Dakhla

A peninsula where the Sahara meets the Atlantic, whose calm lagoon and steady trade winds make it a world-class kitesurfing destination.

Dakhla lies midway along the Atlantic coast of Western Sahara (administered by Morocco as part of the Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab region). The town sits on a narrow sandy peninsula about 40 km long, which encloses a shallow lagoon of roughly 400 km² between it and the mainland. The North Atlantic trade winds blow year-round, bringing steady wind, very little rain and temperatures of 20–28°C almost all year. It is a world-class spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing: the wind is best from March to October, while winter is milder and better suited to sightseeing.

There are three main ways to experience it. First, the lagoon camps around PK25 north of town, where you can stay on site, take kitesurfing lessons and watch the sunset. Second, boat trips on the lagoon that take in the White Dune, Dragon Island and the oyster farms, where you can taste the area's famous lagoon oysters. Third, the southern 4x4 route to wild coastline such as the Imlili salt flats and Puerto Rico Beach. The town itself is small, with the Great Mosque, the central market and a seafront promenade; known as Villa Cisneros in Spanish times, it still has a lighthouse and other old buildings from that era.

Getting there: Dakhla Airport has flights to Casablanca, Agadir and Marrakesh, plus some routes to Europe; overland from Agadir is about 1,200 km. Plan on 4–7 days, longer for keen kiters. Note: the status of Western Sahara is disputed and there are several checkpoints along the roads, so keep your passport on you. Desert routes require a local guide, and sun protection and drinking water are essential.

Top sights

Where to eat