Moroccan coastal city Essaouira, an alternative to Canary Islands
Holidaymakers from the UK have been encouraged to visit the Moroccan coastal resort of Essaouira.
According to the Guardian, many British holidaymakers are expected to shun traditionally popular destinations within the eurozone in favor of more affordable alternatives. The publication has chosen Essaouira as one of its top 20 non-Euro zone destinations for 2009, claiming that it is poised to replace Tenerife as a popular spot for family holidays.
Essaouira is a city and tourist resort in western Morocco, on the Atlantic coast. Tourism in the coastal resort is of growing importance. Boutique hotels established in customary Moroccan riads and new purpose-built hotels running along the beach are available. The medina of Essaouira is renowned for small arts and crafts businesses, particularly cabinet making and ‘thuya’ woodcarving. Essaouira is also known for its kite surfing and windsurfing, with the great trade wind blowing almost regularly onto the protected, wave-less bay. Camel excursions are also offered on the beach and into the desert band in the interior.
Essaouira offers a choice to the “skyrocketing” prices of the Canary Islands as it also provides comparable water sports facilities. “The long arc of sand is perfect for all water sports, while the old town is great for browsing and bartering,” the Guardian reports.
Meanwhile, the Sunday Mail has reported that property prices in the North African country try are around half that of Europe’s most popular resorts.
Popularity: 10% [?]
