The cities of Laayoune and Dakhla are located at one of the most disputed region of Africa – the Western Sahara. The western part of the region is administered by Morocco and the eastern part by the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.
But don’t let this deter you from visiting these two beautiful cities. Laayoune and Dakhla are often described as paradise at the end of the world. Come and discover the beauty of coastal Morocco!
Exploring Laayoune – Morocco’s Desert Jewel
The city of Laayoune is situated about 600 kilometers south of Agadir.
This Southern Moroccan city is known for its incredible natural beauty with beach resort settings right next to Sahara landscapes. The contrast of the deserted stony hills with the Atlantic Ocean which bathes the city is striking.
There are a number of charming and relaxing accommodation options to choose from.
One of the best ways to truly experience the beauty of Laayoune is to organize a private excursion. Excursions in the surroundings take visitors to the breath-taking Sahara region or to the endless stretch of pristine coasts.
For adventure seekers, Laayoune acts as a gateway to the Sahara, and there are plenty of tour operators offering guided desert tours. These tours will take you into the vastness of the Sahara desert on camelback or on 4×4 ATV vehicles.
For those preferring coastal scenery over adventure, then you might consider visiting the nearby Tarfaya coast. You have not truly experienced the beauty of Laayoune until you have visited one of its starkly beautiful beaches. The Laayoune Beach is popular among locals and visitors alike. It has a long stretch of sand that is great for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. Naylat Beach is also a popular beach located about 20 kilometers north of Laayoune. Another popular beach is Foum el-Oued which is also located 20 kilometres away, but in the south coast.
Going Further South to Dakhla
Dakhla is located in the Western part of Sahara and is under Moroccan control. The city itself has been established on a narrow peninsula of the Atlantic coast. While under Spanish rule in 1844, Dakhla was forermly known as Villa Cisneros, the capital of Spain’s Rio de Oro colony. The city today has undergone serious reconstructions and there are lovely new buildings mixed with traditional architecture.
While Laayoune is about 600 kilometres south of Agadir, Dakhla is located even further south at about 1,000 kilometres south of Agadir. Is it worth traveling further south from Laayoune to visit Dakhla?
Yes! The distance is worth it when you get to this lovely seacoast city that is closer to the Mauritanian border than any other major Moroccan city.
Perhaps the most captivating feature of Dakhla is its natural setting. There is a unique charm hidden in the 40 kilometre of coastline that extends from the main coast and stretches outside the city to form a large lagoon. Tis picturesque lagoon is surrounded by sand dunes, rocky hills, and a variety of flora and fauna. It is no wonder that Dakhla is popular for those seeking both adventure and natural beauty. Dakhla is also a popular destination for water activities such as kitesurfing. You will find great waves in the Dakhla Peninsula which makes it a great surf spot for those interested in surfing in Morocco.
