From surf to sisterhood: How women are redefining safe solo travel in Morocco

Morocco has become an increasingly popular destination for solo travelers, with more women choosing to explore the country independently. While concerns about safety often shape first impressions, many travelers leave with a different perspective, describing Morocco as a place where community, preparation, and local hospitality matter as much as caution.

At the same time, women-led initiatives and a growing female surf community are helping reshape the solo travel experience, creating spaces where women can connect, build confidence, and discover the country on their own terms.

For Meda Spiridovičiūtė, founder of the women-only hostel Mermaids Only, the idea grew out of years of traveling alone.

“I’ve been traveling solo since I was 16 and have stayed in dozens of hostels around the world,” she told Hespress English. “Many female travelers wanted a space where they could feel completely comfortable, safe, and connect with other women.”

After moving to Morocco and organizing women-only surf retreats, she witnessed friendships forming among travelers who had arrived as strangers.

“Watching women from different countries arrive alone and leave as close friends made me realize how powerful sisterhood really is,” she said. “Mermaids Only isn’t just a hostel. It’s a community where women from all over the world can meet, feel safe, and experience Morocco together.”

According to Spiridovičiūtė, many women are drawn to Morocco but hesitate because of concerns about unwanted attention, unfamiliar cultural norms, or the idea of navigating the country alone. Others simply hope to share the experience with like-minded travelers.

“Traveling solo doesn’t always mean wanting to be alone,” she said. “My goal isn’t to separate women from Moroccan culture. It’s to give them the confidence and support to experience it fully.”

For many visitors, those initial concerns fade quickly.

One Dutch traveler, who spent three weeks driving nearly 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) across Morocco alone while staying with local families, said the experience far exceeded her expectations.

“It was far above my expectations,” she said. “Meeting locals, listening to their stories, and learning about their way of life was amazing.”

Although she experienced an incident on her final day in Marrakech, where a young man allegedly groped her after she refused to give him money, she said it did not define her trip.

“My advice is to enjoy the experience and trust people,” she said. “Most of them are good and kind. Don’t be afraid, but use your judgment.”

Moroccan surfer Ghita, known online as SurfWithGhita, believes the country’s surf culture is also becoming more welcoming to women.

“Surfing ended up giving me exactly what I had been looking for without realizing it: challenge, adventure, a deeper connection with nature, and a lifestyle that felt much more aligned with who I am,” she said.

Although surfing in Morocco remains largely male-dominated, Ghita says the landscape is gradually changing.

“When I first started surfing, it was quite rare to see many women in the lineup,” she said. “Today, I’ve had several sessions where there were actually more women than men in the water. It’s still not the norm, but I think it says a lot about the direction things are heading.”

She said she has never experienced serious harassment while surfing, noting that her biggest challenge has sometimes been proving she belongs in the lineup.

“Overall, my experience with the Moroccan surf community has been very positive,” she said. “I’ve met many local surfers who have always been welcoming, respectful, and supportive.”

Ghita hopes Morocco will become known not only for the quality of its waves but also as a place where women feel empowered to take up the sport.

“I think Morocco deserves to be recognized not only for the quality of its waves, but also as a destination where more and more women can feel comfortable enjoying the ocean.”

Together, these experiences offer a more nuanced picture of solo female travel in Morocco.

Challenges remain, and travelers still need to exercise common sense, as they would in any destination. But for many women, safety is no longer defined solely by avoiding risk. It also means having access to supportive communities, trusted local advice, and the confidence to explore independently.

As more women travel, surf, and create spaces for one another, Morocco is gradually emerging as a destination where solo travelers can find not only adventure but also a sense of belonging.