Chefchaouen, Morocco
Seriously, Chefchaouen is the most photogenic city we’ve ever been in. And I’m not saying that only because the houses in Chefchaouen happens to be painted in shades of powder blue which happens to be our favorite color.
Well, maybe I am.
(Random fact: Do you know that blue is the most universally liked color?)
I don’t think there’s a better way to show this city other than in pictures.
Sometimes walking around the medina feels like walking inside an iceberg.
Most of the people in the medina are shy about being photographed. Considering the amount of tourists that come through here taking pictures of their city and its inhabitants, that’s quite understandable. Even the kids would go, ‘La, la’ (‘No, no’) when asked for a pictures.
This girl, however, was not shy about having her picture taken. She was posing for me when her friend came running by to talk to her and here she seemed to be saying, ‘Wait a second, she’s taking my picture!’ Most of the girls are dressed in pink – making a nice contrast with the blue of the surrounding.
A basket of bread and a bowl of olives are commonly served as free appetizers in Morocco. We tried soo hard to like olives, but they’re just not our thing.
The best thing to do in Chefchaouen is to wander around and get lost in its winding blue alleys, passing women gossiping on the doorways, kids playing soccer in the narrow alley, and wondering why there are so many young (and not-so-yong) Moroccan males hanging around and doing nothing on the street.
Every new turn seems to bring yet another photo op. Of course, ‘blue’ is always the theme.
There are some aspects of this country that have begun to rub us the wrong way, but one thing we can’t deny:
Morocco might be one of the most photogenic countries out there – as long as you ignore the litter on the ground that is.
For more pics from Chefchaouen:
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| 11-24 Chefchaouen |
Where to stay in Chefchaouen: Hotel Guernika – a little hard to find, but it has wifi and really hot showers. Double room w/ showers: 250 Dirham
Where to eat: any of the restaurants in the main plaza (Uta El-Hammam)
23 comments
add commentOh wow that blue really is gorgeous.
You’re kinda running pretty close with Jaime of BreakAway backpacker, he was there a couple months ago you both showed quality photos.
I have never tried olives there, I like the US black and Green olives so I’m not sure they are the same.
oops I see he already replied, old post too
very nice pictures nonetheless.
Not only is Morocco one of my favorite travel destinations (ah, such diversity – the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, the Sahara, the Atlas mountains – all in such a tiny country just a hop, skip ‘n a jump from Spain), but…
I dare say dear Chefchaouen is probably my favorite of ALL locales on the globe! Oh so idyllic! I surely could live there for all eternity.
Glad to see you exploring Morocco’s many corners.
I have seen this city profiled a number of times, and everytime I see it I’m amazed!
I love colourful buildings like that. I want those olives! They are an acquired taste – I acquired it when in Italy as they are always free with drinks and I was hungry! Now I love them so I’d give them another chance.
They are an acquired taste, aren’t they? Jack’s given up on them, but I guess I”ll give them another try since a lot of people seems to like them – so there must be something to it.
Great photos. I was there 20 years ago on my bicycle and the place seems to have changed little.
Ah, we met some really cool bicyclists when we were there. Well, they were actually there in Chaoen sans bikes as a form of ‘vacation’. Poor guys were so lost having to take public transportation since they were so used to go places on their own bikes
Guess what song is stuck in my head now?
“I have a blue house with a blue window.
Blue is the colour of all that I wear.
Blue are the streets and all the trees are too.
I have a girlfriend and she is so blue.”
Anyone? Eiffel 65? Mid-90s??
Lol – I think I might know the song you’re talking about.
Oh I loved Chaouen – I remember wandering through those blue streets and stopping every two seconds to take a photograph. One of my favourite places in Morocco. That and Essaouira. What was it about Morocco that you didn’t like?
Thanks for the info–and you’re right: it helps if the country is “photogenic” (NZ!!)
Wow, it looks beautiful! The blues looks so calming.
These are lovely photos. I especially like the one of the two little girls. So cute. I’m curious about what is was about Morocco that rubbed you the wrong way…?
You guys don’t like olives!? Uh, please send them my way IMMEDIATELY!
All that blue looks all kinds of fantastic as well!
Very pretty. All that blue – it’s my favorite color too!
I had no idea! Thanks for sharing this beautiful area. You’re right, it is photogenic. Those 2 girls are darling too.
Wasn’t planning on stopping in here during my trip through the country, but if it’s photogenic, I want to be there. I’ve added it to my notes, and will check it out. Thanks for the tip and the images
Oh, I think you’ll love it there. We’re in Essaouira now and you should def add this town to your list as well. Just as, if not more, photogenic than Chefchaouen if I dare to say.
I’m thinking about going to Morocco next year or so. I’ve started doing some research (I always start planning these things months ahead) but still hadn’t come up with this place. Now I know I need to go there and be immerse in all this blue
Ahhh one of my fav towns I have visited on this trip so far. Just loved everything about it… the color and the people. Great shots.. I didn’t get many of people here because they would all say “La la”.
Definitely don’t feel blue seeing these pix. haha. They are beautifully subtle. I bet some neighborhoods in the world could use a lil blue in their lives!
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