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Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is a city in northwest Morocco and the capital of Chefchaouen Province.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Chefchaouen is a city in northwest Morocco and the capital of Chefchaouen Province. It is best known for its blue-painted buildings and its setting in the Rif Mountains, which have made it a popular travel destination. The city is also commonly called Chaouen.

History

Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 by Moulay Ali Ben Rachid and developed as a mountain town in northern Morocco. Sources describe it as having long periods of relative isolation before later integration into broader colonial and national frameworks.

Geography

The city sits in the Rif Mountains in northwest Morocco, in a steep, mountainous setting. Its landscape and hillside location are central to its character and tourism appeal.

Culture and appearance

Chefchaouen is famous for its blue-and-white painted buildings and narrow medina streets. The city is also associated with distinctive local culture and a strong tourism identity.

Tourism

Chefchaouen is promoted as a scenic destination for walking, photography, and cultural visits. Travel guides often describe it as one of Morocco’s most visually distinctive cities.

Key facts

  • Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 by Moulay Ali Ben Rachid.
  • It is the chief town of Chefchaouen Province.
  • The city is widely known for blue-painted streets and buildings, which gave rise to the nickname “Blue City.”
  • It is located in a mountainous area of northern Morocco between Tétouan and Ouazzane.
  • The town is also known as Chaouen, a shorter local name.
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Canadian context

Chefchaouen is a notable travel destination for Canadian visitors to Morocco and is often included in Morocco-focused tourism guides.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Chefchaouen located?
Chefchaouen is in northwest Morocco, in the Rif Mountains, between Tétouan and Ouazzane.
Why is Chefchaouen called the Blue City?
It is known for the blue-painted facades of many buildings in its medina and surrounding streets.
When was Chefchaouen founded?
Chefchaouen was founded in 1471.
Who founded Chefchaouen?
It was founded by Moulay Ali Ben Rachid.
What is another name for Chefchaouen?
Chefchaouen is also commonly called Chaouen.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chefchaouen
    Supports: Founding date, founder, location, provincial status, nickname, and 2024 population figure.
  2. Wikipédia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chefchaouen
    Supports: Location in the Rif, provincial capital status, blue-and-white appearance, and local naming.
  3. Visit Morocco — https://www.visitmorocco.com/en/travel/chefchaouen
    Supports: Tourism character, medina, mountain setting, and blue city presentation.
  4. Rough Guides — https://www.roughguides.com/morocco/tangier-tetouan-northwest/chefchaouen/
    Supports: Historical context, meaning of the name, and regional cultural significance.
  5. Frommer's — https://www.frommers.com/destinations/chefchaouen/
    Supports: Tourism overview, founding tradition, and cultural description.