The cheap coastal city just three hours from the UK where it’s currently 33C – and flights are a bargain
IF you're craving some hotter weather, then there is a coastal city a few hours from the UK which won't cost you much.
With the UK summer set to be one of the coldest and wettest, a trip to Morocco is ideal for some last-minute sun.
While tourists often head straight to Marrakech, often overlooked is the city of Essaouira.
Just over three hours from the UK, the coastal city has a sandy beach loved by surfers and walkers.
The weather right now is around 33C, so much hotter than the UK's 19C.
Not only can you enjoy the beach, but it is much quieter than Marrakech too and often dubbed the "laid-back version" of it.
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And the main attraction is the old town, with souks offering cheap bargains, and much less haggling required.
Expect from French influences too, including a number patisseries and creperies.
However, some of the more authentic local food includes tagines, as well as seafood due to its proximity to the coastline.
The main fish dish is sardines, with the country being the world's largest supplier, and often eaten with just salt and lemon.
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Want some activities? Everything from quad biking and horse riding to traditional hammams can all be found in the city too.
If you want a cheap stay, then you can find bargain riads for as little as £31 a night.
While there are few global hotel chains in the city, there are still some fancier options such as the 5* Sofitel Essaouira or Atlas Essaouria.
Fancy a package holiday? Loveholidays has seven-night breaks for as little as £205pp.
Flights can be found for as little as £20 each way if travelling in the next few months.
The cheapest flights are from London Stansted with Ryanair.
It's not just Essaouira that is worth a visit in Morocco.
Ouarzazate is often dubbed the "Hollywood of Morocco," being used to film scenes that take place in Egypt or Rome.
Game of Thrones, The Mummy and Aladdin were all filmed there, along with Gladiator and it's sequel currently being filmed.
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What is a holiday in Essaouira like?
TRAVEL writer Kate Wickers told the Sun what it's like to go on holiday in the Moroccan city.
If you’ve not been to Morocco, the fortified city of Essaouira, which lies on the Atlantic Coast, has a little bit of everything that makes this country so alluring — vast sandy beaches, vibrant markets brimming with leather goods and spices, delicious food, and indigenous Berber culture to explore.
Once the country’s most important ports in the 18th and 19th centuries, the medina of Essaouira was named a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2001, and its buildings received a deserving restoration.
Locals will tut if you mention that their city is referred to as Marrakesh-by-the-sea, because beyond a similarity in its city walls and thriving markets, it is much less touristy and a bargain in comparison.
In fact, you can stay in luxury for under £100 per night.
Neither do you have to fight off persistent touts, which makes browsing in the souk and medina far more enjoyable.
There is also Rabat, the country's capital, or the more popular Marrakech.
And a woman who has been to more than 40 countries has revealed why she thinks Morocco is one of the best places to visit.
