Chefchaouen Medina
Chefchaouen Medina things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Chefchaouen, also known as the "Blue Pearl" or "Blue City," is a picturesque town located in the Rif Mountains of northwest Morocco. Here's some instructive information about Chefchaouen: History: Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 as a small fortress to fight against the Portuguese invasions of northern Morocco. It was later established as a sanctuary for Jews and Muslims fleeing the Spanish Inquisition in the 15th century. Architecture: The town is famous for its distinctive blue-washed buildings, a tradition that is said to have been introduced by Jewish refugees. The blue and white hues create a stunning contrast against the backdrop of the rugged mountains. Culture: Chefchaouen has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its diverse history. Visitors can explore the historic medina, which is a maze of narrow streets lined with shops selling local crafts, such as woven blankets, pottery, and leather goods. Natural Beauty: Beyond its charming streets, Chefchaouen is surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. The Rif Mountains offer opportunities for hiking, trekking, and exploring the nearby Akchour Waterfalls and Talassemtane National Park. Cuisine: Food lovers will delight in the local cuisine, which features a mix of Moroccan and Andalusian flavors. Traditional dishes include tagines, couscous, and freshly caught seafood. Visitors can also sample mint tea and indulge in pastries like sfenj (Moroccan donuts). Shopping: Chefchaouen is known for its vibrant markets where visitors can haggle for a variety of goods, including spices, textiles, and handicrafts. The town's souks are a treasure trove of unique finds and souvenirs to take home. Photography: The photogenic streets of Chefchaouen attract photographers from around the world. The blue-washed buildings, colorful doorways, and intricate details make for stunning compositions, especially during the soft light of dawn and dusk. Overall, Chefchaouen offers a magical blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic Moroccan experience.
Onur OzsoyOnur Ozsoy
10
Chefchaouen is an interesting city/town. It is set in a valley really. There are picturesque views of the city especially when approaching it from Fes. From afar, the city may not be as blue as it is portrayed. The Medina itself is nice. The people are friendly enough if you are the kind of person who likes to greet people. If you are not the type then best avoid eye contact. It is not that big a Medina so you shouldn’t get lost. There are various merchandise shops, restaurants as well as the famous blue decor. You will soon discover that for most buildings, the blue paint doesn’t always go all the way to the top of buildings. If your aim is to take social media photos rather than simply meander and enjoy this place then prepare to pay for your photos in certain places. There’s a saying that looks can be deceiving! Be aware that people might approach you offering accommodation (dangling keys) or to be your tour guide. Use your own discretion. Remember that you are in the midst of locals who see different faces everyday therefore it is good to observe silence where necessary whilst respecting notices displayed in the Medina. There’s plenty to eat and drink. It is fairly more expensive near the square. I would recommend at least one night stay here. There are a few gates from where you can approach the Medina. For international travellers, you may find commission free machines near Hassan II Boulevard. If you visit here from May until the summer is over, please please make sure you have sun protection and lots of fluid handy. It gets really hot. Worth a visit but a way to go so if you have other plans, prioritise your itinerary.
Legends lLegends l
00
If you want to join the bandwagon and show off on IG that you've traveled to Chefchaouen , the Blue "City "in Morocco, then go. There are habitual IG photo opps around the place. You'll know which ones- lots of tourists waiting for their turn. That's a turn-off for me, especially when some locals charge 10-15 dirhams ( 1.00 to 1.5 USD) for a corner they decorated. We also encountered several times groups of tourists ( some loud) led by a flag waving tour leader. Chefchaouen is charming, with its narrow alleys and overall blue themed structures. You cannot help but take lots of snaps. I did, too. But the photos you see on IG are ingeniously cropped and enhanced because many areas are not blue, or just the lower half are. Some areas are insalubrious. There are many stray cats and some dogs, so be careful where you step - it's a poo mine. ATTENTION VISITORS ‼️ If you ask for directions or appear to be lost, you may be approached by locals ( usually men) who appear to be helpful BUT! after showing you the way, they will ask for 10-15 dirhams. MY ADVICE: SAY THANK YOU, DO NOT GIVE MONEY, GO YOUR WAY. They'll grumble but will eventually leave you alone. Thing is, some people are GENUINELY willing to help without asking for money. But as a visitor, you get wary. I have learned my lesson. Try as much as possible not to ask for help. If really necessary, ask shopkeepers, students ... not those men loitering aimlessly ( and there a many in tourist areas). But it's not fool proof! One time I chose a middle aged woman carrying a shopping bag. She said she was going in the direction we were going, but eventually also asked for money. My take on Chefchaouen? It remains a charming place but it's not authentic anymore. If you want those photos for IG, then go, just on a day trip. But if you don't, then skip.
