If Morocco is good enough for the Beckhams…..

Visit Agadir with Sunway

If Morocco is good enough for the Beckhams…..

Why not try Morocco?

As the evenings get darker and the cold winter creeps in, there is nothing I like more than planning a winter sun break. However, choices are limited from Ireland if you are looking for direct flights. There are plenty of European destinations available, but if you want sun you have to look further south. You can always choose one of the Canary Islands but for many (including myself), I’m sure it’s a case of  ‘been there done that’.

Why not try Morocco with Sunway?

Why not try Morocco with Sunway?

Victoria and David Beckham renewed their vows there in 2008 and loved it so much they have gone back numerous times. In fact David Beckham celebrated his 40th birthday there too. If it’s good enough for the Beckhams…

The beauty about a holiday in Moroccois that it gives you choice. You can enjoy a typical package holiday in the beach resort of Agadir and marvel at Marrakech’s maze of souks inside the ancient medina. You can admire the diverse landscape, with the Sahara desert and the Atlas mountains providing some of Africa’s most dramatic scenery. Or why not do all three. Sunway offer single, twin or multi centre itineraries so whether you are a culture vulture or a beach junkie – Morocco has something to suit you.

Enjoy the vibrant colours in Morocco's souks

Enjoy the vibrant colours in Morocco’s souks

Agadir

Agadir is the largest tourist resort in Morocco and is quite similar to other European holiday resorts. In fact I would say it is more similar to European resorts than to African ones! Agadir is also the Moroccan resort that is furthest south, with year round sunshine and temperatures similar to what you will find in the Canary Islands. There is a 3km promenade that stretches along the sandy beach with a wide selection of bars and restaurants to choose from. Fussy eaters will find steak houses, pizzerias and burger bars  (there is even a McDonalds!).

For the masses who think that because it is a muslim country there are no bars – there are plenty. There is even an Irish bar! Shopping in the souks is fun and there are plenty of bargains to be had, makes sure you haggle though. I would recommend starting at half of the asking price!

Agadir is also home to a modern marina which offers plenty of chic places to chill out and people watch. There are plenty of high street shops if the markets are not your thing. Zara, Aldo and Mac are there, amongst many others and there are also some great restaurants worth trying. Accommodation options are endless too with everything from three – five star hotels or apartments. Agadir is a modern, purpose built holiday resort which can rival any of its European counterparts. Go compare !

 

Visit Agadir with Sunway

Visit Agadir with Sunway

 

Marrakech

One of the highlights of this amazing country, Marrakech, has to be seen first hand. It is one place that absolutely resembles what it looks like in the movies. Full, frantic but fabulous. The old city (medina) is surrounded by 12th century walls and it’s centre is the main square , Djemaa el-Fna. You will find everything from snake charmers to cookery lessons and wandering around it feels almost like you have stepped back in time! At night time street artists and musicians perform and the atmosphere is tangible. Shoppers will love Marrakech’s maze of souks. You can buy everything from Moroccan spices to carpets for your hall stairs and landing! Make sure you haggle though, its part of the fun!

Book your Marrakech holiday today!

Book your Marrakech holiday today!

If this all sounds too crazy for you, don’t fret – you can always visit the chic boutiques and art galleries in the new town. There are plenty of modern restaurant choices here too, so if you are staying for a few nights there are numerous options available. Tripadvisor voted Marrakech the number one place in the world to visit in 2015 for a reason – go see!

Tripadvisor voted Marrakech the number one place in the world to visit in 2015

Tripadvisor voted Marrakech the number one place in the world to visit in 2015

Other possibilities

If you are staying in Agadir and just want a taste of culture you can always try Marrakech’s sister, Taroudant. Often refered to as ‘Little Marrakech’ this too offers lively souks inside ancient city walls.  This town is renowned for its friendly people and is a lot less hectic than Marrakech. It’s walls are the most complete of all Moroccan towns and some say this is the place to experience the ‘real Morocco’. It is also only an hours drive from Agadir so is a good choice for a day trip or a short stay.

 

Another option for a two centre break is the coastal town of Essaouira. More laid back than Agadir, with a long sandy beach with plenty of water sports available. It has a small traditional medina which is a UNESCO world heritage site so it has a cultural vibe. There are souks too, and it is a lot easier to browse here than in Marrakech, (you won’t be hassled for not buying something!). Essaouira can be quite windy so it tends to attract surfers. It also holds an annual music festival so there are plenty of  ‘cool’ people hanging around.

 

For day trips, you are spoilt for choice. There are desert safaris, mountain hikes, cookery classes, you can even take a hot air balloon over the Atlas mountains! Any of the above cities can also be seen in a day, although you can stay overnight to get a more authentic experience.

Moroccan souks by night

Moroccan souks by night

Morocco is one of Africa’s most diverse countries. Home to the Sahara desert, the Atlas mountains, a superb coastline and some of Africa’s most fascinating ancient cities. One minute you can be eating pizza in a modern marina, the next watching street artists perform in the world’s largest living medina. Morocco is the ideal winter sun destination. With year round sunshine, beautiful beach resorts and a country crammed with culture, Morocco offers something for everyone.

Credit: Sarah Slattery, The Travel Expert

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