Exploring the Blue Pearl of Morocco with Friends

Lost in the Blue Medina

Today was all about diving deeper into the heart of Chefchaouen. After several days of wandering its enchanting streets, I felt like I was finally starting to understand the rhythm of this blue-washed city. It's a place where time seems to slow down, where the call to prayer echoes through the valleys, and where every corner holds a new photographic opportunity.

My day began, as most days here do, with a leisurely breakfast. Toda Creperie & Ice Cream was the perfect spot to fuel up for the day's adventures. After a delightful meal with my travel partners, we decided to start our exploration at Plaza Mohammed V.


Experience delightful crepes and artisanal ice cream at Toda Creperie & Ice Cream in Chefchaouen - where every bite is a taste of happiness.

I've always found that the best way to truly experience a place is to wander without a strict agenda, letting the city reveal itself to you. Plaza Mohammed V was the perfect starting point.


Discover the tranquility of Plaza Mohammed V, a serene park in Chefchaouen surrounded by stunning blue buildings and vibrant local culture.

The plaza is a serene park that acts as a central hub for both locals and tourists. The landscaping is beautiful, filled with manicured lawns and colorful flowers. It was a great place to relax and soak in the atmosphere. The surrounding traditional Moroccan architecture further enhanced the charm of Plaza Mohammed V. I took some time to capture the vibrant colors and scenic views of the Rif Mountains, a photographer's dream. It's amazing to see how much life revolves around this central space. Children were playing, elders were chatting, and the air was filled with the scent of local spices.

From Plaza Mohammed V, we made our way towards Bab Chaouen.


Experience the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen at Bab Chaouen, where vibrant culture meets breathtaking views in the heart of Morocco.

The term 'Bab' refers to a gate in Arabic, and this one marks one of the entrances to the old medina. As we approached, the energy shifted. The quiet serenity of the plaza gave way to the vibrant hustle and bustle of the marketplace. The gate itself was a beautiful example of traditional Moroccan architecture, and I paused to admire the intricate details before stepping through into another world.

The beauty of Chefchaouen lies not just in its blue walls, but in the warmth of its people and the richness of its traditions.

Inside Bab Chaouen, the narrow streets twisted and turned, each one painted in a different shade of blue. The medina was teeming with life. Shopkeepers called out to us, offering their wares, while locals hurried about their daily routines. I was immediately drawn to the vibrant colors and the unique atmosphere. We spent hours getting lost in the labyrinthine alleys, discovering hidden courtyards and artisan workshops.

At lunchtime, we stopped at Sandwich Chez Aziz.


Discover authentic Moroccan flavors at Sandwich Chez Aziz, Chefchaouen's premier sandwich shop serving delicious shawarma and more.

A tiny eatery recommended by a local we met earlier in the day. I am always on the lookout for authentic, local food, and this place did not disappoint. I ordered a traditional Moroccan sandwich filled with flavorful meats and vegetables. It was simple, delicious, and incredibly affordable. It's these small, unassuming places that often offer the most genuine culinary experiences.

After lunch, we stumbled upon Boutique EL-ASRI.


Explore the vibrant world of men's fashion at Boutique EL-ASRI in Chefchaouen, where style meets Moroccan culture.

This shop was brimming with handcrafted goods, from colorful textiles to intricate metalwork. I picked up a few souvenirs for Greta and some friends back in Berlin, knowing they would appreciate the unique craftsmanship and vibrant colors. I even managed to find a small steelpan drum, a little piece of home to remind me of Saint Lucia.

As the afternoon wore on, we found ourselves drawn to Restaurant Hamsa.


Discover authentic Moroccan cuisine and tea culture at Restaurant Hamsa in Chefchaouen, an inviting culinary oasis amidst stunning blue streets.

It was the perfect spot to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures. We ordered some traditional Moroccan mint tea and a selection of mezze, savoring the sweet and refreshing flavors as we watched the sun begin to set.

For dinner, we decided to try Restaurant Ali Baba.


Discover authentic Moroccan cuisine at Restaurant Ali Baba in Chefchaouen – where flavors meet culture in a charming setting.

