12 Safest Cities in Morocco in 2025

Not sure where to go in Morocco? Then read my local guide to the safest cities in Morocco right now.

See, I have lived in the country since January of 2023 and have personally visited all of these amazing cities, either alone or with my partner. Therefore, I can vouch for the fact that these are some of the safest places in Morocco.

Yes, there are bad people everywhere and you always need to be careful. However, I felt very comfortable in all of these places and really didn’t have to worry about things like pickpockets or personal safety.

TBH, tourist safety is a HUGE thing in Morocco and secret police are always patrolling the Medinas. If they find any locals hassling foreigners, these individuals will have to deal with severe punishments since tourism is a big business here.

So, do your research and prepare for your trip to Morocco. But, I wouldn’t drive yourself crazy about safety as a whole since I live here, have traveled all throughout the country, and have never run into any significant issues with regard to safety.

However, that can vary based on where you go and where you stay in the country. So, always be prepared since it’s better to be safe than sorry.

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1. Asilah

One of the most beautiful cities in Morocco doubles as one of the safest cities in the country too. It’s a charming little city that sits on the North Atlantic Coast that is routinely ranked one of the best beach towns in Morocco.

In fact, this tiny town is only about 50 minutes away from Tangier. It’s a cute, incredibly safe beach town where you can see amazing murals painted all along the walls of the Medina as part of a day trip from Tangier.

It’s a great place to visit after staying at one of the best riads in Tangier.

You can also catch some rays at Paradise Beach or attend the annual Arts Festival. It takes place in August and I always like to visit at this time of year.

This way I can attend the festival before exploring Aplanos Gallery and grabbing lunch at Oceano Casa Pepe.

All in all, this is a sleepy little beach town in the North where I feel totally safe every time I visit. So, it’s a good place to go if you’re wondering, “Is Morocco safe for women?” since this place is super safe.

2. Ifrane

Ifrane is another sleepy town where you are going to feel totally safe. I stopped by during my 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes and loved my time here since this small city is unlike anywhere else in Morocco.

It’s also a great place to stop while driving through Morocco, especially if you’re on your way to Fes or if you’re already at one of the best riads in Fes.

It’s actually known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” since the entire town is filled with these charming AF chalets and is blanketed with about 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) of snow annually.

That’s because this adorable town is located in the Middle Atlas Mountains (near Fes). It is also home to Michlifen Ski Station. So, if you want to try skiing in Morocco then this is the place to do it.

Afterward, explore Ifrane National Park with its picturesque mountain views, gorgeous cedar forests, and cute macaque monkeys. Again, I had zero issues with safety and totally recommend visiting in the winter.

When you’re ready, continue to Fes and chill out at one of the most beautiful hammams in Fes.

3. Essaouira

Not gonna lie, Essaouira is one of my all-time favorite places in Morocco. Not only is this oceanside oasis home to one of the best beaches in Morocco, but Essaouira is incredibly safe too.

I live here and regularly walk around Essaouira at night on my own. I have never had any issues with safety and just recommend that you keep an eye on your belongings.

TBH, where I live we actually leave the door unlocked and feel totally safe. However, this varies based on where you’re staying and I wouldn’t do this in every part of town.

Generally, though, the worst thing you will really have to deal with is a stray cat sneaking into your apartment.

So, stop by and enjoy all that this laid-back beach town has to offer since it is easy to take the bus from Marrakech to Essaouira. You can also easily travel from Casablanca to Essaouira.

Some of the coolest things to do in Essaouira include watching the sunset from the Old Skala, walking along the Main Beach, exploring the narrow alleys of the blue and white Medina, taking in panoramas from the Port de Skala, etc.

If you’re feeling energetic you could also try quad biking in Essaouira, surfing in Essaouira, and kitesurfing in Essaouira. If you’re really into, there are loads of Essaouira surf camps for you to try.

Local Tip: If you have extra time you could rent a car in Morocco and then drive from Essaouira to Agadir since there are a lot of cool stops along the way.

4. Merzouga

This small, super touristy town is known for being the gateway to the Sahara. So, if you’re visiting then you’ll spend the majority of your time riding camels across giant sand dunes, glamping in the desert, quad biking, and sandboarding.

This quiet town is also a great place to visit since it is one of the safest cities in Morocco. Locals are super friendly and more than happy to teach you a bit about the Bedouin way of life.

So, take normal precautions and just enjoy your natural surroundings. I visited as part of a 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes and felt safe the entire time I was there.

