Arabian Nights

A Moroccan Dream

Have you ever seen a completely blue city? Chefchaouen, located in the northern part of Morocco, is completely blue, it's magnificent!

The magic word does not begin to explain the experience that one has while visiting this beautiful city.

This city is filled with a beautiful history, having been built in 1471. The blue tint of this beautiful city took on its color in 1492 when the Jews escaped from the Spanish Inquisition. It may be a very small town but I assure you it is not like you have seen it before. Now here are some reasons why you should visit this travel destination.

Locals

Although it is a very small town, there are many people who live here. You certainly stand out but you are never the only tourist there. People are watching: it's something you have to get used to before you go, because tourism is still fairly new in this beautiful city, but don't be discouraged. The locals, in shops and restaurants, are very nice and helpful. They love to have conversations and speak many different languages including French, English, Spanish and Arabic! I took a tour and I was given a Moroccan guide for the few days of my stay, as a birthday present for me. On my birthday, my guide took out a cake during dinner and gave me a birthday present to always remember Morocco and its people.

Currency

The Moroccan currency is the Moroccan dirham, which is equivalent to 0.11 USD, which means that you get a lot for your foreign money. They also accept the euro, because there are many tourists in the northern part of Morocco from Spain! I exchanged my dollars in the city center and not at the airport, which helped me pay no fees.

Photography

If you love landscape and photography, this city is for you! Going up the mountains, or if you are like me, you will take a taxi, you will find the most beautiful you have ever seen. The city is not just a shade of blue: there are many! Different tones and shades everywhere you look. Different parts of the city have different historically constructed doors, buildings and shops, which makes for great shots!

Colors

If you like to watch the colors, you will love being at the top of the mountain during sunset to see the most beautiful you have ever seen. The beautiful reddish orange hue is absolutely magnificent on the beautiful blue city. My friends and I decided to sneak up on the roof of our hotel, where we sat and watched the sunset. You will love watching the sun disappear behind very distant but equally beautiful mountains.

Location

It is the ideal place, where you will be tempted to visit many other beautiful cities in northern Morocco as there is no airport in Chefchaouen. This is a great opportunity - and an excuse, to do tourism in other cities of Morocco. Some of these must-see cities include Fez, Asilah, Tangier, Tetouan. It is very educational on the cultural level: that you meet people, learn their language or their religion!

Authenticity

There are so many different authentic stores that sell local clothing. These are pretty little clothes that show the Moroccan culture. There are also other stores that offer tourist goods. There are restaurants that only offer authentic Moroccan food - no franchises. There is no foreign food as it is a fairly new tourist attraction.

Walking

Yes, you are going to be very active in this little town. Although it is quite small, to see the beautiful shades of blue, you have to keep walking. There are mountains for hiking, from where you will see a lot of nature. The views from above are absolutely breathtaking: bring a fully charged camera!

You will not regret being there, but you will be even more intrigued by the other beautiful cities of this magnificent country.