Western Sahara

Western Sahara is a disputed North African territory stretching along the Atlantic coast between Morocco and Mauritania. Its remote desert character, long coastline and distinctive Sahrawi heritage give it a travel appeal unlike most of the surrounding region, with Laayoune and Dakhla as the main urban centres.

Laayoune, the largest city and administrative centre, combines modern services with Spanish colonial influences, while Dakhla sits on a narrow peninsula beside a sheltered lagoon and has become known for kitesurfing and wind sports. Smaller settlements such as Smara and Boujdour offer glimpses of Saharan and Atlantic life along the coastal route.

The landscape is dominated by desert, including dunes, rocky hamada and wide open plains, together with hundreds of kilometres of Atlantic shoreline. Sahrawi traditions, tea culture, markets, historic Spanish architecture and the territory's long-running political status all shape its cultural character.

Fishing, phosphate production and the growing water-sports scene around Dakhla are among the territory's main economic and visitor activities. International interest also focuses on Western Sahara's unresolved status under the United Nations.

Transport is concentrated along the main north-south highway, the RN1, which links the territory with Morocco and Mauritania. Airports at Laayoune and Dakhla, together with intercity buses and car hire, make it possible to travel between airports, cities, hotels, business areas and coastal or desert destinations.