10 good reasons to visit Dakhla

A magnificent town enjoying growing popularity with European travellers, Dakhla is the kitesurfing capital of Europe. You have to go there at least once in your life. Sun, sand and clear water make for a relaxing holiday. However, its rich culture is also worth a visit. In general, board sports enthusiasts are the main visitors to this Moroccan gem, but surfing and kitesurfing are far from its only attractions. Focus on the 10 good reasons to spend your next holiday here.

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   Great surfing sessions

Unsurprisingly, Dakhla is the place to be for water sports enthusiasts. Surfing is the most popular activity, and the town has some of the best spots. This is due to its charming beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. An excellent alternative to kitesurfing, this discipline promises an adrenalin rush.

In any case, Morocco has always been the benchmark for surfing, and Dakhla is no exception. You can expect magnificent waves and a pleasant breeze. If you come in the summer, good surf sessions will spice up your stay on the peninsula.

2. Galloping through the desert

For those who are not so good with the waves, there are horse-riding sessions available. In Dakhla, it is not uncommon to come across tourists visiting the various regions on horseback. There’s nothing better than riding off into the sunset! You’ll be dazzled by the unique beauty of the golden landscape. Such an experience is best enjoyed by two, as the atmosphere is very romantic, but families can also enjoy rides in the middle of the desert.

In fact, this is an activity you can do after or between two kitesurfing sessions. It will remain one of your fondest memories of Villa Cisneros.

3. Lobsters and oysters

Kitesurfers usually head straight for the oyster beds to recharge their batteries after hours of kiting. As the saying goes, ‘after the effort, the comfort’! In fact, the most delicious seafood is served everywhere in Dakhla, especially with its seabed rich in edible treasures. It’s the destination par excellence for sampling oysters, lobsters, fish and all kinds of seafood.

A real treat to be savoured by the sea or in one of the town’s pretty restaurants. Be warned! They offer quite generous platters, enough to delight even the hungriest travellers.

A word of advice: remember to bring some wine with you to accompany your dishes, as alcoholic beverages are not available locally. As well as the oysters and lobster platters, this is also an opportunity to try the local specialities, including tajines.

4. Excursions to the Dune Blanche

The famous white dune at Dakhla never ceases to amaze with its unadorned beauty. It is arguably one of the highlights of a trip to this town. Duna blanca is an immense wild expanse of white sand set high above the sea. The beauty of the site lies in its desert landscapes and the view of the lagoon it offers. Like a postcard, this region is even more beautiful with its crystal-clear waters.

The 4X4 is the vehicle of choice for your excursions. It allows you to remain comfortable and safe so that you can fully admire the plains and dunes that make up the landscape. You can also catch a glimpse of the Sahara from the White Dune. At low tide, tourists don’t hesitate to climb the dune and dominate its height. Visits are also punctuated by encounters with pink flamingos.

5. A beneficial excursion to the hot springs

After your excursion around the White Dune, a stop at the Asmaa spring is a must. This is a must, as a good massage using sulphurous and bubbling water is good for your health. To put an end to skin problems, the hot springs in Dakhla are a great help. These can reach 38°C.

Those suffering from respiratory problems can also benefit from a natural treatment. And if the water that comes out of the hose has a rather unpleasant smell, this soon goes away after a good shower.

6. The narrow streets of Dakhla

Strolling through the narrow streets of the old Villa Cisneros is well worth the diversions. And although there are no theme parks specific to Dakhla, its neighbourhoods have an authenticity that is rarely found elsewhere. In fact, Dakhla is not officially a tourist town, but rather a secluded spot popular with board sports enthusiasts.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t hail a taxi and explore the narrow streets. You can also take a walk to admire its hand-painted facades up close. So one of the best reasons to choose this destination is the experience of getting lost in its narrow streets.

7. The crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean

Every year, countless travellers from the four corners of the globe book a stay in Dakhla for its waves. Surfing enthusiasts in particular come here. Indeed, Dakhla is renowned the world over for its magnificent surf spots. The best known are Foum Lbouir, la Sarga, Arish and the Pointe d’Or spot.

On these beaches, the waves buzz and sweep across the sand. Some are high and breaking, while others are gentler and lower. Nevertheless, the waves of the Atlantic Ocean are one of the best assets of this city of infinite charms.

8. The traditional Hammam

Dakhla and the Hammam go hand in hand. You can’t leave the town without experiencing this treatment with its many virtues. Like Morocco, Dakhla is home to a number of typical hammams, so you can enjoy a moment of relaxation during your stay. You can choose between hammams in traditional baths and hammams in chic centres, depending on your budget.

The former is fairly inexpensive, but also very authentic. You can enjoy massages and natural products to revitalise your body. For travellers on a larger budget, the more chic hammams are dedicated to tourists and offer top-of-the-range services.

Obviously, you’re free to try both, as the experiences are really different. In any case, the choice is yours, especially if you’re looking for comfort or a change of scenery.

9. The fishing port

Another must-see in Dakhla is its fishing port. It was built on the sea and is linked by a long bridge. It’s a real pleasure to walk across the bridge in the early hours of the morning and feel the sea breeze caressing your skin! The smell of salt and fish combine to create a very exotic atmosphere. For your information, Dakhla is located in Oued Eddahab-Lagouira. This region is renowned for its abundance of fish, and fishing is one of the main activities of the locals.

So there’s every chance you’ll meet some fishermen on your morning visit to the fishing port. Don’t forget your camera. You’ll have plenty of photos to immortalise this authentic experience.

10. Kitesurfing

One of the reasons why travellers choose Dakhla over other Moroccan destinations is kitesurfing. With its abundance of dream spots, this town is a perfect choice. Dakhla’s geographical position is its greatest strength. It forms a lagoon that provides optimal conditions for kitesurfing.

The wind is constant, while the water is flat despite the surrounding desert. What’s more, a microclimate dominates the town, preventing the temperature from rising above 27°C. To top it all off, Dakhla enjoys 3175 hours of sunshine a year.