Exploring the Blue Pearl of Morocco: A Family Adventure in Chefchaouen

Art, History, and a Chefchaouen Sunset

Today was a day of contrasts, a blend of artistic exploration in Tetouan and historical immersion in Chefchaouen, all culminating in a breathtaking sunset. It’s amazing how much you can pack into a single day when you’re driven by curiosity and a desire to experience the heart of a place. Astrid and Lasse were particularly excited about today's itinerary, and their enthusiasm was infectious.

Our morning began with a scenic drive to Tetouan, a city that hums with a different energy than Chefchaouen. While Chefchaouen is all about the blue and the mountains, Tetouan felt more urban, more… real, in a way. Our first stop was the Tetuan Modern Art Center. I’ll admit, modern art isn’t always my cup of tea, but I always appreciate seeing how different cultures interpret contemporary expression. The center itself was a bright, airy space, a stark contrast to the bustling streets outside. The exhibits were thought-provoking, a mix of paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations. Lasse, surprisingly, was quite engaged, offering his own interpretations of the pieces, which were sometimes amusing and sometimes surprisingly insightful. Astrid, with her librarian’s eye, was fascinated by the curatorial choices, noting how the pieces spoke to each other across the gallery. I found myself drawn to a series of abstract paintings that used bold colors and textures to evoke a sense of the Moroccan landscape.


Explore contemporary creativity at the Tetuan Modern Art Center, a vibrant hub showcasing local and international artistic talent in Tetouan.

After the art center, we strolled through Plaza Mohammed V. It's a large open public area, and while there wasn't a specific event happening, the square was alive with the daily rhythms of the city. Families were out for a stroll, children played near the fountain, and the air was filled with the chatter of locals catching up on the day’s news. I found myself comparing it to squares in Italy, like Piazza della Signoria in Florence, where history and daily life intertwine so seamlessly. We paused for a bit, enjoying the atmosphere and people-watching, before heading towards our next destination.


Explore the vibrant beauty of Plaza Mohammed V in Chefchaouen, where culture, nature, and relaxation meet in a picturesque Moroccan setting.

Lunch at Restaurant Triana in Tetouan was a delightful experience. We indulged in some traditional Moroccan dishes, the flavors a vibrant mix of spices and fresh ingredients. I had a tagine with lamb and apricots, the sweetness of the fruit complementing the savory meat perfectly. Astrid opted for a couscous dish with vegetables, while Lasse, ever the adventurous one, tried a local specialty called bissara, a hearty soup made from dried fava beans. It was simple, rustic, and utterly delicious. It reminded me of the ribollita my grandmother used to make back in Arezzo, a dish born of humble ingredients but rich in flavor and tradition.


Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine at Restaurant Triana in Chefchaouen – where tradition meets flavor in a picturesque setting.

In the afternoon, we drove back to Chefchaouen to explore El Mellah, the old Jewish quarter. This was a particularly poignant part of the day for me. As many know, I was born and raised in Italy, a country with a rich but sometimes troubled Jewish history. El Mellah offered a glimpse into a different kind of coexistence, a place where Jewish and Muslim cultures intertwined for centuries.


Discover the magical blue city of Chefchaouen, where vibrant culture meets stunning landscapes in Morocco's enchanting Rif Mountains.

Visiting El Mellah was a humbling reminder of the complexities of history and the enduring power of cultural exchange.

The narrow streets of El Mellah were quieter than the main thoroughfares of Chefchaouen, the blue walls perhaps a shade paler, hinting at the stories they held. We walked slowly, taking in the details: the old doorways, the worn cobblestones, the occasional Star of David etched into a wall. I tried to imagine what life must have been like here centuries ago, the sounds of Hebrew mingling with Arabic, the scent of spices and baking bread filling the air. According to local historian Ali Raissouni, Jewish people settled in Chefchaouen at various times, some families have been in the city since its foundation, and others came from Andalusia. Even though most of the Jewish population has moved away, the Mellah remains an important part of Chefchaouen’s history, a testament to a time when different cultures lived side by side.

For dinner, we chose Hôtel Restaurant La Fuente, drawn in by its charming courtyard and the promise of traditional Moroccan cuisine. The restaurant was bustling with activity, a mix of tourists and locals enjoying the warm evening air. I ordered a pastilla, a savory pie filled with pigeon, almonds, and spices, a dish that always feels like a celebration. Astrid had a vegetarian tagine, and Lasse, predictably, went for the grilled meat skewers. The food was delicious, the atmosphere lively, and we lingered over our meal, savoring the last moments of the day.


Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine in the heart of Chefchaouen at Hôtel Restaurant La Fuente.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, we made our way to Sunset at Sunset. I had read about this place online, a bar known for its stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. It was a bit of a climb to get there, but the effort was well worth it. The bar was perched on a hillside, overlooking the blue expanse of Chefchaouen. We ordered some drinks – mint tea for Astrid and me, and a refreshing juice for Lasse – and settled in to watch the show.


Discover the tranquil beauty of Chefchaouen at 'Sunset at sunset', where breathtaking views meet serene relaxation.

The sunset was nothing short of magical. The sky transformed into a canvas of colors, from fiery oranges and reds to soft pinks and purples. The blue walls of Chefchaouen seemed to glow in the fading light, creating a scene that was both surreal and deeply beautiful. We sat in comfortable silence, each lost in our own thoughts, as the day drew to a close.

I couldn’t help but reflect on the day’s experiences. From the modern art in Tetouan to the historical echoes of El Mellah, from the bustling squares to the serene sunset, it had been a day of contrasts, a day of discovery, a day that had deepened my appreciation for this fascinating corner of the world.

Tomorrow marks our last day in Chefchaouen, and we plan to make the most of it. We’re heading to Jebel Bouhachem Nature Reserve for a hike, hoping to catch some panoramic views of the region. We’ll also visit Bab Chaouen, one of the city’s iconic gates, and find a good viewpoint to capture some last photos of the blue pearl. And, of course, we’ll do some last-minute souvenir shopping at Blue. concept store before we head off.

As I sit here now, writing these words, I feel a sense of contentment, a sense of gratitude for the experiences we’ve shared as a family. Travel is not just about seeing new places; it’s about connecting with different cultures, learning about history, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. And, perhaps most importantly, it’s about strengthening the bonds that tie us together, as a family, as human beings.

I'm also grateful that Astrid remembered to pack her light jacket, because it is getting chilly here in the evenings. I wish I had remembered to bring an umbrella though, just in case.

Good night from Chefchaouen.