I will never forget my first glimpse of Dakhla. After traveling through the endless Sahara, suddenly the landscape opened up to reveal a sight that stopped me in my tracks – a narrow peninsula stretching into the Atlantic Ocean, creating a spectacular lagoon of turquoise blue waters surrounded by golden dunes.
"Allah has blessed this place with such beauty," I whispered to myself as I stood there, mesmerized by the contrast between the vast desert and the endless ocean.
Located in southern Morocco, about 1,700 kilometers from Casablanca, Dakhla is truly a hidden paradise that few travelers discover. But those who make the journey are rewarded with one of Morocco's most breathtaking landscapes – a place where the Sahara Desert meets the Atlantic Ocean in a perfect harmony of nature.
Today, I want to take you with me on a journey to discover Dakhla – this magical place that offers peace, adventure, and a unique blend of cultures that you won't find anywhere else in Morocco.
The Story of Dakhla: From Spanish Colony to Moroccan Gem
Morning view from his tent
Unlike many Moroccan cities that have deep ties to the Islamic civilization of Al-Andalus, Dakhla has a different historical path. The Spanish established it in 1844 and originally named it Villa Cisneros. This colonial past gives Dakhla a unique character that sets it apart from the northern cities like Tangier, Fez, and Marrakech.
For hundreds of years, this part of the Sahara was controlled by Spain and maintained close connections with the Canary Islands. During the 1960s and 1970s, both Morocco and Mauritania began pressuring Spain to release the territory. Eventually, in 1975, Spain withdrew, and the area was jointly administered by Morocco and Mauritania – though tensions between the two countries remained high.
The political situation here has been complex, but today, Dakhla is under Moroccan administration and has developed into a peaceful haven for travelers seeking natural beauty and adventure.
When you walk through the streets of Dakhla, you can still see traces of its Spanish heritage in some of the architecture, mixed with traditional Moroccan and Sahrawi influences. This blending of cultures is part of what makes Dakhla so fascinating.
Getting to Dakhla: A Journey Through the Sahara
Let me give you some practical advice about reaching this remote paradise. You have several options to travel to Dakhla, depending on your preferences:
By plane: This is the easiest option. Dakhla has its own airport (VIL) served by Royal Air Maroc, Air Arabia Maroc, and other airlines. There are regular flights from major Moroccan cities like Casablanca and Agadir. Some travelers even find direct flights from Paris through Transavia, which can be quite affordable if booked in advance.
By car or bus: This is a more adventurous option, but be prepared for a long journey! Dakhla is about 500km from Laayoune and more than 1,000km from Agadir. The drive takes you through endless desert landscapes that are beautiful but remote. The main route is the N1 highway that runs from Tiznit in the north to the Mauritanian border in the south.
As someone who has made this journey, I recommend flying unless you have plenty of time to explore the desert along the way. The airport is only about 5km from downtown Dakhla, making it convenient to start your adventure quickly!
Where Desert Meets Ocean: The Natural Beauty of Dakhla
The first thing that strikes visitors to Dakhla is its extraordinary natural setting. The city is built on a 40km long peninsula that forms the bay of Rio de Oro, creating a haven of peace between the lagoon and ocean.
I remember walking along the edge of the peninsula early one morning, with the lagoon on one side and the wild Atlantic waves on the other. The wind was fresh against my face, carrying the scent of salt and desert. In that moment, I understood why so many travelers fall in love with this place.
Dakhla offers kilometers of beaches that expand from one side of the town to the other – perfect places to relax and enjoy water activities. The shores here are truly among the most beautiful in Morocco, an absolute haven of peace where you can bask in the 25-degree sun all year round.
Let me share some of my favorite natural spots in Dakhla that you shouldn't miss:
The White Dune (La Dune Blanche)
About 30 kilometers from Dakhla on the road that leads to Mauritania, you'll find the White Dune – a surprising natural phenomenon rising in the middle of the lagoon. This massive sand dune appears almost like a mirage, standing alone in the shallow waters.
I remember riding to the White Dune on a 4x4 excursion. As we approached, I couldn't believe my eyes – a perfect hill of white sand rising from the crystal-clear waters, with nothing else around it for kilometers. We climbed to the top and sat in silence, taking in the 360-degree views of endless blue water meeting the golden desert beyond. It felt like sitting at the edge of the world.
