Though I’d heard the word a lot while planning my trip, I didn’t understand what a medina was until I stepped into one. It’s an old city. Walled off, you often enter through a clay gate. The walls are beige or brown or clay-colored. But not in Chefchaouen.
The walls, the steps, the roofs of many of the buildings in the Chefchaouen medina are painted a light shade of blue. It’s very soothing and it keeps the temperature cool.
Chefchaouen, in a word, is relaxing. Whether because it’s a small town in the Rif mountains, or because of the blue medina, I can’t say.
Blogs published by Adam Groffman • Please note some posts do make me some money, but I never sacrifice my integrity in exchange for a favorable review. Read the full disclosure policy.
Patrick
7 March 2012
I could spend an entire day photographing this place… Very nice.
Adam
8 March 2012
Patrick,
It’s truly a wonderful city to spend some time in. One of the best places to get lost!
Cornelius Aesop
13 October 2010
I have the sudden urge to listen to Eiffel 65
Christine
12 October 2010
I didn’t know Medina had Moorish significance until I traveled to Morocco myself…and it’s my last name! Great pics, great post..like always! :)
Adam
13 October 2010
Thanks Christine!
flexeble
26 June 2010
Nice photos and an interesting albeit short story. Thanks!
Ted Beatie
17 June 2010
We missed Chefchaouen when we were there a few years ago, but it's on our list for this year!
Dustin Main
17 June 2010
Looks like it would be a blast to shoot. I'll have to put it on my hit list when I arrive in Morocco later this year. Nice pics Adam.
Gourmantic
15 June 2010
Gorgeous blues! I love how some of these images take us there…
Adam
14 June 2010
Thanks Erica…. It is beyond a doubt a beautiful town.
Adam
14 June 2010
Thanks Candice!
Adam
14 June 2010
No problem, Daniel. Mediterranean light is probably the best in the world! No wonder Chefchaouen is known as an center of art.
Erica Kuschel
14 June 2010
These are amazing pictures, but I agree with the blue driving me crazy after a while. This really is lovely though. Thank you for sharing. :)
Candice Walsh
14 June 2010
Wow Adam, this is freaking stunning.
Daniel
14 June 2010
Exquisite shots! Love the interplay of light and all of those shades of blue! Excellent — thanks for sharing!
Adam
14 June 2010
Aww thanks Lynette!
Absolutely a stunning place. Love the Mediterannean!
Adam
14 June 2010
Yup, Matt! A photographer's dream.
Adam
14 June 2010
Thanks mate!
It might get a little tiring looking at all the blue but it's just so calming I don't think it comes easily!
Adam
14 June 2010
Haha thanks Monica! I've been more careful lately… And finally wearing
my contacts again!
Adam
13 June 2010
Cool in every way! Cheers Kate
monica530
13 June 2010
Incredible photos Adam! I can't wait to see this place with my own eyes one day. Hope you're staying healthy & safe in your travels. No more golf ball eyes please. :)
Travel With a Mate
13 June 2010
That's a lot of blue! It looks really pretty but, even though blue is my favourite colour, I think it would drive me nuts to stare at so much blue all day!
Great collection of photos.
backpackingmatt
13 June 2010
Wow, beautiful pictures! What a place to wander and take photos.
Lynette
13 June 2010
OMG I REALLY WANT TO BE THERE……….OOOOOOOOOOOOOH
THANKS FOR SHARING I CAN SMELL THE AIR! xoxo
adventurouskate
12 June 2010
LOVE those pictures! What a cool place.
Adam
12 June 2010
Aw thanks Sasha!
Chefchaouen was a really nice place. It was a great little mountain town to spend a day or two.
Adam
12 June 2010
Thanks Shannon,
This was one of my favorite medinas to get lost in—even though it was on the side of a hill and there was a lot of walking up & down.
Adam
12 June 2010
Yep, I'm a sucker for colors and this place just blew me away.
Stephanie
12 June 2010
Beautiful!! I love all the blue, makes for some interesting pictures.
ShannonOD
12 June 2010
Wow – that city is GORGEOUS! What a beautiful town to spend some days walking around :-)
Sasha
12 June 2010
Oh wow these pics totally blow me away!!! STUNNING!!! They really need to be framed and on a wall, one day I must see this for real!!! :)