Morocco (avec) mon amour. Part 2— Chefchaouen

Right after a couple of days spent in Casablanca, the road took us to the mysterious blue city of Chefchaouen. I didn’t know it would become my absolute favorite of Morocco. The trip was long, we were about to unfold 10 more places, including those in mountains and in the desert, I couldn’t expect in my wildest dreams to find my own little paradise so fast, but there it was — a city colored in peaceful white and blue.

We arrived late at night, so before the early morning, I had no idea how the city looked. This is what I saw from the terrasse of the hotel, where we took breakfast:

A view from the terrasse of the hotel

History tells us that in the 1400s, Jews were driven out of their towns in Spain escaping Portuguese rule, and they came to settle in the mountains. In the 1930s when Jews again were chased out of their homes — this time because of Hitler, they came to Chefchauoen. And this was the time when the town got painted blue. Now those Jews are gone to Israel and it is mostly Berbers and Muslim people living here.

Why is the town blue?

One theory is that the blue represents the skies and heavens and was done as a show of faith by the Jews. Another legend tells us that the blue color keeps away mosquitos.

It’s so Instagrammable, every corner, door, flower pot by the wall deserves to be documented. This town is a festival of colors, a dancing vibe of total relaxation. It felt like the time stopped existing.

Just look at this mesmerizing beauty.

One of the numerous stairs leading to the downtown

Can you see a man wearing a djellaba?

Even the flower pots are bluish

Local merchandise

Narrow streets are covered with items for purchase

Cats wander around like tourists

The day has started for the local workers

Deep blue

One of the many cozy yards of Chefchaouen

All the colors of love

This is the main square of the old town Chefchaouen

Kaftans for sale!

Little pieces of divine smelling soaps — the only affordable thing I could buy in the overpriced blue city.

But at least looking with admiration & taking pictures is for free! For the pics — that’s not always the case by the way. See below:

After taking this picture I was shouted at and chased off. Sadly, because the city lives off the stunning pictures tourists take to bring more people to visit. But maybe they’re right and we shouldn’t advertise it too much.

Some more colors in powder wouldn’ harm. Makes me think of Color Run.

Local barber shop. Only for very serious men.

Tiles and mosaics everywhere

I continued the collection of mosaics and authentic tiles, that I have started in Casablanca, and here’s what I’ve got.

Street art & murals of Chefchaouen

I absolutely adored these drawings depicting some scenes from the life of the city, local people wearing djellabas (that I love), streets, yards, and architecture.

One of the many hearts with wings I spotted in Chefchaouen

A remake of the famous drawing from the ‘Little Prince’?

We have spent only one day in Chefchaouen, and if you are not an impulsive buyer (otherwise, you would have to stop at every little shop to lose yourself in the kaleidoscope of beautiful things: rugs, puffs, teapots, jewelry, artistry, etc), I’d say one day would be perfectly enough to feel the vibe of the city, to enjoy the colorful chilling streets, try delicious Moroccan food, to soak in all the divine aromas of mint tea served everywhere, fruits, soaps, spices, powder paint.

Moroccan tea tradition

Happy me

Happy us

And when the time was to leave, look who we met on the road!

This was our day in Chefchaouen — a city named ‘the blue pearl of Morocco’. Time to hit the road again and the next stop is Fes.