from marrakech, morocco. They established their quarters on the rugged slopes of the Chefchaouen Mountains. Chefchaouen travel - Lonely Planet | Morocco, Africa Walking through Chefchaouen, the Blue City of Morocco Why is Chefchaouen painted in blue? Theres also a fantastic rooftop terrace from which you have a great view of the city and mountains. You can catch this bus at the CTM bus station in Casablanca on Rue Lon (see map). On this site, readers will find our experiences, gear reviews, photography, tips, and informative travel guides. It is bordered by five provinces Ttouan Province to the northwest, Larache Province to the west, Al Hocema Province to the east, Taounate Province to the south, Ouezzane Province to the southwest and the Mediterranean Sea to the northeast.[relevant?] Here are a couple of options: Theres daily one CTM bus that goes from Casablanca to Chefchaouen at 13h30. Chefchaouen: The blue city Morocco - Almanatour Learn more 8 hours (approx.) Exploring the medina, having a cafe, and chatting with locals are wonderful ways to pass time. I had no idea but apparently, Chefchaouen is quite notorious for being the hashish hub of Morocco. Mountain Biking a "Blue Diamond" in the rough? - YouTube Commercial transactions become dynamic during summer, with the influx of tourists and the return of foreign workers to the province. Your taste buds won't know whats hit them after a few days in the city, with the hundreds of spices, aromatic herbs, variety of textures and tantalising smells. The devout perform prayer together in the mosque or the zaouia (i.e. The only place where you might find some alcohol is at the bar of Atlas Chaouen or Hotel Parador but according to the Lonely Planet, there isnt much ambiance in either hotel. Then there is the idea that the various blue shades help cool the city off during the summer. Chefchaouen's blue walls are a popular subject of interest. Learn more about my journey here. [20] The countryside has a reputation as a prolific source of kief. If youre looking for a more luxurious stay in Chefchaouen, you should book a night at Riad La Santa. A resolution of the city council of Issaquah, Washington, establishing Chefchaouen, Morocco as Issaquah's newest sister city. Discovering Chefchaouen. February 2, 2023 / By Cynthia This is a comprehensive travel guide to Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl of Morocco. This image is of a blue staircase in the medina of Chefchaouen which is lined with colourful flower pots. Ask the vendor his price before making your offer, then swiftly halve his request. As theres only one bus per day, you should book your ticket in advance at the bus station or online. Likewise, the temperature remains influenced by the Mediterranean Sea, altitude, and winds, with the mean annual temperature around 16.6C (61.9F). Applied Geography, 101, 2335. We like to spend our time in the mountains, so we gravitate towards destinations like Chefchaouen. The name "Chefchaouen" is of Tarifit or Tamazigh origin, derived from the word isakon or echaouen which means 'the horns', and the word chef which means 'look at'. The bathroom is shared, but its well kept and super unique, similar to a cave. Why Chefchaouen? Hence Chefchaouen's nickname: the Blue City of Morocco. The federations of these tribes were sometimes a source of strength, and sometimes a weakness due to their frequent struggles to take possession of assets such as water sources, grazing areas, and fertile land. She has been traveling for over 10 years, across 7 continents, experiencing unique cultures, new food, and meeting fantastic people. In the summer its advisable to cover up, and wear sunglasses and/or hat during the heat of the day. The city was finally returned when Morocco gained independence in 1956. Quaint and colourful, Chefchaouens medina is like stepping into another world. Chefchaouen - The Blue City of Morocco - Mosaic North Africa Besides the persistent marijuanaofferings (these were really only directed at Cameron,) I found Chefchaouen to be completely blissful. It was founded by Berber tribes in 1471 as a base to launch attacks on the Portuguese who had conquered Ceuta. A town as rich in history as it is beautiful, it was established in 1471 when Moorish and Jewish settlers fled here to escape the Reconquista of Spain. [citation needed], The city was founded in 1471[3] as a small kasbah by Ali ibn Rashid al-Alami, a descendant of Abd al-Salam ibn Mashish al-Alami and IdrisI. Al-Alami built the kasbah to defend against Portuguese invasions of northern Morocco. We love to rent cars when were traveling abroad, and Morocco is a good introduction for those looking to work on their skills in more difficult destinations. There is no train station, so traveling by car is the best way to reach Chefchaouen. Aztec-patterned bags and Moroccan slippers lie in haphazard piles, spilling from sacks into the streets. Blue City Magic | Chefchaouen, Morocco facts #shorts - YouTube Youll also visit the Outa Hamam Square with the 14th-century fortress and the big mosque. Grand taxis are cheap but not as cheap as a bus, and you will most likely be crammed in with other passengers. Here are some of the best things to do there! Home Destinations Africa Morocco Experiencing Chefchaouen: The Picturesque Blue City Morocco, A travel guide to Chefchaouen, the blue city in Morocco. 