Cultural Immersion in the Blue Pearl: A Trip to Chefchaouen

Summiting Memories: My Last Day in Chefchaouen

As my Moroccan adventure draws to a close, I wanted to make sure my final day was nothing short of epic. I decided to embrace the natural beauty surrounding Chefchaouen, pushing myself both physically and mentally. From scaling mountain peaks to savoring the local flavors one last time, today was about etching unforgettable memories into my heart.

The day began with a hearty breakfast at MIDO'S [it seems there are quite a few restaurants named 'MIDO'S' in Chefchaouen, but this was *the* MIDO'S]. Fueling up with traditional Moroccan pancakes and mint tea was essential for the adventures ahead. Liam was particularly excited about the pancakes, reminding him of the ones his grandmother used to make back in Canada. It was a sweet moment, and I felt grateful to share this experience with him and our friends.


Discover Mido's in Chefchaouen – where fast food meets Moroccan flavors in a cozy atmosphere.

Our first stop was Akchour, a place I'd heard whispers about since arriving in Chefchaouen. The shared taxi ride from Chefchaouen was an adventure in itself, bumping along winding roads with locals and fellow travelers alike. Once we arrived, the trailhead was buzzing with anticipation. The hike to the Akchour waterfalls isn't overly demanding, though there are some steep parts. The 5.5km trail each way typically takes about 3-4 hours, depending on how many stops you make. Sadly, we didn't make it all the way to the Akchour Waterfalls, but we enjoyed a refreshing hike in the area.


Discover the serene beauty of Akchour, Morocco, where breathtaking waterfalls and lush landscapes await your exploration.

Sometimes, the most scenic roads in life are the detours you didn't mean to take.

Next, we decided to conquer Jebel El-Kelaa Summit. I knew this would be a challenging hike, but the promise of panoramic views of Chefchaouen and the Rif Mountains was too tempting to resist. The trail starts with a gentle incline, which gradually becomes steeper as you approach the summit. I'd read that the last part can be tricky due to multiple paths, but following the blue dots on the rocks helps navigate. Proper hiking shoes are definitely recommended, as some parts are steep and slippery.


Explore the breathtaking beauty of Jebel El-Kelaa Summit in Chefchaouen, a hiker's paradise with stunning views and vibrant cultural charm.

The hike was indeed challenging, but incredibly rewarding. The views from the summit were breathtaking – a sea of green mountains punctuated by the striking blue of Chefchaouen nestled below. It was a moment of pure awe, feeling on top of the world with my friends by my side. The air was crisp and clean, and the silence was broken only by the occasional bird call. I took countless photos, trying to capture the beauty of the landscape, but no image could truly do it justice. Nadia would have loved this hike; I'll have to bring her here someday.

After descending from Jebel El-Kelaa, we were ravenous. We headed to Restaurant Hamsa for lunch, drawn in by the aromas of traditional Moroccan cuisine. I opted for a tagine, savoring the rich flavors and tender meat. It was the perfect way to refuel after our strenuous hike. I also managed to pick up some spices and argan oil for gifts.


Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine and delightful teas at Restaurant Hamsa in Chefchaouen's charming blue city.

As the sun began to set, we made our way back to Chefchaouen, our bodies tired but our spirits high. We freshened up at Hotel Casa Miguel before heading out for our final dinner in Chefchaouen. We chose Hôtel restaurant La Fuente, enticed by its reputation for authentic Moroccan dishes. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, and the staff were incredibly friendly. I ordered the tagine, and Liam had the grilled meats. Everything was delicious, a perfect culmination of the culinary delights we had experienced throughout our trip.


Experience comfort and convenience at Hotel Casa Miguel, your perfect base in the heart of Chefchaouen, complete with wellness services and local cuisine.


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

After dinner, we decided to experience Chefchaouen's nightlife one last time. We ventured to Restaurant Bar Chaouen, a vibrant spot known for its lively atmosphere. There was a great bar to watch football. Adjacent to the bar was a vibrant night club where an incredible female vocalist performs in Arabic accompanied by a talented keyboardist. The bar was open from 11:00 to 23:00 daily. Sipping on mint tea and enjoying the lively atmosphere, I reflected on our time in Chefchaouen. The blue streets, the friendly locals, and the stunning landscapes had captured my heart. It was a truly unforgettable experience, one that I would cherish for years to come.


Discover the flavors of Morocco at Restaurant Bar Chaouen, a lively dining experience in Chefchaouen's beautiful blue streets.

As I sit here now, penning these thoughts, I can't help but feel a tinge of sadness that our Moroccan adventure is coming to an end. However, I am also filled with gratitude for the memories we've made and the experiences we've shared. Chefchaouen, with its unique charm and captivating beauty, will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Tomorrow, we embark on our journey back home to Kingston. I'm looking forward to seeing Liam's face when he sees Nadia and his family. I know Nadia is eager to hear all about my adventures. I can't wait to share my stories and photos with them, reliving the magic of Morocco through their eyes. While I'm excited to return to the comforts of home, I know a part of me will always remain in the blue streets of Chefchaouen.

I've learned so much about myself, about Moroccan culture, and about the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone. This trip has reinforced my love for travel and my desire to explore more of our beautiful world. I hope my blog has inspired you to embark on your own adventures, to seek out new experiences, and to embrace the unknown. Until next time, au revoir from Chefchaouen!

Souvenir Shopping in Chefchaouen

Before leaving Chefchaouen, I wanted to find the perfect souvenirs to remind me of my time here and to share with my loved ones back home. The souks in Chefchaouen are a treasure trove of unique and handcrafted items, making it a shopper's paradise.

One of the most iconic souvenirs to buy in Morocco is a traditional Berber rug. These handwoven rugs are unique, with patterns symbolizing the weaver's heritage. I spent hours browsing through the various designs, admiring the intricate craftsmanship. I finally settled on a small rug with vibrant colors and geometric patterns, which I plan to use as a wall hanging in my home.

Leather goods are another popular souvenir, and Chefchaouen is known for its high-quality leather products. I found a beautiful leather bag with intricate detailing, which I know my sister will love. I also picked up a pair of traditional babouches (slippers) for myself, comfortable enough to wear at home.

Morocco is also famous for its spices, and I couldn't resist stocking up on some to take home. I bought saffron, turmeric, cumin, and ras el hanout, a famous spice blend. I can't wait to use these spices to recreate some of the delicious Moroccan dishes I've tasted on my trip. I also bought some argan oil, both for culinary and cosmetic use.

Other souvenirs I considered included lanterns and metalwork, ceramics and pottery, traditional clothing and textiles, and artwork and calligraphy. However, I had to be mindful of my luggage space and weight restrictions. In the end, I chose items that were meaningful to me and that I knew my loved ones would appreciate.

Shopping in Chefchaouen was a delightful experience, and I enjoyed haggling with the vendors and learning about the local crafts. I left with a bag full of treasures, each one a reminder of my incredible time in this magical blue city.

As I prepare to bid farewell to Chefchaouen, I'm filled with a mix of emotions. I'm sad to leave this enchanting place, but I'm also excited to return home and share my experiences with my family and friends. Chefchaouen will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I know I'll be back someday to explore more of its hidden gems.

This trip has been a journey of discovery, both of the world around me and of myself. I've learned to embrace the unknown, to step outside my comfort zone, and to appreciate the beauty and diversity of our planet. I'm grateful for the opportunity to travel and to share my experiences with you, my readers. Thank you for joining me on this adventure. Until next time, keep exploring and keep dreaming!