If you’re after the same stunning views without as many tourists, why not try Rabat in Morocco?

The north-African city has a mixture of history and culture thanks to its cobbled streets and architecture.

While Marrakesh has been having its moment with travellers we can see why. Rabat may be the capital city but it’s surprisingly peaceful when you compare the two.

Things to do in Rabat

The capital city was founded in the 12th century, with a great history and architecture of the Hassan Tower and the Royal Palace of Rabat, which is the official residence of the King of Morocco.

There is also plenty of beaches to visit with Oudayas beach being perched on a rock by the fortress.

If you want to be one with nature then Rabat has a staggering 230 hectares of green spaces.

Here, you can visit the Andalusian Garden, the Essai Garden the Kasbah des Oudayas and its Andalusian Garden, the Chellah necropolis, the Ibn Sina forest and the Zoological Garden of Rabat.

How to get to Rabat

Of course, the best way is to fly with London offering direct flights to the Moroccan capital. It only takes just over three hours and you get a flight from as little as £82 return.

However, if you’re looking to fly from Manchester or Edinburgh, there are no direct flights but you stop over in London or Paris Charles De Gaulle for a quick pit stop.

Once you land there are plenty of ways to reach the city centre with the easiest being the Alsa City Bus from Rabat Airport to Gare Rabat Ville. This only takes around 40 minutes.

When is the best time to visit Rabat?

If you don’t want to go when it is massively hot then aim to go in the spring or the autumn.

The temperatures in April and May average between 21°C and 23°C.

Meanwhile, in September, it remains a hot 27°C.

If you like the heat then of course the summer months of July and August reach averages of 28°C across July and August.

However, if you’re after some winter sun then this is another great time to go with the highest average level out at 19°C in December. The lowest is 9°C, but that’s still relatively warmer than the UK.