Known for its authentic Moroccan cuisine and lively atmosphere. The restaurant was packed with locals and tourists alike, all eager to sample the delicious tagines and couscous dishes on offer. I ordered a lamb tagine, slow-cooked with aromatic spices and tender vegetables. It was a truly memorable meal, a perfect ending to a day filled with exploration and discovery.

The evening concluded with a final stroll through Plaza Mohammed V. The park was transformed under the soft glow of the streetlights, taking on a magical quality. Couples strolled hand-in-hand, families gathered for picnics, and the air was filled with laughter and music. I sat on a bench, closed my eyes, and listened to the sounds of the city, feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience such a unique and vibrant culture.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Park Sidi Abdelhamid and Casa Familia. I am looking forward to exploring more of Chefchaouen's hidden gems and continuing to immerse myself in the local culture.

As I walked back to Hotel Casa Miguel, I couldn't help but reflect on how much I've come to appreciate the simple things in life during this trip.


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

It's not about the grand monuments or the luxurious accommodations; it's about the people you meet, the stories you share, and the moments of connection that make travel so meaningful. And as I drift off to sleep tonight, I know that I will carry the memories of this blue-washed city with me long after I've left its enchanting streets.

I'm also reminded that I need to buy a power adapter. It's been a struggle trying to keep my camera and phone charged, and I definitely don't want to miss out on capturing any more of these incredible moments.

Chefchaouen continues to surprise and delight me at every turn, and I can't wait to see what adventures tomorrow will bring.

Restaurant Reviews

Throughout my travels today, I tried my best to visit some of the best restaurants in Chefchaouen. Here are my thoughts on each of the places I visited:

Toda Creperie & Ice Cream

This was a great place to start the day. They had a wide variety of options, and it was the perfect way to fuel up before venturing out for the day.

Sandwich Chez Aziz

This tiny eatery was a great recommendation from a local. The sandwiches were simple, delicious, and incredibly affordable. It's a great option for a quick and authentic lunch.

Restaurant Hamsa

The perfect spot to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures. The Moroccan mint tea and mezze were delicious, and it was a great place to relax and watch the sunset.

Restaurant Ali Baba

This restaurant was known for its authentic Moroccan cuisine and lively atmosphere. The lamb tagine was a highlight, and it was a perfect way to end a day filled with exploration and discovery.

Chefchaouen: A Photographer’s Paradise

As a travel blogger with a passion for photography, Chefchaouen has been a dream come true. Every corner of this blue-washed city offers a new and exciting opportunity to capture its unique beauty.

The city's blue hues create a stunning backdrop for photos, and the narrow streets and alleys offer a sense of intimacy and discovery. Whether you're a professional photographer or just starting out, Chefchaouen is a place that will inspire you to capture its essence.

Here are a few tips for taking great photos in Chefchaouen:

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon

This is when the light is softest and most flattering. You'll also avoid the crowds, which can make it difficult to get a clean shot.

Get lost in the medina

The best photos are often found in the most unexpected places. Wander through the narrow streets and alleys, and let the city reveal itself to you.

Pay attention to the details

Chefchaouen is a city of details, from the intricate patterns on the doors to the colorful flowers that adorn the walls. Look for these small details and incorporate them into your photos.

Interact with the locals

The people of Chefchaouen are warm and welcoming, and they're often happy to have their photos taken. Ask for permission before taking someone's photo, and be respectful of their culture.

Experiment with different perspectives

Don't be afraid to try new things. Get down low, climb up high, and see what you can create.

Embracing the Unexpected

One of the things I love most about traveling is the opportunity to embrace the unexpected. No matter how much you plan, there's always something that will surprise you.

Today, as I was wandering through the medina, I stumbled upon a small shop selling traditional Moroccan instruments. I've always been fascinated by music, and I couldn't resist stepping inside. The shopkeeper was a kind and gentle man, and he was happy to show me some of the instruments. I ended up buying a small steelpan drum, a little piece of home to remind me of Saint Lucia. It was an unexpected purchase, but it's one that I will cherish for years to come.