Dakhla
In southern Morocco, Dakhla is a booming destination that is attracting more and more travelers in search of authenticity and a change of scenery. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sahara Desert, this town offers an exceptional setting for nature and water sports enthusiasts.
Known as the “ city of wind ”, Dakhla, with its vast sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, is a veritable paradise for surfers, kite-surfers and sea lovers. But there’s much more to Dakhla than its water activities: it also has a wealth of cultural and historical treasures to discover.
With its lively souks, Berber traditions and delicious gastronomy, this city offers visitors an enriching and exotic experience.
In this article, we invite you to dive into the heart of this authentic town and explore its many facets. Discover the must-sees, the best places to stay and eat, and the activities to enjoy for an unforgettable stay in Dakhla. Whether you’re an extreme sports enthusiast, a culture buff or simply looking for some peace and quiet, Dakhla is sure to seduce you and provide you with an unforgettable vacation.
Discover Dakhla
Dakhla is nestled on a peninsula stretching over 40 kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean. Its contrasting landscapes offer a unique blend of arid desert and turquoise sea.
The region is renowned for its ideal conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing, attracting many water sports enthusiasts from all over the world.
A town founded in the 19th century
Dakhla, formerly Villa Cisneros, is a coastal town in southern Morocco, in the heart of the Sahara desert.
Founded in the 19th century by the Spanish, it has long been an important trading post and stopover for caravans crossing the desert.
After Moroccan independence in 1975, the “pearl of the Moroccan Sahara” became a popular tourist destination for its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Dakhla Bay: a dream spot for water sports
Dakhla Bay is the vibrant heart of the region for water sports enthusiasts. It attracts kitesurfers, windsurfers, surfers and dreamers with its constant winds and breathtaking scenery. The lagoon’s crystal-clear waters offer ideal conditions for these activities.
At dawn, the bay awakens in a light mist, gradually revealing the mineral desert of the Sahara.
A kitesurfing paradise
In Foum El Bouir, the atmosphere is livelier, with kitesurfing and windsurfing competitions regularly organized. Attending an event like the Dakhla Kitesurf World Cup is a memorable experience for those looking to combine relaxation and adventure.
The bay is a kitesurfer’s paradise from February to October. Surf camps such as Dakhla Attitude, Dakhla Spirit and l’Océan Vagabond offer a variety of services for kitesurfers of all levels. For an unforgettable kitesurfing experience in this iconic spot, don’t hesitate to rent equipment on site.
A popular spot for anglers and camper vans
At low tide, fishermen and morning walkers take over the area. Herné Island, nicknamed “Dragon Island” because of its shape, is a hidden gem in the bay, accessible only at low tide.
PK25, a kilometre-long point at the entrance to the peninsula, is a popular spot for motorhomers and travellers for its hot, sulphurous springs.
Must-do activities in and around Dakhla
Going to Dune Blanche
A trip to Dakhla would be incomplete without exploring the surrounding natural wonders. The Dune Blanche is a breathtaking sight, offering a breathtaking view of the lagoon.
The vast stretches of white sand of this natural curiosity contrast magnificently with the turquoise waters. You can also admire the hundreds of pink flamingos that call this exceptional area home.
Birdwatching
Dakhla Bay is a site recognized by the international RAMSAR and ZICO conventions for the protection of wetlands and birds. It is an ideal place to observe a wide variety of migratory and resident birds.
Flamingos, herons and cormorants are just some of the species you can see strutting their stuff in the lagoon’s waters.
To witness a unique spectacle that will make your trip unforgettable, plan a birdwatching trip at sunset. In the last hours of the day, the wildlife comes alive before sinking into the calm of the night. Simply magical!
Take a trip to the desert
The Dakhla region offers breathtaking desert landscapes. Explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Sahara on a desert excursion.
4WD tours allow you to discover iconic sites such as the White Dune, Puerto Rico’s wild beaches and hidden oases. It’s a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the immensity and silence of the desert.
Thrill-seekers can also enjoy sandboarding on the Pearl of Southern Morocco’s impressive dunes.
Dakhla’s heavenly beaches
Dakhla is surrounded by kilometers of heavenly beaches ideal for water sports. Sunbathers can enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon, while thrill-seekers will be delighted at Pointe du Dragon, where the impressive waves attract internationally renowned surfers every year.
Lassarga beach
Lassarga beach is renowned for its fine sand and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and relaxing. Surrounded by golden sand dunes, it offers a peaceful, unspoilt setting, ideal for those seeking tranquillity and nature.
Dune Blanche beach
The Dune Blanche beach is a real natural gem in the vicinity of Dakhla. Located 50 km from the resort, it offers spectacular scenery with its white sand dunes contrasting with the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the perfect place for kitesurfing and windsurfing enthusiasts, thanks to its constant winds and vast stretches of sand ideal for these water sports.
Oum Labouir beach
Located some ten kilometres from Dakhla town centre, Oum Labouir beach is a surfer’s paradise. Renowned for its impressive waves, it is ideal for adrenalin-seeking water sports enthusiasts. The spot is also perfect for those looking to relax by the ocean, enjoying the fine sand and panoramic views.
Puerto Rico beach
80 km south of the City of Wind, Puerto Rico beach is an endless stretch of golden sand. It’s the perfect place for lovers of wilderness and off-the-beaten-track adventures. Here, you can camp under the stars and lose yourself in the vast stretches of desert that border the ocean.
Visiting the ostrich farm
Just a few kilometres away from Dakhla, the Ostrich Farm is a fascinating visit for all the family. This unique farm lets you get up close and personal with these majestic birds in their natural habitat. You can observe the ostriches, learn about their lifestyle and behaviour, and even take part in feeding the birds.
A practical guide to travelling to Dakhla
What’s the best time of year to visit Dakhla?
The best time to visit Dakhla is between October and March, when the climate is milder and more pleasant. Temperatures are generally more bearable, and you can take full advantage of outdoor activities without being bothered by the intense heat of the summer months.
How to get to Dakhla?
By plane, Transavia offers direct flights from Paris to Dakhla. With a connection in Casablanca or Agadir, Royal Air Maroc serves Dakhla from Lyon, Paris and Bordeaux.
By road, the N1 leads directly to Dakhla from Agadir. This 1200 km route passes Laâyoune and offers spectacular scenery all along the way.
Where to stay in Dakhla?
Dakhla offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Whether you prefer a luxury hotel by the sea, a riad in the heart of the town, a hotel residence or a campsite, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay in Dakhla.
For a closer-to-nature experience close to the kite and surf spots, rent a bungalow on the edge of Playa Frances at Heliophora. Its spartan comfort for a Westerner is matched by the beautiful scenery that surrounds it.
Make sure you book your accommodation in advance, especially during the high tourist season, to guarantee availability.
How to contact the Tourist Office ?
To prepare your stay, you can contact the Dakhla Oued Eddahab Regional Tourist Office located at 13 Bd Al Walae, 3rd floor, Dakhla. Telephone: 0528 931 702 Fax: 0528 931 703 Email.
