Chefchaouen (Chaouen for short) — one of Morocco's most photogenic spots. In the Rif mountains, 4h drive from Fez. Worth minimum 1 full day, ideally 2. **Why blue?** Legend says Jewish refugees from Spain (15th c.) painted houses blue. Historical truth: color appeared only in 1930s. Practical reason — mosquito repellent and summer cooling. Today it's the main attraction and city income source. **When to photograph** • **6:30-8 AM** — empty alleys, soft light, no tourists • **5-7 PM** — golden hour + lanterns light up • Avoid: 10 AM-4 PM (harsh light + bus crowds from Fez) **What to see** • **Plaza Uta el-Hammam** — main square, coffee and mint tea • **Kasbah** (small ticket 60 MAD) — museum + rooftop view • **Ras el Maa** (spring) — end of medina where locals bathe • **Spanish Mosque** (30-min uphill walk) — best sunset view of city **Akchour waterfalls (extra day)** 25 km from Chefchaouen (30 min grand taxi, 200 MAD round trip). Two treks: • **Cascades bleues** — easy 1h, blue pools • **God's Bridge** — harder 4h, natural stone arch in canyon Bring swimsuit (you can swim), hiking boots, water. **Where to stay** • **Lina Ryad & Spa** (150 EUR) — best in Chaouen, hammam, view rooftop • **Dar Meziana** (60 EUR) — mid-range riad with terrace • **Aline Hostel** (15 EUR) — backpacker, view rooftop **Practical** • Getting there: CTM bus from Fez (4h, 100 MAD) or Tangier (2h, 60 MAD) • On-site everything on foot • ATMs in center, cash rules • **Marijuana** — Rif is growing region, sellers approach several times daily. Polite decline, don't buy (5 years prison for 5g as tourist)