The Dragon Peninsula (Pointe du Dragon)
Near the city, you'll find this uniquely shaped peninsula that resembles a dragon stretching into the lagoon. This site is known worldwide by athletes for its water sports center, Dakhla Attitude. Even if you're not into water sports, the views here are magnificent, especially at sunset when the fading light turns the landscape into a painting of gold and orange.
Dragon Island (Île Herne)
Dragon Island is one of Dakhla's many geological curiosities. It's accessible by foot during low tide, and it's a fascinating place to find interesting seashells. Walking across the temporarily exposed seabed to reach the island feels like a small adventure, and once there, the views back toward the mainland are stunning.
The Surfer's Paradise: Kitesurfing and Watersports in Dakhla
If you love adventure and water activities, Dakhla will feel like heaven! Situated on the edge of the Western Sahara desert, the Dakhla peninsula shelters a huge 45-kilometer long flat water lagoon from the Atlantic Ocean and is surrounded by dramatic dunes and desert topography. It is truly a kitesurfer's paradise.
I'm not an expert kitesurfer, but during my visit, I took beginner lessons and instantly understood why people travel from across the world to kite here. The conditions are perfect! The lagoon system near Dakhla is almost 20 kilometers wide and 200 meters deep, making it ideal for both experienced and novice kite surfers. Warm air currents blowing from the northeast provide optimal conditions for kitesurfing year-round.
The most popular spots for water activities include:
Foum El Bouir Beach
Located near the city (about 6km away), Foum El Bouir is known as the surfers' beach. The atmosphere here is lively, making it the perfect place for sliding sports. Surfers, kitesurfers, and windsurfers – both amateurs and professionals – meet here to experience thrilling challenges with waves and winds.
I spent an afternoon here watching the colorful kites dancing in the sky above the waves. Even if you don't participate, it's a spectacular show!
PK25
This beach is particularly famous and perfect for relaxation. Here, you can swim quietly in the calm and crystalline waters of the lagoon. The name comes from the fact that it's located 25 kilometers from the city center. Many kitesurfing schools and camps are based here, offering lessons for all levels.
Puertito Beach
Further south, Puertito beach is a superb expanse of white sand, perfect for setting up a Saharan bivouac. The pristine beaches here stretch for kilometers without another soul in sight – truly a place to feel connected with nature.
Beyond the Beaches: Other Activities in Dakhla
While water sports and beaches are the main attractions, Dakhla offers many other experiences that will make your visit unforgettable:
Desert Excursions and Camel Rides
Travel into the heart of the Sahara Desert, one of the most unique and beautiful landscapes on earth. You can ride a camel or explore the desert in a 4×4 vehicle, experiencing the vast expanses firsthand.
I took a sunset camel ride that led us deep into the desert dunes. As the sun began to set, our guide prepared Moroccan mint tea over a small fire. Sitting there, watching the stars appear one by one in the clear desert sky while sipping sweet tea, was a moment I'll treasure forever.
Marine Wildlife Exploration
Take a little open sea excursion to discover dolphins and sea turtles! The crystal-clear waters around Dakhla are home to spectacular marine life, including sea turtles and pelagic fish species.
I joined a small boat tour one morning, and within an hour, we were surrounded by playful dolphins jumping alongside our boat. Our guide told us that the unique meeting of currents in this area creates a rich ecosystem that attracts diverse marine life.
Oyster Farm Visits
Dakhla is famous for its oyster farms, which produce some of the highest-quality oysters in Morocco. These oysters are primarily exported to Europe, where they are prized for their fresh taste and quality.
Visiting these farms in the lagoon was fascinating – I learned how the unique environment provides the ideal conditions for oysters to grow. And of course, the tasting afterward was delicious!
Where to Stay: Accommodations in Dakhla
Dakhla offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets:
Beach Resorts
Many visitors choose to stay at the beach resorts, which are small, isolated, self-contained communities. Most of these resorts offer all-inclusive packages that include meals and sometimes kitesurfing lessons or equipment rental.
I stayed at one such resort during my visit, and though it was more expensive than staying in the city, waking up to the sound of waves and stepping directly onto the beach was worth every dirham!
City Accommodations
For those who don't want to stay at a resort the entire time, there are plenty of Airbnbs, hotels, and guesthouses in Dakhla Town. The city offers numerous restaurants, shisha bars, and other attractions to keep things interesting.
Staying in the city gives you a better chance to interact with locals and experience daily life in Dakhla. The accommodations are generally more affordable here, though you'll need transportation to reach the beaches and kitesurfing spots.
