Exploring the Blue Streets of Chefchaouen with Friends

Embracing the Wild Side of Chefchaouen

Today was a day of venturing beyond the blue walls of Chefchaouen and immersing ourselves in the natural beauty that surrounds this charming town. It was a day filled with invigorating hikes, delightful culinary experiences, and the kind of discoveries that make travel so rewarding. Join me as I recount our adventures in the heart of Morocco's stunning landscapes.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Café Sindibad. The morning air was crisp, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. Lena and I settled into a cozy corner, eager to fuel up for our day of exploration. I opted for a traditional Moroccan breakfast, complete with warm bread, olives, and a steaming pot of mint tea. Lena chose a continental breakfast. The café buzzed with locals and tourists alike, creating a vibrant atmosphere as everyone prepared for their day's adventures.


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

Fueled and ready, we set off towards Parc National de Talassemtane. The drive itself was a treat, with winding roads offering panoramic views of the Rif Mountains. The landscape transformed from the blue-washed buildings of Chefchaouen to rolling hills dotted with olive groves and small villages. I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation as we approached the park's entrance.


Discover the breathtaking beauty and diverse wildlife of Parc National de Talassemtane, a hidden gem near Chefchaouen in Morocco.

The Parc National de Talassemtane is a sprawling natural reserve, a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. As we stepped out of the car, the air was filled with the scent of pine and the sound of birds chirping. We chose a moderate trail, hoping to strike a balance between challenging ourselves and soaking in the scenery. The path wound through forests of Moroccan fir, black pine, and Atlas cedar, a diverse ecosystem teeming with life. I was particularly excited at the prospect of spotting some of the park's famed Barbary macaques, though we weren't so lucky this time around.

The hike was invigorating, the trail offering a mix of gentle slopes and rocky inclines. We paused frequently to catch our breath and admire the views. From certain vantage points, we could see the blue hues of Chefchaouen nestled in the distance, a reminder of the unique town we were exploring. We also saw a number of waterfalls. I made sure to capture it all with my camera, wanting to preserve these moments of natural beauty. Lena and I chatted as we walked, discussing everything from the local flora to our favorite memories from past travels. I felt grateful to share this experience with her, her enthusiasm for adventure always adds an extra layer of joy to our trips.

Travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown.

After a few hours of hiking, we decided to make our way to Jebel Bouhachem Nature Reserve. The reserve is named after its 1,658-meter-high peak, Jebel Bouhachem, and is home to over 30 species of mammals and almost 100 recorded birds. The drive to Jebel Bouhachem was a bit longer, but the change in scenery was worth it. This park felt more rugged and less frequented than Talassemtane, giving it a sense of untouched wilderness. As we hiked, we kept an eye out for the rare Barbary macaques that call this reserve home. Though we didn't spot any macaques, we were rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Jebel Bouhachem Nature Reserve, a haven for nature lovers and adventurers in Morocco.

The trails here were a bit more challenging, with steeper inclines and rocky paths. We took our time, carefully navigating the terrain and enjoying the solitude. At one point, we found a quiet spot overlooking a valley, where we sat and simply took in the view. The vastness of the landscape was humbling, a reminder of the power and beauty of nature. It was moments like these that made me appreciate the escape from the city and the opportunity to reconnect with the natural world. I made a mental note to bring a raincoat and a power bank on our next hike, remembering that I had forgotten them from my list of trip essentials.

As the afternoon wore on, our stomachs began to rumble, signaling it was time for lunch. We made our way to Restaurant Ali Baba, a local favorite known for its traditional Moroccan cuisine. The restaurant was bustling with activity, the aroma of spices and grilling meats filling the air. We were seated at a cozy table and quickly ordered a selection of dishes to share.


Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine at Restaurant Ali Baba in Chefchaouen's enchanting blue streets.

We started with Moroccan salads. Next up was the tagine, a slow-cooked stew of meat and vegetables, infused with aromatic spices. The flavors were rich and complex, a testament to the art of Moroccan cooking. We also tried the couscous, a staple of Moroccan cuisine, served with a flavorful broth and tender vegetables. Each dish was a delight, a culinary journey through the heart of Morocco. I was happy to see Lena enjoying the food as much as I was; sharing these culinary experiences is one of my favorite parts of traveling together.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we decided to spend the late afternoon shopping at Jabir shop chefchaouen. The shop was a treasure trove of local crafts and souvenirs, from colorful textiles to intricate ceramics. I was on the hunt for a few unique pieces to bring back home, both as mementos of our trip and as gifts for friends and family. Lena, with her keen eye for design, helped me navigate the selection, pointing out hidden gems and offering her expert opinion.


Explore Jabir Shop in Chefchaouen for unique Moroccan gifts and souvenirs that embody the spirit of the blue city.

The shop owner was incredibly friendly, offering us mint tea as we browsed and sharing stories about the local artisans. It was this kind of personal connection that made the shopping experience so enjoyable. I ended up purchasing a beautiful hand-woven rug, a set of intricately painted bowls, and a few small trinkets for my nieces and nephews. Lena found a stunning silver necklace, a perfect addition to her already impressive jewelry collection. With our bags full of treasures, we made our way back to the hotel, feeling satisfied with our day of shopping.

As evening approached, we decided to treat ourselves to dinner at Chez Hicham. The restaurant was known for its authentic Moroccan dishes and cozy ambiance. We started with the Moroccan chicken salad. For our main courses, Lena chose the grilled fish, while I opted for the lamb tagine. The food was delicious, the flavors rich and satisfying. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, a perfect way to end our day of exploration.


Discover Chefchaouen's culinary gem: Chez Hicham - A blend of traditional Moroccan flavors and warm hospitality.

After dinner, we took a leisurely stroll through the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen, soaking in the magical atmosphere of the town. The streets were quieter now, the crowds having thinned out for the night. The soft glow of the streetlights cast a warm light on the blue walls, creating a surreal and enchanting scene. We held hands as we walked, savoring these final moments of the day. The air was cool and crisp, the stars twinkling above us. I felt a sense of contentment, grateful for the experiences we had shared and the memories we had created.

Back at Hotel Casa Miguel, we retreated to our cozy room, ready to unwind after a long day. I spent some time organizing my photos, wanting to capture the essence of our adventures. Lena relaxed with a book, her face illuminated by the soft light of the bedside lamp. We talked about our favorite moments from the day, reminiscing about the stunning views, the delicious food, and the friendly people we had met. As I drifted off to sleep, I felt a sense of gratitude for this incredible journey and the opportunity to explore the beauty of Chefchaouen with my wonderful wife.


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're planning to visit Akchour and the Waterfalls Akchour. I've heard it's a must-see, and I'm excited to explore more of the natural beauty that this region has to offer. I'm also looking forward to relaxing at Cafe Clock in the evening. Until then, good night from Chefchaouen!