Morocco Travel Guide

MEDINA

SPA

Spanish were briefly thrown out by Abd al-Krim during the Rif War in the 1920s, but they soon
returned and remained until independence in 1956.

Sights

Medina

Chefchaouen’s medina is one of the loveliest in Morocco. Small and uncrowded, it’s easy to
explore, with enough winding paths to keep you diverted, but compact enough that you’ll never
get too lost. Most of the buildings are painted a blinding blue-white, giving them a clean, fresh
look, while terracotta tiles add an Andalucian flavour.

The heart   of  the medina  is  the shady,  cobbled Plaza   Uta el-Hammam   Offline map Google  map

which is lined with cafes and restaurants, all serving similar fare. This is a peaceful place to
relax and watch the world go by, particularly after a long day of exploration. The plaza is
dominated by the red-hued walls of the kasbah Offline map Google map and the adjacent Grande

Mosquée . Noteworthy for its unusual octagonal tower and recently restored, the Grande
Mosquée was built in the 15th century by the son of the town’s founder, Ali ben Rachid, and is
closed to non-Muslims. The kasbah (admission incl museum & gallery Dh10; 9am-1pm &
3-6.30pm Wed-Mon, 9-noon & 3-6.30pm Fri) is a heavily restored walled fortress that now
contains a lovely garden, a small Ethnographic Museum , and an even smaller art gallery
Offline map Google map . The ethnographic museum contains some fascinating views of old
Chefchaouen, including the plaza and the kasbah; the gallery promotes the work of talented
local artists.

SPANISH MOSQUE

Looking west,   you’ll  easily  spot    the so-called   Spanish mosque  on  a   hilltop not far from    the medina. It’s    a   pleasant    walk    along

clear   paths   and well    worth   the effort. Start   at  the waterfall   Ras el-Maa  ,   just    beyond  the far northeastern    gate    of  the medina. It’s

here,   where   the water   comes   gushing out of  the mountain,   that    local   women   come    to  do  their   washing.    The sound   of  the water

and the verdant hills   just    beyond  the medina  wall    provide a   sudden, strong  dose    of  nature.

Continuing  over    the bridge, you can walk    to  the Spanish mosque  following   the hillside    path.   The mosque  was built   by  the

Spanish for the local   population  in  the 1920s,  but was never   used.   It  fell    into    disrepair,  but has been    newly   restored    (by the

Spanish,    again)  and at  the time    of  research,   was about   to  open    as  a   cultural    centre. From    the hilltop minaret,    you’ll  have    a

grand   view    of  the entire  town    sprawling   over    the green   hills   below.  The mosque  is  a   popular destination,    but women   may not

feel    comfortable there   by  themselves.

Activities

Spas & Hammams

Centre Viva Form

( 0539 98 61 65; Atlas Chaouen Hotel; noon-9pm) A sophisticated, full-service spa
located at the Atlas Chaouen Hotel. Prices range from reflexology (Dh100) to the 50-minute