3 itineraries to discover the best of Morocco, 18 useful tips to stay safe while traveling in Morocco, Search for flights to Casablanca, Marrakech, Fez or Tangier, Find a room in a hotel, hostel, guesthouse or desert camp, Fun things to do in Chefchaouen in Morocco, 3) Shop at one of the many little bazaars, 4) Learn about Chefchaouens history at the Kasbah museum, 5) Enjoy the panoramic view from the Spanish mosque, Things to do around Chefchaouen: day trips and hiking in Chefchaouen, 1) Go on a scenic hike in the Rif Mountains, 4) Day-trip to the Akchour Waterfalls and Gods Bridge, 5) Go on a trek at the Talassemtane National Park, How to get to and from Chefchaouen by public transport, 1. Akchour Chaouens nearby hiking trails are a must if you need a real getaway. Youre in the mountains; believe it or not, it can get cold at night, so pack a packable down jacket. There are daily several CTM buses that go from Tangier to Chefchaouen and the bus ride also takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes. I heard a lot of different (some quite unbelievable) theories about why Chefchaouen is blue. The Truth About Morocco's Blue City, Chefchaouen Chefchaouen was founded in the 15th century as a fortress town to help in the fight against Portuguese invaders. We hope to inspire other independent travelers and provide them with the resources to do so. Mditerrane 1-2: 81-91. Forest formations are distributed according to local variations of climate and soil due to altitude, lithology, and human activity. From the Ras Al-Maa, rivulets branch out and provision mosques, houses, zaouias, hammams, fountains, hotels, farms, and gardens. The yards are often decorated with fruit trees such as oranges, lemons, berries, and grapes, as well as some perfumed shrubs including night-blooming jessamine (Cestrum nocturnum) and jasmine (Jasminum officinale). Its famed for being the most beautiful city in Morocco and draws in travelers from around the world to catch a glimpse. [21], Chefchaouen has maintained strong relations with the inhabitants of the Jbala Region such as Akhmas, Ghomara, Ghazaoua, and Sanhaja tribes, particularly in terms of trade. It's also true that Chefchaouen is a tourist trap. The journey time is approximately two and a half hours (see the road route from Tangier to Chefchaouen in the next section). Naturally, there are a few answers to this question, but nothing definitive. Over the centuries, the city grew and welcomed Jews and Christian converts alike. A guesthouse-cum-restaurant, the eatery is popular with both locals and tourists, and many return again and again. Blue, in every shade of the spectrum. Theyre very welcoming and run a wonderful little riad. The locals simply call it Chaouen but to foreigners, it's known as "the Blue City." The streets and most of the buildings in the old part of town are painted sky blue, giving the entire city a postcard . 98 121-148 2020. Chefchaouen translates to "blue pearl," and it's indeed a rare, stunning gem. Youll discover many enchanting squares, doors and dead-end alleys that are all very photogenic. The amount of time you want to spend in Chefchaouen really depends on what you want to see and do. Is Morocco Safe? Niko and I once took one of the cheapest buses to get to Chefchaouen and although neither one of us got sick on the bus, a few locals did, and lets just say it was a messy and unpleasant experience for the eye and nose, Visit the best places in Morocco with these 3 Morocco itineraries. [citation needed], The Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen is the city's oldest and historically most important mosque, located at Place Outae Hammam at the heart of the medina, close to the kasbah. