Family Adventure in the Blue Pearl of Morocco

Diving Deeper into the Blue Pearl

Today was all about immersing ourselves in the heart of Chefchaouen, venturing beyond the picturesque streets to discover the soul of this captivating blue city. It's amazing how much richer a place becomes when you delve into its history, culture, and the everyday lives of its people. Lena, Sofia, and I were all eager to see what hidden gems we could unearth, and Chefchaouen certainly didn't disappoint.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Café Sindibad. The aroma of mint tea and freshly baked bread filled the air as we settled into a cozy corner of the café. Sofia was particularly excited about the pancakes, while Lena and I opted for a traditional Moroccan breakfast with olives, cheese, and argan oil. The café's laid-back atmosphere was the perfect way to start our explorations.


Discover authentic Moroccan flavors at Café Sindibad in Chefchaouen – a cozy haven for food lovers seeking local delicacies.

Fuelled up and ready to go, our first stop was Ras El Ma, the spring that serves as the lifeblood of Chefchaouen. It's located on the edge of the medina, where fresh mountain water gushes into the town. The sound of the water was so refreshing, and it was fascinating to see how the locals use this space. Women were washing clothes, children were playing, and everyone seemed to be enjoying the cool respite from the late summer heat. I learned that Ras El Ma, meaning Head of the Water in Arabic, is considered the cornerstone of Chefchaouen, as it has been the town's only source of drinking water for centuries. Seeing this essential part of daily life gave us a deeper appreciation for the town's history and resilience. Sofia was fascinated by the small cascades and the way the sunlight reflected off the water, creating a magical scene.


Experience the serene beauty of Ras El Ma, a tranquil oasis in Chefchaouen, where nature and Moroccan culture blend seamlessly for a perfect escape.

The beauty of a place lies not just in its appearance, but in the stories it holds and the lives it sustains.

Next, we ventured into the Ethnographic Museum of Chefchaouen, housed within the Kasbah. This museum offered a fascinating insight into the culture and traditions of the Rif region. The exhibits showcased a variety of artifacts, including traditional costumes, jewelry, musical instruments, and ancient weapons. I was particularly intrigued by the displays of Berber, Arab, and Andalusian culture, which have all influenced the region over the centuries. Lena, with her background as a museum curator, was in her element, sharing her knowledge and insights with Sofia and me. Sofia was captivated by the colorful costumes and the intricate designs of the jewelry.


Explore the Ethnographic Museum of Chefchaouen, a captivating showcase of Morocco's vibrant culture, history, and local craftsmanship.

The museum is located within the Kasbah, which itself has a rich history. Built in the 15th century, the Kasbah has served as a residence for governors, a military arsenal, and even a prison. Exploring its walls and towers gave us a sense of the town's strategic importance throughout history. The Ethnographic Museum truly enriched our understanding of Chefchaouen, highlighting the diverse cultural influences that have shaped its unique identity. It was interesting to learn about the evolution of art, craft, and trade in the region, from prehistoric tools to modern-day crafts.

For lunch, we chose Restaurant Morisco, drawn in by its inviting atmosphere and the promise of authentic Moroccan cuisine. We were not disappointed. The restaurant's décor was beautiful, creating a cozy and welcoming ambiance. We ordered a variety of dishes to share, including tagine, couscous, and Moroccan salad. The flavors were incredible, a perfect blend of spices and fresh ingredients. Sofia surprised us all by devouring the chicken tagine, declaring it her favorite Moroccan dish so far. Lena and I enjoyed the couscous, which was light and fluffy, and the salad, which was bursting with fresh herbs and vegetables.


Discover flavorful Moroccan and Italian dishes at Restaurant Morisco in Chefchaouen - where culinary traditions meet affordability.

After lunch, we took a leisurely stroll through the medina, soaking in the sights and sounds of daily life. The blue-washed streets were even more enchanting in the afternoon light, and we enjoyed getting lost in the labyrinthine alleyways. We stumbled upon a small shop selling local crafts and souvenirs, where I picked up a beautiful hand-painted bowl as a memento of our trip. Lena found some intricately woven scarves, and Sofia chose a small, blue-glazed tagine to take back to Berlin.

As the sun began to set, we decided to experience Chefchaouen's nightlife at Bar Oum Rabie. This bar is known for being one of the few places in town that serves alcohol, and it had a lively and welcoming atmosphere. We sat on the terrace, enjoying the cool evening air and the stunning views of the town. I ordered a local beer, while Lena opted for a glass of Moroccan wine. Sofia enjoyed a refreshing fruit juice. The bar was filled with locals and tourists alike, creating a vibrant and convivial atmosphere. It was a great way to unwind after a day of exploring and to soak in the energy of Chefchaouen.


Experience the flavors of Morocco at Bar Oum Rabie, a charming grill and wine bar in the heart of Chefchaouen.

Dinner was at Restaurant Lalla Messaouda, known for its traditional Moroccan cuisine and cozy atmosphere. The restaurant was decorated in a traditional style, with colorful tiles and intricate woodwork. We ordered a variety of dishes to share, including harira soup, kefta tagine, and grilled lamb. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. Sofia particularly enjoyed the harira soup, declaring it the best soup she had ever tasted. Lena and I savored the kefta tagine, which was rich and flavorful, and the grilled lamb, which was tender and succulent.


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

As we walked back to Hotel Casa Miguel, the stars were shining brightly above us. The air was cool and crisp, and the town was quiet and peaceful. It was the perfect end to a perfect day. Today was a reminder of why we love to travel: to discover new cultures, to experience new things, and to create lasting memories with our family. I think I forgot my sunglasses at the hotel, but it's not the end of the world. I'll be more careful tomorrow.


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

Tomorrow, we are planning to venture a little further afield and explore the Jebel Bouhachem Nature Reserve [IfDay3]. I'm looking forward to seeing more of the natural beauty that surrounds Chefchaouen and to experiencing a different side of Morocco [IfDay3]. I am also hoping to find some unique crafts at the Chefchaouen crafts shop [IfDay3]. It promises to be another exciting day of adventure and discovery.

I'm also happy to report that there were no forest fires in the area during our visit, despite some recent incidents in the region. It's reassuring to know that the local authorities are working hard to protect the natural beauty of Chefchaouen and its surroundings.

Lena and Sofia are already asleep, dreaming of blue streets and Moroccan adventures. As for me, I'm going to enjoy one last cup of mint tea before turning in. Goodnight from Chefchaouen!