admin, Author at Abdoul Marocco Autentico

Things To Do inOctober 24, 2022October 24, 2022 By admin

9 Best Things To Do In Chefchaouen, Morocco

Chefchaouen: known as the ‘Blue Pearl’ of Morocco, because of its fantastic blue houses and streets. Jewish immigrants painted the houses blue, and people have been guessing for years as to why. It is this mystery that gives the city its charm and makes it a long-standing popular tourist destination. Spend a day or two enjoying all the best things to do in Chefchaouen, and three days, or more, if you want to enjoy the stunning nature of the surrounding Riff Mountains.

1. Wander the Blue Streets

The number one reason to visit Chefchaouen is for its beautiful streets, filled with houses painted a variety of blues. There are many theories as to why the walls are blue. Some say it’s for practical reasons, such as keeping mosquitoes away or keeping the houses cooler.

Others say that the blue represents sky and heaven, the colors of the Mediterranean sea, or the nearby Ras el Maa waterfall. Now, locals continue to paint their houses blue, either in line with these traditions, or to keep attracting tourists, who visit Chefchaouen for its picture-perfect streets.

Chefchaouen is much quieter and calmer than other cities in Morocco, so you can spend hours here calmly wandering the blue alleys, and taking photos of cute porches and doorways in the sun. The blue houses of this city are easily the top thing to do in Chefchaouen!

Note: Make sure to be respectful at all times, as local people do live inside the houses. Some ‘Insta famous’ doorways will charge you a small fee to take a photo.

2. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset in Chefchaouen

Sunrise and Sunset in Chefchaouen are both magical times of the day in this city. Add this as one of your things to do on your Chefchaouen itinerary. Wake up in the early morning, get to the rooftop of your riad, and enjoy the most magical sunrise you will see during your trip. Alternatively, enjoy this magical moment from higher up, by enjoying one of the many hikes out of the city up into the Riff Mountains. This is highly recommended to get a fantastic view of the city!

3. Visit the Spanish Mosque

The Spanish Mosque is a beautiful building that sits isolated on a hill above Chefchaouen. The mosque was built in the 1920s, during the war. However, it was never actually used and now sits abandoned, looking out across the city. It is an easy 30-minute hike to the top, where you will be rewarded with incredible views

Seeing the sunset is magical here, as the golden colors hit the background of the earthy Riff mountains. However, at this time there can be crowds as it is one of the most popular things to do in Chefchaouen. If you prefer it to be quieter, take a very early morning hike to see the sunrise instead.

4. Shopping in the Medina

Visit the narrow blue, twisting streets of the Medina, and its souks! The souks may not be as big as in other Moroccan cities like Fes but it remains a popular shopping destination. This is because it offers many native handicrafts that are not available anywhere else in Morocco, such as wool garments, woven blankets, and woven baskets.

In between the handicrafts, you’ll often find pots of bright-colored paint powders in a variety of pastel colors, which is a beautiful scene against the backdrop of blue walls. Goats cheese is also popular with tourists and served with many dishes. Well worth a try, and a tasty thing to do in Chefchaouen.

Tip: Throughout Morocco, bargaining is common practice. Always haggle for a price, and don’t except the first offer

5. The Kasbah Museum

In the main square, sits the Kasbah: an old Moroccan fort. This building has served many purposes through the ages, most notably as a prison, and now it is an ethnographic museum and art gallery. Inside there are also beautiful Spanish style gardens, which provide a nice area of calm away from the city. Learn about the fascinating history of this area, through the ancient artifacts, clothing, instruments, and traditional decorations and crafts on display. The fort tower can be climbed to discover beautiful views over the city.

Entrance fee: 60 MAD. Note that the descriptions in the tower are not in English.

6. Plaza Uta El-Hammam

Many things happen around the hustle and bustle of the main square in Chefchaouen: Plaza Uta El-Hammam. Sitting in the center of the medina, the square is surrounded by restaurants, shops, the Kasbah, and the Grand Mosque. The Grand Mosque is still used for religious worship so it is not open for tourists, however, its unique octagonal minaret can be viewed from the square. Sit by the tree, in the center of the cobbled square, and people watch for a break from sightseeing – a fun thing to do while in Chefchaouen.

