Exploring the Blue Streets of Chefchaouen with Liam

Day 1: First Impressions: Lost in the Blue of Chefchaouen

Ursula and Liam arrive in Chefchaouen and get delightfully lost in the blue Medina, exploring the Kasbah and savoring local flavors.

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A Dream in Blue


After months of planning and dreaming, Liam and I finally arrived in Chefchaouen! The journey from Tangier was beautiful, with winding roads offering glimpses of the Rif Mountains. I was so excited, I could barely contain myself. Having read so much about this blue pearl of Morocco, I couldn't wait to experience it firsthand. And let me tell you, it didn't disappoint!

Our arrival was a bit chaotic, as is often the case when navigating new places. Thankfully, we managed to find our way to Hotel Dar Mounir, our home for the next few days. The hotel is charming, with traditional Moroccan decor and a lovely courtyard. It's perfectly situated in the heart of Chefchaouen, making it an ideal base for exploring. After dropping off our bags and freshening up, Liam and I were eager to dive into the blue embrace of the Medina.

Discover the enchanting Hotel Dar Mounir in Chefchaouen, where comfort meets culture, and unforgettable experiences await every traveler.
Discover the enchanting Hotel Dar Mounir in Chefchaouen, where comfort meets culture, and unforgettable experiences await every traveler.

As soon as we stepped out of the hotel, we were enveloped in a world of blue. Every building, every alleyway, every doorway was painted in a different shade of blue, creating a mesmerizing and surreal atmosphere. It felt like walking through a dream. The effect was both calming and invigorating, a truly unique experience that I'll never forget.

We started our exploration with the Chefchaouen Medina, the old town. Getting lost was inevitable, and honestly, it was part of the fun. We wandered through the labyrinthine streets, marveling at the intricate details of the architecture. The play of light and shadow on the blue walls was simply magical, offering endless photo opportunities. I made sure to have my camera ready at all times, wanting to capture every moment of this unique experience, even though I knew no photo could truly do it justice.

Discover the beauty and tranquility of Chefchaouen Medina, Morocco's stunning blue city, where history and culture blend seamlessly amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Discover the beauty and tranquility of Chefchaouen Medina, Morocco's stunning blue city, where history and culture blend seamlessly amidst breathtaking landscapes.

To travel is to take a journey into yourself.


Our first stop for breakfast was at Cafe Clock. This place is known for its cross-cultural ambiance and delicious Moroccan food. I opted for a traditional Moroccan breakfast of msemen (pancakes) with honey and a strong, sweet mint tea. Liam, ever the adventurous one, tried the camel burger, which Cafe Clock is famous for. He said it was surprisingly good! The atmosphere was lively, with a mix of locals and tourists, and the staff were incredibly friendly.

Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine at Cafe Clock in Chefchaouen, where every dish tells a story amidst vibrant culture.
Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine at Cafe Clock in Chefchaouen, where every dish tells a story amidst vibrant culture.

After breakfast, we continued our exploration of the Medina, eventually making our way to the Kasbah. This historic fortress, built in the 15th century, offered a fascinating glimpse into Chefchaouen's past. We wandered through the lush gardens, admired the Andalusian architecture, and climbed the towers for panoramic views of the city. The Kasbah also houses an ethnographic museum, which showcased traditional Moroccan artifacts, costumes, and musical instruments. It was a great way to learn more about the local culture and history.

Explore the historical Kasbah in Chefchaouen, a vibrant landmark rich in culture and stunning views of Morocco's scenic beauty.
Explore the historical Kasbah in Chefchaouen, a vibrant landmark rich in culture and stunning views of Morocco's scenic beauty.

For lunch, we decided to try Restaurant Al Wiam, recommended by several locals. This charming Moroccan restaurant is known for its authentic dishes and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. We sat on the terrace, soaking in the atmosphere while enjoying a delicious tagine with chicken and olives. The flavors were rich and complex, and the portions were generous. Liam and I shared a traditional Moroccan salad, which was fresh and flavorful. The staff were incredibly welcoming, making us feel right at home.

