Visit Morocco to see the green city that's become an Instagram sensation.

Over the past five years, Chefchaouen, a small town in Morocco, has become a tourist phenomenon with its striking blue houses. The town is over 500 years old. Originally, it was called Chaouen, meaning "peak," due to its unique location near the Rif Mountains. In 1975, it adopted its current name, meaning "view of the mountain peak."

Thanks to its geographical features, the city emerges amidst nature like a beautiful green gem. In the mornings, as the cool air descends from the mountaintops, locals, clad in woolen cloaks, sip mint tea at cafes in the town square.

The reason why the townspeople painted their houses blue is still debated. However, most theories relate it to the Jewish people.

One of the town's most charming features is its blend of Moroccan and Andalusian architecture, including red tiled roofs and intricate wood carvings. The steep streets and staircases throughout the city add to the unique landscape.

Not every building in the city is blue. A prime example is the Kasbah, a fortress built to defend against Portuguese invasion.

40,000 people live here, but only about 2,000 reside in the blue-painted houses. Most tourists only visit for a day trip because Chefchaouen doesn't have many other attractions. Unlike bustling cities, this town preserves a peaceful way of life that has existed for centuries.

The demographics of tourists visiting Chefchaouen have changed over time. Previously, the majority of visitors were Europeans, primarily during the summer months. However, currently, the majority are Americans, Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans, and tourism is year-round.

To better serve tourists, many locals have learned foreign languages ​​such as English, French, and Chinese. Many even invite guests to their homes for free meals. They call this Moroccan hospitality.

Previously, the town was little known. The only way to promote tourism was through word of mouth. Photographs of Chefchaouen were also relatively rare because reporters, photographers, and filmmakers had to obtain permits before working there.

Smartphones and social media have transformed the lives of the townspeople. In just a few years, the number of photos of tourists checking in at Chefchaouen on Instagram has reached over 445,000.

Three years ago, Ahmed Saadoune, a former taxi driver, transformed his family home into a museum and opened it for a fee. Besides the blue walls, he decorated the house with potted plants and traditional items such as olive presses, weaving looms, and bread baskets. This has delighted visitors. Previously, the house had been abandoned.

As a result, Saadoune's income increased two to three times compared to when he worked as a taxi driver. His house also hosted many famous models and actors, as well as politicians and international officials.

The influx of tourists has helped many locals avoid leaving their homes to find work elsewhere. Traditionally, the residents of Chefchaouen earned their living through handicrafts. Their products were typically leather bags, brass lamps, scarves, and cloaks. These jobs were not very stable.

With tourism booming, city residents have more job opportunities. Mohammed Saddnoune is a prime example. Two years ago, he opened a convenience store and bakery to cater to tourists.

Instagram has brought a wave of tourists to the town. Many people hope that tourists will stay longer. Therefore, they continue to renovate residential areas and open more guesthouses.