Is Morocco safe for gay travelers? Here’s everything we learned, from accommodations to cultural norms, plus essential safety tips for visiting as a gay traveler or couple. As you plan your trip to Gay Casablanca, Gay Marrakesh, or wider Morocco, keep in mind that the situation can change rapidly, and information may become out of date. Always seek current advice related to LGBT rights and safety in the country before you embark on your journey.
Discrimination in regards to shared accommodation shouldn’t be a worry either since foreign owned riads and large chain hotels are accustomed to welcoming same sex couples. Due to the highly religious and conservative environment, public displays of affection between couples – gay or straight – are highly frowned upon. Q1. Is Morocco a safe destination for LGBTQ+ travelers in ? While Morocco has strict laws against same-sex relationships, careful planning can lead to safe experiences, especially in tourist-friendly cities like Marrakech and Agadir.
Discretion, respect for local customs, and choosing LGBTQ-friendly accommodations are key to a successful. Is Marrakech safe for interracial couples?
The speaker, who experienced similar issues three years ago, assures that tourists should not worry, as only issues may arise if one of them is from Morocco. Alcohol can be consumed by tourists discreetly, indoors and out of sight. As in any country, respect local customs and most people will not be hostile. Construction of its minaret began in the 12th century as part of a mosque that was intended to be even more grand than both the Giralda of Seville and the Koutoubia of Marrakech.
Adapting to the local code of conduct could feel stifling for some, no doubt. Morocco in one word is vibrant. More often than not, locals assumed we were friends or business partners. Photograph: Alamy. The biggest question we had before going was: Where should we stay? While we were only able to visit Marrakech, Morocco as a country is breathtaking, unique, and worth experiencing.
Although not as upscale as the French Quarter, it offers a truer Moroccan experience. The intricate hidden courtyards of the riads dotted throughout Moroccan cities are particularly good places to take in some architectural splendour while kicking your feet up. Escape the hustle and bustle and step inside the tranquil Menara Gardens, complete with a 19th-century palace, reflecting pool and olive groves backdropped by the Atlas Mountains on the horizon.
In contrast, towns like Merzouga in the Western Sahara can see scorching summer temperatures in the daytime around degrees Fahrenheit 45 degrees Celsius and dramatic drops at night, even down to freezing in the winter. Other traditional dishes feature sweet and savory flavors including bastilla, a pie made with pigeon or chicken, and plates of meats and dried fruits like lamb or beef with prunes and fried almonds.
A sense of organized chaos fills your senses as streets are often shared by large tour buses, motorcycles, horse-drawn carts and pedestrians all at once. What did we wear?
We' were glad our first experience was in the Medina because it's truly one of a kind. Setting foot in one of the ancient medinas will transport you to a world from the past: narrow streets with towering walls and markets souks full of artisan goods, spice-laden food and bustling crowds of people. So while you can visit as a same-sex couple, discretion is key—more on that later. If the beach is calling your name, then make your way down to the fishing village of Taghazout, just north of Agadir.
However, the law is not imposed frequently. Many famous writers, many of them gay including Truman Capote, Jack Kerouac, and Tennessee Williams descended on the city looking for some fun and inspiration. The French Quarter is modern with new-age buildings, restaurants and a lot of money. Not kidding. So, I think the best advice is to be streetwise: bear in mind you are in a Muslim country where homosexuality is, at least in theory, illegal.
Continue your tour of ancient Fez at the Bou Inania and the Al Attarine, both 14th-century religious schools with stunning Marinid architecture. Reality Moroccan law technically criminalizes homosexuality, with potential prison sentences ranging from 6 months to 3 years. Camel rides over golden sand dunes, ascending to the summits of the Atlas mountains, or taking in the majesty of the limestone river canyons of Todgha Gorge are all popular options.
For more flavor-packed plates, try kefta, ground beef or lamb seasoned with cumin, paprika and herbs often served as a kabab or meatballs. Located in the northeastern part of the country, Fez is often considered the cultural capital since it has the best maintained traditions and old-world charm.
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