Morocco is a country steeped in myths and legend and offers gay vacations opportunities to experience a rich history and culture that continues to strongly influence daily life. Morocco offers visitors the chance to cross the desert atop a camel, sleep in a hotel made of sand and haggle with aggressive spice and rug traders in marketplaces that look and feel like they are from another time in history. In many towns and cities former homes have been transformed into guest lodgings, called riads, that often offer a more welcoming atmosphere for travelers on a gay vacation and provide the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and daily life of Morocco. While there is no visible scene in this conservative Muslim country, there are still abundant reasons for Morocco to be part of your gay travel plans, including ancient ruins and architecture, exceptional beaches, desert landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see and open air souks (markets) that wind through village streets offering exotic wares.
With exquisite Muslim mosques, ancient Roman ruins, snake charmers and street performers, a Morocco vacation is an exceptional opportunity to indulge in this unique country sights, colors, sounds and smells. No Morocco travel experience would be complete without exploring the Dar Si Said Museum in Marrakech, winding through the many quarters of the Fes medina, gazing at Casablancas amazing art deco architecture and standing on an ancient wall in Tangier to view the expansive ocean and breathtaking sunsets.
Morocco was once a popular gay vacation destination for jet set from Europe, including famous writers, composers and socialites; however, although Morocco was once known as a welcoming spot for exotic gay vacations, homosexuality was criminalized in Morocco in 1962. While the law is rarely enforced, travelers on a vacation in Morocco should be aware that same-sex conduct is illegal and is punishable by fines and six months to three years of imprisonment.
In a 2009 statement, the Moroccan government asserted that homosexuality will not be tolerated and will be repressed, which means there may be an increase in enforcement and travelers should be particularly aware of their surroundings when in public. Laws and attitudes such as this are common in countries that are primarily Muslim and do not necessarily indicate that Morocco should be avoided when partaking in gay travel.
It does; however, indicate that awareness and discretion are advised wile on a Morocco vacation. To avoid possible issues, travelers may want to consider participating in a travel group vacation or planning their trip with the assistance of a gay tours company well-versed in planning vacations in Morocco.
With exquisite Muslim mosques, ancient Roman ruins, snake charmers and street performers, a Morocco vacation is an exceptional opportunity to indulge in this unique country sights, colors, sounds and smells. No Morocco travel experience would be complete without exploring the Dar Si Said Museum in Marrakech, winding through the many quarters of the Fes medina, gazing at Casablancas amazing art deco architecture and standing on an ancient wall in Tangier to view the expansive ocean and breathtaking sunsets.
Morocco was once a popular gay vacation destination for jet set from Europe, including famous writers, composers and socialites; however, although Morocco was once known as a welcoming spot for exotic gay vacations, homosexuality was criminalized in Morocco in 1962. While the law is rarely enforced, travelers on a vacation in Morocco should be aware that same-sex conduct is illegal and is punishable by fines and six months to three years of imprisonment.
In a 2009 statement, the Moroccan government asserted that homosexuality will not be tolerated and will be repressed, which means there may be an increase in enforcement and travelers should be particularly aware of their surroundings when in public. Laws and attitudes such as this are common in countries that are primarily Muslim and do not necessarily indicate that Morocco should be avoided when partaking in gay travel.
It does; however, indicate that awareness and discretion are advised wile on a Morocco vacation. To avoid possible issues, travelers may want to consider participating in a travel group vacation or planning their trip with the assistance of a gay tours company well-versed in planning vacations in Morocco.
About the Author:
Thoughts on Morocco authored by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys offers gay nude yoga and provides gay travel information.