Marlene PoMarlene Po
00
Chefchaouen Medina, often referred to as the "Blue Pearl" of Morocco, is a captivating destination renowned for its striking blue-washed buildings and vibrant atmosphere. As you wander through its narrow, winding cobbled streets, you'll be immersed in a sensory feast, where the air is filled with the enticing aromas of spices and herbs. The marketplace is a vast treasure trove of local craftsmanship, offering everything from colorful textiles and intricate leather goods to unique souvenirs and artisanal footwear. Each corner of the Medina reveals a new delight, with shops bursting with handwoven rugs and beautifully crafted pottery. Photogenic spots abound, making it a popular location for capturing memories. Many areas are adorned with charming decorations, and you'll find designated photobooths that invite visitors to snap pictures for a minimal fee of just 1 or 2 dirhams. Exploring the Medina is not just a shopping experience; it’s an opportunity to engage with the local culture and artistry. Friendly vendors are eager to share their stories, and the vibrant community atmosphere enhances the overall experience. Whether you're looking to shop or simply soak in the breathtaking surroundings, Chefchaouen Medina offers an unforgettable journey through its enchanting pathways.
F KF K
00
Right inside the entrance gate to the beautiful blue Pearl you’ll find their Medina with handicrafts. I enjoy this Medina because of the walking up and down the hilly streets while looking at the beautiful blue shades of the walls and decorations on them. I really enjoyed the vibe in this city overall and the people were very nice. At dinner, we met a man walking by the table who struck a conversation with us and later recognized us in the Medina. He wound up following us for a long time in the shopping area, making tried light conversation with us in the beginning but quickly turned that into getting us to make a purchase, following us at each place we went. I know he wanted to make a commission from the local shopkeepers if we bought something. Although he was funny and light and making jokes at first we felt very pressured and wound up walking away without making a purchase. However, we did have a group of younger boys lead us to a restaurant we struggled to find, in which I offered to pay them a little something and they refused. Not everyone is out to swindle the tourists in Morocco though it is good to be aware.
melody littigmelody littig
00
المدينة الزرقاء.. سحر مغربي وعبق أندلسي توصف بالمدينة الزرقاء إذا وطأت قدماك مدينة يكسوها الأزرق أينما حللت وارتحلت، تأكد أنك في الشاون أو كما يحلو للبعض تسميتها "شفشاون"، مدينة مغربية حاكت لنفسها ثوبا يجمع بين جمال الطبيعة وهدوء المكان. مرّ على تأسيس الشاون أكثر من خمسة قرون، لكنها لاتزال محافظة على عراقتها وأصالتها، إذ تشتهر بمعمارها المتميز وحوانيتها الأقرب إلى المتاحف ولونها الأزرق، الذي يحافظ على طابع الثقافة الشاونية. وفي هذا الصدد، أوضح الناشط المدني، محمد عمور، لموقع "سكاي نيوز عربية" أن معمار المدينة الأصيل، بسقوفه المغطاة بالقرميد الأحمر والحدائق الصغيرة الموجودة في أفنية المنازل وأبوابها المزخرفة وأقواسها العريضة، يحيل على مدن الأندلس العتيقة. ولأنها مكسوّة بقمم جبال حادة تشبه قرني الماعز، فإن اسم "أشاون" مستلهم من المعجم الأمازيغي، ويقصد به "القرون"، إلا أن الاسم الأكثر تداولا