Unique Travelers

LGBTQ travelers

For many, many years, Morocco was the destination for the LGBTQ crowd in-the-know. In particular, Marrakesh and Tangier still hold sway with their long history of playing host for some of the world’s most renowned figures, from Yves Saint-Laurent to Bill Burroughs. While the scene has calmed down significantly since its heyday, Morocco remains a top spot for gay travelers in need of a sunny escape with a rich cultural and artistic pedigree. When planning a tour to Morocco, do keep in mind that there isn’t much of an exclusive scene as one might find in Paris or Berlin, the beaches around Agadir are great for some sun worshipping year round and are popular with gay European travelers.

LGBTQ travelers should be aware of the nation's anti-homosexuality law. There have been high profile cases concerning foreign nationals being prosecuted for breaching local laws. However, it is important to mention that this law is not applicable to non-Moroccan same sex partners who are traveling guests. Any tourist practicing discretion and adapting to local customs should have no problems at all. Due to the highly religious and conservative environment, public displays of affection between couples – gay or straight – are highly frowned upon. In many ways the experience a gay tourist couple would have versus their straight counterpart would be exactly the same.

Accommodations include beautifully restored and renovated riads in the ancient cities of Morocco with their astounding charm and architecture, while in desert lands, you can expect charming mud-brick kasbahs and cosy bivouac tents. These accommodations have been chosen for their open embrace and welcome to the LGBTQ community.

Click here to read more about LGBTQ travel in Morocco.