Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen, sometimes referred to as the “blue city,” is considered the most beautiful city in Morocco for good reason. Its name comes from the word for “antlers” or “horns,” referring to the often snow-capped peaks that tower over the town in winter. Bright blue houses, Andalusian-style red terracotta roof tiles, and rugged mountain landscapes make Chefchaouen truly unique! You could easily spend an entire day wandering the streets, photographing the brightly colored pots that decorate the blue walls, or sitting in a café on Plaza Uta el-Hammam, the main square, named after the numerous Turkish baths that surround it. After a cup or two of mint tea, head to the nearby shops to buy some souvenirs, see the Grand Mosque and the Kasbah, and stroll to the Ras el-Ma spring... The Grand Mosque, built by Moulay Mohamed in 1560, is the oldest and largest in the city and like all Moroccan religious monuments, is off-limits to non-Muslims, although it is very interesting from the outside. Inside the Kasbah, you can explore the garden, museum and some of the prison cells, and climb up to the roof for fantastic views of the colourful buildings. From the Ras el-Maa spring, you can walk to the ruins of the mosque on the hill – the view from there is unmatched in the whole area, especially at sunset! You can also visit the traditional hammams, located just off Place Uta el-Hammam.