Is Morocco ‘the next Turkey’? Why holidaymakers are rushing to soak up the sun in Casablanca this summer
If you had to name the summer holiday hotspots that are most popular with Brits, several would spring to mind immediately – Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Turkey among them. But another name on the list might surprise you.
The number of flights from the UK to Morocco has rocketed by around three quarters since 2019, according to a recent report. And at Manchester Airport, with its 200-plus destinations to choose from, you can now catch a direct flight to no fewer than four Moroccan cities. These are Marrakesh, Agadir, Tangier, and most recently, Casablanca, the coastal resort of Hollywood fame which has gained its first direct flight to Manchester this month.
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 – but they also allow holidaymakers to indulge their sense of adventure and throw themselves into a different culture, as well as enjoying reliable sunshine and wonderful beaches.
Here we run through eight of the top things to do in Casablanca, Manchester Airport’s exciting new Moroccan link – with prices available from just £127 per person one-way* with Royal Air Maroc.
Explore the Old Medina
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.
Visit Hassan II Mosque
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 689 ft 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. The ornately-decorated mosque, with its marbled interior and Merano glass chandeliers, is open to visitors for daily tours. It also houses a museum displaying contemporary Moroccan art.
Try out the local fare
Morocco is famous for hearty food enriched with warming spices, and many of its dishes, like tagine and couscous, are likely already familiar to holidaymakers flying from Manchester. As a coastal city, Casablanca throws a healthy dose of seafood into the mix, and Chermoula – a fish fillet fried in a herby marinade served with couscous and salad – is a must-try while you’re here.
Soak up the sun on Ain Diab beach
No summer holiday would be complete without a day or two on the beach – and Casablanca boasts one of Moroccos’ 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 27C in the months of July and August.
Sip a cocktail on La Corniche
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.
Make a splash at Tamaris Aquaparc
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. Ticket prices are a very reasonable 230 Moroccan Dirhams (around £18) for adults and 150 Dirhams (£11.80) for children, inclusive of all of the attractions across the sprawling park. With opening hours of 10:00 – 18:30, you can easily make a full day of it.
Shop until you drop at Morocco Mall
Haggling isn’t for everyone – and if you want a more conventional shopping experience than the one on offer in the Old Medina, you’ll find it at the Morocco Mall. It plays host to a mix of international high street names and boutique shops, with towering palm trees and a huge aquarium in its atrium.
Hit the road
Casablanca makes a great base to explore what the rest of Morocco has to offer. 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. There are tour companies in Casablanca offering organised day trips to all of these places, and more, but hiring a car is also very affordable in Morocco if you wanted to explore them at your own pace.
*Price correct at time of publication