Merzouga also has a very chill feel to it. Therefore, you can come here, chill by the pool, and enjoy the warm and welcoming vibes of this desert oasis.

5. Marrakech

Easily one of the most popular cities in Morocco, Marrakech is a great place to visit since it is incredibly safe. Yes, you will have to deal with sometimes aggressive street vendors in the souks of Marrakech.

You will also have to watch out for pickpockets in the Medina since the streets are narrow and PACKED with people.

But, read my best Marrakech tips and about how to stay safe in Marrakech before you visit. This way all my fellow solo female travelers in Marrakech will understand how to deal with catcalls.

It’s worth visiting the Medina though since you can enjoy local highlights like the Saadian Tombs, Jardin Majorelle, and Bahia since it’s one of the best palaces in Marrakech.

However, if you don’t want to deal with this type of stuff then head to Gueliz or Hivernage. I like staying in these areas in Marrakech since I can walk around alone at night without any problems.

6. Rabat

As the capital of Morocco, Rabat is a super-safe city and great for digital nomads in Morocco. I had no problems walking around alone at night and had to deal with very little catcalling.

It’s also easy to get around since the city is well-connected to the rest of the country by train and even has an in-city tram system that will quickly take you anywhere you like. All in all, this is a fun, vibrant, and safe city to explore in Morocco.

So, don’t skip this incredible place. You can walk around the Medina, go surfing at a small beach, visit the Andalusian gardens, take in the views from the Oudaias Kasbahm, and admire an array of columns at Mohammed V Mausoleum.

FYI, Tangier is also nearby and super safe since you can do some cool cooking classes in Tangier.

7. Meknes

Meknes is easily one of the safest cities in Morocco. Personally, I found it a little bit boring since everything was closed and under construction during my visit. FYI that was in February of 2023.

However, I loved exploring the ruins at Volubilis and thought the architecture of the Grand Mosque was really pretty. Just be sure to add a scarf to your Morocco packing list since women need to cover their heads to go inside.

All in all, I felt very safe here and didn’t encounter any issues as I explored the Medina as well as Bab Mansour, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the Dar Jamai Museum.

If you have extra time then you could also do a fun day trip to Moulay Idriss while you’re here.

8. Chefchaouen

This peaceful little blue town is tucked away in the Rif Mountains. It is about a 4-hour drive from Fes and a 2-hour drive from Tangier, making it possible to do a day trip here from either city.

Personally, I felt much safer in Chefchaouen than in either of those two cities since the locals were nice and I could walk around the city without having to deal with too much unwanted male attention.

It’s also a great place to take awesome photos and enjoy the unique blue aesthetic of the Medina.

Afterward, hike to Akchour Waterfall, climb to the top of the Kasbah (for great views of the city), eat at Sofia’s, and watch the sunset from the Spanish Mosque.

Without a doubt, these are some of the coolest things to do in Chefchaouen and will make your trip a memorable one.

9. Sidi Ifni

This charming beach town in Southern Morocco is about a 4-hour bus ride away from Agadir. So, if you want to visit then take one of two CTM buses that depart daily from Agadir.

Sidi Ifni’s claim to fame is Legzira. It is a stunning, sandy beach with a thousand-year-old sandstone arch that you can walk beneath at low tide.

However, this beach isn’t located right in this former Spanish port town. Instead, it is a bit north of the city and is a great place to try paragliding, surfing, or camel riding along the beach. I wouldn’t go swimming though since the area is very windy.

But, it’s one of the many safe cities in Morocco and is perfect if you just want to chill by the ocean.

10. Jebel Toubkal

If you’re looking for one of the least dangerous cities in Morocco where you can also enjoy a bit of hiking then try Jebel Toubkal.

This tiny town sits in the High Atlas Mountains and serves as a gateway to Toubkal National Park. Therefore, it is a must-visit spot in Morocco for anyone who wants to explore ancient trails and visit local Berber villages.

If you opt to do one of the best tours of the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech then enjoy the many shops and restaurants in Imlil before taking in sweeping views from the Tizi n’Test Pass.

Just don’t leave Toubkal National Park without climbing to the top of Mount Toubkal. This is the highest mountain in North Africa and stands at an astounding 4,167 meters (13,671 feet) tall.

Overall, the hike up this massive peak is difficult but not technically challenging. So, if you are physically fit you should be able to do this hike.

Just try to do this 2 or 3-day climb during the summer since the area can get very snowy in the winter.

11. Taghazout

Located about 30 minutes away from Agadir, this pint-sized beach town makes for a great day trip from Essaouira and is popular among beach-loving backpackers who want to surf the day away.

it’s not a big place, but it does feel very safe since all the locals are friendly and there is a tight-knit community here. Just know that there isn’t a ton to do besides hang out at the beach.

