Tucked in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen feels like stepping into a dream. Everywhere you look, shades of blue cover the walls, doors, and winding alleyways. It’s a 500-year-old cobblestone hillside town, once known mostly for hashish production, but in the last 20 years, it has transformed into one of Morocco’s most magical destinations.

Getting Lost in the Blue

I arrived on February 13, excited to explore this postcard-perfect city. My stay at Riad Dar Yakout was the perfect introduction—traditional Moroccan decor, warm hospitality, and a rooftop view that stretched over the blue rooftops and beyond. Wandering through the narrow streets, I felt like I was walking inside a painting, with every turn revealing a new shade of blue.

Life in the Old Town

Beyond it’s picture-perfect streets, Chefchaouen has a rich, everyday life that’s easy to miss if you don’t slow down. At the Dhobi Ghat, I watched locals hand-washing clothes in old stone basins, carrying on traditions that have lasted for generations. The community bakery was another highlight, where families bring their dough to be baked in a shared oven, filling the air with the warm scent of fresh bread.

Scattered throughout the town, small fountains offer a glimpse into local life, once serving as gathering spots for neighbors. I also explored the mosque neighborhoods, where the sound of the call to prayer added to the peaceful, timeless feel of the town.

A City with a Story

It’s hard to believe that not long ago, Chefchaouen was known mostly for hashish—a town off the beaten path. Today, it’s a welcoming, laid-back place where travelers come to soak in the beauty, history, and relaxed pace of life.

Why Chefchaouen is Worth the Trip

There’s something special about getting lost in Chefchaouen’s blue streets—sipping mint tea on a quiet rooftop, chatting with shop owners, or simply watching the golden sunlight hit the blue walls in the late afternoon. It’s a place that stays with you long after you leave.