Things To Do
in Sidi El Hattab

Freshly caught fish (sea bream, seabass or small mackerel) simply grilled with lemon and olive oil; widely available at beachfront grills and family restaurants.

Must-Try!

A regional favorite—sardines cooked with tomatoes, cumin, cilantro and preserved lemon; best tried in local homes or small eateries.

Traditional couscous served with a light broth, seasonal vegetables and sometimes fish; common for family lunches, especially on Fridays.

Hearty soup (harira) served during cooler months or Ramadan, and sweet mint tea offered as a sign of hospitality.

Polite greetings matter—use 'Salam aleykum' (peace be upon you) and respond 'Wa aleykum salam'. Shake hands with same-gender counterparts; be cautious about initiating physical contact with the opposite gender.

Dress modestly out of respect—shoulders and knees covered are recommended in public, especially in conservative villages or during Ramadan.

Ask permission before entering private homes or taking photos of people; remove shoes when entering someone's home and avoid entering mosques unless invited or allowed.

During Ramadan avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours as a sign of respect; expect altered opening hours and more subdued daytime activity.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: round up taxi fares, leave 5–10% in restaurants if service is good, and give small tips to porters or guides. For informal beach grills and small cafés, rounding up or leaving a few dirhams is common.

Cash (Moroccan dirham, MAD) is king in the village—carry sufficient cash for food, transport and purchases. Some nearby restaurants or guesthouses may accept cards, but card acceptance is limited; ATMs are typically found in larger nearby towns, not always in the village.

Pleasant temperatures, blooming coastal plants and calmer seas make spring one of the best times to visit for walking and birdwatching.

Warm days tempered by a cool Atlantic breeze; beaches are inviting though occasional foggy mornings (marine layer) are possible. Expect slightly busier weekends but nights remain mild.

Stable, comfortable weather with warm afternoons and cooler evenings—good for outdoor activities and avoiding summer crowds.

Mild but wetter season with most rain between November and February; rougher seas make some water activities less safe and some services may be reduced.

Vegetarian options exist but are limited in a fishing village: couscous with vegetables, salads, lentil stews and vegetable tagines. Communicate clearly ('ana nabatî' or in French 'je suis végétarien(ne)') and expect simple, home-cooked dishes. Larger nearby towns will have more choice.

More challenging but manageable with vegetable tagines, salads, bread and legumes; verify if dishes include butter or eggs, and ask for oil-only preparation.

Bread is common, but many dishes (grilled fish, tagines, salads) are naturally gluten-free—explain needs carefully and avoid dishes thickened with flour.

Seafood is ubiquitous; if you have a shellfish or fish allergy, communicate clearly and prefer vegetable-based dishes. Carry any necessary medication as local medical resources are limited.