While exploring cities of Morocco we visited Chefchouen – the blue city of Morocco. I remember how I tried to find out why Chefchouen is blue and while browsing the street and internet for the answer I found that there are more blue Cities around the world. Read about them.
Of all the spectrum, none dazzles like the color blue. Usually associated with stability and depth, blue symbolizes trust, wisdom, loyalty, and intelligence. Perhaps the real appeal of blue is that exudes a feeling of heaven.
While we can’t really go to heaven, luckily there are towns here on earth that are painted blue and can give you a taste of the sublime.
Blue towns around the world
Chefchaouen Morocco Blue City
Chefchaouen is a popular town in Morocco that you may have either heard of or visited if you have ever gone on town-hopping in Morocco. Snuggled in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen, or the Blue Pearl of Morocco, is wonderful and peaceful. The medina (old town) is characterized by cobblestone streets and steep stairs as well as its periwinkle façades.
This Moroccan town is also a great place to get Moroccan souvenirs. The shopkeepers are quite friendly. After the Spanish invasion of Morocco in the 15th century, the Jews sought refuge in this town, and so they came with their traditions of painting houses and walls blue.
Oia, Greece
Greeks are the inventors of the blue towns (facts about Greece). The Cycladic buildings splashed with blue and white always charm travelers. Oia is considered the most romantic town in the world, and it is because of its blue colors. We haven’t visited it during our Greece road trip, but we were lucky enough to attend a wedding in Santorini which was in Oia.
Oia is a coastal village in Santorini and perhaps the prettiest blue town anywhere in the world. The town seduces everyone; sunset scenes of the blue houses set against orange skies are seen on almost every poster for Greek tourism.
The origin of the blue colors in Oia is not clear, but many assume it is inspired by the Greek flag. However, others believe the reason behind the blue colors is more about practicality than the town’s patriotism.
When you are in Oia visit one of the best bookshops around the world.
Júzcar, Spain
Punctuated by blue-swathed buildings, Júzcar is one of the most popular tourist towns in Spain. The town got its blue coloring not so long ago, as a PR stunt to market the popular movie The Smurfs. The number of visitors to the town skyrocketed as a result, but it is Júzcar’s pop culture, that usually draws people to this town.
Irrespective of colour, its enduring character ensures that the town doesn’t look too touristy. Beyond the blue structures, chestnuts and mushrooms grow in the fields, whilst the recent launch of zipline parks and trekking paths ensure visitors have plenty to do outdoors.
Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia
This small town is adorned by the blue doors, shutters, and lattice window screens, creating a peaceful panorama. Located on a hilltop and overlooking the Bay of Tunis, Sidi has a relaxed atmosphere that makes it a great gateway from the busy capital.
Sidi Bou Said got its name from a disciple of Abu Madyan, Abu Said al-Baji, who settled in the town for several years. However, the blue colors were introduced in the town by Baron Rodolphe d’Erlanger. The French musicologist and painter called this town his home. Sidi Bou Said is also known as Ennejma Ezzahra, which translates to “Star of Venus” in Arabic.
Jodhpur, India
This second-largest city in the state of Rajasthan is also known for its beautiful colors. The highlight of the town, besides the blue color, is the Mehrangarh Fort, which is now a museum showcasing a breathtaking collection of decorative arts and jewels.
Located on the eastern corner of the Thar Desert, this city has numerous nicknames, including Blue City, obviously.
Originally the color blue was used for homes of the Brahmins, but slowly, the practice spread beyond the houses of the priests and since then blue color has become a symbol of Jodhpur.
Blue cities around the world – Pin it for later
Privacy Policy Disclaimer
This website uses affiliate links for income and support.
If you like our website, please consider using these links. You will be directed to the vendor, and we will get a small commission on your purchase price at no increased cost to you.
We have researched facts stated here as far as practicable but please check anything critical before committing your time and money. We do not claim any special knowledge or expertise, and we are not consultants for our readers.