Tired of tackling the crazed Christmas shopping crowds? Over the commercialisation and sense of obligation that is bestowed upon us during the ‘silly season’? If so, you’re not alone; you’re part of a growing community looking to get back to basics or, quite simply, to get away from it entirely. What better way to do this than plan an escape to a gorgeous, intriguing and captivating part of the world where Christmas largely goes unnoticed? If this sounds like your ideal Christmas, then you simply have to head to the Mediterranean.
While the European side of the Mediterranean (Spain, France, Italy and Greece) celebrates Christmas, consider venturing south or east to explore exotic, Christmas-free havens such as Morocco and Turkey. Here’s a closer look at what you can get up to in these countries on December 25th.
Morocco
Swap cheesy Christmas merchandise for a veritable sensory tour through mesmerising Morocco. Savour the distinct and tantalising flavours of North African cuisine in the country’s largest city Casablanca or wander and get lost in the narrow and maze-like streets of the medina in Marrakech. However, avoid the many tacky tourist traps and relentless merchants pedalling their wares. For a truly authentic travel experience, consider joining a small, intimate tour group with an experienced company that uses local guides, such as Gypsian Boutique Tours.
To take a break from all the sensory overload of Marrakech, schedule in a trip to Morocco’s film-shooting capital and the World Heritage site of Aït Benhaddou. This region has provided the backdrop for a number of Hollywood’s blockbusters and, once you’re there, you’ll understand why. You can explore and climb the narrow streets of this ancient fortified city to reach the top for spectacular views of the surrounding area.
While in Morocco, a visit to the Sahara is an absolute must. Imagine watching the sun set over 160m-high sand dunes. Initially, the sand glows rose-gold, then morphs into orange and finally pink-and-purple as the light changes and night descends.
Turkey
From one vibrant, intoxicating city to another, the Turkish capital of Istanbul is kind of like the love child of the once powerful Ottoman and Byzantine empires, set against the stunning architectural backdrop of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The food is out of this world and the Turkish people are welcoming and friendly. Wander through the Grand Bazaar and admire the beauty and workmanship of the famous Turkish carpets.
Turkey is a vast land and an extraordinary blend between European and Asian cultures. It also offers breathtaking scenery, like the surreal and otherworldly Cappadocia region in the country’s east. Take a hot air balloon to drift over the lunar-like landscape consisting of tall, cone-shape rock formations. During the Bronze Age, people carved their homes into these natural structures and you can tour through these astonishing ‘fairy chimneys’.
Not to be outdone by the east, Turkey’s southwest offers travelers Pamukkale, meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish. Gleaming white terraces have been naturally formed by calcium-rich thermal waters that cascade over them to create stunning turquoise rockpools.
Not far from Pamukkale is Ephesus, the grandest and best preserved of Turkey’s hundreds of ancient cities and ruins. In fact, Ephesus is one of the best preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean.
If these sites and attractions sound like the perfect alternative to staying at home for Christmas, don’t delay – book your trip to the Mediterranean today!
