Best Tourist Places to Visit in Safi, Morocco, Africa

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Safi, Morocco, Africa

Safi is a Moroccan city, situated in the western part of the country on the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, around 150 km northwest of the tourism capital of Morocco, Marrakesh and 230 km southwest of the Morocco’s largest city, Casablanca. It is the administrative centre of the Doukkala-Abda Region, visited by tourists from all around the country, mainly for its beaches and traditional Moroccan market in the medina of the city. Fishing is the backbone of Safi’s economy, dominated by the sardine fishing industry. Safi is geographically positioned between 32°17′ N latitude and 9°14′ W longitude.

History of Safi:

Safi, also pronounced as Asfl, which is derived from the local Berber language, meaning ‘flood’. The original foundation date of Safi is uncertain and the city came under the Portuguese rule in 1488 and remained until 1541. Following the Portuguese departure, Safi developed as one of the biggest seaports of Morocco as its position near Morocco’s then capital, Marrakech.

Getting Safi:

There is no airport in Safi, so international tourists are needed to reach either Mogador Airport (135 km) or Marrakech Menara Airport (160 km), of which the latter airport is one of the important airports in Morocco, covering all the important European cities.

The bus transportation of Safi extends to all the major Moroccan cities, including Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakech.

To move within the city, buses are generally available, though, for comfortable travel, visitors can hire a car for a day or week.

Shopping and Food in Safi:

The central medina is the ideal place for traditional shopping in Safi, where visitors can bag items like traditional clothes, handicraft products and jewelry at affordable price.

Some tourist favor restaurants in Safi include:

Auberge du Cheval Blanc
Riad du Pecheur
La Trattoria
Restaurant Moukhlis Fish

Things to do in Safi:

Surfing
Tour of Medina
Shopping

Places to see in Safi:

Medina of Safi:

Like most cities in Morocco, Safi is also famous for its Medina or old town, which is mainly noted for traditional Moroccan market. The market is well known for a variety of local specialties like handicraft products, clothes and jewels.

Beach of Safi:

Safi is home to a nice beach line, frequented by water sport lovers, especially surfers, during summer months. There are also many several modernized restaurants and cafes located on the beach. Souiria Beach is the most famous beach in Safi.

Seaport of Safi:

The seaport of Safi is one of the largest of Morocco, with continuous operation, mainly sardine fishing and also exports products like phosphates, textiles and ceramics in larger proportion. The port can be reached by a rental vehicle from the city centre.

Marrakech:

Marrakech is the capital of Morocco’s tourism, situated around 150 km away from Safi. Everything can be seen in Marrakech, including museums, palaces, gardens, churches and mosques. Buses are regular between Marrakech and Safi. Worth a trip.

Other places of interest in Safi and Marrakech (around 150 km) include:

Djemaa El-Fna
La Palmeraie
Majorelle Gardens
Koutoubia Mosque
Dar Si Saïd Museum
El Badi Palace
Rahba Kedima Square
Maison Tiskiwin
Menara Gardens
El Bahia Palace
Miaara Jewish Cemetery
Ben Youssef Madrassa
Jardin Majorelle

Best time to visit Safi:

From March to September is the ideal time to visit Safi, especially between May and August, when surfing can be enjoyed best in Safi in Morocco.

Accommodation Options in Safi:

There are hotels limited in number in Safi, around 20, of which most offer advance booking facility through online for visitors’ convenience. Some recommended hotels in Safi are listed below: