Exploring the Blue Pearl of Morocco: A Journey Through Chefchaouen

A Leisurely Sunday in the Blue City

Today was all about soaking in the relaxed atmosphere of Chefchaouen. After a whirlwind of activity the past few days, Lena and I, along with our friends, decided to take it easy and explore some of the town’s quieter corners, indulge in its culinary offerings, and simply enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. It’s amazing how quickly you can adapt to a different pace of life, and today, I felt like I was truly living in the moment, Virginian roots and all.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Patisserie Pain Chaouen. The aroma of freshly baked croissants and strong coffee filled the air, drawing us in like a siren's call. I opted for a classic Moroccan mint tea, while Lena, ever the croissant aficionado, indulged in a flaky, buttery pastry. Sophia, of course, chose a pain au chocolat, her eyes wide with delight. It was the perfect way to start our day, fueling us for the gentle exploration ahead.


Experience the sweet taste of Chefchaouen at Patisserie Pain Chaouen, where delightful pastries and Moroccan treats await every visitor.

With our bellies full, we set out for Park Sidi Abdelhamid. It was a bit of a walk from our hotel, Hotel Dar Mounir, but the exercise was welcome. As we approached the park, the hustle and bustle of the medina faded away, replaced by the soothing sounds of nature. The park itself is a hidden gem, a tranquil escape from the vibrant chaos of Chefchaouen. Lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and shaded benches created a serene atmosphere, inviting us to unwind and simply be present.


Explore the tranquil beauty of Park Sidi Abdelhamid in Chefchaouen, where nature meets the charm of Moroccan culture, perfect for relaxation and leisure.

We strolled along the winding pathways, admiring the carefully tended gardens and the stunning views of the Rif Mountains in the distance. Sophia was particularly fascinated by the colorful flowers, pointing out each one with glee. Lena, ever the architect, was captivated by the way the natural landscape seamlessly blended with the town’s unique architecture. I found myself drawn to the peacefulness of the park, a welcome respite from the sensory overload of the medina. We even saw some locals engaging in their weekly sport routine along the walking paths. It’s inspiring to see how people incorporate fitness into their daily lives, no matter where they are.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the simplest of moments, like a leisurely stroll through a tranquil park.

After our refreshing interlude in nature, we made our way to Place El Haouta. This lively square is a central meeting point for locals and tourists alike, a vibrant hub of activity. The name Hawta, meaning surrounded or walled in, perfectly describes the character of this square. Surrounded by quaint cafes and traditional Moroccan shops, the square exudes a charming ambiance that is hard to resist. We found a cozy café and settled in to soak in the atmosphere. The sounds of laughter, music, and the aroma of delicious Moroccan cuisine filled the air, creating an inviting environment where one could truly experience the essence of Chefchaouen.


Explore the lively Place El Haouta in Chefchaouen, where culture, cuisine, and captivating blue architecture come together for an unforgettable experience.

As we sat there, sipping mint tea and people-watching, I couldn't help but reflect on how much I've come to appreciate the simple pleasures in life. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, especially in a city like Berlin, but traveling has a way of slowing things down and reminding you to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you. Lena and I were joking how different this is from the rushed mornings we have getting Sophia ready for school, and us heading to work.

Feeling peckish, we decided to have lunch at Casa Arina. The restaurant came highly recommended for its authentic Moroccan cuisine and cozy atmosphere. We weren't disappointed. I opted for a traditional tagine, while Lena chose a flavorful couscous. Sophia, predictably, went for the chicken. The food was delicious, the service was excellent, and the prices were reasonable. It was the perfect place to refuel after a morning of exploring. Apparently, their Moroccan chicken is quite popular.


Discover Casa Arina in Chefchaouen: A delightful restaurant offering authentic Moroccan cuisine amidst stunning blue surroundings.

After lunch, we decided to indulge in a little retail therapy. We stumbled upon La Botica De La Abuela De Aladdin, a charming soap store that Kelly from The Boho Guide raves about. The shop was a sensory overload in the best way possible. The air was filled with the sweet aroma of exotic soaps and fragrant oils. Woven, multicolored baskets adorned the walls, and the shelves were filled with soap bars, solid perfumes, incense, and all kinds of skincare products. It was like stepping into a different world.


Explore the enchanting La Botica De La Abuela De Aladdin, an organic shop in Chefchaouen offering a unique blend of local herbs, spices, and traditional Moroccan products.

I ended up buying a few fragrance bars to put between my clothes while traveling, a tip I picked up from Kelly’s blog. Lena stocked up on some argan oil for her skin, and Sophia, of course, chose a brightly colored bath bomb. The owner was incredibly friendly and helpful, answering all of our questions and offering us samples of various products. It was a truly delightful shopping experience.

As the afternoon wore on, Lena expressed interest in maintaining her fitness routine, even while on vacation. So, we decided to check out The Blue Pearl Gym. I must admit, I was a bit skeptical at first. I mean, who goes to the gym on vacation? But I have to give it to Lena; she is dedicated to her health and fitness. And besides, I figured it would be a good way to burn off some of those delicious Moroccan pastries.


Experience fitness in the heart of Chefchaouen at The Blue Pearl Gym, where health meets the beauty of Morocco's blue city.

The Blue Pearl Gym turned out to be a surprisingly well-equipped facility. It had a wide range of modern exercise machines and free weights, as well as group classes. The atmosphere was vibrant yet relaxing, making it an ideal spot to relieve stress after a day of sightseeing. Lena immediately hopped on a treadmill, while I decided to try my hand at weightlifting. Sophia, of course, was more interested in playing on the mats.

After a decent workout, we were ready for dinner. We chose Restaurant Morisco for our evening meal. The restaurant had a nice view and a varied menu. I ordered a tagine, as I still hadn’t had enough of them, and Lena had some grilled fish. Sophia enjoyed some pasta. The food was good, and the atmosphere was pleasant.


Experience authentic Moroccan flavors at Restaurant Morisco in Chefchaouen, where culinary tradition meets modern dining.

To cap off the evening, I thought we could use some cocktails. We decided to check out The Blue Pearl Gym bar. It wasn’t quite what I expected, but it was a fun way to end the day. We sipped on some local drinks, chatted with the friendly bartenders, and soaked in the vibrant atmosphere. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post from the comfort of our hotel room, I can’t help but feel grateful for the experiences we had today. It was a day of simple pleasures, of discovering hidden gems, and of connecting with the local culture. It was a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are the moments you least expect.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Bab Chaouen and Casa Familia. I’m excited to see what other treasures Chefchaouen has in store for us. Until then, goodnight from the Blue Pearl of Morocco!

I’m particularly excited to visit Bab Chaouen. I read it is one of the main entry points to the old city, and I am looking forward to capturing some great photos there. Casa Familia also seems intriguing, offering a glimpse into the local family life. I wonder if we’ll get a chance to interact with the residents and learn more about their traditions.

For breakfast tomorrow, we're planning to try Lyajor tiskit, which I hear has some amazing local pastries. Lunch will be at Café Sindibad, known for its panoramic views, and dinner at Restaurant Jbaria, famous for its traditional Moroccan dishes.

We’re also planning to do some shopping at Original Moroccan clothes, a store that sells unique, locally made clothing items. And finally, we will have drinks at Café Mundial, a popular spot known for its lively atmosphere and great cocktails. It sounds like another fantastic day awaits us in Chefchaouen!