Tucked into northwest Morocco is the lovely town of Chefchaouen. The picturesque town is famous for its brilliant blue and white painted Medina, and its beautiful setting in the Rif Mountains. After a few days of frantic travel, I was excited for a few days to relax and explore this pretty spot. The town is quite compact, so I was able to explore it entirely on foot, with my camera in hand.
The vivid blue hue and twisting lanes are the first things you notice about Chefchaouen, and it makes for some stunning photographic opportunities. Every corner you turn in the Medina is another beautiful blue doorway, intricately tiled archway, or colorful shop. The walls, doors, and even the walkways themselves are painted, so at times you are completely engulfed in different shades of blue. I was in awe taking it all in and getting lost in the tiny passageways.
Another thing that I loved about the town was the relaxed atmosphere. Shopping was so much more enjoyable in Chefchaouen than in the Moroccan bigger cities, as there was less aggressive haggling, prices were reasonable and there were more varied and authentic handicrafts.
Chefchaouen also makes a great base for exploring the surrounding Rif Mountains area too, as there are a variety of hiking trails for both day hikes and multi-day excursions very close by. We opted for a short, sunrise hike up to the church that overlooks the town. It was a great opportunity for photography over the pretty valley.
The town also boasts great food, and many of the restaurants and cafes have rooftop patios or quaint street-side tables, which was great for enjoying the natural setting and people watching. We found a few spots that overlooked the main square and had some truly fantastic views.
I really enjoyed my time in Chefchaouen and think it should be a must-see on every Morocco travel itinerary, especially if you love photography!
