Chefchaouen: The Blue City of the Rif

Hidden in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is one of the most charming towns in northern Morocco. Its blue-painted streets, whitewashed houses and mountain setting give the city a character that is quite different from Morocco’s larger destinations.

Why is Chefchaouen painted blue?

Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 and later became home to Muslim and Jewish communities from Andalusia, particularly after 1492. There are several stories about why the city was painted blue, but no single explanation has been confirmed. One of the most widely known stories connects the tradition to the Jewish community that settled in Chefchaouen, for whom blue was associated with the sky and spirituality. Over time, the color became an important part of the town’s identity.

What to See & Do in Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is best explored on foot, with plenty to see around the old medina and in the surrounding Rif Mountains.

  1. Explore the Blue Medina and wander through its quiet, winding streets.
  2. Visit Plaza Uta el-Hammam, the main square and heart of the old medina.
  3. Explore the Kasbah and its traditional Moroccan architecture.
  4. Walk up to the Spanish Mosque for beautiful views over Chefchaouen and the Rif Mountains.

How to Get to Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is easy to reach from both Fez and Tangier. From Fez, the drive takes around 4 hours, while Tangier is about 2 hours away by road. Both cities are convenient starting points for visiting the Blue City by private car or day trip.

→ Want to visit Chefchaouen? Explore our Chefchaouen from Fez day trip.