30C

IF you fancy African sunshine but less of the hustle and bustle from the likes of Marrakesh and Rabat, check out this alternative.

It still has everything you’d want from a visit, from historical sites to souks as well as lively festivals.

This is the city of Meknes in northern Morocco. It’s just 50 minutes away from Fez – and it’s much quieter.

For those who love history, Meknes has an interesting one as it was once the capital of Morocco.

During the late 17th and early 18th centuries, Sultan Moulay Ismail made it the capital of Morocco.

Meknes was transformed into a massive imperial city with palaces, fortifications, and monumental gates – lots of which still stand today.

YULE DO

Travel expert reveals cheap UK holiday parks with Xmas breaks from £9pp a night

CHRIMBO WIN

Enter these travel comps before Xmas to win £2k holidays, ski trips & spa stays

The Kasbah of Moulay Ismail was built during the 1600s and is one of the most popular sites for tourists to see in Meknes.

It’s still used as an occasional royal residence by the current King of Morocco.

The medina of Meknes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in itself and according to VisitMorocco, is nicknamed the “Versailles of Morocco”.

Place El-Hedim has all kinds of shops with locals selling all sorts, from vases, plates to bracelets.

There are green spaces within the city too, from orchards to olive groves and vineyards.

Just outside of Meknes is a popular historical site, called Volubilis, a well-preserved Roman city, where tourists will find ruins of mosaics, and even a Triumphal Arch.

While Meknes is quieter than the likes of Fez because it generally has less tourists, that doesn’t mean there’s not much going on there.

In fact, Meknes holds festivals through the year, like Festival International de Volubilis des Musiques Traditionnelles du Monde – a big music festival.

This includes the International Festival of Animated Film and its own Fantasia festival which is a traditional Moroccan horse festival.

Like most of Morocco, Meknes is pretty warm throughout the year.

In November, there are highs of 30C and lows of 9C and little rainfall. The coldest month is generally January – but there can still be highs of 16C.

The hottest months are July and August, where the city can experience highs of 34C.

Meknes does not have its own airport as the closest is in Fez.

Brits can take direct flights to Fez in as little as three hours 20 minutes and journeys in November start from £17 with Ryanair.

It’s easy to get there from Rabat too, which you can fly to from the UK in a little over three hours.

From there you can get a direct train from Rabat to Meknes which takes around two hours and tickets cost as little as £5.50.

moving fast

MAFS couple PREGNANT days after they get married as strangers on show

WEDDING RIFT

Adam Peaty’s family feud escalates as he BANS mum from wedding to Holly Ramsay

Here’s a little more on other citiies in Morocco…

Marrakesh

From a bustling Medina, to activities in the desert, vibrant cafes and spice stalls, you can’t go wrong with Marrakesh.

The city in western Morocco is at the bottom of the Atlas Mountains and in the winter months offers warm weather and lots of sunshine.

Lisa Minot, Head of Sun Travel, went on a trip earlier this year and said: “I’ve spent a wonderful long weekend in Marrakech and the city is as exciting as ever.”

Agadir

Morocco doesn’t just offer city breaks, Agadir has incredible golden beaches. It’s known to be a premier resort destination with beautiful hotels and pristine pools.

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited Agadir last winter and enjoyed the much warmer weather of 25C.

Kara added: “The Moroccan city is home to the country’s largest market, Souk El Had, as well as a bustling harbour and modern marina. No wonder the North African country looks set to be a holiday hotspot as Brits look past Spain.”

Fez

Another lesser-visited city in Morocco is Fez. It’s found inland and has been referred to as the “country’s cultural capital”.

There’s plenty of shopping to be done in Fez at the Medina, which is the oldest in North Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s made up of over 9,000 alleys that are separated from the outside world by high walls. 

Inside you’ll find lots of food, leathers, handmade rugs and hand-painted ceramics.

Tangier

The city at the very tip of Morocco is Tangier – on a clear day, you can even see Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Tangier has been a major trade centre for thousands of years thanks to its location and busy port.

Visitors can learn about its interesting history with a guided tour, and wander through Kasbah, the walled part of the city full of tiny streets and alleys.

Kasbah has been used for Hollywood movies including James Bond and the Bourne film series.

For more on Morocco, read more about Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot’s trip to Marrakesh.

Plus check out this peaceful African city right by the sea that feels ‘more like Europe’ – but tourists always miss it.

One place has been enjoying a surge in popularity with Brits in recent months, and it’s not difficult to see why as the country boasts stunning beaches, lush greenery and incredible wildlife

Brits seeking to escape the dreary UK winter for sunnier climates typically opt for destinations like Bali or Thailand. However, travel experts have identified one ‘underrated’ country emerging as a strong competitor, boasting palm-fringed sandy beaches and stunning landscapes.

Sri Lanka, whilst not exactly a hidden gem, has experienced a notable surge in popularity recently, with Travel Republic recording a 72% increase in holiday bookings to the South Asian nation over the past month alone. Across social media platforms, influencers have been documenting their travels throughout the country, with followers eagerly commenting that it’s the “most magical place ever”.

With its picturesque coastline, verdant terrain and diverse wildlife including elephants and leopards, it’s easy to understand why the destination appeals to adventurous travellers.

The ancient fortress of Sigiriya, believed by locals to have been constructed by King Kasyapa, stands as a remarkable landmark. Sihagiri, also known as Lion Rock, derives its name from the massive carved stone lion forming the entrance to the impressive citadel.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email [email protected]

READ MORE: Four airlines now ban passengers from packing AirPodsREAD MORE: Quaint town described as ‘beguiling’ by famous fan perfect for literature lovers

Whilst the ascent is challenging, the panoramic views make it worthwhile (though visitors should note it can become busy, so arriving early helps avoid the tourist crowds). Meanwhile, Udawalawe National Park provides the perfect backdrop for spotting wildlife on safari, from water buffalo and mongooses to jackals and spotted deer, reports the Express.

For those seeking Maldives-style beaches, Unawatuna Beach is essential viewing, with its pristine waters perfect for swimming or watersports.

Then there are the stunning temples scattered across the landscape, but if you can only visit one, make it the Temple of the Tooth. Located in the vibrant city of Kandy, this World Heritage Site contains the relic of the tooth of Buddha – a precious artefact believed to grant its holder the power to govern the country.

Unsurprisingly, the tooth itself remains secured within a golden casket, hidden from view. Nevertheless, the temple complex features numerous shrines and smaller temples to discover, offering a captivating insight into Sri Lankan culture.

A Travel Republic spokesperson said: “Sri Lanka is becoming one of Asia’s most exciting destinations. It offers stunning beaches, lush islands, rich local culture, and incredible wildlife, all without the crowds that have made other destinations feel overrun. For travellers seeking authenticity and adventure, it’s a destination that still feels fresh and undiscovered, much like Bali did two decades ago.”

Add in temperatures reaching 30C during December and January, and the attraction becomes immediately clear. However, a word of caution for those planning to visit during the winter months; it’s best to head to the south and west coasts, where it’s dry season.

The Northern parts of Sri Lanka will be in the throes of their monsoon season, which certainly won’t provide the winter sun you might be after!

The travel expert advised: “With Sri Lanka currently having its moment on social media, now is the perfect time to start planning a trip for 2026. The best time to visit the southwest coast and cultural triangle is from December to March, when conditions are warm and dry. For the east coast, including Arugam Bay, April to September offers ideal weather for surfing and beach activities.”