Family Escape to the Blue Streets of Chefchaouen

Exploring Chefchaouen Beyond the Blue

Today was a day of wandering, a day of soaking in the lesser-known corners of Chefchaouen. It’s easy to get lost in the allure of the blue-washed streets, but today, I wanted to delve a little deeper, to uncover some of the town’s hidden gems with Klaus and Sofia. I wanted to show Sofia more about the cultural roots of her heritage, beyond the pretty colours that attract so many tourists.

Our day began with a hearty Moroccan breakfast at Assaada. I opted for the traditional msemen, a flaky flatbread drizzled with honey, while Klaus enjoyed a tagine. Sofia, ever the adventurous eater, tried a bit of everything. The cozy atmosphere and the friendly staff made it a perfect start to our day. It's funny, even after all these years living in Germany, nothing beats a traditional Moroccan breakfast. It reminds me of home, of Azrou, and simpler times.


Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine at Assaada in Chefchaouen - a must-visit dining destination for travelers seeking local flavors.

After breakfast, we set out to explore El Mellah, the old Jewish quarter of Chefchaouen. As someone born and raised in Morocco, I always find it fascinating to learn about the different cultural influences that have shaped this country. El Mellah, with its unique history, is definitely one of those places. Unlike the rest of the blue city, El Mellah stood out with its buildings painted in white and I learned that when Jews were expelled from Spain at the end of the 15th century, many came to Chefchaouen and they painted the Mellah, the Jewish area in light blue. Wandering through the narrow streets, I tried to imagine what life must have been like here centuries ago. It was a poignant reminder of the diverse communities that have called Morocco home. Sofia was intrigued by the stories I shared, and it was a great opportunity for her to connect with a different aspect of her heritage.


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

It's more than blue. We have a rich culture and history and we are surrounded by beautiful nature and national parks.

Next on our itinerary was Feddan Park. This green oasis offered a welcome respite from the bustling medina. As we strolled through the park, we admired the vibrant flowerbeds and the sculptures that dotted the landscape. It was a beautiful day, and the park was alive with families enjoying the sunshine. Sofia immediately made a beeline for the playground, while Klaus and I found a quiet bench to sit and relax. Feddan Park is more than just a park; it's a hub of community life. There was a local music performance, adding a lively soundtrack to our afternoon. Sofia, always eager to join in, started dancing along with the music, much to the amusement of the locals. It was moments like these that made our trip so special – spontaneous, joyful, and filled with genuine connection.


Discover the tranquil beauty of Feddan Park in Tetouan, where lush greenery and vibrant culture create the perfect escape for tourists.

For lunch, we decided to try Restaurant Jbaria. I had heard wonderful things about their tagines, and I was eager to try them out. The restaurant was a bit of a hidden gem, tucked away from the main tourist crowds. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and the staff treated us like family. We started with a selection of Moroccan salads, followed by a lamb tagine with prunes and almonds. The flavors were incredible – rich, complex, and utterly delicious. Even Sofia, who can be a bit picky, declared it one of the best meals she had ever had. Klaus, of course, was in heaven, happily polishing off every last bite. The host was superb kind and the food was delicious. The avocado and prawn salad is my favourite.


Discover the authentic taste of Morocco at Restaurant Jbaria in Chefchaouen—where every dish tells a story.

In the late afternoon, we sought refuge from the heat at Café Mundial. Located on Avenue Al Wahda, this café is a vibrant hub for both locals and tourists. We ordered some refreshing mint tea and pastries and sat on the terrace, watching the world go by. Café Mundial has a lively atmosphere, and it was a great place to soak in the sights and sounds of Chefchaouen. As the day wound down, we decided to have dinner at HERMANOS. This restaurant is known for its traditional Moroccan dishes and its convenient fast food options. We started with Moroccan soup, followed by couscous. The service was good and the prices were reasonable. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploring and discovering the hidden corners of Chefchaouen.


Experience the essence of Chefchaouen at Café Mundial, where delightful coffee meets a vibrant social scene in the heart of the blue city.


Discover Hermanos: A culinary oasis in Chefchaouen offering traditional Moroccan dishes alongside convenient fast food options.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences we had today. Chefchaouen is more than just a pretty blue town; it's a place with a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a warm and welcoming community. I'm so glad that I was able to share this with my family, especially Sofia, and I hope that these memories will stay with her for a lifetime. Tomorrow is our last day here, and we plan to revisit the blue house town and do some souvenir shopping at B & H Art Shop before we leave. I want to take a little piece of Chefchaouen back home with us, a reminder of this magical place and the unforgettable moments we shared here.