Morocco Journals

Chilling out in Chefchaouen

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A February 2007 trip to Morocco by Heather F

Casa Hassan, Chefchaouen Photo - Hotel Casa Hassan, Morocco, Africa More Photos
Quote: Chefchaouen, on the slopes of the Rif Mountains in northern Morocco, is an ideal place for some rest and relaxation.

Hotel Casa Hassan

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Hotel | "Casa Hassan"

Casa Hassan, Chefchaouen Photo - Hotel Casa Hassan, Morocco, Africa
Quote:
Casa Hassan is a traditional Moroccan riad where the rooms surround a central, tiled courtyard. It also has rooftop terrace with two rooms also on the rooftop, and three floors below (but be warned - there is no elevator). The lounges on the rooftop are ideal for reading or an evening drink as the sun sets. Casa Hassan is decorated with a lot of wrought iron, painted ceilings, art work, with fireplaces for winter, and floors covered with locally-made carpets. A small courtyard provides an ideal place for breakfast on a sunny morning. Breakfast is fresh orange juice (always a Moroccan highlight), toasted bread, pancakes, corn bread with butter and jam, plus tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Casa Hass...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on June 12, 2007

Hotel Casa Hassan
22 rue Targui
Chefchaouene, Morocco
+212 39 986153

Hike to Chefchaouen's mosque ruins

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Chefchaouen Photo - Chefchaouen, Morocco
Quote:
Past the earthen walls surrounding Chefchaouen's medina, and through Bab al-Ansar, the eastern gate, past the Ras el-Maa river where women are hard at work washing their clothes, a trail leads to ruins of a mosque above the village. It takes about half an hour at a pleasant stroll to walk the 2km to the mosque ruins. It was built by the Spanish but never gained favor with the local population, hence gradually fell into disrepair. Although not a great sight itself, with just a few walls still standing, the location does provide stunning views of Chefchaouen, the surrounding Rif Mountains, and further north towards the Mediterranean Sea.The trail meanders past local houses and fences made of prickl...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on June 12, 2007

Photographing the blue of Chefchaouen

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Chefchaouen alley Photo - Chefchaouen, Morocco
Quote:
With the blue and white walls, cobbled streets, steps leading to doorways, old wooden doors, and elegant archways, Chefchaouen is a photographer's delight. In fact, the problem is what to snap, but beware of the shadows. It doesn't matter where in the medina you go, there are innumerable photographic opportunities awaiting. I'll let the accompanying photographs inspire you.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on June 12, 2007

Exploring Chefchaouen's medina

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Shopping for carpets Photo - Chefchaouen, Morocco
Quote:
The narrow, winding, cobbled streets that make up Chefchaouen's medina are an ideal place to wander. Home to most of the town's population, the alleys are quiet except for the occasional playing children, as there are no cars. Instead, gas cylinders and crates of Coca Cola® are transported by donkey. Below, many of the homes are small shops, both for locals and the tourists, where people can often be seen making products such as rugs, carpets, and wooden products. For most people, it is difficult to visit Chefchaouen without a visit (and most likely a purchase) in a carpet shop. Carpets of all types are made here, some from agave fiber from cacti plants, to wool and cotton. The carpets come in all...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on June 12, 2007

Chefchaouen Chilling

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Chefchaouen local Photo - Chefchaouen, Morocco
Quote:
Plaza Uta el Hammam, is the main square on which Chefchaouen's medina is situated. It is also lined by cafes and souvenirs on one side while the Grand Mosque and kasbah dominate the other side. Being so central, it is a great place to sit with a mint tea or orange juice and watch the local world go buy. For example, at the Restaurant Bab Kasba, a coke, orange juice, and Moroccan salad cost 19 dirham. This was one of three I tried out around the square during my visit and found good food, although they all offer very similar food at all of them.The Grand Mosque, which is closed to non-Muslims as most mosques in Morocco are, with its octagonal minaret, is best seen from the tower of the adjoining k...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on June 12, 2007