HEATING UP
Lesser-known seaside city just 3 hours from the UK where it’s hot in winter and your money goes very far
We also visited the city's affordable five-star resort
JUST a few hours from the UK is a seaside resort often overlooked by Brits - despite its amazing weather and affordability.
El Jadida, in Morocco, is often skipped in favour of destinations such as Marrakech when visiting the country.
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The fortified city was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese and named Mazagan.
However, it was given up by 1769 and became part of Morocco, now named El Jadida.
It is even a UNSECO World Heritage site, due to its "outstanding example of the interchange of influences between European and Moroccan cultures".
Now, the small city is full of market stalls where you can find cheap wares and bargain food.
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Common dishes include tagines, which come with meat, potato and vegetables, and cost as little as £2.
Despite being a predominately Muslim country, you can also find bars and cafes serving alcohol along the seafront, costing between £3 - £5 for beers.
Attractions include the Mazagan Fortress, shaped like a star with old cannons still in place.
There is also the Portuguese Cisterns, featuring in the Orson Welles’ film Othello, where you can see a mirrored image when the sun shines directly over.
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Otherwise the main beach is Deauville Plage, with a huge stretch of sand as well as sunloungers and umbrellas to rent.
One of the most popular hotel resort for the city is the huge five-star Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort.
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Rooms can be found for as little as £137 a night, making it an affordable five-star resort.
Not only are flights three hours, but you can expect temperatures up to 20C in the colder winter months.
Non-stop flights run from the UK to Casablanca, which is less than an hour away.
What is it like to visit Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort
The Sun's Deputy Digital Night Editor Mark Hodge recently visited Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort.
"Set in its own four-mile stretch of stunning white sands, it offers relaxation and adventure in equal measures.
"Everything on this incredible 250-hectare estate exudes luxury — from the many restaurants, cafes and bars to the biggest casino in North Africa.
"The two jewels in the crown are the huge beach and the 18-hole golf course designed by nine-time major champion Gary Player.
"Other activities include exhilarating quad bike rides, which I did on my first day, cutting through the fresh sea air.
"Parents who want time to themselves can also take advantage of the kids’ club.
"The resort has a traditional Moroccan hammam too, where guests can drift into a slumber while being bathed and scrubbed in a lavish marble and mosaic steam room."
The 3hr15 flights run from London Gatwick and Manchester with Royal Air Maroc.
Fancy a package holiday? You can find seven-night stays with breakfast and return flights from the UK for as little as £719 with Loveholidays.
It's not the only Moroccan destination you should visit this year.
Also overlooked is the city of Essaouira, much quieter than Marrakech too and often dubbed the "laid-back version" of it.
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There is also Fez, referred to by many as the “country’s cultural capital”.
And Ouarzazate has been dubbed the "Hollywood of Morocco" after featuring in a number of huge blockbuster films.
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