Blue Village – Chefchaouen

I was staying in Fez for a week  so I took the chance of visiting Chefchaouen for a day trip. You can book a tour for 50$-100$ just for a day trip to this “Blue Village”, but you can do it yourself.

You need to book your tickets in advance, a day or two. I went to this CMT Bus Station  which is  located in the what they called the New City. From the Blue Gate or Bab Bobjloud, you can take a taxi and that would cost you 10-15 Moroccan Dirham (MAD) being a tourist but the real price is just 5 MAD.

Also when you take a taxi, that doesn’t mean you are alone, it serves as sharing taxi so don’t get confused when someone will join you inside the taxi.

Countryside Near fez

bus ride to Chefchaouen

bus ride to Chefchaouen

bus ride to Chefchaouen

bus ride to Chefchaouen

Bus fare one way is 75MAD or 7$. You can check the bus schedules and fares on this, click here.

The bus leaves at 8:00am and along the way, you will see the countryside villages, fields and other small towns. It was a smooth journey and there are 2 or 3 stops for some coffee and light snacks.

We pass to a district Ouazzane which houses are mostly painted in Red and Crimson colors.

Ouazzane District

Few more hours from Ouazzane district and you will see  village on a mountainous area, which painted in shades of blue.

This is Chefchaouen (pronounced as shafshawan). Located in the Nothern part of Morocco and surrounded by ragged mountains.

Chefchaouen  VIew

We reached past 12noon, it was four hours bus ride. From afar it is not completely blue but when you walk on the labyrinth streets of the town, then you’ll see that all houses, cafes and hotels are rinsed from light blue to dark blue colors which makes this a perfect spot for your profile page and Instagram pictures.

Chefchaouen 1

Chefchaouen 2

Chefchaouen 3

Chefchaouen Moroccco

Shades of Blue

When I inquire about the prices of souvenirs, I find that Chefchaouen is more expensive than Fez but I cannot resist to buy a Djellaba. It is a loose robe style worn by both men and women that looks like Kaftan. I like a different style but it was too long for me so I just chose a simple black color with gold accents to it.

Aside from buying souvenirs and walking around, there is a great history on Chefchaouen. You can stay for a night and try Hamman Bath.  Walk around follow the trail for an over looking view of the town and have lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants on the riverside. I ate the Fish Tajine in one of the restaurants. Bargain for Henna Tattoo.

Hamman Bath

Ostrich

Fish Tajine

Henna Tattoo

Riverside Restaurants

One day or few hours is enough for me to see this place BUT if you have enough time better to stay one night. As what you can see with the pictures I posted, it looks like an empty place but the reality is,  it is very crowded with tourist and locals. Just perfect timing.

I took the last bus going back to Fez and arrived almost 10:00 pm. When you are travelling on month of May, bring some coat or sweater. Be on time, the bus wont wait.

Tell me about your experience……….. Safe travels….