When people ask me about the most beautiful cities in Morocco, two places always come to mind—Essaouira and Chefchaouen. Each one has taught me something different about this country. One showed me the power of the ocean, the other revealed the magic of mountains. Both changed how I see beauty.
Morocco has many stunning places. You can find ancient palaces in Marrakech, maze-like streets in Fez, and vast deserts near Merzouga. But if you want to feel the soul of Morocco through your camera lens and your heart, these two cities are where you should go.
Essaouira: Where the Atlantic Shapes Everything
Essaouira sits on Morocco's western coast, facing the Atlantic Ocean. The Portuguese built fortifications here centuries ago, and those old stone walls still stand today. The city has a different energy from other Moroccan destinations. It's calmer. The sea breeze keeps it cool even in summer.
Sunset at the Ramparts
The best time to visit the old walls is late afternoon. The sun moves lower in the sky, painting everything gold and orange. I like to walk along the ramparts with my camera, watching the light change minute by minute. Below, waves crash against rocks that have felt the same water for hundreds of years.
Fishermen come back from the sea around this time. Their blue boats line up in neat rows at the harbor. Seagulls circle overhead, calling out in their sharp voices. The air smells of salt and fish and adventure. Every photo you take during this hour looks like a postcard, but better—because you're actually there.
The Harbor's Daily Rhythm
Early mornings at the port tell a different story. Fishermen spread out their nets to check for holes. They work with quick, practiced hands while the sun is still soft. This is when you see the real Essaouira, before the tourists arrive.
If you walk through here around 7 AM, you'll see the day's catch being sorted—silver sardines, octopus, and sometimes larger fish that take two people to carry. The market nearby fills with locals buying the freshest seafood. The energy is lively but never rushed. People greet each other, share jokes, and move through their morning rituals.
The Blue Doors and Cat-Friendly Streets
The medina of Essaouira has its own character. Blue doors appear everywhere—bright against white walls, faded on older buildings, sometimes decorated with traditional patterns. Cats have claimed this city as their own. You'll find them sleeping in sunny spots, stretching on doorsteps, or watching the world go by with patient eyes.
The streets wind through neighborhoods where craftsmen still work with their hands. You can watch someone weave a basket, carve wood into intricate designs, or hammer silver into jewelry. The smell of fresh bread drifts from bakeries in the morning, mixing with mint tea brewing in small cafes.
What Makes Essaouira Special
This city feels like freedom. The wide beach stretches for miles, perfect for long walks when you need to think. The constant wind has shaped the trees here—they grow at an angle, bending away from the ocean's push. Even the architecture seems designed to work with nature rather than fight it.
Photographers love Essaouira because the light is different here. The ocean reflects brightness back onto the white buildings, creating soft shadows and clear details. Whether you're shooting the Skala du Port, the medina's narrow streets, or just random doorways, something about this place makes ordinary scenes look extraordinary.
Chefchaouen: Living Inside a Blue Dream
North of Casablanca, up in the Rif Mountains, sits a city that doesn't quite seem real. Chefchaouen—locals call it "Chaouen" for short—has painted almost everything blue. Not just one shade, either. Every street shows different blues: sky blue, navy blue, turquoise, periwinkle, and colors that don't have names.
Walking Through Blue Streets
The first time you enter the medina, it takes a moment to adjust. Your eyes need time to believe what they're seeing. Hundreds of blue walls climb the hillside, creating a maze that feels more like an art installation than a city where people actually live their daily lives.
Each corner reveals something new. A tea shop with blue walls and colorful cushions. A stairway painted in alternating shades leading to someone's home. Potted plants adding green against all that blue. The morning light makes the colors soft and dreamy. Late afternoon brings out deeper tones and longer shadows.
The narrow paths connect in unexpected ways. You think you're going in one direction, then find yourself somewhere completely different. Getting lost here isn't frustrating—it's part of the experience. Around each bend might be a small square where old men play cards, or a shop selling handwoven blankets, or just another beautiful blue wall waiting for your camera.
Sunset from the Spanish Mosque
The Spanish Mosque sits on a hill above Chefchaouen. The walk up takes about 30 minutes, and the path is steep in places. But the view makes every step worth it. From up there, you look down on the entire Blue Pearl spread out below you.
One evening, I climbed up just as the sun was starting to set. The sky turned pink and purple, creating this incredible contrast with the blue city below. The Rif Mountains stretched out in every direction, layer after layer fading into the distance. The call to prayer drifted up from the mosques below, echoing across the valley.
That moment taught me something about Morocco. This country knows how to blend the practical with the beautiful. The mosque serves a religious purpose, but its location creates one of the most stunning views you'll ever see. Everything here has layers of meaning.
The Secret of Akchour
Most tourists don't go beyond Chefchaouen's blue streets. But if you have an extra day, drive 30 minutes to Akchour. This place is completely different—all green instead of blue, with rushing water instead of painted walls.
The trail follows a river upstream to waterfalls and natural pools. The water is clear and cool, perfect for swimming on hot days. Trees provide shade, and you can hear birds singing their mountain songs. Very few tourists make this trip, so it often feels like you have the whole valley to yourself.
After walking through the blue city, the green forest feels like entering another world. It shows you the variety Morocco offers—from ocean to mountains to forest, all within a few hours of each other.
Why Chefchaouen Captures Hearts
This city feels like a secret world where someone decided beauty should be everywhere. Time moves slower here. People sit in cafes for hours, sipping mint tea and watching the streets. Shop owners don't push you to buy—they're happy to chat about their city or recommend a good restaurant.
Locals will often offer to guide you through the medina, showing you the best spots for photos or their favorite quiet corners. The Moroccan hospitality shines especially bright in Chefchaouen. Maybe it's the mountain air, or maybe the blue walls create a peaceful mood. Whatever the reason, visitors leave feeling like they've discovered something rare.
Practical Tips for Visiting Both Cities
In Essaouira
- Go to the port early if you want to see the fishing boats return and the market at its busiest
- The wind can be strong—bring a light jacket even in summer
- Stay near the medina so you can explore on foot easily
- Try fresh grilled fish at the port—choose your fish and they'll cook it right there
In Chefchaouen
- Visit during early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds
- Wear comfortable shoes—the streets are steep and uneven in places
- Most locals are happy to pose for photos, but always ask first
- Don't rush—this city rewards slow exploration
- Try the local goat cheese—it's a specialty here
For Both Destinations
- Carry your camera or smartphone everywhere—you never know when you'll find the perfect shot
- Learn a few Arabic or French phrases—"Salam" (hello) and "Shukran" (thank you) open many doors
- Respect local customs, especially during prayer times
- Take cash for small purchases in the medina—many shops don't accept cards
Two Cities, One Country's Soul
The most beautiful cities in Morocco each tell their own story. Essaouira speaks of the sea—freedom, wind, and endless horizons. Chefchaouen whispers of mountains—peace, hidden places, and timeless beauty. Together, they show you different faces of the same country.
Morocco rewards curious travelers. If you wander with open eyes and an open heart, you'll find beauty in unexpected places. A blue door in Essaouira. A pink sky over Chefchaouen. The smile of a shopkeeper. The taste of mint tea after a long walk. The sound of waves or the silence of mountains.
These cities changed how I see my own country. They reminded me that Morocco isn't just ancient history and desert adventures—it's also coastal sunsets and blue painted dreams.
What draws you to Morocco? Are you dreaming of ocean views or mountain paths? Have you visited Essaouira or Chefchaouen before? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below. I'd love to hear about your Morocco dreams or help you plan your journey through these beautiful cities.