Laâyoune

Laâyoune, the largest city of Western Sahara, spreads across the desert not far from the Atlantic coast, a modern town that has grown rapidly in a starkly beautiful setting between the dunes and the sea. Its wide avenues, palm-lined squares and low ochre buildings reflect a blend of Saharan and Moroccan influences, and its markets offer the crafts, textiles, silver and everyday trade of the region, along with the ubiquitous ritual of sweet mint tea. Nearby lie the mouth of a seasonal river, coastal lagoons rich in birdlife, and the endless dunes of the interior. As the main hub and gateway of the territory, Laâyoune offers a window on life at the edge of the great desert.

What you actually see

• The palm squares - the palm-lined plazas and avenues.
• The Saharan markets - the crafts, textiles and silver.
• The tea culture - the ritual of sweet Saharan mint tea.
• The coastal lagoons - the nearby wetlands and birdlife.

When to go

October to April, the cooler months, are the most comfortable in this desert city, avoiding the summer heat; the mild season suits exploring the markets and squares and using the city as a base for the coast and interior. The coastal setting brings some relief from the desert warmth.

Honest expectations

Laâyoune is a modern, functional desert city rather than a historic town of grand monuments, so its appeal lies in its Saharan atmosphere, markets and role as a gateway more than famous sights. As the main hub of Western Sahara, set strikingly between the dunes and the Atlantic, though, Laâyoune is a genuine window on life at the edge of the great desert.

Nearby

The Atlantic coast, the coastal lagoons and the desert interior lie around the city.