Spain and Morocco are separated by just 14 kilometers of water at the Strait of Gibraltar. On a clear day, you can stand on the coast of Spain and see the outline of Morocco across the sea. Before you arrive, consider renting a car. Driving is the easiest way for Spanish travellers to move between cities, historic sites, and remote villages without relying on tours. There is no better way to connect with Morocco than by having your own transport. Our Moroccan culture guide gives you essential tips on etiquette, language, and history so you can travel responsibly.
When you arrive in Morocco, you will find many car rental options at major airports. If you plan to explore the south, you can pick up a vehicle at Agadir Al Massira International Airport in the Souss-Massa region. For trips starting in central Morocco, Casablanca Airport, Marrakech Airport, and Rabat Airport have trusted rental desks. Flying into the north? Tangier Airport and Fes Sais Airport are perfect gateways for road trips through historic towns and mountain landscapes.
If you prefer to begin in the city center, rent from downtown offices. Casablanca Downtown, Tangier Downtown, and Rabat Downtown allow you to collect your car without returning to the airport. This is convenient if you plan to spend your first few days in the city before starting your road trip. To avoid last-minute stress, it’s best to book online a few days before your arrival, so you can secure the car type you need.
It depends on where you want to go and what you hope to experience. Starting in Agadir is excellent if you want to explore the Atlantic coast. Casablanca is a great starting point if you need a central base to reach different parts of the country. Tangier is ideal if you want to stay close to Spain while discovering northern Morocco.
Moroccans are very welcoming, but they have social rules you need to respect. One key part of etiquette is always using your right hand for eating, greeting, or handing something to someone. The left hand is considered unclean and is used only for personal hygiene. You should also avoid pointing at people with your index finger or calling someone with an upturned finger, as these actions are considered rude. Instead, if you need to call someone over, extend your hand palm-down and sweep it toward yourself.
It’s polite to greet people you interact with, even shopkeepers or taxi drivers, instead of jumping straight into a request. A simple “salam alaikum” (“peace be upon you”) is a friendly start. Moroccans often exchange small pleasantries about health and family during greetings. Always ask before taking photographs of people or their shops, since many locals do not like being photographed without consent. This is especially true for women and in rural areas.
If you are invited to a Moroccan home, expect to be treated with great generosity. It’s customary to bring a small gift such as fruit, pastries, or juice to share with your hosts. Women should dress modestly when visiting traditional homes, avoiding very revealing clothes. Shoes should be left at the door, since Moroccan households take pride in their carpets and cleanliness. You might be offered slippers to wear indoors, or you can walk in socks or barefoot.
Polite manners are highly valued in Morocco. When giving or receiving something, such as money, food, or a business card, always use your right hand or both hands. Handing items with the left hand alone is considered impolite. If you must excuse yourself or pass someone, saying a simple French “pardon” or Arabic “smeh li” is appreciated.
Rules and signs largely follow international norms: you drive on the right, signs are mostly in French and Arabic, and typical speed limits are 60 km/h in towns, 100 km/h on open roads, and 120 km/h on highways. Radar checks and police checkpoints are common, so stick to posted limits and stop when signaled; carry your passport, Spanish driver’s license (an International Driving Permit is recommended), rental contract, and insurance papers. Seatbelts are mandatory, phone use without hands‑free is illegal, and there’s effectively zero tolerance for alcohol when driving. At roundabouts, priority follows the signposting (often yielding to vehicles already inside).
For rentals, choose reputable agencies, inspect and photograph the car, and ensure robust insurance like CDW and theft. Consider glass/tires if you’ll drive to rural areas. Check that the registration and insurance “carte verte,” spare wheel, jack, and warning triangle are in the car. Keep some cash or a card for tolls and parking; use guarded lots in cities and don’t leave valuables visible. Download offline maps, expect speed bumps and sudden stops, and if an incident occurs, call your rental’s assistance and the police and wait for an official report before moving the car unless safety requires it.
One of the most important cultural tips for Spanish travellers is knowing how strongly religion shapes daily life. Around 99% of Moroccans are Muslim, mostly Sunni, and Islamic traditions influence both social norms and laws.During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. While you are not expected to fast, it’s polite to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. Instead, eat discreetly inside hotels or tourist restaurants. After sunset, the streets fill with life as families break the fast, and you can join in the festive spirit.
As you travel, you will hear the melodic call to prayer (adhan) from mosques five times daily. Many locals pause what they are doing during this time, and it is respectful if you do the same. On Fridays, the main congregational prayer happens around midday, and many shops or offices may close so people can attend. Plan your schedule with this in mind and be patient if things move more slowly than usual in the early afternoon.
Non-Muslims are generally not allowed inside active mosques in Morocco. There are a few exceptions, like the Hassan II Grand Mosque in Casablanca, which has guided tours, and some historical mosques that have been turned into museums. As a rule, avoid entering places of worship unless it is clearly permitted. Even peeking inside can feel intrusive, especially in conservative areas. When visiting shrines, madrassas, or mosque courtyards open to tourists, you should dress modestly, cover your shoulders and knees, and speak in a low voice.
Moroccan society is more conservative than in Spain. Islamic values discourage heavy drinking, drug use, public swearing, or open sex talk. Sensitive topics like religion and politics are avoided unless you know someone well. Criticism of Islam or the monarchy is taken very seriously. At the same time, Moroccans love to talk about their culture, daily life, or even football rivalries.
