The Colours of Morocco

By Erin Deborah Waks

It seems to me every city in Morocco has its own colour. Chefchaouen is blue. Tangiers is yellow. Tetouan is Green.

Each place has its own colour because it has its own character. It’s one of the things I love most about this country - the combination of predictability and individuality.

Every place I’ve visited so far has a formula. There’s always an old medina, a historical city centre, from which a labyrinth of modern neighbourhoods forms. A ville nouvelle has inevitably popped up, with a wealth of cafes and restaurants along with it. There’s a royal palace, an elaborate and unimaginably beautiful landmark. Probably an art or history museum, too. And a Kasbah, of course.

But then each city and town has something to call its own. Rabat has its imposing Hassan Tower and imperial feel. Asilah has a sleepy seaside town vibe. Tangiers provides a dilapidated art deco scenery with which I fell instantly in love. Tetouan has its impressive cultural relevance, centred around its art school and museum. Chefchaouen is blue - and prettier than almost every place I’ve been before. Fes has its tanneries and Jewish quarter.

There is something simultaneously reassuring about knowing the formula Moroccan cities abide by before stepping off the train, plane, bus or car - before you get to discover the hidden gem that makes each city its own.