So, if you’re looking for a jam-packed trip, where you run from one epic landmark to the next, then this probably isn’t the best city in Morocco for you.

However, you can visit Devil’s Rock for a more authentic experience since you can hear locals playing the oud while you watch the sunset over the ocean.

12. Agadir

As far as big cities in Morocco go, Agadir is generally very safe. It’s filled with lots of high-end beach resorts and has a beautiful sandy beach where you can spread out your towel and relax.

Compared to other cities in the country, Agadir is a bit more modern since much of the city was destroyed by a massive earthquake in the 1960s.

However, you’ll still find tons of fun things to do in Agadir like visit Paradise Valley, explore the Crocopark, go on the cable car, or take in the views from Agadir Oufella.

Additionally, don’t forget to explore the Medina since Souk El Had is the biggest souk in Morocco and has grid-like streets that make it an easy place to explore.

Overall, this city has a tourist-friendly atmosphere and a low crime rate. Just stay vigilant when walking around at night, take normal precautions, and you should have a great visit.

It’s also well-located and easy to travel from Agadir to Essaouira.

Map of the Safest Cities in Morocco

Additional Morocco Safety Tips

• Solo Female Travelers Should Dress More Conservatively – This will help reduce unwanted male attention. You can also walk around with a male friend (or a couple with a male in it) and wear headphones to ignore catcalls. Generally, this type of attention is harmless and they will stop if you say, “No thank you” or walk away. This is important in Marrakech and Agadir and beyond.

• Watch Out for Pickpockets in the Medina – Most Medinas feature small, narrow streets packed with people. So, keep an eye on your belongings since these conditions can make you an easy target for petty theft.

• Avoid Dark/Isolated Areas – This is common sense but stay in well-lit areas frequented by tourists and you should be just fine. On the whole, violent crimes against foreigners are rare in Morocco.

• Use Official Bank ATMs Only – I use Charles Schwab to withdraw money from ATMs since there are no foreign transaction fees. However, I only use official bank ATMs to reduce the chance that thieves might steal my bank info.

• Carry Only What You Need for The Day – I carry only what I need for the day and put the rest of my valuables in the safe back at my hotel. This way if my valuables get stolen then I still have money I can use back at my hotel.

FAQs

How Safe is Tourism in Morocco?

Tourism is very safe in Morocco since tourist safety is a top priority in the government. So, many secret police wander around local Medinas in an effort to keep people safe from petty theft.

On the whole, pretty theft and catcalling are probably the two biggest problems you’ll face. However, terrorism and kidnapping have been known to happen. They are very rare though and are not likely to be a problem during your trip.

Local Tip: Solo female travelers should be prepared for a lot of catcalling. To minimize this you can wear headphones, dress conservatively, and walk around with a male (a friend or a couple).

It is generally harmless though and if you say no, they will take the hint and usually leave you alone.

How Safe is Agadir?

On the whole, Agadir is a fairly safe city. I have visited many times and have never had any issues. I also have many female friends who live there and haven’t run into any problems.

It’s a big city though and you’ll need to be careful when walking around alone at night. You’ll also want to keep an eye on your belongings since petty theft can be an issue in touristy areas.

Is Rabat a Safe City?

Rabat is a very safe city and I feel comfortable walking around alone at night since crime rates are low and violent crimes against foreigners are super rare. Like with any major city, take normal precautions and you should have a great trip.

What is Morocco Ranked in Safety?

In terms of safety, Morocco is ranked 8th among the top twenty safest countries in the world according to Which? Travel magazine.

Conclusion

On the whole, Morocco is a very safe country and violent crimes against tourists are extremely rare. Yes, there have been kidnappings and acts of terrorism in the past, but this is the exception and not the rule.

The biggest issue you’ll probably face when traveling to Morocco is petty theft. But, if you take normal precautions then this shouldn’t be a big issue.

The two cities where I felt the most unsafe were probably Fes and Casablanca. In Casablanca, we were continually told by locals to protect our phones so that they wouldn’t get stolen.

In Fes, I had a man grab my arm and was hit on upwards of twenty times a day. I have since gone back to both places and while I think you can visit both cities safely as a tourist, they are not my favorite cities in Morocco.

Personally, I think Chefchaouen, Essaouira, Rabat, and Asliah are the safest cities in Morocco. I have visited all of these safe places in Morocco many times and love how safe I feel walking around alone.

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