A beautiful city in Morocco is being compared to Greece’s Santorini but without the busy crowds and high prices.
Chefchaouen is often called the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco and is known for its blue-painted streets.
Speaking exclusively to the Express, Caroline Pilligrath, a travel expert and the founder of Breathing Travel, urged tourists to visit the beautiful town instead of Greece.
She said: “Head to Chefchaouen and you’ve got a place that honestly rivals Santorini with its blue-washed buildings and hilly streets.
“But here’s the kicker – it’s way more affordable. For a fraction of the price of any European hotel, you can stay in a stunning riad, and the food?
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“You may get affordable tagines and mint tea from neighbourhood cafes and street vendors.”
The expert added: “Morocco offers a unique combination of desert, mountains, and coast that is hard to find in Europe, and it’s safe, provided you stay in the well-travelled areas.”
Chefchaouen’s history goes back to the 15th century when the city was originally built as a fortress.
Later, Jewish refugees fleeing Spain brought with them a tradition of painting buildings blue, a custom that locals have kept alive.
Some believe the blue colour keeps away mosquitoes, while others think it represents the sky or the sea.
Whatever the reason, the blue colour gives Chefchaouen a unique look that people love to photograph.
Exploring Chefchaouen doesn’t require a long list of must-see spots. The main attraction is the city itself, with its narrow, winding streets and beautiful blue buildings.
Many tourists enjoy simply wandering, taking photos of the doors, windows and blue-washed walls.
The area is also known for its small markets, which open on certain days, where locals sell fresh produce and handmade goods.
And for those who want to see more of the area, there are hiking trails nearby, and a small waterfall just outside the city.
The only downside is that Chefchaouen is not very close to Morocco’s main cities, so getting there takes some time.
The nearest major city is Tangier, which has an airport, and from there, it’s about a three-hour drive or bus ride.