7. Enjoy the Nature Around Chefchaouen

The Riff mountains provide the perfect setting for beautiful nature and wildlife. We didn’t leave the town ourselves but we’ve heard good experiences from fellow travelers about these spots:

Ras El Maa Waterfall. This is a small but beautiful waterfall situated on the outskirts of the medina, amongst pretty woodland. Sit and enjoy a mint tea here, dangle your feet in the cool mountain water, and watch locals wash their clothes here. It can be reached via the hiking trail that takes you up to the Spanish Mosque, so it is a nice thing to do in Chefchaouen if you have time to stop while passing by.

Jeb Al Kalaa. This is the mountain overlooking Chefchaouen. This is an intermediate hike of about 6-8 hours. The trail can be hard to follow, so be confident in your navigation or book a guide to lead you. Once at the top, there are phenomenal panoramic views over the mountains and the blue city below. An amazing thing to do in Chefchaouen if you have a day to spare.

Talassemtane National Park.– less than 45 minutes’ drive from Chefchaouen is this fantastic national park, full of natural wonders. Hire a guide to take you on some memorable hikes here.
Bridge of God and Akchour Waterfalls. Sitting within the Talassemtane National Park is the area of Akchour, filled with stunning emerald pools, waterfalls, and canyons. Make sure to visit the Akchour waterfalls and the Bridge of God, which is an impressive natural stone arch 25 meters above the gorge. Both are reached on foot, via steep hiking trails, so prepare yourself for a bit of a walk!

8. Experience Delicious Food

The flavor of Moroccan food is unlike anything else. On each corner of the cute streets, you will find homemade bread baked by people in their wood-fired ovens. At restaurants, they serve typical Moroccan dishes of couscous, fish, spices, and vegetables. Enjoy sitting on beautiful Morrocan cushions, in romantically lit dining rooms, eating tagine out of a locally made tagine bowl – a truly authentic way to understand the culture of Morocco and Chefchaouen.

Don’t forget to try a cup of freshly made mint tea. This is a tradition in Morocco, not just for the social aspect but for the health benefits, as well.

Tip: Head to Chez Aladdin, for its terrace, with stunning rooftop views over the city (located just off the main square). For lunch or dinner, we also highly recommend Restaurant Populaire Bab Ssour. Breakfast is best enjoyed in the main square!

9. Take the Beautiful Bus Ride to Fes

If you’re traveling around Morocco, it’s a good choice to take the local bus to, or from, Fes. The beautiful scenery you will see as you travel through the magical landscapes of Morocco is well worth a few hours on a bus. Better still, is the breathtaking view of Chefchaouen, as you approach the city for the first time. Take one of the CTM buses (the biggest operator in Morocco), and enjoy a comfortable ride of approximately 4 hours.

Hotels and Riads Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen has many great accommodation options. Stay in a traditional riad for the most authentic experience. Most of the riads and hotels range from budget to high-level luxury. Many of the riads on the more luxurious end will also have spas to enjoy! Be aware that staying inside the medina itself can be a bit more expensive, however, there are some good hostel options here too.

Getting to Chefchaouen & Getting around

Due to its wonderfully remote location among the mountains, Chefchaouen isn’t the easiest to get to, but it’s well worth the journey! The city can be reached by rental car, taxi, or local bus from Tangier (2,5h) and Tetouan (1,5h). It’s not possible to fly or take the train to Chefchaouen, but both Tangier and Tetouan have an airport.

Once in Chefchaouen, the city is walkable. A lot of the nature spots can also be seen via hiking on one of the many trails that lead out of the city.

Best Time to Visit Chefchaouen

The weather in Chefchaouen is at its best around spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The climate is fairly mild, in comparison to the rest of Morocco, because of its high mountain location. In the summer, people from hotter parts of Morrocco will come on vacation to this area because of the pleasant temperatures.

Things To Do inOctober 24, 2022October 24, 2022 By admin

11 Things To Do in Fes, Morocco (Complete Guide)

Mystical, magical Fes: a remarkable city located in Morocco, a UNESCO world heritage site, and home to the oldest and largest medina in North Africa! The city was once the capital of Morocco and is still widely viewed as the cultural epicenter of the country. Explore inside the medieval walls of the wonderfully chaotic medina, and discover towers of spices, traditional handicrafts, hammams, and tanneries. The past is alive here, so take one or two days to enjoy all the best things to do in Fes!

