The Moroccan blue city Chefchaouen

 Chefchaouen, Morocco’s blue city is a truly beautiful town with appropriately blue walls and majestic mountains overlooking the characterful town. A town as rich in history as it is beauty, Chefchaaouen was established in 147.

In this town which has so many little stories and hidden finds, tour guides can be a blessing, even for those who normally avoid them. Learn about the majestic walls and gates of the town; admire the small signs of early life here through the flour mill; and enjoy the medina’s beautiful natural water spring.

The shopping in this beautiful blue town is one of its biggest tourist attractions. It might not be as varied or grand as in the larger cities of Fes, Casablanca, and Marrakech but Chefchaouen boasts a mesmorising traditional souk. After you have explored the blue, maze like streets, think about buying some traditional souvenirs.

Beyond the blue streets, there’s a surplus of mind blowing natural scenery which surrounds the town. Approximately 30 minutes by taxi from the town centre lies a tempting tourist trail which, after a beautiful walk, leads visitors to stunning waterfalls. The crystal blue waters are in keeping with the town’s blue theme, and visitors can take a dip in the rock pools, or admire the majestic waterfalls. While in the area, make sure to look out for the awe-inspiring Bridge of God, a rock arch spanning the river.

For an even greater appreciate of nature, and even the town itself, hike in the Rif mountains and admire the town from above with unbeatable panoramic views. Less known than the Atlas mountains, but just as beautiful, these peaks rise to 6500 feet above the Mediterranean and boast some of the best hiking routes in Africa.

Often the point of focus for the sightseeing tours, unsurprisingly so given the importance of mosques in Moroccan culture, the Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen is popular with tourists, perhaps thanks to its unique octagonal minaret. The beautiful echoes of the call to prayer which sound five times a day create a great atmosphere, and the stunning architecture which dates back to the 15th century is gorgeous. The mosque is one of the most important buildings in the town, and a definite must-see, although bear in mind only Muslims can enter.

Tourists will love the relaxed ambiance which is hard to find in the bigger cities, as it means they can stroll at leisure and appreciate the beauty of the city and the nature there.