Less known than Marrakech, this Moroccan city seduces travelers in search of serenity

Meknes offers sunshine and less hustle and bustle than Marrakech and Rabat. This city is only 50 minutes from Fez. It is an ideal destination for history enthusiasts. It has an interesting past, as it was once the capital of Morocco. In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, Sultan Moulay Ismail made it the capital of Morocco, reports The Sun. At the time, it was an immense imperial city with palaces, fortifications and monumental gates - many of which still exist today.

Just outside Meknes is a popular historic site called Volubilis, a well-preserved Roman city. Tourists can discover mosaic ruins and even a triumphal arch. One of the most popular sites in the city for tourists is the Kasbah of Moulay Ismail. Built in the 17th century, it still occasionally serves as a royal residence for King Mohammed VI. Another iconic site: the medina of Meknes. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, this site is nicknamed the "Versailles of Morocco".

Visitors can buy vases, plates and bracelets in the shops erected on the Place El Hedim. In terms of temperature, Meknes enjoys, like most of Morocco, a fairly hot climate all year round. In November, maximum temperatures reach 30°C and minimums 9°C, with little precipitation. January is the coldest month, but temperatures can still drop to 16°C. July and August are the hottest months. The city can experience maximum temperatures of 34°C.

To get to Meknes, the British can take direct flights to Fez (only three hours and twenty minutes), as the city does not have its own airport. Trips in November start from £17 with Ryanair. They can also get there by taking a flight from the UK to Rabat (a little over three hours). Once in Rabat, they can take a direct train to Meknes, which takes about two hours and the tickets cost £5.50.