All You Need to Know Before Visiting Spain and Morocco: A Responsible Traveler's Guide

Introduction

Spain and Morocco offer an enticing blend of European and North African cultures, just a short ferry ride apart across the Strait of Gibraltar. This guide is designed for mindful travelers who want to experience these beautiful destinations responsibly while minimizing their environmental footprint and respecting local customs.

Part I: Practical Information

Best Times to Visit

Spain:

• Spring (April-June) and Fall (September-October): Ideal weather with fewer tourists

• Summer (July-August): Hot and crowded, especially in coastal areas

• Winter (November-March): Milder in southern regions; excellent for city exploration

Morocco:

• Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November): Perfect weather for exploring

• Summer (June-August): Extremely hot in inland cities (Marrakech, Fes)

• Winter (December-February): Cool and pleasant in the south; potentially cold and rainy in the north

Visa Requirements

Spain: Part of the Schengen Area. Most visitors from North America, Australia, and many other countries can enter without a visa for up to 90 days.

Morocco: Many nationalities (including US, Canada, EU, UK, Australia) can visit visa-free for up to 90 days.

Language

Spain: Spanish (Castilian) is the official language. In regions like Catalonia, Basque Country, and Galicia, regional languages are also spoken. English proficiency varies but is more common in tourist areas.

Morocco: Arabic and Berber are official languages. French is widely spoken, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations. Spanish is common in northern regions. English is increasingly spoken in tourist areas.

Currency & Payment

Spain: Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, but carry cash for smaller establishments and rural areas.

Morocco: Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Cash is king, especially outside major cities. ATMs are readily available in urban areas.

Part II: Cultural Awareness

Tipping Culture

Spain:

• Restaurants: Service is usually included. If not, 5-10% is appreciated for good service.

• Taxis: Rounding up the fare is common

• Hotels: €1-2 per bag for porters; €1-2 per day for housekeeping

Morocco:

• Restaurants: 10% is customary if service isn't included

• Taxis: Round up or add 10%

• Hotels: 10-20 MAD per bag; 20-50 MAD per day for housekeeping

• Guides: 100-200 MAD per day

• Hammams/Spas: 10-20% of service cost

• Important note: Having small denominations ready for tipping is essential in Morocco

Social Etiquette

Spain:

• Greetings often involve two kisses on the cheeks, even among new acquaintances

• Mealtimes are later than in many countries (lunch: 2-4pm, dinner: 9-11pm)

• Spaniards value personal relationships; small talk before business is normal

• Loud, animated conversations are common and not considered impolite

Morocco:

• Greet people with "Salam alaikum" (peace be upon you)

• Use right hand for eating, greeting, and passing items

• Ask permission before photographing locals

• Public displays of affection are frowned upon

• During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours

Religious Considerations

Spain: Predominantly Catholic, but increasingly secular. When visiting churches or religious sites, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered.

Morocco: An Islamic country where religion plays a significant role in daily life. Non-Muslims cannot enter most mosques (with exceptions like the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca), but can admire them from outside.

Part III: Packing & Dressing Appropriately

What to Pack

Essential Items for Both Countries:

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Reusable water bottle

• Sunscreen and hat

• Universal power adapter

• Basic first aid kit

• Reusable shopping bag

• Digital copies of important documents

Spain-Specific:

• Lightweight clothing in summer

• Layers for variable weather in spring/fall

• Rain gear if visiting northern regions

• Smart-casual attire for restaurants

• Swimwear for coastal areas

Morocco-Specific:

• Scarf/pashmina for women (can be used to cover hair when appropriate)

• Hand sanitizer and tissues (public restrooms may lack supplies)

• Modest swimwear for hotel pools

• Light, breathable clothing that covers skin (protection from both sun and cultural sensitivity)

Appropriate Attire

Spain:

• Generally relaxed dress code

• In cities, locals tend to dress smartly even for casual occasions

• Beachwear should be confined to beach/pool areas

• Modest attire for churches and religious sites

Morocco:

• Women: Loose-fitting clothes covering shoulders, chest, and knees; long skirts/pants; loose tops with sleeves. In rural areas, more conservative dress is appreciated.

• Men: Long pants or longer shorts; shirts with sleeves

• Both: Avoid clothing with potentially offensive graphics or slogans

• In major cities and tourist areas, standards may be slightly more relaxed

Part IV: Sustainable Travel Practices

Reducing Your Environmental Impact

• Travel by train between Spanish cities (excellent high-speed network)

• Use public transportation or walk when possible

• Choose accommodations with sustainability certifications

• Carry reusable items (water bottle, cutlery, shopping bag)

• Conserve water, particularly in Morocco where water scarcity is a concern

• Respect wildlife and natural areas; stay on marked trails

Avoiding Overtourism

Spain:

• Visit secondary cities (Granada, Malaga, Bilbao) instead of just Barcelona and Madrid

• Travel during shoulder seasons

• Explore rural areas like Asturias, Extremadura, or inland Andalucía

• Support locally-owned businesses

Morocco:

• Look beyond Marrakech to cities like Fes, Chefchaouen, Essaouira, or Rabat

• Visit smaller villages in the Atlas Mountains or along the coast

• Travel with local guides to support the community

• Consider homestays or locally-owned riads instead of international hotel chains

Being a Responsible Visitor

• Research local customs before arrival

• Learn basic phrases in the local language

• Ask permission before taking photos of people

• Support authentic local artisans rather than mass-produced souvenirs

• Be mindful of water usage, especially in Morocco

• Consider carbon offset programs for your flights

• Respect local dress norms, especially in religious or rural areas

Part V: Regional Highlights & Hidden Gems

Spain Beyond the Tourist Traps

• Northern Spain: Green Spain (Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Basque Country) offers stunning landscapes, excellent cuisine, and fewer crowds

• Inland Treasures: Segovia, Toledo, Salamanca, and Granada showcase Spain's history away from coastal resorts

• Rural Experiences: Consider staying in "casas rurales" (country houses) or participating in agricultural tourism

Morocco's Lesser-Known Wonders

• Middle Atlas: Visit Berber villages and cedar forests

• Atlantic Coast: Explore laid-back Essaouira or Asilah

• Eastern Morocco: Discover the oasis towns near the Algerian border

• Central Regions: Experience traditional weekly markets in small towns

Part VI: Health & Safety

Health Considerations

Spain:

• EU health card is useful for European visitors

• Travel insurance recommended for non-EU visitors

• Tap water is generally safe to drink

• Pharmacies ("farmacias") are excellent resources for minor health issues

Morocco:

• Travel insurance is essential

• Drink bottled or purified water only

• Avoid raw foods that may have been washed in tap water

• Bring any prescription medications you need (with documentation)

• Use sun protection and stay hydrated

Safety Tips

Spain:

• Generally very safe, but watch for pickpockets in tourist areas

• Be cautious in crowded places like Las Ramblas in Barcelona

• Store valuables in hotel safes

• Be wary of common scams targeting tourists

Morocco:

• Engage official guides for medina tours to avoid getting lost

• Women should consider traveling with companions, especially at night

• Avoid flashy displays of wealth or expensive items

• Be firm but polite with persistent vendors

• Use registered taxis or pre-arranged transportation

Conclusion

Traveling through Spain and Morocco offers a rich tapestry of experiences that can be enjoyed responsibly. By respecting local customs, minimizing your environmental impact, and venturing beyond tourist hotspots, you'll gain authentic insights into these fascinating countries while helping to preserve their cultural and natural heritage for future generations.

Remember that being a mindful traveler isn't just about following rules—it's about approaching new experiences with curiosity, respect, and openness. Your thoughtful choices contribute to a more sustainable tourism industry and more rewarding travel experiences.

Buen viaje! Rihla sa'ida! (Good journey!)