Safi
Morocco · Africa
About Safi
Safi is a city in western Morocco on the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of Safi Province. It recorded a population of 346,000 as of 2024. The city was occupied by the Portuguese Empire from 1488 to 1541, was the center of Morocco's weaving industry, and became a fortaleza of the Portuguese Crown in 1508. Safi is the main fishing port for the country's sardine industry, and also exports phosphates, textiles and ceramics. During the Second World War, Safi was the site of Operation Blackstone, one of the landing sites for Operation Torch.
The origin of the name Safi is likely derived from the Berber language. According to the scholar and historian Muhammad bin Ahmad al-Abdi al-Kanuni, the earliest mention of the city of Safi was in the book Geography by Claudius Ptolemy in the first section of the second part of the known world, referred to as "Taisapha." It appears that the name has Berber roots from the word "Asfo," pronounced by some as "Asfi," meaning light or bright. The city may have been named due to the lighthouses built on the shores to guide ships in their navigation.
The first mention of the city in Islamic sources is found in the book Routes and Realms by...
Safi travel guide
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.
Getting there
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 1 a train station in Safi.
By bus 2 Bus station (1.5 km SE from medina). It serves several bus companies including CTM. (updated Aug 2024)
By car
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 & nightlife
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. Inside the Medina, near the ocean. Has a nice terrace. A bit of a moldy smell.31 May 2026: no moldy smell noticed. It's all fresh and clean (updated Aug 2025)
Go next
Head south to Essaouira, a coastal city which was once a hippie hangout
Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.