في المغرب هو "شفشاون". للمدينة ألقاب كثيرة، فمنهم من يصفها بالمدينة الزرقاء، ومنهم من يطلق عليها "مدينة السياحة والثقافة"، فيما يفضّل آخرون تسميتها "مدينة علي بن راشد"، في إشارة إلى اسم مؤسسها. تعايش وتلاقح الديانات ويقول مؤرخون إن المدينة شيدت على يد الأمير علي بن راشد، لإيواء المسلمين واليهود المطرودين من الأندلس عام 1471، مما جعلها منذ التأسيس أرضا لتعايش وتلاقح الديانات والثقافات. وكشف عمور أن المدينة كانت قبلة للمقاتلين الذين وجدوا في موقعها الاستراتيجي مكانا حصينا تتجمع فيه قوافلهم لمقاومة الاحتلال الأجنبي، مضيفا أن موقع الشاون اختير آنذاك ليكون مركزا لتخطيط العمليات الحربية للدفاع والهجوم. تحوز شفشاون على أكثر من 4 آلاف كيلومتر مربع من مساحة المغرب، وترتفع إلى ما يقارب 600 متر عن سطح البحر، فيما يبلغ عدد سكانها نحو 50 ألف نسمة. حرف تقليدية وفضاءات بهيّة النجارة والخياطة والحجامة والحدادة والخرازة والدباغة وحِرف وأخرى تلقى إقبالا كبيرا في الشاون، التي اشتهرت بالصناعات التقليدية، بفضل المهاجرين من الأندلس، الذين رافقوا بن راشد في البداية. غالبا ما يبدأ السائح جولته بساحة "وطاء الحمام" مرورا بقلعة عسكرية محاذية، دون إغفال عين "رأس الماء"، والقمم الجبلية المحيطة، قبل أن يختم زيارته بتسكع في الأزقة العتيقة ومحلات الصناعة التقليدية. ويعد "رأس الماء"، وهو المورد المائي الوحيد في شفشاون، من الفضاءات السياحية التي تشد أنظار الزوار، حيث ينفرد بطبيعته الفاتنة وشلالاته العذبة وأشجاره الخضراء المزدانة ومرافقه المتنوعة. كما تعتبر "القصبة" من الأماكن التاريخية في المدينة، على اعتبار أنها من أولى البنايات التي شيدت على الطريقة الأندلسية. و"القصبة" متحف تاريخي كبير، يضم قطعا أثرية ورسومات ومنقوشات، ويحيط به سور تتوسطه عشرة أبراج. ولإنهاء جولتك في القصبة، يستحسن الصعود إلى الطابق العلوي للاستمتاع بمنظر بانورامي لشفشاون. مدينة السياحة والثقافة باتت المدينة، منذ العقد الماضي، محطة سياحية مهمة في شمال البلاد، حيث تشهد خلال مواسم العطلات توافدا كبيرا من المغاربة والسياح، الذين تجلبهم المناظر الطبيعية والمآثر التاريخية.
Said AskouriSaid Askouri
00
Nearby Attractions Of Chefchaouen Medina
Kasbah
Alcazaba
Bouzafer Mosque
Chefchaouen
Ras El Ma
Place El Haouta
Casa Hassan
Plaza Uta el Hamman
Bab El Ain
Plaza Mohammed V
Kasbah
4.3
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Alcazaba
4.4
(874)Click for details
Bouzafer Mosque
4.7
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Chefchaouen
4.7
(288)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Chefchaouen Medina
Cafe Clock
Restaurant Bab Ssour
Assaada
Restaurant Morisco
Restaurant paloma
Restaurant Triana
Restaurant Bilmos
Toda Creperie & Ice Cream
Restaurant Al Wiam
Sofia
Cafe Clock
4.5
(811)Click for details
Restaurant Bab Ssour
4.5
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Assaada
4.4
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Restaurant Morisco
4.0
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Address
5P9R+W2V, Chefchaouen, Morocco
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Overview
4.7
(789 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
family friendly
attractions: Kasbah, Alcazaba, Bouzafer Mosque, Chefchaouen, Ras El Ma, Place El Haouta, Casa Hassan, Plaza Uta el Hamman, Bab El Ain, Plaza Mohammed V, restaurants: Cafe Clock, Restaurant Bab Ssour, Assaada, Restaurant Morisco, Restaurant paloma, Restaurant Triana, Restaurant Bilmos, Toda Creperie & Ice Cream, Restaurant Al Wiam, Sofia
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