We’re always looking for new destinations to visit that may be somewhat ‘undiscovered‘, and generally they end up being cheaper than your classic holidays to Mallorca, Greece or the South of France. This happened with Croatia a few years ago, when everyone discovered what a beautiful country it is, and now the new destination that’s been branded ‘the next Turkey‘ is Casablanca, Morocco, which is also the newest flight path from Manchester Airport.
Aside from giving its name to the famous 1942 Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart film, Casablanca is truly a wonderful destination for a summer holiday. Just into the African continent, it hasn’t been as well-known or traveled as ancient Moroccan city (now resort) Marrakesh or vibrant Fes, but now you can fly directly to Casablanca from Manchester.
Morocco’s newfound popularity mirrors Turkey’s recent tourism boom, and it’s easy to see where the similarities lie. Both countries offer great value for money; a three-course meal at a Casablanca restaurant is typically under £20 per person and a pint of local beer just £2.50 on average, according to consumer price index Numbeo.
The capital Rabat is just over an hour away and offers a unique cultural experience of its own, while Fes, home of the famous hats and a stunning Royal Palace, is a little further inland. The Atlas Mountains are a stunning spot for a hike, and all of these beautiful areas are within reach if you’re in Casablanca.
What is there to do in Casablanca?
The Old Medina is the medieval district at the heart of Casablanca, and the setting for the eponymous 1942 Hollywood hit. A warren of tightly-packed streets plays host to bustling markets, cafes and street hawkers. Practice your haggling skills as you navigate the Old Medina’s alleyways and then take in the views from the surrounding city walls and ramparts.
Widely regarded as one of the most stunning pieces of architecture on the African continent, the Hassan II Mosque sits partly over the sea, at the northern end of the Old Medina. Built by the former Moroccan king Hassan II in tribute to his father, its minaret was the tallest in the world at 689ft when it was completed in 1993. A laser at the top points towards Mecca after dark and the building silhouetted against the sunrise over the bay makes for an iconic Instagram-worthy shot.
No summer holiday would be complete without a day or two on the beach – and Casablanca boasts one of Morocco’s best. The golden sands of Ain Diab stretch for nearly two miles and the cooling Atlantic breeze means that, even though Casablanca is in northern Africa, its summer temperatures aren’t quite as scorching as those on the Med – with pleasant average highs of 27°C in the months of July and August.
If you’re taking the family to Casablanca, the Tamaris Aquaparc is well worth a visit. A little over an hour from the city centre by public transport, it markets itself as a ‘paradise for little ones‘, with more than a dozen large water rides coupled with other activities including bowling, and its own beach.
La Corniche is a trendy seafront promenade just to the north of Ain Diab, lined with high-end restaurants, swanky beach bars and night clubs. If Moroccan food isn’t your thing, you’ll find cuisine from all over the world here, and live music performances ring out throughout the district in the evenings.
How much does it cost to fly from Manchester to Casablanca?
Manchester Airport‘s exciting new Moroccan link to Casablanca is available to book from just £127 per person one-way with Royal Air Maroc.
There are tour companies in Casablanca offering organised day trips to surrounding areas, but hiring a car is also very affordable in Morocco if you wanted to explore them at your own pace.
To find out more about Casablanca and to book your trip to ‘the new Turkey’, visit the Manchester Airport website.