The Bluest Cities in the World: Chefchaouen, Jodhpur & More

Some cities are famous for their food. Others for their skylines. And then there are places you recognize by a single color. Blue. Not just any blue, but the deep, almost surreal blue that coats entire alleyways, staircases, and house facades, turning every visitor into an involuntary photographer.

These blue cities and towns didn’t happen by accident. Each one has a story behind it: beliefs, traditions, sometimes clever marketing. Here are five you should know about if you’re chasing something extraordinary.

Which blue city is right for you?

Not every blue destination suits every traveler. Quick overview:

• Chefchaouen (Morocco): Best for backpackers, photographers, and anyone wanting authentic North Africa.
• Jodhpur (India): Perfect for culture travelers exploring Rajasthan and soaking up everyday Indian life.
• Juzcar (Spain): Ideal as a day trip from Málaga or during a Pueblos Blancos road trip.
• Santorini (Greece): Made for couples, honeymooners, and those who fully embrace the holiday cliche.
• Sidi Bou Said (Tunisia): A gem for explorers looking just off the beaten path.

Chefchaouen: Morocco’s blue pearl

Tucked into the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco, this small city has fascinated travelers for decades. The medina is painted almost entirely in shades of blue, from cobalt to powder blue. The color has religious roots. Jewish immigrants brought it in the 15th century as a symbol of spirituality and heaven. Later, the Muslim population adopted the tradition.

The best part: despite growing tourism, the city still feels real. Children play in blue alleyways, merchants sell spices in front of blue-painted doors, cats nap on blue steps. For photographers, it’s paradise no matter what time of day.

Prices: affordable. A double room in a riad costs 25-60 euros per night. High season is March through May and September through October. Summer is hot, winter is cold and sometimes snowy.

If you want to explore more of Morocco, the Morocco cities guide covers all the key stops. And if you’re flying into Marrakech first, check where to stay in Marrakech for your base.

Jodhpur: The blue heart of Rajasthan

In the desert city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, thousands of houses are painted blue. Historically it was the color of the Brahmin castes, who used it to mark status and benefit from its cooling effect in summer heat. Today many homeowners keep painting, out of both tradition and tourism awareness.

The heart of the blue old town sits below the enormous Mehrangarh Fort. From up top, you see the city’s blue like an ocean at your feet. Entrance to the fort costs around 600 rupees (about 7 euros) for foreign visitors.

Jodhpur makes perfect sense on a Rajasthan circuit, sitting right between Jaipur and Jaisalmer. Fly into Jodhpur via Delhi, or take a direct bus from Jaipur (around 5 hours). Accommodation: 30-80 euros for a nice guesthouse with fort views.

Why are some cities actually blue?

The reasons behind blue color traditions are surprisingly varied:

• Religion and spirituality: Chefchaouen, Jodhpur, Sidi Bou Said.
• Insect repellent: Blue is said to deter mosquitoes (unconfirmed theory).
• Heat reflection: Light colors reflect heat, a real advantage in desert climates.
• Tourism strategy: Juzcar in Spain was painted blue for the Smurfs movie in 2011 and stayed that way because tourism exploded.

Juzcar is in the province of Málaga in Andalusia and is now the only official Smurf Village in the world. The village has about 250 residents but welcomes over 80,000 visitors a year. Quirky, charming, and very photogenic.

Santorini and Sidi Bou Said: Two classics

Santorini might be the most recognizable image in travel photography: white houses with blue domes, turquoise sea, orange sunsets over Oia. The blue domes are traditional, though tourism has amplified and curated the aesthetic. Want the real experience without the crowds? Go early, before 8am. The masses arrive later.

Less famous but just as striking is Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia. This artist village perched on a cliff above the Mediterranean, about 20 kilometers from Tunis, has drawn artists and intellectuals since the early 20th century. August Macke painted here. Paul Klee found his relationship with color here. Blue and white are mandatory for house facades, enforced by local ordinance.

The food is excellent and cheap: brik (stuffed pastry, 1-2 euros), fresh-pressed pomegranate juice (1 euro), mint tea in clifftop cafes with sea views. Life moves slowly. Colors hit hard.

How much does it cost to visit the world’s bluest cities?

Quick budget overview:

• Chefchaouen: 35-80 euros per day all-in. The cheapest option.
• Jodhpur: 40-90 euros per day. Mid-range.
• Juzcar: Day trip from 15 euros. Overnight barely needed.
• Santorini: 100-250 euros per day. Expensive in high season.
• Sidi Bou Said: 30-60 euros per day. Great value for European quality.

For cheap flights to Greece or Morocco, check out our guide to cheap flight tips before booking.

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Read more:

• Morocco Cities Guide
• Greek Islands Comparison
• Cheap Flights Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the bluest city in the world?

Chefchaouen in Morocco is widely considered the world’s bluest city. The medina is painted almost entirely in different shades of blue, from light sky blue to deep cobalt. The tradition has Jewish roots from the 15th century and has since become the identity of the entire town.

When is the best time to visit Chefchaouen?

March through May and September through October are the ideal months. The weather is mild and the lighting is perfect for photography. Summer can be very hot in the Rif Mountains, and winter brings cold temperatures and occasional snow.

Why is Jodhpur painted blue?

Historically, blue was the color of Brahmin castes in Jodhpur, used as a status symbol and to keep houses cooler in the intense Rajasthan heat. Today many homeowners continue the tradition, driven by both cultural pride and the tourism it attracts.

How do you get from Tunis to Sidi Bou Said?

The TGM light rail runs directly from central Tunis to Sidi Bou Said, the end of the line. The journey takes about 35-40 minutes and costs less than 1 euro. From the station it’s a short walk uphill into the village center.