The African city dubbed the ‘Blue Pearl’ named one of the most beautiful in the world

JUST a few hours from the UK is a city full of blue buildings - and it has been named one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Nicknamed the 'blue pearl of Morocco', the city of Chefchaouen is famous for its brightly painted houses.

4

4

Architectural Digest named it as one of the world's most beautiful cities last year.

They wrote: "Few cities can inspire a traveler to book a trip based on a single photo, but Chefchaouen, the northern Morocco mountain town bathed in blue, is one of those places.”

Dating back to 1471, the blue city is located in the Rif Mountains of northwest Morocco and was founded by Jews and Moors fleeing Spain.

The origin of the old town's blue buildings are mixed up in multiple theories including that the buildings were painted blue by the Jews who settled there after fleeing Hitler.

Another theory is that the blue helps to keep the mosquitoes away, however many say the blue paint simple reflects the colour of the sea.

Some of the city's most famous attractions include The Kasbah - a 15th-century fortress and dungeon - and the Grand Mosque - one of the city's most important religious sites with an octagonal minaret.

But the city also has more to offer than blue buildings - with an annual saffron festival.

The 'Taste the Saffron' Festival celebrates one of the world's most precious spices, where local chefs showcase saffron-infused dishes they have created.

Visitors can partake in cooking demonstrations, as well as a wander past stalls selling saffron and other local products.

The festival also boasts traditional Moroccan music and dance performances, making it the ultimate cultural experience.

In addition, Chefchaouen's medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognised for its historical and cultural significance.

Food in general in the city is relatively cheap and restaurant meals can cost as low as £3.28, or £20.50 for a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant.

One loved local dish is tagine, which is usually served with meat, potatoes and vegetables, and costs as little as £3.28.

Alcohol is cheap too, with a local beer costing on average around £1.97.

It is also a great destination for backpackers and those on a budget, as the city has multiple affordable accommodation spots.

The best way to get to Chefchaouen is to fly to Tangier, costing around £100 return from either London Gatwick or London Stansted and taking around three hours.

4

From Tangier, it is then a two-hour drive to the 'blue pearl' city.

It's not the only unusual blue destination in the world.

In Greece, Kavala is nicknamed the Blue City for its location on the ocean.

Or in Spain, there is the Smurf Village which is painted blue as well.

But if you want to stay in Morocco, the Sun's Head of Travel Lisa Minot recently travelled to Marrakech.

Plus, Ryanair has launched a new route to the Moroccan capital.

4