Blue City Morocco: Our Chefchaouen Photoshoot and Day Trip Guide

The Blue City of Morocco is one of those places that feels almost unreal. Every corner of Chefchaouen is painted in layers of cobalt, indigo, sky blue, and powdery periwinkle. The light bounces differently off blue walls. The shadows feel softer. The whole city looks like a movie set, but it’s very real and completely magical. We stopped here two days after our stay at a luxury camp in the Sahara Desert, and going from golden dunes to blue alleyways was the best kind of whiplash.

When we planned our Morocco trip, I knew Chefchaouen had to include a dedicated photoshoot. The girls planned their outfits ahead of time and we treated it like an experience, not just a quick Instagram moment. It ended up being one of the most special memories of the entire trip.

This post covers our photoshoot plus everything you need to plan your own visit: why the city is blue, how to get there, and whether a day trip is enough.

Why Is Chefchaouen Blue?

Chefchaouen, often called the Blue Pearl of Morocco, sits tucked into the Rif Mountains and was founded in 1471. The old medina is painted in every shade of blue you can imagine, and the funny thing is that nobody knows for certain why.

There are a few theories you’ll hear:

• A Jewish tradition. Jewish families who settled here are said to have painted their homes blue to symbolize the sky and heaven.
• Mosquitoes. Some say the blue looks like flowing water and keeps the bugs away.
• Staying cool. Others believe blue walls keep homes cooler in summer.

The truth is probably a mix of all three. What we do know is that locals keep repainting, and the blue is now what the city is famous for.

How to Get to the Blue City

Chefchaouen doesn’t have an airport or a train station, so you’ll arrive by road. Most people visit from Tangier or Fes.

• From Tangier: about 2 hours by car
• From Fes: about 3 to 4 hours by car
• From Casablanca: about 5 to 6 hours by car
• From Marrakech: 7 hours or more by car, so it’s best paired with a stop in the north

We visited on the way from Fes to Tangier, which I highly recommend. We left Fes at 7am with a private driver, made one quick stop along the way, and were walking through blue streets by 10:15. From there it was about two hours to Tangier. The roads get winding as you climb into the mountains, so if you get carsick, come prepared.

Is a Day Trip Enough?

We did not stay the night. We had about two and a half hours in Chefchaouen, and we spent all of it on the photoshoot.

For photos and a wander through the medina, a few hours works. The catch is timing. Arriving mid-morning means you’re sharing the streets with other day-trippers. If you want those quiet, empty alleyways and soft early light, staying overnight is the way to get them.

Our Blue City Photoshoot

From a photography perspective, Chefchaouen is a dream.

The narrow alleyways create natural framing. The textured plaster walls add depth. The blue-on-blue backgrounds make neutral outfits pop and colorful dresses glow. Even the simplest pose looks elevated when the entire backdrop is layered in hand-painted indigo tones.

Planning the Outfits

For our shoot, everyone chose pieces that moved beautifully. Flowing dresses, linen sets, wide sleeves, long scarves. Movement is everything in Chefchaouen because the narrow streets create natural wind tunnels that catch fabric in the best way. If you want to take it up a notch, a flying dress photoshoot would be stunning here.

Neutrals like white, cream, beige, and soft blush photograph beautifully against the blue walls. But bold colors like mustard, deep red, or emerald can also create stunning contrast.

We talked ahead of time about textures. Linen, chiffon, cotton gauze. Nothing too stiff. The goal was romantic, effortless, and a little cinematic. If you’re trying to fit photoshoot outfits into one suitcase, our guide to building a capsule wardrobe for every trip will help.

Best Photo Spots in the Blue City

There are iconic staircases covered in flower pots, arched doorways framed in layered blues, and winding alleys where the walls fade from navy to powder within a few feet.

One of my favorite setups was a simple blue doorway with soft shadow hitting half the frame. We didn’t need props. The texture of the wall did all the work.

Another favorite moment was capturing walking shots. Instead of static posing, we had everyone slowly walk through the alley while the fabric moved behind them. It creates those candid, editorial-feeling images that look natural but intentional.

We also couldn’t pass up the chance to take a photo next to a gorgeous fresh-squeezed orange juice stand, which was much appreciated in the heat. They insisted we buy a drink before sitting down to take photos, which I think was fair.

Making It Feel Natural, Not Posed

The biggest tip I can give for a Blue City Morocco photoshoot is to keep moving.

• Turn slowly.
• Look over your shoulder.
• Adjust your scarf.
• Laugh mid-walk.

Chefchaouen is already visually dramatic. The goal is to look like you belong there, not like you’re performing for the camera. This is also where traveling with a group pays off, because someone is always there to hold the camera and hype you up. It’s one of the reasons we believe so much in female group travel.

Photo Etiquette in Chefchaouen

Many of the doors are private homes, and locals are living their daily lives around you. We stayed mindful of blocking pathways and kept the experience kind and considerate.

A few things to know before you go:

• Ask before photographing people, especially women and older locals. Some will say no, and some will ask for a small tip.
• Expect to pay for some photo spots. Decorated corners and stands are often someone’s business. Buy the juice.
• Dress modestly. Flowing, covered outfits are respectful and happen to photograph beautifully.

If You Have More Time

We only had time for photos, so these are on our list for next time:

• Plaza Uta el-Hammam, the main square, lined with cafés, next to the old kasbah
• The Spanish Mosque, a short hike above town with views over the whole blue medina
• The medina shops, known for woven blankets, scarves, and pottery

For more ideas, Lonely Planet’s Chefchaouen guide is a good place to start.

Blue City Morocco FAQs

Final Thoughts

A photoshoot in the Blue City of Morocco is more than a bucket list photo moment. It’s an immersive experience in color, texture, culture, and connection.

If you’re planning a trip to Morocco, build in time for it. Don’t rush it. Choose your outfit intentionally. Let the light and the city do their thing.

And most importantly, let yourself fully enjoy it. The blue walls will take care of the rest.

If you loved this one, wait until you see our sunrise desert photoshoot on the Sahara dunes.