Safi

Safi or Asfi is a city in western Morocco on the Atlantic Ocean. About 310,000 people live there (2014).

Understand

The town is locally pronounced as "Asfi".

Safi is the main fishing port for the country's sardine industry. The town also has exports for phosphates, textiles and ceramics. It is certainly an industrial town, with a considerably smaller tourist trade.

You will likely encounter guides offering their services around the major tourist spots. You may find them helpful for navigation and to get an all-around understanding of the city and its history.

Get in

By plane

Three international airports are about the same distance to Safi:

• Casablanca (CMN) to the north
• Essaouira (ESU) to the south
• Marrakech (RAK) to the east

By train

ONCF, the state-owned rail company, has a train station in Safi. However, in 2023 the station was listed as temporarily closed.

By bus

CTM, Morocco’s public bus system, has a station in Safi.

See

• 1 National Museum of Ceramics, Rue Al Medina El Mounawara (southeast of the medina), ☏ +212 5244-63967. 10:00-18:00, except Tu. Examples of Safi ceramics. However, descriptions are only in French and Arabic. (updated Feb 2024)

Do

• 1 El Massira Stadium, Avenue Moulay Youssef. Watch the local football or rugby team, both popular sports in town. (updated Feb 2024)
• 2 Safi Beach. Head to the northern end of the city to enjoy a sandy beach. There is even a surf school offering daily or weekly lessons, or renting boards. (updated Feb 2024)

Buy

• 1 Pottery Quarter (Colline des Potiers) (by Bab Chaaba gate). Wander the stalls along the street and see the handicraft the town is famous for. Be sure to buy a small piece or give a tip if you are invited to watch a potter work. (updated Feb 2024)

Eat

Being a coastal city, fresh seafood is a common dish. There are also tagines, a slow cooked stew, harira, a traditional soup, and couscous.

Drink

• 1 Glass House, 16 Lotissement Bouzoubaa Immeuble Hanaa Ville nouvelle, ☏ +212 5246-10088. Modern coffee shop with ice cream and internet. (updated Feb 2024)

Sleep

• 1 Hôtel Valley Boutique, ☏ +212 5246-12819. Modern hotel near the stadium. (updated Feb 2024)
• 2 Riad du Pêcheur, 1 rue de la crete, ☏ +212 6718-15570. Across the road from the fishing port and next to a park. Free breakfast, wifi. Rooftop terrace. (updated Feb 2024)
• 3 Riad Le Cheval Blanc Hôtel, 26 Derb El Kaouss, ☏ +212 5244-64527. South of the old town, near the ocean. Enjoy traditional cuisine and lounge on the patio. (updated Feb 2024)

Go next

• Head south to Essaouira, a coastal city which was once a hippie hangout