Chefchaouen is a gorgeous mountain city in the Rif Mountains, located inland and to the east of Tangier.

It was originally built as a fortress to protect the area from Portuguese invaders and greatly expanded with waves of Moriscos and Jews arriving during the Spanish Reconquista.

It was under Spanish rule in 1956 when Morocco gained its independence.

Known for white-washed homes with powder blue accents and gorgeous mountain views, Chefchaouen is the perfect place to relax.

The maze-like medina is the focal point of interest for most visitors to Chefchaouen.

The blue walls, painted in many different shades, were said to be introduced by Jewish immigrants who considered blue to symbolize sky and heaven.

Other points of interest are the old Mosque and the Bridge of God, an impressive rock arc, which is about 30 minutes from Chefchaouen.