Exploring the Blue Pearl of Morocco with Friends

A Day of Discovery in Chefchaouen's Embrace

Today was a day of contrasts, a beautiful blend of nature's grandeur and the intimate charm of Chefchaouen. Leaving the familiar blue streets behind, we ventured into the Rif Mountains, and later, revisited the heart of the city. It was a day that reminded me why I love to travel – for the unexpected moments and the deep connections we make along the way.

The morning began with an early breakfast at Casa Arina. The aroma of Moroccan spices filled the air as I savored a traditional tagine. It was a hearty start to what promised to be an adventurous day. Andreas and I shared stories about our childhoods in Hattem and Bonn, respectively, reminiscing about simpler times. It’s funny how travel can bring you closer, even when you’ve been together for years. The restaurant was cozy, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. I even picked up a few phrases in Arabic, much to the amusement of the locals.


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

Our main destination for the day was Parc National de Talassemtane. The drive there was simply breathtaking. The landscape transformed from the blue-washed buildings of Chefchaouen to the rugged, green hills of the Rif Mountains. The air grew crisper, carrying the scent of pine and earth. It was a welcome change from the bustling city.


Explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity of Parc National de Talassemtane in Morocco's stunning Rif Mountains.

As we hiked through the park, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The scale of the mountains, the dense forests, and the sound of rushing water created a symphony of nature. We followed a trail that led us deeper into the park, with each step revealing a new vista. I made a mental note to bring Sophie here someday; she would love the diverse flora and fauna.

The best view comes after the hardest climb.

We eventually reached a stunning waterfall cascading down the rocks. The water was icy cold, but some of the braver souls in our group took a dip. I contented myself with dipping my toes in and taking photos. Andreas, ever the adventurer, even attempted to climb a particularly slippery rock face. I had to remind him that we weren't as young as we used to be!

After our hike, we stopped for lunch at Toda Creperie & Ice Cream. While it felt a little out of place to have crêpes in Morocco, they were absolutely delicious. I opted for a Nutella crêpe. It was a sweet reward after our long walk.


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

In the late afternoon, we returned to Chefchaouen and wandered through Derb Zaghdoud, one of the city's most iconic streets. The vibrant blue walls, the intricate doorways, and the friendly faces of the locals made it a photographer's dream. I found myself drawn to the small details – the way the light reflected off the blue paint, the patterns in the tilework, and the flowers cascading from window boxes. It's these little things that make Chefchaouen so special.


Explore the vibrant alleys of Derb Zaghdoud in Chefchaouen, where blue hues, local art, and delicious Moroccan cuisine await every visitor.

For dinner, we chose Chez Hicham, a restaurant recommended by our hotel. The food was incredible, and the atmosphere was even better. We sat on a rooftop terrace, overlooking the city as the sun began to set. The sky was ablaze with color, casting a warm glow over the blue buildings. I savored a flavorful tagine, while Andreas opted for grilled kebabs. We shared stories and laughter with our friends, feeling grateful for the experiences we were sharing together. Chez Hicham was amazing, the staff were friendly and the food was delicious.


Discover authentic Moroccan cuisine and hospitality at Chez Hicham in Chefchaouen - your gateway to cultural immersion.

Our day concluded with a visit to Restaurant Terrasse Djebli. The bar was lively, filled with locals and tourists alike. We sipped on mint tea, listening to traditional Moroccan music. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploration, soaking in the atmosphere and reflecting on everything we had seen and done.


Experience the flavors of Morocco with stunning mountain views at Restaurant Terrasse Djebli in Chefchaouen.

As I sit here now, writing in my notebook, I can't help but smile. Today was a reminder that travel is about more than just seeing new places. It's about connecting with nature, immersing yourself in different cultures, and sharing experiences with loved ones. Tomorrow is our last day in Chefchaouen, and we plan to visit Bab Chaouen and Bab El Hammar, two of the city's iconic gates. We'll also be having breakfast at Cafè Sindibad, lunch at Restaurant Ali Baba, and a farewell dinner at Chez Foad. And, of course, I want to pick up a few souvenirs at La Vida Colorada to bring back home. I am sure Sophie will love them. I'm already feeling a little sad about leaving this magical place, but I know that the memories we've made here will last a lifetime.

I think I will also try to be more adventurous like Andreas. It is important to try new things and step out of my comfort zone.

As I prepare for our final day in this blue-washed paradise, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences we've shared and the memories we've created. Chefchaouen, you've captured a piece of my heart, and I know I'll be back someday.

Before I drift off to sleep, I realize I forgot to pack an adapter for the Moroccan outlets and an extra memory card for my camera. This is a bit annoying because I wanted to take a lot of pictures tomorrow on our last day. Oh well, can't have it all, can we?

I think that I will enjoy my last day in Chefchaouen to the fullest!

I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!