Morocco as a woman travelling alone
For women going to Morocco on their own, for the first time or again. The honest answer: you will get attention, mostly words, and you can plan around it. Pick calmer towns to start, stay somewhere with a good host, and you will find a lot of kindness.
What the official advice says
The UK government's travel advice says women may receive unwanted attention in Morocco, especially when travelling alone, and suggests loose clothing that covers the arms, legs and chest. Canada's advice says women travelling alone may face some harassment and verbal abuse, and suggests tourist beaches over public ones if you swim.
Neither tells women to stay away. Read the official pages yourself before you go: GOV.UK safety and security and travel.gc.ca (both checked 2026-11-14).
What it is like on the ground
Expect comments and offers of help in busy medinas, above all in Marrakech and Fes. A short, polite no and walking on usually ends it. The official advice warns about people posing as tourist guides; a real guide has an official badge.
Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching happens in medinas and on beaches. With taxis, agree the fare first or check the meter is on, and if a petit taxi ride feels wrong, get out as soon as it is safe.
A trip shape: start calm, end in the big city
Tangier → Chefchaouen → Fes → Marrakech · 10
Fly into Tangier and out of Marrakech. Chefchaouen first lets you find your feet.
- Day 1Tangier. Arrive at Ibn Battouta airport. Rest, walk the kasbah.
- Days 2–4Chefchaouen. The CTM coach takes about 2.5 hours. Wander the blue medina, walk 1 km uphill to the Spanish Mosque for sunset, take a grand taxi to the Akchour waterfalls.
- Days 5–7Fes. The oldest and most tangled medina. Hire a licensed guide for the first morning.
- Days 8–10Marrakech by train. Stay in a riad with a host who answers messages, and book airport pickup through them.
Why Chefchaouen is a good start
Chefchaouen is small and made for walking. The dress code is casual; loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees fit in and keep you cool. Weekends are busiest with Moroccan visitors. Arrive early in the day to beat the tour buses, and stay a few nights rather than visiting for the day.
For a day in nature, Talassemtane National Park is on the doorstep, with the Akchour waterfalls and God's Bridge as the popular walks. For longer hikes, go with a local guide.
Where to sleep in Chefchaouen
Small things that help
- Arrive in daylightBook a pickup through your riad for the first night
- DressLoose clothes covering arms, legs and chest, as the official advice suggests
- GuidesOnly licensed guides with an official badge
- TaxisFare agreed first, or the meter on
- HikesHire a professional guide and check your insurance covers it
- HostelsGood for meeting other travellers to share day trips
What women ask
Is Morocco safe for a woman travelling alone?
Many women travel there alone. Official advice from the UK and Canada says to expect unwanted attention and some verbal harassment, not to avoid the country. Read the official pages linked above before you go.
What should I wear?
Loose clothing that covers arms, legs and chest is what the UK advice suggests. In Chefchaouen, covering shoulders and knees is enough to fit in.
How do I deal with catcalling or men following me?
A short, firm no and keep walking. Head into a shop, café or your riad if someone persists. Don't feel you owe anyone a conversation.
Which cities are easiest to start with?
Smaller places like Chefchaouen and Essaouira feel calmer than Marrakech or Fes. Starting there lets you get used to the rhythm.
Can I hike alone?
The UK advice says to research trails, hire a professional guide and get insurance for your activities. In Talassemtane, local guides are easy to find for longer walks.
Are night buses and trains OK?
Plan to arrive in daylight where you can, especially in a new city. Book a pickup through your accommodation.
Should I take an organised desert tour?
It is a good way to meet people and share the long drive to the dunes. Choose a company with recent reviews from solo women.
Cities for this trip
Next step
Sources · checked 2026-11-14
Other ways in
Say yes to the trip
Tell us your email and we'll write when the Wakha app is ready: offline, every city, every answer.