Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 as a small Kasbah (fortress) by Moulay Ali Ibn Rashid Al-Alami, a descendant of Abd As-Salam al-Alami and Idris I, and through them, of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Al-Alami founded the city to fight the Portuguese invasions of northern Morocco. Along with the Ghomara tribes of the region, many Moriscos and Jews settled here after the Spanish Reconquista (Inquisition) in medieval times. The city’s blue palette drives its origin from that same era, given that arriving Jewish exiles painted their houses blue to reflect their divinity — a tradition that continued through the centuries. It wasn’t until recently that the blue shades spread out of the Jewish quarter (the Mellah) to the other parts of the Medina (the old town) making it the “blue pearl of Morocco” we know today. Chefchaouen what to do - Blue City Morocco: old medina chefchaouen

Chefchaouen has become one of the world’s top picturesque destinations. Its Medina is a real charmer! So, prepare yourself to fall hard for its winding small alleys painted in every shade of blue you could imagine. If you are an Instagrammer, then you are in heaven! Your tour guide, as a local, knows all the hidden photo spots. Hence, you are not going to miss any of them. Furthermore, by strolling down Medina’s labyrinthine alleyways, you will immediately absorb the Berber, Moorish, and Andalusian vibes. The itinerary comprises the most important landmarks of the city such as the Kasbah and its Museum, Hawta Square, Ras El Maa waterfall, the Great Mosque, Outa El Hammam main square, and many more. Day trip to Chefchaouen from Casablanca OR Day trip to Chefchaouen from Tangier: Chefchaouen must-see list

Bab El Ain is one of the main gateways into the historic 15th-century old Medina of Chefchaouen. It is located on the southern side of the Medina, close to a large cemetery. The imposing terracotta-colored stone façade has a relatively small archway through which people can pass and small windows in the upper section. Blue City Morocco - Chefchaouen what to do: Chefchaouen tour from Tangier

Every town and city has its square, and Chefchaouen is no exception. Plaza Outa El-Hammam boasts an ambiance that is a fusion of Moroccan and Spanish influences, seen overall in the fantastic food, both street food and restaurants, available throughout. The name means literally “The flat ground where the Hammam is” because near the square there is a Hammam as well as the Great Mosque and the Kasbah; so it could have been named Outa El-Kasbah or Outa El-Jamaa (mosque), but no. Anyway, it’s a great central point of the town; it can be great for simply relaxing and admiring the majestic mountains that overlook the city. Best things to do in Chefchaouen - Chefchaouen itinerary: Chefchaouen what to see

The Kasbah is located next to the Great Mosque, just a few steps away. Inside the Kasbah lies the beautiful Andalusian Garden which stands as a tranquil green oasis complementing the calming flood of blue that characterises the town. Within the garden stands the Ethnographic Museum of Chefchaouen, known as the Kasbah Museum. It invites visitors to explore its unrivalled collection of artefacts that tell the storey of the Chefchaouen region, with everything from pottery to musical instruments. Not only that, there’s even a small art gallery within the museum. A visit here is a must to learn about the history and culture of the blue city of Morocco – it’s simply not enough to appreciate the aesthetics. Places to see in Chefchaouen - day trip to Chefchaouen: Top things to do in Chefchaouen

Constructed in the 15th century, Chefchaouen’s Grande Mosque was built on the orders of the son of the city’s founder. It features an octagonal minaret, which is somewhat unusual when compared to the many square minarets that generally tower over the nation’s myriad mosques. The shape was influenced by Andalusian styles, brought to the country by Muslims from Spain. Built from stone, the shades of brown and beige are juxtaposed against the nearby blue and white buildings. Admiring the mosque is among the top things to do in Chefchaouen. Chefchaouen what to do - Moroccan blue town: Chefchaouen sightseeing

Translating as head of the water, this is the point at which the fresh mountain water trickles its way into the town, and proves a popular gathering place for locals. Not only, are they an alternative to the remote and grand waterfalls of the mountains, but also these refreshing falls are much better to both escape the heat and to get another insight into standard daily life. Locals gather here to wash their clothes and simply have a friendly water cooler moment. The thundering water is used to power some mills (Rhas) spread on the sides of the water stream. Best places to visit in Chefchaouen: ras el maa waterfall Chefchaouen

After a break for a delicious Chaouni lunch, your tour guide will escort you to the Spanish Mosque, or Bouzafaar Mosque, to take in the wonderful view over Chefchaouen from an outside terrace. Located two 650 metres from Ras El-Ma, the Spanish Mosque is perched on a hilltop. The evocative ruins overlook the city, and it’s a terrific vantage point from which to admire the surroundings. The white-washed mosque was built in the 1920s by the Spanish. It failed to attract local worshippers; it never has been used as a mosque. Consequently, it fell into disrepair. Restoration works were later carried out. As a non-working mosque, all visitors can take a peek inside. It is also called Boujaafar Mosque, and the word Boujaafar refers to the Spanish official who was in charge of building the mosque and who had an unusually big mustache. This will be the end of your tour of Chefchaouen. Before heading to Tangier, you’ll be left with plenty of free time for more photos.