A view to Essaouira, Morocco by Roquai (Creative Commons)
Morocco – Essaouira
If you wish for a deeply satisfying and relaxing summer holiday, well this could just be the perfect place. With artsy atmosphere, bracing sea breezes and picture perfect sceneries, Essaouira is perfect for that relaxing and mature holiday break.
Essaouira boasts of miles and miles of honey colored sandy beaches and the dominating white and blue Medina. Take your binoculars and look across the sea to Ile De Mogador the uninhibited islands and enjoy watching the Eleonaras falcons or hire a boat to take you round these fascinating islands.
The nightlife is colorful and vibrant. Get fully entertained by music especially played on traditional instruments such as iron castanets, bass drums and lute-like guimbiri, the mesmerizing rhythms’ and chants will definitely make you loosen up and try out those dancing styles that you only practice in your bathroom.
You can take a break from sightseeing and visit the lively souks where you get to bargain for everything from herbal Viagra, silwark [walnut bark] used as lipstick and the herbal spices lined up in the narrow alleyways. Try the dark thick coffee in any one of the open air cafés and bravely venture into local restaurants for locally made dishes. A holiday in Essaouira is one you’ll remember for many years to come.
Dubai
This is one of the world’s most extraordinary and most rewarding destination, with only a short history but with most of the worlds firsts’ its glitzy glam and probably the most materialistic city of all times. Holidays in Dubai offer an intriguing contrast of a modern cosmopolitan city and a fascinating insight to the Arab culture.
Dubai has spectacular sandy beaches, luxurious accommodations and exotic dining options. The sun here is all year round. Take a tour and discover the exciting history of Dubai, from the royalty of the now restored Majlis Al Ghorfat, famed Jumeirah mosque, the 200 year old Alfahid fortress to the Dubai museum. Sail along the Dubai Creek in a dhow and be amazed by the startling contrasts of this magical city; the intricate architectural designs on one side and narrow alleyways on the other side.
Finally a desert ride across the glowing sandy desert is amazing for any determined traveler; enjoy watching the beauty of the desert at dusk.
Dubai (Creative Commons)
Malta
Such a charming and perfect for holiday destination: size is nothing compared to the extraordinary excitement you can get from these tiny rock and limestone islands. There is a lot of song and dance in this breathtaking island, especially in this summer: the Mediterranean food festival, the Malta fireworks festivals and the fabulous jazz festival.
Choose from some of Malta’s incredible accommodation – from boutique bed and breakfasts to Malta farmhouses which have been converted into luxury villa-like accommodation with pools and everything you could want, coupled with classic Maltese architecture.
You can unwind in the beauty of the astonishing Barrakka gardens; one of UNESCOS Heritage sites. Head over to Valletta’s highest vantage point where you have a lovely aerial view of the Grand Harbor, or stroll through Malta’s ancient capital Mdina. Wander through its quaint winding streets and enjoy mixing with the locals and also learn a few interesting things about the culture of Maltian people.
Take a historic journey to the Hagar Quim temple which dates back to 3600BC, Church of St Lawrence and Inquisitors palace built during the time of the Knights, in Vittoriosa town. Malta though small in size is big in content.
This is a guest post from Tom at Cambodia Holidays, another great place for some sunshine if you don’t mind travelling a little further!