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Morocco’s capital city is an ‘understated seaside gem’ that’s far less crowded than Marrakesh & has new £14.99 flights
Plus, we reveal all the rules you need to know for travelling with Ryanair
BUDGET airline Ryanair is launching a new route between Manchester Airport and Rabat, the capital city of Morocco.
Rabat is routinely described as an understated seaside gem by travel experts and holidaymakers.
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The Moroccan capital is often described as Morocco's 'understated coastal capital' because it doesn't have the same tourist-heavy atmosphere compared to other destinations.
The , "Rabat is Morocco's most underrated city in plain sight" also calling it a "seaside jewell".
As a holiday destination, Morocco is growing in popularity thanks to its affordable prices.
While destinations like Marrakech, Agadir and Essaouira are already fairly popular among Brits, Rabat has flown under the tourist radar in recent years.
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Founded in 1150, the Moroccan capital was recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2012.
Located on the Atlantic coast, the city is home to two main beaches, Rabat Beach and Oudayas Beach.
Used by both tourists and locals alike, Rabat Beach is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, while Oudayas Beach is more scenic and known for its secluded atmosphere.
There are plenty of other sites and attractions to keep holidaymakers entertained too, including the Kasbah of the Udayas — a picturesque fortress overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
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The citadel is packed with narrow blue and white painted streets and boasts views overlooking the Bouregreg River from its terrace.
There's also the Hassan Tower, which dates back to the 12th century and is a symbol of the city.
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It was meant to be part of one of the largest mosques in the world, although the site is now surrounded by its ruins.
Other sites include Rabat Medina, which is routinely described as more laid-back compared to other medinas in Morocco.
Holidaymakers can also view the exterior of the Royal Palace of Rabat, looking at its grand gates and stunning gardens.
Other attractions include Rabat Archaeological Museum, Jardin d'Essais Botaniques (a botanical garden in the heart of the city) and Chellah Necropolis.
New flights between Manchester and Rabat will take to the skies later this month on March 30, with one-way fares starting from £14.99.
The twice-weekly service will operate every Wednesday and Sunday.
Flights depart Manchester early in the morning, touching down in the Moroccan capital three and a half hours later.
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A spokesperson for Manchester Airport commented: "The North African country’s growing appeal is driven by its reliable year-round sunshine, wonderful beaches and the opportunity for visitors to throw themselves into a different culture – and all at a very reasonable price.
"Rabat offers visitors a bit of everything – from beaches and scenic spots to great food, grand architecture and a long and fascinating history."
Not only can Brits bag cheap Ryanair flights to Rabat from both Manchester and London Stansted, but accommodation is highly affordable too.
Sun Online Travel have found three-night stays at Riad Sidi Fatah (a three-star beachfront hotel) from £130 per person.
Overnight stays at other accommodation providers start from just under £17 per person.
Food and drink is affordable too, with an inexpensive meal costing £3.20 and dinners at a mid-range restaurant starting from around £12 per person.
Draft beers cost roughly £3, with soft drinks like orange juice coming in at 80p.
And Rabat isn't the only destination getting new UK flights, with Ryanair also launching a new summer route from Manchester to Toulouse.
Despite scrapping services across Europe, the low-cost airline is also launching a new service between Liverpool and Budapest.
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Advice for flying with Ryanair
- All Ryanair passengers can bring a small personal bag on board but this must fit under the seat in front of you, but it must be no bigger than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm
- Any over-sized cabin bags will be refused at the boarding gate and put in the hold for a fee
- Ryanair also charges passengers up to £55 check-in at the airport
- Anyone who loses their card at the airport will have to pay a £20 reissue fee
- Book to sit in the front five rows if you want to head off the plane first
- Extra legroom seats can be found in rows 1 A, B, C or 2 D, E, F as well as row 16 and 17 near the emergency exit
- The worst seat on Ryanair's Boeing 737-800 aircraft is also 11A because of its lack of window.
Here are tips from Sun Travel on how to keep a trip with Ryanair just as cheap as the ticket price.
And the news that customers will no longer get caught out with the £55 charge thanks to new rules.
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