ISLE SEE YOU THERE
The tiny sunshine-soaked islands under 4 hours from Ireland with fab beaches, 27C heat and cheap pints
There are a number of popular tourist attractions to explore
TAKE a look at the tiny sunshine-soaked islands just four hours from Ireland - with fabulous beaches, 27C temperatures and cheap pints.
Nicknamed the 'Purple Isles', Île de Mogador is the main island of the Iles Purpuraires near Essaouira in Morocco.
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Stretching 3km long and 1.5km wide, this is the perfect option for a sun holiday but unfortunately it's not that simple.
The Île de Mogador is formed of two main islands as well as several tiny islets.
It was historically used by the Romans to make Tyrian Purple dye to colour Senatorial robes.
More recently it was used as a woman's prison and quarantine centre.
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As it's a breeding site for the Eleanora Falcon, securing permits to land there are quite difficult to come by.
To get there, jet setters can fly from Dublin Airport to Marrakech direct starting from €180.
The flight takes three hours and 40 minutes, and then Essaouira reached by a bus.
You can take a boat trip to the island for a day to explore or bird-watch from Essaouira Beach using binoculars.
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Temperatures on the islands reach highs of 27C and lows of 15C.
There are plenty of other sites, attractions and activities in Essaouira for holidaymakers to explore.
The port city sits on Morocco's Atlantic coast, and the town is protected by 18th-century seafront ramparts, Skala de la Kasbah.
Designed by European engineers, there are old brass canons lining the walls.
Winter sun hotspot dubbed the ‘Hollywood of Morocco’ – and flights are just £15
The town is known for being the windiest coastal city in Africa, but this makes the beaches popular places to go surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
In July 2022, the town recorded a record high temperature of 48.3C, though temperatures usually stay around 25C.
The town is an affordable place to visit with a pint setting you back between €2.50 and €6.
During the day, holidaymakers can explore the many galleries and traditional markets across the town.
There is variety of historical landmarks and tourist attractions to explore also.
There are a range of beaches to explore, many of which are covered in white sand and provide stunning views of the water.
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