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Winter sun hotspot dubbed the ‘Hollywood of Morocco’ – and flights are just £15
Blockbusters include The Mummy, Gladiator and Aladdin
A WINTER sun destination with cheap flights is great for film buffs - having been the location for a number of huge Hollywood films.
Morocco is a popular holiday hotspot for Brits wanting some warmer weather in the winter, where temperatures remain around 20C.
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And the city of Ouarzazate, found to the southeast of Marrakech and known as a gateway to the Sahara Desert, is great for holidaymakers seeking some interesting movie history too.
Morocco was hit by a devastating earthquake back in September, which also affected Ouarzazate and resulted in more than 2,900 people killed.
However, the country has started to recover, and encouraged tourists to return, due to huge reliance on tourism for the economy.
Dubbed the "Hollywood of Morocco," Ouarzazate is often used to film scenes that take place in Egypt or Rome.
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The most famous movie to have filmed there is the 2000 film Gladiator starring Russell Crowe, with Gladiator 2 currently filming there.
Other movies include the 1999 films The Mummy and Cleopatra as well as the 2019 Disney adaptation of Aladdin.
Scenes in Game of Thrones and Prison Break also used Ouarzazate as a filming location.
Its popularity with directors is due to the Atlas Studios, the largest movie production site in the world when measured by acres due to the vast space being desert.
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Tourists can even visit Atlas Studios for around £6, while there is another large studio called CLA Studios in the city as well as the Cinema Museum.
Even if you aren't into films, Ouarzazate is a great holiday destination for Brits on a budget.
Originally home to a garrison town in the 1920s operated by the French, it only became "Ouallywood" in the 1950s.
The most popular attraction is the UNESCO Kasbah Taourirt, a fortified residence dating back to the 17th century.
And the town of Aït Benhaddou, near Ouarzazate, is adorned with a picture of Russell Crowe, with locals saying he was a "nice man who talked to everyone".
Or due to its proximity to the Atlas Mountains, many travel through on overnight excursions or opt for quad bike tours.
Flights to Ouarzazate from the UK can be found for as little as £14.99 each way with Ryanair, taking just over 3hr30.
Visit in the summer to get highs of 30C but remains around 21C in December and January.
If you fancy another Moroccan holiday, there is also Rabat, the country's capital, or the more popular Marrakech.
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