Port information & tips for Safi
Safi is an authentic gem on Morocco's Atlantic coast and is considered the world capital of ceramics as well as an important maritime center. The city enchants visitors with its rugged coastal charm, historical architecture, and a vibrant tradition of craftsmanship. Special highlights include the imposing 16th-century sea fortress Ksar el-Bahr, as well as the famous pottery quarter Colline des Potiers and the National Ceramics Museum in the historic medina. Cruise ships dock at the Port de Safi at the central Quai de Commerce, placing them in direct proximity to the city center. From here, guests can easily reach the heart of the old town and the most important sights in a short walk of about ten minutes.
The port of Safi is a historically significant city on Morocco's Atlantic coast and offers cruise guests an authentic insight into local life. The modern passenger terminal is centrally located in the city, ensuring easy accessibility.
Airplane
For international guests from the DACH region, Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) is the most relevant point of arrival. It is located about 135 to 155 kilometers from Safi, with a travel time of approximately 2 hours and 43 minutes. Alternatively, Essaouira Mogador Airport (ESU) is available, which is closer at around 107 kilometers away with a travel time of about 2 hours 24 minutes. Convenient private transfers by taxi or minibus are available from Marrakech Airport, covering the distance in approximately 2 hours 23 minutes and costing between 132 and 150 euros. Given the international arrival, an overnight stay in Safi or Marrakech on the day before embarkation is recommended to start your cruise experience relaxed.
Auto
Safi is well connected to the Moroccan highway network thanks to the A1 motorway, which extends northwards from Safi towards El Jadida, Casablanca, and Rabat. This allows for a direct journey to the port. As there are no specific "Park & Cruise" providers directly at the port, parking options are usually organized through hotels or public parking lots in the city. The cruise terminal is conveniently located in the city center.
Train
Safi has its own train station, the "Gare ONCF de Safi". From Marrakech, Safi is accessible by train with one change in Ben Guerir in about 3 hours and 4 to 47 minutes. From Safi station, you can reach the terminal quickly and easily by taxi thanks to the port's central location.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Safi is a historically significant city on Morocco's Atlantic coast and offers cruise guests an authentic insight into local life. The modern passenger terminal is centrally located in the city, ensuring easy accessibility.
Airplane
For international guests from the DACH region, Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) is the most relevant point of arrival. It is located about 135 to 155 kilometers from Safi, with a travel time of approximately 2 hours and 43 minutes. Alternatively, Essaouira Mogador Airport (ESU) is available, which is closer at around 107 kilometers away with a travel time of about 2 hours 24 minutes. Convenient private transfers by taxi or minibus are available from Marrakech Airport, covering the distance in approximately 2 hours 23 minutes and costing between 132 and 150 euros. Given the international arrival, an overnight stay in Safi or Marrakech on the day before embarkation is recommended to start your cruise experience relaxed.
Auto
Safi is well connected to the Moroccan highway network thanks to the A1 motorway, which extends northwards from Safi towards El Jadida, Casablanca, and Rabat. This allows for a direct journey to the port. As there are no specific "Park & Cruise" providers directly at the port, parking options are usually organized through hotels or public parking lots in the city. The cruise terminal is conveniently located in the city center.
Train
Safi has its own train station, the "Gare ONCF de Safi". From Marrakech, Safi is accessible by train with one change in Ben Guerir in about 3 hours and 4 to 47 minutes. From Safi station, you can reach the terminal quickly and easily by taxi thanks to the port's central location.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Safi is conveniently located close to the city center, providing you with direct access to the cultural treasures of this Moroccan coastal city.
Petit Taxis
Small yellow taxis wait at the port exit and offer a comfortable way to reach the Medina or the famous pottery district in just a few minutes. Thanks to affordable rates and high availability, this is a particularly efficient way to get around within the city.
On Foot
The historic old town and the impressive Ksar El Bahar fortress are easily accessible on foot and invite exploration after an approximately 15- to 20-minute walk. The path leads along the coast, giving you an authentic impression of maritime life in Safi at the same time.
Grand Taxis
For longer journeys or excursions to the picturesque cliffs in the surrounding area, the larger Grand Taxis are readily available. These vehicles offer more space and are also ideal for individual tours to nearby beaches or neighboring coastal towns.
To make the most of your stay in authentic Safi, we recommend exploring the historic fortifications directly by the sea combined with a visit to the world-famous pottery districts in the city center.
Ksar el Bahr
The imposing 16th-century Portuguese sea fortress perches majestically directly on the Atlantic and, thanks to its location right at the harbor, offers a fantastic view of the coastline as well as the incoming ships.
Colline des Potiers
This tradition-steeped district is the vibrant center of Moroccan ceramic art and invites you to watch the artisans over their shoulders in their workshops and also to discover the colorful works of art directly on-site.
Plage de Sidi Bouzid
This popular stretch of coast is just a short drive from the city center and, thanks to its fine sand and first-class waves, is perfect for a relaxing beach walk with a view of the vast ocean.
The Colline des Potiers
The fascinating Colline des Potiers is located just a short walk or a five-minute taxi ride from the port and offers an authentic insight into the world-famous pottery craft of Safi. Thanks to the numerous traditional workshops and the characteristic kilns, you can experience the creation of the artistic blue-and-white ceramics up close and also enjoy a magnificent panoramic view over the old town and the Atlantic. In the adjacent small cafés and sales points, the colorful hustle and bustle can be ideally observed over a Moroccan mint tea. It is best to visit the district in the morning to see the artisans at work, and plan your walk back to the ship at your leisure for the early afternoon.
The way back to the port of Safi is pleasantly easy and safe thanks to the short distances to the historic old town. You can reach your ship on time via the easily accessible entrances on the edge of the Medina.
Taxi
The typical Petit Taxis can be found in large numbers at the central Place de l'Indépendance as well as near the pottery district at Colline des Potiers. These take you directly back to the port entrance and also offer a convenient way to make the return journey time-efficient.
Shuttle Bus
In Safi, many cruise lines provide shuttle buses that run between the port terminal and the entrance to the Medina. These buses run at regular intervals and guarantee a relaxed return right to the gangway of your ship.
On Foot
From the Ksar el-Bahr fortress or the souks of the Medina, you can walk easily to the port gate in just a few minutes. The path is straightforward and is also secured by local staff at the port entrance, who will be happy to show you the further way to the berth.
