Chefchaouen has a history which can intrigue most people. Until 1920 only three Europeans had visited this place even though it is less than 100 km from Europe itself. And all these three men had to be disguised, and one was killed by the locals. The city remained a bastion against European influence for a long time, due to its founding as a refuge for Moors fleeing from Spain after Christianity brought the country into the Dark Ages. But today no hostility remains. People here are open to strangers, friendly, but not inviting you to their homes as easily as other Moroccans do. The Chefchaoueners are slow on taking up Western habits, at least those living in the big old city, and thereby giving the exceptional beauty of Chefchauen as a gift to us all. The only major exception are the usual bottles of Coca Cola that are be found in every shop and cafe – the second most popular drink here, second only to the fresh and delicious water coming down from the mountains.
