Hey fellow travelers! After spending nearly 2 months backpacking through Morocco with my partner last year, I noticed a TON of confusion online about public displays of affection (PDA) in this beautiful North African country. Since we navigated this cultural minefield ourselves, I figured I'd share our firsthand experience on whether you can kiss in public in Morocco.
The Short Answer: Mostly No
Let me be straightforward: kissing in public in Morocco is generally not acceptable. My partner and I learned this quickly after getting some uncomfortable stares on our first day when we exchanged a quick peck in Marrakech's main square.
Morocco is a conservative Muslim country where public displays of affection are viewed as disrespectful and inappropriate. This doesn't mean Morocco isn't romantic – it absolutely is! – but the romance happens in private spaces.
What Forms of PDA Are Acceptable?
During our travels through cities like Casablanca, Fez, Marrakech, and smaller towns in the Atlas Mountains, here's what I observed was generally okay versus not okay:
Generally Acceptable:
- Holding hands (though we noticed mainly younger Moroccan couples doing this, and primarily in bigger cities)
- Walking arm in arm
- Brief hugs (especially as greetings)
- Sitting close together
Not Acceptable:
- Kissing on the lips (even quick pecks)
- Making out (absolutely not)
- Excessive touching
- Prolonged hugs or embraces
- Revealing clothing or overtly sexual behavior
Different Rules for Different Places
What I found fascinating was how the "rules" changed depending on where we were:
Tourist Areas vs. Local Neighborhoods: In highly touristic areas of Marrakech and Casablanca, there's slightly more tolerance for foreign couples showing affection. However, in residential neighborhoods or smaller towns, the same behavior might shock or offend locals.
Cities vs. Rural Areas: Bigger cities like Casablanca and Rabat are generally more cosmopolitan and slightly more accepting of modest PDA than rural villages, where traditions run stronger.
Beach Resorts: In tourist-oriented beach towns like Agadir or Essaouira, particularly in resort areas, there's more leniency. But even there, making out on the beach is a no-go.
Our Cultural Misunderstanding Story
I'll never forget when we were in Chefchaouen (the famous blue city). I gave my partner a quick kiss while taking a photo. An elderly local man approached us and, in a mix of French and hand gestures, politely explained that while he understood we were tourists, this behavior was uncomfortable for the community. Rather than being offended, we appreciated his gentle approach to educating us.
How Moroccan Couples Show Affection
It was really interesting to observe how local couples interact. Young Moroccan couples DO date and have romantic relationships, but they express their feelings differently in public:
- They might sit together in cafés, but with minimal touching
- They often go out in groups rather than obvious one-on-one dates
- Romance happens behind closed doors or in family-approved contexts
- Even married couples typically maintain public modesty
Tips for Couples Traveling in Morocco
Based on our experience, here's what I recommend:
- Respect local customs: Save the kisses for your private riad or hotel room
- Observe local couples: Take cues from how Moroccans your age behave in public
- Be extra conservative in religious areas: Near mosques or during Ramadan, be particularly mindful
- Don't take it personally: This isn't about judging your relationship; it's about cultural norms that have existed for centuries
- Consider a private romantic experience: Many riads offer beautiful private dinners on their terraces – WAY more romantic than a public kiss anyway!
Are There Actual Laws Against PDA?
This is where it gets a bit complicated. There aren't specific laws that say "no kissing in public," but Morocco does have laws against public indecency and "acts against public morality." These vague terms can include PDA, especially if someone were to file a complaint.
In practice, the "enforcement" is more likely to be uncomfortable stares, someone speaking to you directly, or in rare cases, a warning from local authorities. As foreigners, we were given more leeway, but that doesn't make it appropriate to disregard local customs.
The Unexpected Romance of Morocco
Here's the surprising part – Morocco was actually one of the most romantic places we've ever visited, DESPITE the PDA limitations. The private candlelit dinners on riads' rooftops, the stunning sunset camel rides, the intimate hammam experiences... these moments were far more romantic than any public display could have been.
Final Thoughts
Can you kiss in public in Morocco? Technically you CAN, but you SHOULDN'T. Respecting local customs isn't just about avoiding uncomfortable situations; it's about being a responsible traveler who acknowledges that you're a guest in someone else's culture.
Our approach was simple: we saved the affection for private moments and focused on experiencing the incredible cultural richness Morocco offers when in public. Trust me, the magnificent starlit nights from a desert camp in the Sahara make up for not being able to steal a kiss in the souk!
Have you traveled to Morocco with a partner? What was your experience navigating these cultural differences? I'd love to hear your stories!