Desert Camps
For a truly unique experience, you can stay in a traditional Berber tent and experience the unique culture and hospitality of the nomadic tribes of the region. Many camps offer traditional Berber meals under the stars, with authentic local dishes and music.
I spent one night at a desert camp, and it was magical – falling asleep under a blanket of stars, far from any city lights, with only the gentle sound of the wind rustling through the dunes.
The People of Dakhla: A Welcoming Spirit
One of the things that impressed me most about Dakhla was the warmth of its people. When you visit the city of Dakhla, you'll find the people there to be incredibly kind and friendly.
I remember sitting at a small café in town, sipping mint tea and watching the sunset. The owner noticed me taking photos and came over to chat. He told me stories about growing up in Dakhla, how the city had changed over the years, and his favorite hidden spots that tourists rarely find. By the end of the evening, he had invited me to join his family for dinner the next day – such is the hospitality you'll encounter here.
For women travelers, Dakhla offers a refreshingly respectful atmosphere. Unlike some other areas of Morocco where street harassment can be an issue, Dakhla is known for being a place where inappropriate comments are rare, even when sitting alone in public spaces.
Practical Tips for Visiting Dakhla
Based on my own experiences, here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your visit to Dakhla:
Best Time to Visit
Dakhla enjoys a mild climate year-round, making it a good destination in any season. However, if you're a budget-conscious traveler, consider visiting between September and November, when hotel prices are generally the lowest.
For kitesurfing, the conditions are good throughout the year, though the wind is strongest between April and September.
Getting Around
Within the city, taxis are readily available and affordable. However, to explore the surrounding areas, you'll need to either join organized tours or rent a car.
If you plan to rent a car in Dakhla, be aware that there is very limited GPS coverage – this is the Sahara, and there are limited paved roads. Always carry plenty of water and let someone know your route if you're venturing into remote areas.
Safety
Dakhla itself is quite safe for tourists. However, like the local guide in the document suggests, inland areas controlled by the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic are not advisable to visit. Also, if you plan to travel south toward Mauritania, be aware that travel in convoys is often recommended for safety.
In my experience, the city and popular tourist areas feel very safe, with a relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals.
What to Pack
Don't forget to pack:
- Sunscreen and a hat (the sun is strong year-round)
- A light jacket or sweater for evenings (it can get surprisingly cool)
- Modest clothing for visiting the city (though beach resorts are more relaxed)
- Swimwear and beach gear
- Cash (ATMs are available but limited)
A Taste of Dakhla: Local Cuisine
No travel experience is complete without sampling the local food, and Dakhla offers some unique culinary experiences:
Fresh seafood is the star here – with the Atlantic Ocean and the lagoon providing an abundance of fish and shellfish daily. I recommend trying the grilled fish at one of the small restaurants near the port, where it goes straight from the boat to your plate.
Don't miss trying the famous Dakhla oysters, which are some of the highest quality in Morocco. Many restaurants serve them fresh with just a squeeze of lemon – simple perfection!
Traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine and couscous are also available, often with a local twist that incorporates seafood instead of the meat more common in other parts of Morocco.
For breakfast, try the traditional bread with olive oil and Moroccan mint tea – a simple but delicious way to start your day of adventures.
Reflections on Dakhla: A Place That Stays in Your Heart
As my visit to Dakhla came to an end, I found myself already planning my return. There's something special about this remote corner of Morocco that captures your heart – perhaps it's the stunning natural beauty, the peaceful atmosphere, or the warm smiles of the locals.
Standing on the edge of the peninsula on my last evening, watching the sun sink into the Atlantic while the call to prayer echoed softly from a distant mosque, I felt a profound sense of peace. Dakhla may be far from Morocco's famous imperial cities, but it offers something equally valuable – a chance to connect with nature, adventure, and the simple joy of discovery.
If you're looking for a destination that combines natural beauty, adventure, and authentic cultural experiences away from the tourist crowds, set your compass toward Dakhla. This hidden gem between the desert and the ocean is waiting to reveal its magic to those willing to make the journey.
Have You Been to Dakhla?
Have you visited this beautiful corner of Morocco? I'd love to hear about your experiences! Or if you're planning a trip and have questions, leave a comment below, and I'll do my best to help you plan your own Dakhla adventure.
Don't forget to check out my other articles about Tangier, Chefchaouen, and Marrakech to plan your complete Moroccan journey!