You’ll notice that the traditional dress of the women in the north is quite different than in other regions…
Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen
This city, known as The Blue Pearl, is no other than the famous Chefchaouen. Aside from its blue buildings, Chefchaouen is also famous for its unique goat cheese, wool garments and woven blankets.
Built on the side of a hill, the old medina of Chefchaouen is wonderful for roaming around, allowing you to take your time and get lost while taking in the scenery with its up and down hills and stairs.
Everyone wants to know what’s up with the blue. Nobody really knows for sure. There are many stories some plausible and others outlandish. One plausible story is that the blue theme was started by the Jewish population of Chefchaouen. One rather outlandish tale is that people discovered that the color blue keeps mosquitoes away. Some say the blue was supposed to keep the city cool. No matter the reason, Chefchaouen wouldn’t be the same without its blue.
The Grand Mosque is also a sight to see with its local flavor of architecture. The historical Spanish influence is especially noticeable with the historical Fondouks (Arabic for inn) having large courtyards for merchants or parked animals while the guests slept in the upper floors.
The Kasbah of Chefchaouen contains a small ethnographic museum, an art gallery as well as a lovely garden. It offers amazing views of old Chefchaouen from high and promotes the creative works of local artists.
Recommended Length of Stay: 2 days
Find out how to make Bissara Soup, a common soup eaten for breakfast and afternoon meals.
Crisply geometric patterns of blue-and-white zellij, sun-bleached panels of carved cedar, rhythmic arcades of white plaster, sinuous lines of wrought-iron balconies: each reveals the hand of a master craftsperson and the beauty of refined materials.Susan Sully, New Moroccan Style: The Art of Sensual Living
Places to visit while here
Cultural Dress of the North
You’ll notice that the traditional dress of the women in the north is quite different than in other regions of the country. The colorful hat seen in the image is called a chichia (pronounced: sheshia) hat. Chichia are traditional hats worn by men, women, and children in northern Morocco. You'll see these colorful hats, made of reeds, throughout the Rif Mountains. The most traditional chichia are embellished with dark blue yarn, along with a pompom at the top. The chichia seen in this photo is a newer version.
The hats aren't only bright and colorful, they are also functional. They protect the wearer from the sun. Some people believe that the pompoms keep insects away. Since the hats are made from reeds, the head is able to breathe. Expect to pay around 50 dirhams for your own chichia.
The shawl in the photo is called a mendil. It's made from wool or cotton. You'll also see people wearing larger shawls that are more like blankets, especially in winter.
The traditional clothing in and around Chefchaouen is distinctively different from other parts of the country.
Au Pont de Dieu (Bridge of God)
God’s Bridge is on the outskirts of Chefchaouen. You’ll trek over rocks and rope bridges to get to your…
Au Pont de Dieu (Bridge of God)
God’s Bridge is on the outskirts of Chefchaouen. You’ll trek over rocks and rope bridges to get to your goal. Once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded by a natural arch and a stunning view. Open Doors Morocco can connect you with local guides to show you the way and serve you a picnic lunch!
Cascades d’Akchour
Thirty kilometers east of Chefchaoeun is a little natural paradise, not too well-known outside the region. This gorgeous landscape…
Cascades d’Akchour
Thirty kilometers east of Chefchaoeun is a little natural paradise. This gorgeous landscape offers one of the best that nature has to offer. The area boasts of chiseled mountain sides and naturally eroded rock formations with majestic waterfalls leading to a crystal-clear river. This is definitely one of the most beautiful displays on Earth, especially with the nearby Au Pont de Dieu (Bridge of God).
Open Doors Morocco's hosts frequently arrange for our guests to take a hike along with a picnic lunch. It's important to know the recent weather trends. If there hasn't been much rain, it's a good chance the falls will be dry. If this is the case, there are plenty of other nearby locations for hiking.
Spanish Mosque
If you want a view of Chefchaouen from above, this is the best spot for it. The Spanish Mosque…
Spanish Mosque
If you want a view of Chefchaouen from above, this is the best spot for it. The mosque was built in the 1920s by the Spanish during the Rif War. It was never a functioning mosque. Since it’s situated on the southeast part of the city, it’s a great spot to watch the sun go down and the city lights come up. How do you get there? You hike about one mile up the hill. It will take you approximately 30 - 45 minutes. Photographers will want to take a tripod. We recommend taking your phone or a flashlight to guide your steps on the way back down the hill after the sun has set. If you have an Open Doors Morocco host, he will guide you up the hill and even assist with the photographs!
Chefchaouen Medina
The medina grew around the fortress built by Mulay Ali Ben Mussa Ben Rached. In the 1920s, Chefchaouen was…
Chefchaouen Medina
The Chefchaouen medina surrounds the fortress built by Mulay Ali Ben Mussa Ben Rached. It has a unique history. In the 1920s, Chefchaouen was taken by the Spanish. During the 1940s, Jewish people escaping from the Nazis made their home in the medina. The Chefchaouen medina is one of the most charming medinas in the country.
Kasbah Fortress of Chefchaouen
The Chefchaouen Kasbah, built in 1471 by Mulay Ali Ben Mussa Ben Rached, the founder of Chefchaouen. The architectural…
Kasbah Fortress of Chefchaouen
The Chefchaouen Kasbah, built in 1471 by Mulay Ali Ben Mussa Ben Rached, the founder of Chefchaouen. The architectural style is Andalusian-Maghrebian complete with arches, domes, pillars, parapets, and even a small prison. It was originally built as a defense against the Portuguese who were launching attacks in the northern region of the country. It also offered protection to local groups of Muslims and Jews. There is a small ethnographic museum inside that offers a collection of artifacts from the region. Don't forget to climb the towers. They offer amazing views of the city and its surrounding areas.
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