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. The Akchour Waterfalls and Gods Bridge are two very special places near Akchour, a small town located at a 45-minute drive from Chefchaouen. This network encourages policy discussion and mutual learning between its members, to forge collaborations and develop abilities and designs tools to support and identify progress. The bus ride takes about 6,5 hours (with some toilet and food breaks in between) and one ticket costs 160 dirhams (+ 10 dirhams for your luggage). The buses are new, comfortable and have air conditioning, something youll enjoy during a long journey on a hot day. It includes the emir's residence, a small mosque for the emir, a prison, a garden, a horse stable, sheds for the animals, and dozens of towers. If you happen to be in Chefchaouen on a rainy day, it could be a good opportunity to visit one of the local hammams and experience a traditional Moroccan massage. In this old and enchanting town, there's much to see and do - check . Skip those, and stick with the private bus company CTM for a more pleasurable ride. It has been suggested that Geography, Demographics and Economic activities sections be. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Day Trip to Chefchaouen the blue city 177 Reviews Badge of Excellence Fes, Morocco Share Save to Wishlist From $32.80 Lowest Price Guarantee Select Date and Travelers Check Availability Reserve Now & Pay Later Secure your spot while staying flexible Free cancellation Up to 24 hours in advance. Fay G., 1979. If you like to explore some beautiful places in the nearby Rif Mountains, foresee at least a couple of days in the region. Here are a few more tours in Chefchaouen that might interest you. The Akchour Waterfalls are possibly the most beautiful waterfalls Ive seen in Morocco and Gods Bridge is a very unique rock formation that looks like a stone arch standing over the Akchour river. Chefchaouen, Morocco: A Guide to the Blue City Ages ago I got bored one day and made a whole blog post about the most colorful places to visit in the world. Chefchaouen is a tiny village in Morocco's northwestern Rif Mountains. Niko and I spent about 3 days there as we also went on a couple of hikes around the city. Places of Interest 5. The biggest courtyard of the old Medina is Outae Hammam at more than 4,000m2 (43,000sqft). A night spent in a small mountain lodge is followed by a visit to the Farda River and Gods Bridge before a picnic lunch, a stop off at Akchour and a transfer back to the blue city. Also known as Morocco's "Blue City," Chefchaouen is located in the Rif Mountains of northwest Morocco. This ENTIRE City is BLUE - Chefchaouen Morocco - YouTube If you like modern amenities, this hotel is the one for you. Its the priciest company out there but at the same time, its still very cheap. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to the world, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden. People believe that the Jewish refugees spread the blue fever to the entire 'medina' in 1930. Welcome to Chefchouen, the blue city of Morocco. [6][7][8][9], Chefchaouen was home to Andalusian families between 1492 and 1609, when the last Moriscos were expelled from Andalusia by King Felipe III. His tomb and the village surrounding it is roughly 50 kilometres (31mi) northwest of Chefchaouen on the old road to Larache.[39]. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. [38] The Mausoleum of Abdessalam Ben Mshish al-Alami is dedicated to the patron saint of northern Morocco's Jebalah region, Moulay Abdessalam Ben Mshish al-Alami. The Chefchaouen Mountains belong to the Rif mountain range and are the destination of guided excursions. Berber tribespeople can be seen wearing distinctive cotton clothing paired with woven hats, which are decorated with brightly coloured threads. [11] Following the Spanish retreat from the city[es],[11] Chaouen was part of the Republic of the Rif led by Abd el-Krim from 1924 to 1926. Villagers from rural areas form an important workforce in the agricultural field. Its the cheapest hostel in town and has several dorm rooms as private rooms. Polish off each meal with a refreshing mint tea, made by boiling green tea leaves and adding fresh mint and a generous helping of sugar. Evolution rcente de la structure du paysage du Bassin de Chefchaouen (1958-1986). Naturally, the beautiful Moroccan blue city of Chefchaouen was one of the first places I thought of! However, if you book your ticket online, you still have to go to the CTM office to pay for your luggage on the day of departure so make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes in advance. [citation needed]. Where to eat We recommend restaurants with traditional food, as well as places to snack. Chefchaouen is prone to dustings of snow in winter and may be more challenging for hikers (experience recommended). Bab Ssour serves up traditional Moroccan cuisine with fresh ingredients. Nowadays, Chefchaouen is known as "the Blue Pearl" of Morocco, known for its traditional houses painted in blue and white. The