Explore Chefchaouen: Your Ultimate Guide to Morocco's Blue Pearl City
- Myeisha Boyd
- Nov 1, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 17
Chefchaouen, Morocco
The city of Chefchaouen is iconic because of it’s blue washed buildings and streets, creating a perfect spot for grabbing some amazing travel photos. If you are visiting Morocco, you have to add at least a day trip to Chefchaouen to your itinerary. In this guide, I will share high-level of the Blue Pearl’s history, how to get there for a day trip, and tips for making your visit unforgettable.
Why is Chefchaouen Known as the Blue City (The Blue Pearl)?
There are several theories for why the city was originally painted blue. The first is religious significance: The most popular and well known theory is that the blue color was introduced by Jewish refugees who settled in Chefchaouen in the 1930s. In Judaism, blue is considered a sacred color, representing the sky and heaven. The blue paint may have been a way to feel closer to God or to bring spiritual protection.
Getting to Chefchaouen and Around While There
The city is easily reachable by bus or taxi from Tangier. I personally stayed in Casablanca. The journey from Casablanca to Chefchaouen and back is an all day journey - so make sure you’re prepared for that.
Tips on Negotiating with Taxi’s (Especially in Morocco)
Every time I took a taxi in Morocco the prices varied tremendously. The meter was never turned on, I would tell them where I was trying to go and they would make up a price and say it. If you’re traveling to Morocco for the first time, you must negotiate with the Taxi drivers. If they try to charge you 20, say you can do 15… or honestly 10 depending on the distance.
You can ask them to turn on the meter if you’re uncomfortable negotiating, but many told me that the meter did not work properly
Always negotiate the amount before getting in the taxi
If you allow them to carry your luggage to the car… surprise, that’s an added charge :) carry your own! Lol
Be willing to walk away!
What to do in Chefchaouen
You cannot visit Morocco without spending some time in Chefchaouen. Wandering around the madina is an excursion in itself. At every turn you’ll find yourself experiencing different shades of blue.
Along the Way you get to see….
Be prepared for this to be an all day activity, especially if you’re only going for the day. Based on my experience, the city of Chefchaouen gives day trip vibes - but there are plenty of nice boutique hotels to check out if you’d like to extend your stay. I’ve listed a few below:
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