1. Lose Yourself in the Fes Medina

The medina of Fes (Fes el Bali) is the oldest and largest of North Africa and dates back to the 9th century! Because of its historical significance, and cultural importance, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s easy to see why when you see how well the ancient charms of the medina have been preserved. Discover the roots of Fes by wandering the thousands of alleys here and enjoy the largest car-free urban area in the world!

Because of its narrow streets, it is very easy to get lost, something we experienced ourselves a few times. Make sure to know which signs you should follow before you leave your riad or hotel because even Google Maps can find it hard to navigate in this maze

Tip: Lost? Ask shop or restaurant owners how to get to your destination. Be aware that lots of children operate scams where they will help you with directions in order to receive money at the end.

2. Jnan Sbil Gardens (Bou Jeloud)

This peaceful slice of nature is the only public garden in the busy medina. Step inside for a break from bargaining and enjoy the beautiful water features, birds, plants, flowers, and palm tree-lined walkways. Relax, cool down, and watch the Fes locals enjoying the park too.

Opening times: 8 am-7.30 pm Tuesday-Sunday. Monday-closed

3. The Magical Bou Inania Madrasa

The Bou Inania Madrasa is an iconic religious building in the center of the medina. The building, constructed in the 14th century, was once a school. However, now its extraordinary architecture is on display to the public. Explore its magnificent marble courtyard, intricate wood carvings, and endless mosaic tilework in a variety of greens. Continuing the color theme is the adjoining mosque, with its breathtaking green minaret that is visible across the medina. There’s no doubt that this madrasa is the grandest in the city! Don’t miss out on this great thing to do in Fes.

3. The Magical Bou Inania Madrasa

4. Take in the Smells of the Tanneries

Be sure to check out the world-famous tanneries of Fes! Discover hundreds of earthen pits full of various colored dye, which is used to color animal skins. The tanneries are a unique part of the Fes culture and are one of the best things to do on any Fes trip. However, be warned that the smell is quite strong! Locals will try to offer you “mint for free” to help with the smell but we’ve seen a lot of people paying afterward. Because of this, it’s best to remember to take a bit of mint or a scarf with you.

An alternative way to see the tanneries is to find a roof terrace nearby. This way you can get up high for a birds-eye view.

Tip: Visit the Chouara tannery – the largest tannery in the city and the oldest leather tannery in the world!

5. Africa’s Oldest University: Kairaouine

The Kairaouine Mosque is known to be the world’s oldest university and it is also the second-largest mosque in Morocco. It is one of the most important religious buildings in Fes and as such, only Muslims are allowed inside. Although tourists can’t access the interior, you can take a glimpse through several of the entrance gates. See the stunning marble courtyard, fountains, arches, tiles, and carvings. Not only this but see many people praying in this holy building, which still operates as a university!

Tip: Try to spot the beautiful minaret of the mosque from one of the nearby rooftops.

6. Get a Fresh Orange Juice

Orange juice is one thing we love, and Fes do it so well! Grab a cheap, fresh juice every morning for the perfect start to a day of exploring. You can’t miss the orange juice stalls which are situated all over the center of town. Delicious!

7. Al Atterine Madrassa

This madrassa may be small, but its beauty is so much more than its size. There is a wonderful courtyard in the center, surrounded by geometric patterned tiles that decorate the walls and floor. Marvel at the intricately wooden carved doors, which truly make you feel transported back to medieval Morrocco. Don’t forget to look up at the beautiful minaret above! This oasis of calm, amongst the craziness of Fes, is located close to the Kairaouine Mosque and the Chouara leather tannery. A great thing to do in Fes if you have time!

Opening times: 8 am-6 pm (always check for religious holidays and events, as this can alter times)
Entrance fee: 20 Dhs ($2 USD)

8. Sunset on a Rooftop

Moroccan architecture makes for beautiful earthy colored houses with flat rooftops. This means it’s a terrace paradise! One of the best ways to see Fes is to find a great rooftop cafe, or bar (like Cafe Clock), and enjoy the city from above. Sit here at the end of a day of sightseeing and enjoy the sun setting behind this wonderful city. Bliss!

9. The Royal Palace (Dar Al-Makhzen)

Take a glimpse at the dazzling exterior of the royal palace. The royal family and government still frequently use this building, so sadly tourists aren’t allowed inside. However, the stunning walls made up of blue mosaic tiles, and the magnificent bronze doors, make it a top thing to do in Fes. Tourists can also wander through the lovely, green palace gardens outside. Adjacent to the gardens is the grand mosque Fes el-Jdid, with the most beautifully embellished minaret!

