Travel facts - Chefchaouen (Morocco)

This city in the Rif Mountains in the northwest of Morocco is known for it's blue buildings. The city traces back it's origins to a fortress - one that still exists today - as a way to fight off the portugese invasion.

In the recent years it has become a great tourist attraction, with tourist showing equal interest in the blue walls as the cannabis that is profilic in the city and around. It's the region with the highest production of cannabis in Morocco. The laid-back atmosphere and the proximity to bigger cities, makes this a great backpacking destination.

Whereas most of Morocco French is commonly spoken, in Chefchaouen you'll be better served by speaking Spanish. In 1920 the Spanish took over the city (and other parts of Morocco) and didn't return it until 1950's, during the Indepence of Morocco.

The exact reason why the city is blue is unknown. Some say it's against mosquitos, others believe that the color was introduced by jews to symbolize the sky.