Dakhla

Dakhla, formerly known as Villa Cisneros, is a city on a narrow peninsula in Western Sahara, a territory whose political status is disputed, and which Morocco has administered since the late 1970s. It is the capital of the Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab region. The town's history is marked by its strategic position on the Atlantic coast, and it was established by Spanish colonists in the late 19th century as a trading post. Over time, it transformed from a small fishing village and garrison into an administrative and economic centre for the region, with new streets, a port and an airport.

Today, Dakhla is renowned globally as a kitesurfing capital due to consistent winds and shallow, warm waters. The bay of Dakhla is a natural lagoon, protected by the peninsula, creating ideal conditions for water sports, and it has long, flat stretches where beginners can learn in standing-depth water. Several kitesurfing schools operate along the lagoon, and the wind season runs from spring through early autumn, with the strongest winds in the middle of the year. Windsurfing and stand-up paddle boarding are also common.

Key attractions include the Dakhla Lagoon, where visitors can engage in kitesurfing, windsurfing and birdwatching. The area is a critical stopover for migratory birds, including flamingos, making it a haven for ornithologists, and in winter the shallows fill with waders and other species. The White Dune, a massive sand dune rising from the desert floor on the far side of the bay, offers panoramic views of the ocean and desert, and visitors often cross by boat or 4x4 to climb it and sit at the top at sunset. The lighthouse, the Phare Dakhla, at the tip of the peninsula provides another vantage point.

In town, the Old Town, historically Villa Cisneros, keeps a few buildings from the Spanish period, and the municipal market is the place to find fresh fish, vegetables and local products. The mosque is a central landmark, and the beach along the bay is a place for evening walks. Royal Golf Dakhla offers a desert course between the ocean and the dunes. Oyster farms on the lagoon are known across the country, and restaurants serve oysters, grilled fish and seafood tagines.

Activities in Dakhla include desert safaris in 4x4 vehicles, horseback riding along the beach, quad biking, fishing trips and boat excursions on the lagoon. The Dakhla-Laâyoune road crosses one of the most dramatic landscapes in Morocco, a long ribbon of tarmac through empty desert and along the sea, with the Tropic of Cancer marked near the road. The town also has a growing expatriate community and a variety of international restaurants, particularly near the lagoon.

Getting to Dakhla is primarily by air via Dakhla Airport, which has flights from Casablanca and other major Moroccan cities. Road access is possible but involves a very long drive from Marrakech or Ouarzazate. The best time to visit is during the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November) for mild temperatures. Summer can be extremely hot inland, though the coast is cooler, while winter is pleasant but windy. The peak season for kitesurfing is from April to September due to consistent winds. For birdwatching, the winter months (November to March) are optimal. Accommodation ranges from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses, catering to both adventure seekers and those seeking relaxation.