trail begins from Bab al Ansae, the medinas eastern gate and passes a river where you might spot some women doing their laundry. Generally, the mountains are dry, but they do receive rainfall in the shoulder season, particularly in the fall. Yum! Experiencing Chefchaouen: The Picturesque Blue City Morocco You can find the location of Chefchaouen on Google Maps here. One of the reasons so many visitors love Morocco is for the shopping. They dont always like having pictures of them taken, especially when their children are around. All in all, Chefchaouen, is the best city in Morocco to just wander in the alleyways of the medina: whether youre in to photography or not, youll find yourself stopping to capture beautiful scenes of the blue city. It is a small, conservative city that is a bit out of the way but is well worth the visitwashed in vibrant shades of blue, this place is one of a kind. Empire BlueCross BlueShield Therapists in Las Vegas, NV - Psychology Today The kasbah is one of the first buildings constructed in the city in the Andalusian style. How to Get to Chefchaouen, Morocco's Famous Blue City Gently edge higher until you meet a compromise, and always end with a smile and a shukran to thank them. Chaouen est hermanada con Vejer de la Frontera (Cdiz), que a su vez estuvo bajo el dominio musulmn durante cinco siglos. For more info, contact [email protected]. [37] The Spanish Mosque is a disused mosque overlooking the town from a hill to the east. The real reason behind the color is not very clear. You can help by adding to it. A Guide To The Best Sights Around Morocco's Blue City. The Kasbah We invite you to read the history and details of this Kasbah, the starting point of the city. The map will help with the idea of the location. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. When we booked our flights to Morocco, I knew that we had to get to Chefchaouen, and after visiting, I could not stress going to this place enough. KVK: 81898134. In 1492 it started to develop considerably, welcoming Muslims and Jews fleeing from the capture of Granada. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This seems to be the prevailing answer to the original meaning behind the Moroccan Blue City. [12] In September 1925, in the middle of the Rif War, a rogue squadron of American volunteer pilots, the Lafayette Escadrille, bombarded civilians in Chaouen. [5], Ali Ben Rashid was born in Gherzoim, a nearby village, c.1440 (844AH). That's it. She is an expert in travel, budgeting, and finding unique experiences. While tourism has definitely taken hold, the balance between ease and authenticity is just right. There is also a probability of rain (around 30%), and you should carry a small umbrella and have proper footwear, so, in case it rains, slipping in the medina can be avoided. This night is also celebrated in the mausoleum of Ali Ben Rashid and the 13, Hakouzah Day is celebrated on 1January of the agricultural solar calendar. The Magic of Chefchaouen, the Blue City of Morocco - Travel Notes & Beyond Chebli, Y., Chentouf, M., Ozer, P., Hornick, J., & Cabaraux, J. Do you have more questions about Chefchaouen? If there is a single way to describe the city or to distinguish it from others, it would be because of its blue color. For those who love hiking and mountain scenery Chefchaouen is a perfect stepping stone into the great outdoors. If you dont only want to enjoy the aesthetics of the Blue city but also learn more about the history, customs, and art of the Chefchaouen region, you should pay a visit to the Kasbah Museum. Chefchaouen is a maze of narrow, colorful, vibrant blue streets winding all throughout the city. One of the best hikes in the area is to the peak high above the Moroccan blue city, Jebel al-Kalaa. From the same airport you can arrange a taxi (it will cost around 600 dirhams). A ticket costs around 45 dirhams + 5 to 10 dirhams extra for luggage and the ride takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. [25], In 2020, Chefchaouen was included as a learning city in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC). We personally spent five days in Chefchaouen as it was the most peaceful town we found in all of Morocco, and we really enjoyed it. The memory of this tradition lives on in the regularly repainted blue buildings. Morocco Travel Guide: 19 useful things to know before traveling to Morocco. A two-day trek with Journey Beyond Travelstarts in Chefchaouen, passing a natural spring on the way to a small village in the Talasemtane National Park. Viva Morocco Blog. These various agricultural models have contributed to a richness of food diversity and, in 2010, UNESCO recognized Chefchaouen for its Mediterranean diet. I stowed