Dakhla

Dakhla sits on a 40km peninsula jutting into the Atlantic in Western Sahara, 1,500km south of Casablanca. Its vast shallow lagoon, constant Atlantic winds, and warm flat water have made it the world's premier kitesurfing destination. Beyond the sport, it offers an otherworldly landscape of desert meeting ocean, flamingo colonies, and one of Morocco's most unique culinary scenes built entirely around seafood.

Spain colonized the Western Sahara coast in 1884, establishing Villa Cisneros (renamed Dakhla after Moroccan control in 1979). The region's political status remains disputed — Morocco administers it but the Sahrawi independence movement (Polisario Front) claims sovereignty. Investment in infrastructure has transformed the city in the past decade.

The Sahrawi (Western Saharan) culture is distinct from northern Moroccan culture — nomadic traditions, distinctive blue robes (darraa), camel herding, and a tea ceremony involving three glasses. The fishing community supplies some of Morocco's finest seafood. Wind sports culture is young but already internationally significant.

• ✓Book kite lessons and accommodation together — the best camps fill months ahead.
• ✓Non-kitesurfers still love Dakhla for the landscape, seafood, and solitude.
• ✓The road from Agadir (14h drive) is long but scenic through the Saharan coast.
• ✓Flying is strongly recommended — Dakhla Airport has connections to Casablanca.

Dakhla Airport (VIL) with daily flights from Casablanca (2.5h). Long distance CTM buses from Agadir (14h+). Most visitors fly.