MOROCCO

50 Shades of Blue

Chefchaouen translates to ‘blue pearl’ and this ethereal city really is a rare gem.

Perched amid the dramatic backdrop of the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen, founded in 1471, is one of the prettiest towns you will find in Morocco. The facades of its houses are painted powder-blue and white, so that the whole city appears to be drenched in azure.  If you’ve got a few days to relax from the rigors of travel, this is the place to do it.

There are many different theories to why Chefchaouen is so blue…

Some say that the shades of blue on the walls keep the mosquitoes away, others believe that the blue helps to keep the houses cool during the warm summer months. The most popular theory is that it was painted blue by the Jews who fled to Chefchaouen to escape the Spanish Inquisition in the 15th century.

The appeal of Chefchaouen goes beyond its stunning mountainside location. Thanks to its rich heritage, the town is full of attractions. Click here to read our guide to what to do in this surreal city.