Chefchaouen, Chaouen

You won't find any extraordinary monuments in Chefchaouen. Since the massive arrival of Jews and Arabs who were chased out of Spain in 1492, it has remained a very simple town; pleasant for the simple visitor.

Start your visit by going to see the Grand Mosque, an octagonal construction on Uta El Hamman place. Stop and have a glass of mint tea on the terrace of a café, and steep in the nonchalance of what is going on around you.

Chefchaouen is the epitome of sweet, simple life in a country town.

When you leave the square, just forget everything and let yourself be guided by the beautiful colors that surround you: the narrow streets are paved with stones that have been polished by "babouches" the slippers everyone wears, the houses are painted white, azure blue, and purple, with their blue shutters and doors. It was thought that these colors would keep insects away. The flower covered patios are vestiges of the Spanish occupation.

With its ochre colored tile roofs, its cast iron fences, and the light that reflects of the fronts of house you would think you were in living Delacroix painting.

Wander around and get lost. You'll find a bit of civilization again on Mohammed V square.

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