Tip: Head to Dar Batha, the former royal palace of Fes to visit the museum and the tranquil gardens

10. Explore the Maze-Like Souks

The souks are the very soul of any Moroccan city, and the ones in Fes are some of the most impressive. Step back into a medieval time of dusty walled streets, where the only transport is donkey and cart. It’s definitely an assault on the senses, with sellers shouting prices and striking hard bargains, aromatic smells coming from every direction, and textile displays in all colors of the rainbow. The streets in the Fes souks are much narrower than the ones in Marrakech, with many twists, turns, and forks that make it a true maze.

11. Buy a Beautiful Fes Carpet

Fes is known for its handicrafts, and most notably its rugs. Carpet sellers are all over the main streets of the medina, each with stunning Moroccan designs to show. A French woman living in Marrakech advised us to go to a certain shop (across the street of Café El Khmissa), which will give you an honest price.

After going through around 20 rugs we selected our favorite one. The rug was 2 meters long and 1.5 meters wide and we paid $150 which we thought was a fair price for a traditional Moroccan rug.

Where to Stay in Fes

Take the opportunity to stay in a traditional riad in Fes. These are Moroccan guesthouses, normally situated in the older parts of town, and centered around courtyards or pools. They’re a great place to stay to find some calm at the end of your busy days in Fes. Ideally, choose a hotel or riad in the center of the medina to be close to the main sights and to avoid getting lost late at night.

Getting to Fes & Getting Around

Fes is well connected from all directions. You can easily arrive from Marrakech, Rabat, or the blue city of Chefchaouen. If you’re looking at renting a car in Morocco we recommend Sunny Cars. They work with local car rental companies and the insurances are included in the price. Book your rental car here.

You can also visit Fes as the first stop on a Sahara Desert Tour: an incredible experience that will create lifelong memories.

Once you’re in Fes, the main sights of the city are walkable.

Bus to Fes

The CTM bus is a great option if you don’t mind a long drive. The buses are clean and drive safely. There are some other companies that offer the same route when the CTM is full but these buses are a lot more uncomfortable.

Train to Fes

From Marrakech, the train takes you to the beautiful coastline of Rabat. This train line then continues on to Fes.

Best Restaurants in Fes

We had the best food at Chez Rachid. It’s located very close to the popular Bab Boujloud Gate “The Blue Gate”. Cafe Clock is also a great place to grab a bite to eat, with beautiful terrace views. The food is more western here, with a fusion style.

Tip: Cafe clock also offers cooking classes! This is a great way to pick up some skills on how to prepare some delicious Moroccan dishes

Things To Do in UncategorizedOctober 24, 2022October 24, 2022 By admin

Things To Do in Marrakech, Morocco: A 3-Day Guide

Marrakech is more than just an ancient city in Morocco. It’s a sensory experience, of vibrant colors, flavors, smells, sounds, and unique sights. It’s world-famous for its markets and shopping in the Medina (old city) but there is so much more to do in Marrakech. Once you’ve witnessed the fascinating mix of European, Middle Eastern, and African culture, head out of the city for unparalleled mountain and desert scenery.

Day 1: Medinas and Markets

Everything in Marrakech goes on within the hustle and bustle of the Medina, the walled, most ancient part of the city. Spend a day, soaking up the sounds, smells, and sights of this remarkable area, experiencing the souks and squares.

1. Wander Around the Medina

The most beautiful part of the Medina is its maze of narrow streets that transport you back in time. Throw your map in the garbage and lose yourself in the excitement, while dodging donkeys and carts.

2. Jamaa El Fnaa

At the heart of the Medina lies the world-famous Jamaa el Fnaa square. Walking through this square is an experience like no other! Feel the heat beating off the stone floor, as you worm your way through snake charmers, entertainers, and street food stalls selling fresh juices.

By night, the square comes to life with music, with flute players, dancers, and artists all showing their talents under the twinkling lights of the stalls. This amazing demonstration of Moroccan culture is not to be missed!

3. Explore the Souks

If the square is the heart, then the souks are the true soul of Marrakech. Wander just off the main square to discover an extraordinary labyrinth of markets. It’s easy to lose yourself in the covered markets and the network of tiny streets that all seem to look the same.

