Every time I meet someone new, they go:

You are from Morocco? The blue city? I have always wanted to go there!!!

I put together this article from my last visit to share with you 6 things you must do when in Chefchaouen.

But before, here is a bit of History:

Chefhchaouen, also known as Chaouen, the blue city or the northern pearl is a city located in the Riff Mountains of northwest Morocco. It was built in 1471 and is known for its blue old town buildings. Believe me!! it really is as blue as it seems. It is also said that the city gets its color from the Jews who escaped the Spanish inquisition and brought in a tradition of painting buildings blue.

Table of Contents

Things you must do when in Chefchaouen

Visit Ras El Ma

Ras El Ma (Ras= head & El Ma= Water) which translates to “head of water”, is a beautiful spot with fresh cold running water to drink from, to cool off, meet locals and unwind.

Take a picture in the northern traditional vestido

Right in the spot, a bunch of ladies are renting traditional outfits to take photos in for both men and women, it costs less than $1 but you will have a souvenir for life.

This outfit is still worn today mostly by women who work in the mountains or live in the countryside. The outfit consists of four main pieces:

bottom wrap
chest scarf
headband
Sunhat

Not only that, but there are peacocks you can take photos with. Isn’t that cool?

The look on my face says a lot about me being uncomfortable

Hike up to the Spanish mosque

Right in the corner is a short hike up to the Spanish mosque. On my way up I saw women washing clothes, old men making flower head bands, kids selling them and baby goats. The weather was amazing and the air was very clean and fresh. It gets a little cold, so make sure you have the appropriate clothing.

A local kid selling hair flower ornament

When you get to the top where the white mosque is, you will be taken aback by the beauty of the blue cubical buildings. It truly looks like a piece of art.

The Spanish mosque built by the Spanish in the 1920s

Also, let me introduce you to my travel buddy

Take a sip of freshly squeezed orange juice

Do not miss on the opportunity to try fresh squeezed orange juice. They sell it in every corner and it is very delicious.

Discover the old medina

Get lost in the narrow streets of the old medina between small houses, traditional artisanal shops, cats, walls painted in blue and kind people.

In the streets of the old medina of Chefchaouen

Hand made leather bags for sale in the old medina of Chefchaouen

Hike to “Akchour falls”: The hidden paradise

Only 45 minutes outside of Chefhchaouen is the hidden paradise of “Akchour falls”, plan for a day trip and enjoy one of the most beautiful natural assets of the country.

I wrote a detailed article about hiking “Akchour falls”