Visit the old town of Chefchaouen, a real blue labyrinth
Chefchaouen is a small charming town of about 40,000 inhabitants located in the northeast of the Morocco , not far from the Mediterranean Sea. Located in the heart of the Moroccan mountains of the Rif, Chiefchaouen is a delight for tourists, not only for its affordable rates, but especially for its picturesque old town recognizable with its houses with whitewashed facades covered with a very distinctive blue.
Flickr – Jean-François Gornet
Chefchaouen was painted in blue by the Jewish refugees who lived there during the 1930s, recalling the blue of heaven and paradise. The beauty of the mountain landscape of Chefchaouen is reinforced by the contrast of the vivid colors of the medina (the old town). It is this beauty and the casual atmosphere of the city that makes Chefchaouen a very attractive place for visitors. The main square of the medina is lined with cafés and filled with a crowd that easily mixes locals and tourists.
Flickr – Jean-François Gornet
There is another reason why routards love Chefchaouen: drug availability. Tourism in Chefchaouen is also driven by the presence of cannabis plantations (legal, one of the only places in Morocco where cannabis cultivation is tolerated). During the summer, about 200 hotels respond to the influx of European tourists.
Flickr – Hugues
Chefchaouen is also a popular destination because you can buy handicrafts that are not found anywhere else in Morocco, such as wool clothing and woven blankets. Goat cheese from the region is also popular with tourists.
Flickr – Mark Fischer
The city of Chefchaouen was founded in 1471. Located in a difficult enclave of access, it dominated the merchant road between Tetouan and Fez and served as a basis for limiting the entry and influence of the Portuguese (at the time) of Ceuta. During the 15th and 17th centuries, the city flourished and grew considerably with the arrival of the Morisks and Jews who were expelled from Spain. In 1920, the Spanish seized Chefchaouen to integrate him into the Spanish protectorate. Spain restored the city after Morocco’s independence in 1956.
Flickr – Mário Tomé
Source – dimoxod
Source – oneworldtwoexplorers.com
How do I go to Chefchaouen?
Chefchaouen is located in the north-east of Morocco, and a little over an hour thirty of road south of Tangier.
Flickr – Michael Sheridan
Flickr – Sorin Rechitan
Were you familiar with this vibrant Moroccan city?
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