What To Expect From Safi, Morocco
15th November 2019
In 2021, Star Flyer will embark on an itinerary entitled ‘Morocco and Canary Islands’. As well as visits to Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria, the ship will stop in the port of Safi. Found on the west coast of Morocco, this city is guarded by a fort known as the Kechla and is home to a Medina featuring a maze of bustling alleys and souks. Although not as aesthetically pleasing as some of the other destinations along this shoreline, there is plenty for you to discover in Safi.
Pottery
A gentle stroll around Safi will leave you in no doubt of what it is most famous for. The vibrant colours of jugs, urns, tagine dishes, flowerpots and more stand out on the stalls of the souks and outside workshops within the medina. Ancient techniques are passed down through the generations, resulting in an abundance of pottery masters producing the ceramics that many tourists can’t resist bringing home.
As well as buying the items, you can watch the potters at work to see just how intricate this trade is. After being forged at the wheel, the items are then baked in gas ovens or traditional wood-fired kilns. Whilst the giant factory in nearby Essaouira produces the iconic Safi pottery en masse, the artisanal producers here show the independent side of this ceramic industry.
Surf
If you’re looking for something exciting to do when you arrive in Safi, and you haven’t already had your fill of water sports from the ship, this is a great place to enjoy a spot of surfing. The strong winds that blow along the Atlantic Coast whip up serious waves that lap the pleasant beaches and provide an adrenaline rush for thrill-seekers.
The waves are world-renowned, attracting surfers from all over the planet. Whilst beginners are encouraged to give it a go, you may be wise to steer clear of ‘The Garden’. This mammoth wave measures hundreds of feet in length and is regularly attempted by seasoned pros.
Cavernous History
Away from the coast and the labyrinthine medina, Safi has plenty of ancient history to discover. A series of caves to the north invites potholers looking to squeeze themselves into every crevasse, but you can still explore these intriguing natural forms without the use of a hard hat.
The Charkarkar cave system is magnificently vast, whilst Ghar Gorani cave features relics like arrowheads and pottery from prehistoric settlements. It’s certainly an interesting adventure and something very different to a day at the beach.
If you would like to visit Safi for yourself, the team at Star Clippers can ensure you’re on board Star Flyer when the ship arrives in 2021. Call us on 0845 200 6145 to discuss your booking or learn more about our other Western Mediterranean cruises.