Don’t worry about this, and enjoy the fantastic colors of the textiles, the magical smells of the vibrant mountains of spices, the high-quality leatherwork, and the glittering lights bouncing off the lanterns and colored glassware. Make sure to visit the main souk: ‘Souk Semmarine’, located just off Jamaa el Fnaa. A little further away is the ‘Souk Place des Epices’, which is the traditional spice souk.

Tip: Get ready to bargain! This is a key part of the culture, so shop owners will always bargain on the price. Be aware that shop owners can hassle tourists to buy products in the souks. Be firm and politely say no before moving on quickly. If you’re worried about getting lost in the souks, it’s a good idea to hire a reputable guide.

4. Find the Best Places to Eat and Drink

Marrakech has a great selection of traditional and fusion restaurants that serve up delicious tagine and couscous. Our personal favorite was Cafe Atay. There is also Cafe Clock, which is more of a fusion one but also very good!

In Morrocan architecture, all buildings have flat roofs which make it perfect for rooftop bars. Head to a rooftop cafe overlooking Jemaa el Fnaa for a delicious mint tea, or visit the museum Maison de la Fotagraphie, which has the highest rooftop bar in the medina for incredible views!

Note: Marrakech is an Islamic city, which means alcohol is forbidden outside of bars. Many bars and restaurants won’t serve alcohol at all, so search beforehand for places that do, or enjoy a dry trip!

Day 2: Incredible Architecture

Enjoy day 2 by jumping between beautiful buildings. See the traditional Moroccan architecture and designs of arches and blue tiles, but also the more innovative designs of artistic buildings and museums.

5. Stay in a Traditional Riad

Staying in a traditional riad (guesthouse) is the best way to see the stunning details of Moroccan architecture. On the outside, they are normally a sandy color with basic architecture. However, once you open the door, there is a whole different world. This is the link to the riad below in the photography.

A world of wonderful colored tiles, detailed patterns, and plants, that are normally centered around a dreamy looking swimming pool. Staying in a riad is definitely a peaceful experience, that provides a tranquil oasis away from the noises of Marrakech.

6. Jardin Majorelle

This incredible, vibrant blue house is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Marrakech and an absolute must-see! The beautiful house and gardens were originally created by Jaques Majorelle, who was the inventor of this deep blue shade, named ‘Majorelle blue’.

Later the house was bought by Yves St Laurent, who restored the house and botanical gardens to their former glory. This truly feels like a tropical oasis, with green plants from all over the world that look beautiful against the blues and yellows of the house.

Entrance Fee: A ticket is 70 Dhs to the garden (around $7). The museum entrance fee is 30 Dhs (around $3). The house and gardens are open from 8-5.30 every day and 8-6 in the summer months. Go as early as possible to avoid the crowds, and get the best photos possible.

Entrance Fee: Tickets are approximately $5

8. Bahia Palace

This extraordinary palace, with 150 rooms, was built in the 19th century by the grand vizier of the sultan, who hoped for it to be the greatest palace of all time. Discover the traditional Moroccan architecture of the courtyards, filled with orange trees and fountains, and the beautiful stain glass windows and tilework.

Most impressive of all is the huge, luxurious marble courtyard at the center of the palace complex. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of the grand vizier, his family, and his many wives.

Note: Only a portion of the palace is available to see but it’s definitely worth it, especially as it’s located just a 20-minute walk from Jamaa el Fnaa square.

Entrance fee: 70 Dhs ($7). Open Monday to Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Day 3: Outside of Marrakech

The stunning nature of Morocco is just a stone’s throw away from the city. Once you’ve soaked up all the culture of dynamic Marrakech, take one of these day trips to experience country life, majestic mountains, or the heat of the Sahara.

9. A Day Trip to the Atlas Mountains

Take a day trip to the jaw-droppingly beautiful atlas mountains, situated just an hour or two drive away from Marrakech. Most tours offer a return journey to Marrakech and take you through beautiful valleys and traditional Berber villages. This is a perfect way to see some of the amazing nature in Morocco and get up to the cooler climates of the mountains.

Tip: Visiting in the winter? Take advantage of the fact you can go skiing in the Atlas mountains! If you’re visiting in summer, don’t forget that the mountains get a lot cooler as it approaches the evening, so make sure to take an extra layer.