Chefchaouen, Morrocco is a small city almost 68 miles (109 kilometers) southeast of Tangier. Nicknamed The Blue City, the town is a collection of buildings painted all shades of blue. Some say it follows Jewish customs, while others believe the color keeps the mosquitoes away.
If you’re spending a few days in Morrocco, you can find enough things to do in Chefchaouen for a day trip!
Things to do in Chefchaouen
We took a day excursion through our hotel from Tangier to Chefchaouen (also known as Chaouen). Be sure to ask your hotel about day trips throughout the region! And don’t forget to wear good, comfortable shoes – the city is on an incline, and there are lots of steps to climb.
The best part about Chefchaouen was just walking around. The buildings may remind you of the Greek islands like Santorini or Mykonos, but the blue is unlike anything else. And the locals re-paint the buildings every couple months to make sure the buildings stay vibrant.
You can enjoy lunch or tea in the marketplace, and just slowly meander through the city. You may find a few shop owners scattered throughout the buildings, or residents offering mint tea. It will be a breath of fresh air from the crowds in other Moroccan cities like Tangier or Fes.
And for anyone who has a particular passion for doors and archways, this city is your paradise! The architecture is stunning – I must’ve photographed at least 30 different doors.
Don’t be afraid to wander! You may think you’re lost, but the city is so small that you can easily find yourself back to where you started. And besides, isn’t that what wanderlust is all about?
I’d only recommend one day in the Blue City. There aren’t many things to do in Chefchaouen itself, but it’s worth going just to see the beautiful buildings in person. I promise you these photos don’t do it justice.