Morocco is a multilingual country where Arabic (Darija) is spoken by about 92.7% of the population. French is the main business and educational language, with 57.7% literacy, so even basic French phrases will help you in hotels, shops, or transport. As a Spanish traveller, you may be interested to know that 21% of Moroccans speak Spanish, mainly in the northern cities like Tangier and Tetouan. However, Spanish literacy is only about 1.2%, so you cannot rely on it everywhere. Learning a few words in French and Arabic alongside your Spanish will make communication smoother.
Greetings in Morocco are warm and respectful. The most common is “Salam alaikum” (“peace be upon you”), answered with “Wa alaikum salam” (“and peace be upon you too”). Handshakes are common, always with your right hand, and often followed by placing your hand on your heart to show sincerity.
Physical contact in greetings depends on gender and setting. Men shake hands with men, and women with women. Between men and women, you should wait to see if the woman offers her hand first. If not, a smile and nod are the correct choice. Cheek kissing is normal between men greeting male friends or women greeting female relatives, but not usually between men and women. As a visitor, follow the lead of locals.
When speaking with older people or in professional settings, it’s respectful to use titles. For men, say “Si” or “Sidi” with their first name, and for women, “Lalla” plus their first name. In urban areas, French titles like monsieur and madame are also widely understood. Moroccans often communicate politely and indirectly.
As a Spanish traveller, you will notice how meals, tea, and small snacks are tied to hospitality and respect. Understand these Moroccan dining customs to enjoy these moments and avoid unintentional mistakes.
Sharing meals is a central part of Moroccan culture, and you will often be invited to join locals for tea or even a home-cooked dinner. If you get such an invitation, say yes if possible. Bring a small gift like fruit or pastries, arrive on time, and dress modestly to show respect for the family. When entering a home, greet everyone with a smile and handshake, then remove your shoes before stepping onto the treasured rugs.
Meals in Morocco are usually served family-stle at a low table, with everyone eating from a communal dish. Before eating, you may be invited to wash your hands at the table with water. Always eat with your right hand, as the left is considered unclean. You will often use bread (khobz) to scoop food instead of utensils. Take food only from the section in front of you, and try to finish what’s on your side of the platter. Your host may honor you by placing choice pieces of meat or vegetables in front of you. Expect your host to encourage you to eat more; a polite way to decline is to pat your stomach and say with a smile, “La, shukran” (no thank you) or “Safi, baraka” (enough, I’m blessed).
No Moroccan meal is complete without a glass of mint tea. This sweet, fragrant drink symbolizes hospitality, often poured from a teapot held high above the glass. Even if you usually avoid sugar, take at least a few sips. After dining, it’s common to relax at the table, enjoying tea and conversation for hours. Always thank your hosts warmly by saying, “Shukran bzaf” (thank you very much).
In restaurants, etiquette is more straightforward. Many places provide utensils, but in traditional eateries, you may still use bread as your main tool for eating. Watch how locals do it and follow their lead. Tipping is also an important part of dining culture. Unlike in Spain, a 10% tip is customary in Moroccan restaurants if the bill does not include service. Keep small dirham coins or notes handy for tips, not only in restaurants but also for hotel staff and porters.
Markets, or souks, are at the heart of Moroccan culture. They are lively and colorful, filled with the sounds of bargaining, the aromas of spices, and the sight of handcrafted goods.
Exploring Morocco’s colorful souks is one of the highlights of any trip. As a Spanish traveller, the atmosphere may feel both familiar and different. Imagine Spain’s rastros or open-air markets, but filled with the scents of spices, the sight of bright carpets, and the calls of vendors inviting you in. In Moroccan markets, haggling is part of daily life. Fixed prices are rare, except in modern shops or cooperatives. Whether buying fruit, a leather bag, or arranging a taxi, you are expected to negotiate.
When shopping, you can ask the price by saying “Besh-hal?” in Darija Arabic, or “C’est combien?” in French. Expect the first price to be higher than what the seller wants, often two or three times more. Start with a lower counteroffer, and then meet in the middle. For example, if the seller says 300 dirhams, you might begin with 100 to 150 dirhams. The key is to keep it lighthearted: smile, make small jokes, and engage in friendly banter. The vendor may act shocked or laugh if your offer is too low.
Successful bargaining requires patience and a good sense of humor. If offered tea, accept it. It’s part of the experience, especially when discussing larger purchases like carpets. If you are unhappy with the price, politely walking away is often effective; sellers may call you back with a better deal. Once you agree on a price, the deal is final, so be sure you truly want the item. In busy markets like Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fnaa or the bazaars of Fes, vendors may call out phrases in Spanish such as “Hola amigo!” to catch your attention. If you are not interested, reply politely “No, gracias” or “La, shukran” (“no, thank you”) and keep walking.
Exploring Morocco as a Spanish traveller is more than just crossing the Strait of Gibraltar. It’s a journey filled with history, hospitality, and daily traditions. From greetings and dining customs to the vibrant souks and sacred sites, Morocco invites you to connect with its culture respectfully and honorably. To make your journey more comfortable, rent a car in Morocco with Final Rentals. You’ll find budget-friendly options, airport pick-ups, and various vehicles suitable for your adventure.
