Exploring the Blue Pearl of Morocco: A Journey to Chefchaouen

Farewell Hike to Remember

As our Moroccan adventure draws to a close, I wanted to soak in every last bit of Chefchaouen's magic. Today was all about challenging myself with a hike up Jebel El-Kelaa, a mountain that promised panoramic views of the famed Blue Pearl. It was a bittersweet feeling, knowing this would be our last full day, but I was determined to make it count. The promise of stunning vistas and a good workout was the perfect way to bid adieu to this enchanting town.


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

The day started, as most of our mornings in Chefchaouen did, with a delightful breakfast at Toda Creperie & Ice Cream. Lena and I shared a couple of sweet crepes, fueling up for the hike ahead. I opted for a Nutella and banana crepe, while Lena chose a savory cheese and egg one. The friendly staff and the cozy atmosphere made it a perfect start to the day. It's amazing how a simple crepe can taste so good when you're surrounded by the blue-washed walls of Chefchaouen.


Experience delightful crepes and artisanal ice cream in Chefchaouen's charming ambiance.

With our stomachs full and our spirits high, we set off towards Jebel El-Kelaa. The trail began with a gentle incline, gradually becoming steeper as we ascended. The sun was shining, and the views of Chefchaouen below were already becoming spectacular. I made sure to pack enough water and snacks, remembering the warnings about limited facilities along the trail. I even wore my trusty hiking boots, knowing that some parts of the path would be steep and slippery.

The view from the top is truly magnificent, and well earned after nearly 4 hours of hiking.

As we climbed higher, the landscape transformed. The blue buildings of Chefchaouen became smaller and more distant, replaced by the rugged beauty of the Rif Mountains. The air was fresh and clean, filled with the scent of pine and other mountain vegetation. We passed a few locals along the way, offering friendly greetings and words of encouragement. It was a challenging hike, but the stunning scenery kept us motivated.

The final ascent to the summit was the most difficult part. The path became steeper and rockier, requiring some scrambling and careful footwork. But when we finally reached the top, the views were more than worth the effort. From the summit of Jebel El-Kelaa, we could see the entire town of Chefchaouen spread out below us, a sea of blue nestled in the green mountains. It was a breathtaking sight, and I felt a sense of accomplishment and awe.

We spent some time at the summit, taking photos and soaking in the panoramic views. It was the perfect spot to reflect on our time in Morocco and appreciate the beauty of this unique country. I couldn't help but feel a little sad that our trip was coming to an end, but I also felt grateful for the experiences we had shared and the memories we had made.

After descending from Jebel El-Kelaa, we were both tired and hungry. We decided to have lunch at Restaurant Jbaria, known for its authentic Moroccan cuisine and cozy atmosphere. We shared a delicious tagine, savoring the flavors of tender meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices. The friendly staff made us feel welcome, and the meal was the perfect way to refuel after our hike.


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

In the evening, we decided to have our farewell dinner at Restaurant Lalla Messaouda. This restaurant is renowned for its traditional Moroccan dishes and its stunning views of Chefchaouen. We sat on the terrace, watching the sunset over the blue city as we enjoyed a delicious meal of couscous and grilled meats. The atmosphere was magical, and it was the perfect way to end our Moroccan adventure.


Experience authentic Moroccan flavors at Restaurant Lalla Messaouda in Chefchaouen – where every meal tells a story.

As we savored our last bites, Lena and I reminisced about our favorite moments from the trip. From exploring the blue streets of Chefchaouen to hiking in the Rif Mountains, we had experienced so much in such a short time. We talked about the delicious food, the friendly people, and the stunning scenery. We knew that we would never forget our time in Morocco, and we were already planning our next adventure.

Tomorrow, we leave Chefchaouen and head back to Berlin. It's always hard to say goodbye to a place as special as this, but I know that we'll carry the memories with us forever. And who knows, maybe we'll even come back someday. Until then, I'll always have the blue hues of Chefchaouen to remind me of this incredible journey.

It's funny how certain places leave an indelible mark on your soul. Chefchaouen, with its captivating blue streets and warm hospitality, has certainly become one of those places for me. As I reflect on our ten-day adventure, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for the experiences we've had and the memories we've created. From the moment we arrived, we were swept away by the town's unique charm and the kindness of its people.

One of the things I'll miss most is simply wandering through the medina, getting lost in the labyrinthine alleyways and discovering hidden gems around every corner. The vibrant colors, the exotic aromas, and the sounds of daily life created a sensory feast that was both exhilarating and comforting. Whether we were haggling for souvenirs in the souk or sipping mint tea in a quiet café, every moment felt like a true immersion into Moroccan culture.

Of course, no trip to Chefchaouen would be complete without indulging in the local cuisine. From the savory tagines and fluffy couscous to the sweet pastries and refreshing mint tea, we savored every bite and every sip. I'll never forget the flavors of Restaurant Lalla Messaouda, where we enjoyed our farewell dinner, or the delicious crepes at Toda Creperie, which became our go-to breakfast spot.

But beyond the sights, sounds, and tastes, it was the people of Chefchaouen who truly made our trip special. From the friendly shopkeepers who always greeted us with a smile to the helpful locals who pointed us in the right direction, we were constantly touched by their warmth and hospitality. It's these human connections that I'll cherish most, and that will stay with me long after we've left Morocco.

As we prepare to say goodbye to Chefchaouen, I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. This trip has been a reminder of the beauty and diversity of our world, and the importance of stepping outside our comfort zones to experience new cultures. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have shared this adventure with my wife, Lena, and I know that we'll both carry the memories of Chefchaouen with us for years to come. So, until next time, farewell to the Blue Pearl of Morocco. You've captured our hearts, and we'll never forget you.

Before heading up Jebel El-Kelaa, we made a pit stop at Toda Creperie & Ice Cream. This place is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth! Lena and I shared a couple of crepes, and they were absolutely divine. I went for the classic Nutella crepe, while Lena opted for a more adventurous banana and almond combination. The crepes were freshly made, perfectly crispy, and oozing with flavor. The staff were super friendly, and the whole place had a cozy, inviting vibe. It was the perfect way to fuel up for our hike.

The hike itself was challenging but incredibly rewarding. The trail started off relatively easy, winding through a lush green valley. But as we climbed higher, the terrain became steeper and rockier. There were moments when I questioned my ability to make it to the summit, but the stunning views kept me going. Looking back, I could see the entire town of Chefchaouen spread out below me, a sea of blue nestled in the green hills. It was a sight that took my breath away.

Reaching the summit was an incredible feeling. The panoramic views were simply breathtaking. I could see for miles in every direction, and the air was crisp and clean. Lena and I spent some time at the top, taking photos and soaking in the scenery. It was the perfect place to reflect on our journey and appreciate the beauty of nature.

After our hike, we were both starving. We stumbled upon Restaurant Jbaria, and it turned out to be a real gem. The restaurant was small and cozy, with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu was filled with traditional Moroccan dishes, and everything looked delicious. We decided to share a tagine, and it was one of the best meals I had in Morocco. The meat was tender and flavorful, and the vegetables were cooked to perfection. The service was also excellent, and the staff made us feel like we were part of their family.

For our final dinner in Chefchaouen, we chose Restaurant Lalla Messaouda. This place is known for its stunning views of the town, and it didn't disappoint. We sat on the terrace, watching the sunset over the blue buildings as we enjoyed our meal. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was magical. It was the perfect way to end our trip.

As I sit here writing this blog post, I can't help but feel a little sad that our adventure is coming to an end. But I'm also filled with gratitude for the experiences we've had and the memories we've made. Chefchaouen is a truly special place, and I'll never forget my time here. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience.