Morocco is fast becoming a popular destination for summer vacation. It is unclear which is the most enticing: the vibrant festivals, historical and cultural sites, sunny beaches, Sahara landscapes or the bustling souks. The entire summer might not be enough to explore all Morocco has to offer. However, you’ll definitely regret if you miss out on any of these five spots.

Heads up! Brace up for the heat in Morocco during the summer. It is a part of the experience. Also, having a great financial plan ensures you can maximise your funds and avoid getting stranded. With Grey, you have a reliable travel partner that provides seamless currency conversion and swift payments.

This article explores five spots to visit and how to spend your summer vacation in Morocco without stress.

Also read: Where to buy Moroccan dirhams online

Top spots to visit in Morocco during the summer

Here are five places you should check out if you visit Morocco this summer.

1. Essaouira

Essaouira is an excellent destination for a summer vacation, offering a pleasant coastal climate, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant atmosphere. The city’s strong Atlantic winds make it ideal for water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing. This also makes it a relatively cooler summer spot. Essaouira is also known for its rich culture, historical sites like the Medina, and lively port.

2. Chefchaouen

The Kasbah of Chefchaouen is an ethnological museum with an interior garden, patios and fountains. It once served as a residence for governors and remains a significant historical monument. Visiting Chefchaouen also means you can hike the Talassemtane National Park and explore the alleyways of the medina. The Spanish Mosque offers a breathtaking sunset view, and you can enjoy Moroccan mint tea from a rooftop cafe.

3. Ouzoud waterfalls

What is a summer in Morocco without swimming in refreshing pools or exploring the Cascades d’Ouzoud in the Atlas Mountains to escape the heat? From the breathtaking views of North Africa's highest waterfalls, to hiking and sighting the Barbary macaques, this is definitely a great way to spend one of your summer days in Morocco.

4. Marrakech

Thanks to many amazing attractions, this is one of Morocco’s most popular tourist destinations. From the vibrant Majorelle Garden to historic landmarks like the Bahia Palace and Koutoubia Mosque, there's plenty to explore. And when you need to turn down the heat, the Oasiria Water Park is a place to be. A visit to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum will expose you to the designer’s dedication, creativity and influence.

5. Ouarzazate

There is no visiting Morocco without exploring the Sahara. Ouarzazate is known as the gateway to the Sahara, with breathtaking desert views and the dramatic Dades Valley close by. Experience a camel trek across the desert dunes and spend a night out in the desert watching the night sky. Take a guided tour through Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar used in many films, including Yunkai, one of the Slavers’ Cities in the Game of Thrones.

Also read: Top virtual banking solutions for freelancers in Morocco

Tips for visiting

Here are some helpful tips to help you have a great summer in Morocco.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the heat.
• Sun protection: Wear sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing to protect yourself from the sun.
• Plan activities strategically: Schedule outdoor activities for the cooler morning and evening hours.
• Consider air conditioning: Choose accommodations and transportation with air conditioning for maximum comfort.
• Book in advance: Summer is a popular time to visit, so book accommodations and tours in advance, especially for popular destinations like Essaouira.

How to spend without stress in Morocco

Planning your finances when visiting Morocco ensures you can have a great time without going out of your budget. Here are tips to manage your budget.

• Haggle smartly: Bargaining is expected in souks for crafts or souvenirs. Start at 50% of the quoted price and settle at 60–70%. For example, a quoted 300 MAD rug might close at 180 MAD. Stay polite to keep it fun.
• Eat local: Skip touristy restaurants for street stalls or local eateries. Not only are you saving money, but that’s also where the fun’s at.
• Use ATMs strategically: Withdraw MAD at bank ATMs (e.g., Attijariwafa Bank, BMCE) for lower fees than standalone machines. Use cards with no foreign transaction fees at hotels or malls, but carry cash for rural areas.
• Plan daily budgets: Set a daily limit on your spending to avoid overspending. You should track expenses with a notebook or app to stay on course.
• Use a reliable payment platform: Having a great payment solution like Grey can help you manage your transactions to avoid financial stress. Grey lets you hold funds in foreign accounts, convert to MAD at competitive rates, and withdraw to Moroccan bank accounts.

Here is how to open US, UK and Euro bank accounts in Morocco

Travelling and spending without stress

Morocco’s summer offers unforgettable experiences, from beaches to waterfalls and desert views. While visiting Morocco can be promising, having a reasonable financial plan can help you make the best of the experience.

Grey offers a versatile payment solution with multi-currency support, competitive conversion rates, low transaction costs and seamless withdrawal into local bank accounts.

Sign up on Grey’s website or app to keep your Moroccan adventure financially seamless.

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