Laayoune
The main city of the far south, between desert and Atlantic
© Baptiste Riethmann / Unsplash
Laayoune is the largest city in Morocco's far south, about twenty kilometres from the Atlantic on the banks of the Saguia el-Hamra wadi. Travellers come to discover Hassani culture, its tents, music and tea ritual, and to reach the coastal landscapes: Foum El Oued beach, the dunes near the city and, further north, Tarfaya and the Khnifiss lagoon. It is also a stop on the road to Dakhla.
- 1 to 2 days
- Oct – May
- from 350 MAD
- Culture, Desert, Road trip, Adventure
- Travellers curious about the far south, Atlantic coast road trips, a stop on the way to Dakhla
Why go
- A southern culture still little known to travellers
- The contrast of dunes and ocean a few kilometres apart
- A stop toward Tarfaya, the Khnifiss lagoon and Dakhla
Hassani culture
Mechouar square
The city's main square, lively in the evening.
Tea and hospitality
Tea is served in three glasses, prepared slowly: an invitation to take your time.
Melhfa and crafts
The colourful melhfa fabrics are sold in the city's markets.
Ocean & desert
Foum El Oued
Laayoune's beach, about twenty kilometres from the city.
Tarfaya
A former Aéropostale stopover with a Saint-Exupéry museum and the Casa del Mar.
Khnifiss lagoon
A coastal national park rich in birdlife, between Tarfaya and Tan-Tan.
On the map
Food
Camel meat, Atlantic fish and mint tea prepared the Saharan way.
Where to stay
City centre
Business and mid-range hotels.
Getting around
Hassan I airport has flights from Casablanca and a few other cities. The N1 national road follows the coast north (Tarfaya, Tan-Tan, Agadir) and south (Dakhla): distances are long, so plan stopovers.
Budget
- 350 MAD
- 850 MAD
- 2,000 MAD
When to go
- Jan ✓
- Feb ✓
- Mar ✓
- Apr ✓
- May ✓
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct ✓
- Nov ✓
- Dec ✓
October to May. The ocean tempers the heat, but inland areas are very hot in summer.
Combine with
Plans that stop here
No plan goes through this destination yet.
Tips
- Before travelling, check your own government's travel advice for the region.
- On the road, fill up whenever you can and set off early.
Where next?