Discover authentic Moroccan cuisine at Restaurant Al Wiam in Chefchaouen - a true feast for your senses amidst stunning blue-hued surroundings.
Discover authentic Moroccan cuisine at Restaurant Al Wiam in Chefchaouen - a true feast for your senses amidst stunning blue-hued surroundings.

In the afternoon, we explored the local shops, eager to find some souvenirs to take back home. Chefchaouen is known for its crafts, including woven cloth, wool, leather products, and blue pottery. I was particularly drawn to the blue pottery, which reflects the city's blue-washed streets. We spent hours browsing the shops, admiring the intricate designs and haggling with the vendors. I ended up buying a beautiful blue bowl and a handwoven scarf, while Liam found a leather belt.

Discover the charm of Chefchaouen Crafts, where every handmade gift reflects the artistic heritage of Morocco's blue city.
Discover the charm of Chefchaouen Crafts, where every handmade gift reflects the artistic heritage of Morocco's blue city.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Chez Hicham for dinner. This restaurant is known for its Moroccan specialties and its terrace with views over the Medina. We sat on the rooftop, enjoying the cool evening breeze and watching the city transform as the lights came on. I ordered a traditional Moroccan chicken salad, while Liam opted for grilled lamb. Both dishes were delicious, and the atmosphere was magical.

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

After dinner, we strolled through the Medina one last time, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the sounds of the city. The Medina felt different at night, with a more relaxed and intimate vibe. Locals gathered in the squares, chatting and laughing, while the scent of spices and mint tea filled the air. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can't help but smile. Chefchaouen has already captured my heart, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. We plan to visit Park Sidi Abdelhamid and Ras El Ma, and perhaps enjoy a drink at Bar Oum Rabie. I'm also looking forward to trying more of the local cuisine. I have a feeling this is just the beginning of an unforgettable adventure.

Even though I forgot my power adapter and a light jacket, I am still thoroughly enjoying my time here. It's a good reminder that sometimes, the best experiences are the ones you don't plan for! Tomorrow, we're planning on visiting Park Sidi Abdelhamid and Ras El Ma, and maybe grabbing a drink at Bar Oum Rabie.

Good night from the blue city!
Go to day 2 A Day of Tranquility and Local Flavors in Chefchaouen
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Exploring the Blue Streets of Chefchaouen with Liam

Join Ursula and Liam as they explore the enchanting blue streets of Chefchaouen, Morocco, for an unforgettable cultural and culinary adventure.

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Meet this Featured Explorer

Ursula Weber
  • Occupation icon Occupation: Marketing Assistant at a sustainable packaging company
  • Country icon Country: Ireland
  • Age icon Age: 28

Hallo! I'm Ursula, a German expat living in Dublin with my wonderful husband, Liam. I'm passionate about sustainable living, ethical fashion, and exploring the world in a way that minimizes our impact. Join me as I share my travel adventures, eco-friendly tips, and cultural insights, all while trying to make a positive difference.

Interests:
  • Sustainable living
  • Ethical fashion
  • Modern art
  • Indie music
  • Foreign films
More about Ursula Weber

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    Discover the beauty and tranquility of Chefchaouen Medina, Morocco's stunning blue city, where history and culture blend seamlessly amidst breathtaking landscapes.

  • Kasbah

    Explore the historical Kasbah in Chefchaouen, a vibrant landmark rich in culture and stunning views of Morocco's scenic beauty.

  • Cafe Clock

    Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine at Cafe Clock in Chefchaouen, where every dish tells a story amidst vibrant culture.

  • Restaurant Al Wiam

    Discover authentic Moroccan cuisine at Restaurant Al Wiam in Chefchaouen - a true feast for your senses amidst stunning blue-hued surroundings.

  • Chez Hicham

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

  • Chefchaouen crafts

    Discover the charm of Chefchaouen Crafts, where every handmade gift reflects the artistic heritage of Morocco's blue city.

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