Rabat – Summer in Morocco is famous for sun-filled beach days and endless travel. Morocco’s extreme affordability makes it a must-see destination for a summer vacation. Here are the top 8 destinations for an affordable, breathtaking summer vacation in Morocco.

Essaouira
Morocco’s Gnaoua music capital lies just 180 kilometers to the west of Marrakech along the Atlantic Coast. Despite the city’s status as a tourist hub, the locals of Essaouira treat everyone the same. Due to the city’s design, one can spend days wandering around Essaouira’s hotspots such as the Old Medina, the fishing port, and the beach. 

For just MAD 50 ($5.58), two people can enjoy a freshly-caught seafood lunch next to the ocean. Those wishing to enjoy a sit-down experience at a restaurant can enjoy large portions and a chill, beach vibe at The Loft.

The restaurant’s owner, Othmane Chic, has turned the place into a neo-Moroccan paradise, filled with artwork and traditional Moroccan crafts.

Inside Essaouria’s ‘The Loft’ restaurant and dining experience Photo: Mokum Surf Club

Akchour Waterfalls
There is no better way to beat the summer heat in Morocco than by taking an early morning trek to the Akchour Waterfalls. Located just 30 kilometers northeast of Chefchaouen, Akchour is a small village in the Rif Mountains. For just MAD 25 ($2.7), you can take a grand taxi from Chefchaouen to the hiking trails of Akchour. 

Once on site, you can spend the day hiking the trails of Akchour for free. There are food vendors along the way, peddling Moroccan mint tea and meat tagines for extremely affordable prices. Additionally, you can stock up on traditional, local breads before the hike at the trailhead. A large piece of bread could cost as little as MAD 3 ($0.33) and will leave you stuffed for the entire hike. 

The hike to the large waterfall could take up to four hours if you plan to stop along the way. In total, the Akchour Waterfalls could take up to nine hours so it is suggested that you start the day early. Once ready to return to Chefchaouen, return to the trailhead to take another 40 minute grand taxi ride for MAD 25 ($2.7). 

Akchour’s grand waterfall at the end of the hike Photo: Journal of Nomads

Volubilis
The Fez-Meknes region is most known for Fez’s gigantic Old Medina and Meknes’ Bab Mansour. However, the region is also home to the Roman site of Volubilis. Situated on the outskirts of Meknes, a quick 30-minute grand taxi ride will transport you from the ancient walls of Meknes to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.

Volubilis is one of Morocco’s nine UNESCO world heritage sites and offers admission to the grounds for just MAD 70 ($7.8). For an extra MAD 100, you can hire a guide at the gates of the historical site.

While visiting, be sure to explore the ornate floor tiling of the ruins. Preserved pictures of sea creatures, beasts of burden, and local plants offer a glimpse into the flora and fauna of the Romans age.

The ornate tiling of Volubilis Photo: Easyvoyage

Agadir
A trip down south along Morocco’s Atlantic coast will bring you to the beach city of Agadir. Most known for its mountain face that reads “God, King, Country,” Agadir welcomes thousands of tourists each year.

Although the beach resorts can run a bit pricey, other cheaper options include Airbnb or hostels. Once in the city, you can explore the numerous parks and city streets that are full of opportunities to enjoy local eats.

Of course, it is also free to spend the day laying on the beach and being consumed by the Saharan sun. 

Agadir’s infamous mountainside in the background of the marina

Oued Laou
A lesser-known Summer gem in Morocco is the small village of Oued Laou. The town rests on the Mediterannean Sea between Tetouan and Al Hoceima and offers extremely affordable beachside seafood and remarkable sunrises over the sea.

Tourists and locals alike often flock to Plage Oued Laou to basque in the sun and frolic in the crystal blue waters of the Mediterannean. For just MAD 20, you can rent beach chairs and an umbrella. The entire day can be spent reading while listening to the sounds of the sea for less than $3.

The sandy shores of Oued Laou encroaching on the blue waters Photo: World Beach Guide

Ifrane
Morocco’s mountainous city of Ifrane offers all the smells and sounds of Morocco while appearing to be a small Swiss village in the Alps. The buildings of Ifrane are alpine-style A-frame structures to allow the snow to roll off in the winter. While the rest of the kingdom scorches in the summer, Ifrane remains relatively temperate at around 30 degrees celsius. 

A MAD 60 grand taxi ride from Meknes will have you in the city center in just a little over an hour. Once arrived, your time will be best spent enjoying barbecue in one of the city’s many restaurants before heading to Ifrane Lake. 

Outside of the city center, there are plenty of spots to have a nature-filled picnic and enjoy traditional Moroccan mint tea. Additionally, you can drink from the flowing, fresh water spouts of Ain Ifrane. 

An entire day of eating and exploring in Ifrane can run as cheap as MAD 100.

The snowy rooftops of Ifrane’s A-frame houses Photo: Infos Tourisme Maroc

Bouznika Beach
If you travel south of Rabat for 30 minutes, you will stumble upon Bouznika Beach. Although the town is famous for its luxurious beachside mansions, visitors can also enjoy the small beach town on a budget. 

For less than $20, you can rent a surfboard and wetsuit from Moro Surf Camp and spend some time riding the waves or simply lounging in the water. Moro also offers yoga, water meditation, and physique training. 

Mansions of Bouznika Beach Photo: Hertz Morocco 

Hercules Cave (Tangier)
Many civilizations tell the tale of Hercules and his travels around the world. In Morocco, the story is no different. According to local legend, Hercules spent time in a cave in Morocco’s northern coast where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterannean Sea. 

Now known as the Cave of Hercules, visitors can visit the historical site and witness the natural marvels of the cave for free. Despite the large, captivating stalagmites and stalactites, the cave is most famous for its opening to the sea, which is shaped similarly to the continent of Africa.

Historians debate over who carved the cave’s waterfront mouth, although many agree that the Phoenicians crafted the Africa shape while the Amazigh mined stone from the cave’s land entrance. 

Morocco’s natural beauty affords visitors the opportunity to visit the kingdom with little to no money. By taking advantage of the beaches and mountainous hiking opportunities, tourists are guaranteed to find life charming and cost-efficient in Morocco. 

The shape of Africa opening up to the Atlantic Ocean Photo: Hertz Morocco