away my bike on a soccer trip last weekend and had a chance to get it out and see what Las Vegas had in the way of real fun. Jewish teachings suggest that by dyeing thread with tekhelel (an ancient natural dye) and weaving it into prayer shawls, people would be reminded of Gods power. It's famous for all the houses and shops painted different shades of blue. Blue City Magic | Chefchaouen, Morocco facts #shorts #interestingfact chefchaouen moroccomoroccochefchaouenchefchaouen morocco travelchefchaouen morocco 4k. October 13, 2022 0 2637 Chefchaouen, "blue city of Morocco" Chefchaouen "Chaouen" is an ideal spot to go on short trip in Morocco. While youre in Chefchaouen and you have a spare day or two, you shouldnt just admire the surrounding mountains from the streets but go on a hike or on a day trip to enjoy the beauty of the Rif Mountains. During this 2-hour tour, youll discover the colonial legacy in the city while walking through the narrow streets, and along the marvelous fountains, squares, and traditional public ovens. The province of Chefchaouen has a Mediterranean climate characterized by rainy and cool winters from October to April, and dry and hot summers from May to September. Here are a couple of options: Top things to do in Casablanca The Complete City Guide. Touts everywhere in the city will be offering you their specialty like youre a kid in a toy store. There are a few nice hiking trails that start just outside the city center of Chefchaouen and lead into the nearby Rif Mountains. If you dont feel like making this hike, you can always find a rooftop terrace (many hostels and hotels have one) from which you can enjoy the sunrise or sunset over the city. (2013). Its such a popular town in Morocco that its often considered one of the best places to visit in the country! Whats in my camera bag Photography Essentials for Travel Photographers. Chefchaouen, Morocco, is about three hours from Tangier, the closest to the famous blue town. A unique, exotic trip that will make you fall in love with the bluest corner of the planet! They also like to visit their families and friends on religious and social occasions. There are a few hammams in Chefchaouen within a different price range. This is a comprehensive travel guide to Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl of Morocco. Nestled amongst the Riff Mountains, the blue houses of Chefchaouen and its charming cobblestone streets should be on everyone's Morocco itinerary. Natasha is the co-founder of The World Pursuit. It aligns with most seasons in the Northern Hemisphere, with cool winters and hot summers. At the level of each dshar (low-density rural settlements), the houses are built around a mosque or a marabou and occupy the center of the concentric spatial structure of traditional agro-sylvo-pastoral systems. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The best place to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Chefchaouen is at the Spanish mosque. The Bridge of God is a lovely natural arc, 25m above the river Oued Farda. Its a short mile-long hike to the top of the hill and provides views of the city the whole time. They are generally very friendly and are very likely to show you the process of making the hashish as long as you dont take any photos to protect their privacy. You can also book your journey with them online. The latter, known by her title, Sayyida al-Hurra, reigned Chefchaouen through a rapid period of growth and development. [2], The city is also called "Chaouen" by the inhabitants of the northern region. In terms of accommodation, Chefchaouen encompasses in 2016, 68 hotels, including 17 classified hotels, with a capacity of 1,796 beds, including 720 beds for classified hotels. It was built by the Spanish in the 1920s and is now a popular lookout point. Tripadvisor, I know pizza isnt what you go to Morocco for, but after a few weeks of traveling around the country, pizza was just what we needed. The first thing you'll notice about arriving in Chefchaouen is the relative peace and quiet. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. There are also plenty of juice places around the town where you can get freshly squeezed juices for less than 10 Dirham ($1) and quick sandwiches for 15 dirhams. 3. April to June is a popular time of year for trekkers. [6][7][10][9] The Andalusian community that settled in the city also included several well-known poets and philosophers. If you visit Chefchaouen during the low season (from late autumn to early spring) like I did, you can avoid the biggest crowds. A ticket costs around 75 dirhams + 5 to 10 dirhams extra for luggage and the ride takes about 6 hours.

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