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Morocco: Chefchaouen

Morocco: Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen– or Chaouen, as it is often called by Moroccans –  is a city in northwest Morocco, noted for its buildings painted in all shades of blue. The city was founded in 1471 in the Rif mountains by Jews and Moors fleeing Spain. Chefchaouen's blue walls are a popular subject of interest. There are several theories as to why the walls were painted specifically in this colour. One popular theory is that the blue keeps mosquitos away. The blue is also said to symbolize the sky and heaven, and serves as a reminder to lead a spiritual life.

Chefchaouen is a popular tourist destination because of its proximity to Tangier and the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. There are approximately two hundred hotels catering to the summer influx of European tourists. The beauty of Chefchaouen's mountainous surroundings are enhanced by the contrast of the brightly painted medina (old town). It is this beauty and the relaxed atmosphere of the town that makes Chefchaouen very attractive to visitors. A nearby attraction is the Kef Toghobeit Cave, the deepest cave in Morocco and one of the deepest caves in Africa.

You can easily visit Chefchaouen from one of the nearby cities on a tour. Tangier is about 2 hours away, while Fes is 3 hours away from this beautiful blue spot in the middle of nowhere.