Things To Do
in Laâyoune
Laâyoune (El Aaiún) is the largest city of the Western Sahara region, a coastal desert city with a blend of Sahrawi, Moroccan and Spanish-influenced architecture and culture. It sits on the Atlantic coast with wind-swept boulevards, a small commercial port, and nearby sand dunes that meet the sea. The city is an administrative and service center with markets, government offices and a growing hotel sector for visitors to the region.
Visitors should be aware of the political sensitivity of the area while enjoying the desert landscapes, coastal views, and local hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the historical heart of Laâyoune, where you can explore the impressive architecture of colonial-era buildings. Stroll through the vibrant streets, admiring local art and craft shops that reflect the region's rich culture. Stop by a local café for a traditional Moroccan breakfast of fresh bread, olives, and mint tea.
After lunch, visit the Laâyoune Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the Sahrawi people through various exhibits. Spend some time at the nearby Place de la République, a bustling square where locals gather to socialize and enjoy the ambiance. Capture the vibrant atmosphere with photographs of the colorful street life and the stunning surrounding landscapes.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant to savor traditional Moroccan dishes such as tagine and couscous. Engage with the friendly locals as you enjoy your meal, possibly even participating in a cultural dance performance. End the evening with a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, taking in the historical buildings and the peaceful night atmosphere.
Start your day with a refreshing breakfast at your hotel before heading to the stunning beaches near Laâyoune. Spend the morning soaking up the sun at Plage de Laâyoune, where you can relax on the soft sands or take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean. For the more adventurous, try your hand at water sports like windsurfing or paddleboarding, with equipment available for rent.
After a morning of fun, grab lunch at a beachside café, enjoying fresh seafood caught that day. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby dunes, where you can take a camel ride or go sandboarding for a thrilling experience. The panoramic views of the coastline from the dunes are a perfect backdrop for memorable photos.
As the day winds down, return to the beach for a breathtaking sunset over the ocean, a perfect opportunity for relaxation and reflection. Dine at a beachfront restaurant, where you can enjoy grilled fish while listening to the soothing sound of waves. Conclude your evening with a beach bonfire, mingling with fellow travelers and locals under the starlit sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee or tea in a café | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (in city) | $1.50-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $45-90 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.50-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique coastal-Saharan landscape not crowded with tourists
- Authentic local culture and markets
- Good base for desert and coastal excursions
- Mild winter climate suitable for year-round visits
- Political sensitivity around Western Sahara—possible restrictions
- Limited tourist infrastructure compared with larger Moroccan cities
- Fewer dining and nightlife options
- Travel beyond the city can require long drives and careful planning
- "السلام عليكم (Salam Alaikum)" - Peace be upon you (common greeting)
- "شكراً (Shukran)" - Thank you
- "بلاصا فين؟ (Fin?) / فين الطريق؟ (Fin at-tariq?)" - Where is the place? / Where is the road?
- "بسلامة (Bslama)" - Goodbye / go safely
- "بكم هذا؟ (Bsh-hal hada?)" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Laâyoune
Visit one of these nice places.
Great for sunrise/sunset shots of boats, coastal activity, and fishermen at work against an Atlantic backdrop.
Street scenes, colonial architecture and everyday life—good for documentary-style urban photography.
Wide open desert landscapes and dunes provide classic Saharan sunrise/sunset images and minimal human-made clutter.
Tidal flats and seasonal wetlands attract birds and provide reflective surfaces for dramatic shots at low tide.
Colorful stalls, textiles, spices and portraits of local vendors capture the human side of the city.
Food in Laâyoune
Laâyoune Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steamed semolina served with vegetables, chickpeas and meat or fish; widely available in family-run restaurants and hotels.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked stew flavored with preserved lemon, olives or local spices, commonly found in restaurants and homes.
Fresh catches grilled simply near the port or on the corniche—try seasonal fish at seafront cafés.
Local flatbreads and pan-fried pastries sold in bakeries and street stalls; great for breakfast with honey or olive oil.
The region’s staple hospitality offering—strong green tea with mint served at most cafés and homes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The main market area where you’ll find produce, spices, dried fish, bread stalls and small cafes; a good place to taste local snacks and see daily life.
Early-morning fish markets where fishermen sell the day’s catch—try simple grilled preparations at nearby cafés.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress conservatively in public—covered shoulders and knees for both men and women are respectful, particularly near religious buildings and in conservative neighborhoods.
Use polite greetings like 'Salam Alaikum' and accept offers of tea when offered; hospitality is important in Sahrawi culture.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and families; some people and neighborhoods may decline.
Avoid discussing political status of Western Sahara with strangers—this is a sensitive topic and best left to locals or avoided.
Safety
Tipping in Laâyoune
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory—small tips for waiters, drivers and guides (10% in restaurants if service warranted, a few dirhams for porters/taxi drivers) are common.
The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is used; cash is king in markets and small shops. ATMs are available in Laâyoune but card acceptance is limited outside hotels and larger restaurants—carry sufficient cash for excursions.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Summers are hot and dry with strong Atlantic breezes—temperatures can be high during the day but softened by wind; dunes and beaches are exposed and can be dusty.
Winters are mild and pleasant, with cooler nights; daytime temperatures are comfortable for exploring and birdwatching in tidal areas.
Spring is a good time for travel with moderate temperatures, clearer skies and flowering vegetation in seasonal pockets.
Autumn brings stable weather and warm sea air—still suitable for outdoor activities, though winds may pick up at times.
Laâyoune at Night
Hiking in Laâyoune
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Long stretches of undeveloped coastline suitable for day hikes, beachcombing and photography—watch tides and bring water and sun protection.
Short guided hikes and sand walks in the dunes outside the city for sunrise/sunset photography and exploration; go with a guide for deeper excursions.
Lowland walks near tidal flats and seasonal wetlands—good for birdwatching and easy nature walks near the city.
Airports
How to reach Laâyoune by plane.
The city’s airport with domestic connections to Casablanca, Agadir and other Moroccan cities and occasional charter flights; ground transport into the city is short and taxis are available.
Located several hundred kilometers south, Dakhla is the nearest larger regional airport with increasing kitesurfing and tourist traffic—useful for combined itineraries in the region.
A major regional airport north of Laâyoune used for international connections; travel overland to Laâyoune is lengthy but possible by bus or car along the N1.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Indigenous desert communities with Arab-Berber heritage and strong Sahrawi cultural traditions.
Residents who have moved to the city for work in administration, services and commerce—contribute to the city’s diversified population.
Given the political context, there is a noticeable presence of security and military personnel in and around administrative centers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, played and followed widely at local fields and community grounds.
Traditional desert sports and leisure activities that remain culturally important in the region.
While stronger hubs are farther south (Dakhla), wind and coastal conditions in the region support kitesurfing and wind-based activities on organized trips.
Coastal fishing is common both commercially and recreationally; local anglers and small-scale charter trips are available.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Laâyoune.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (couscous, vegetable tagines, salads, breads), but protein often centers on meat or fish—ask for vegetable versions or share mezze-style dishes.
More challenging but possible: focus on vegetable stews, lentils, couscous without butter, and fresh salads; communicate clearly and check for butter or eggs in breads and pastries.
Most meat served is halal in accordance with local customs; seafood is generally acceptable to Muslim diets.
Carry translations of allergy needs in Arabic or French, prefer busy reputable restaurants or hotel kitchens, and drink bottled water to avoid stomach issues.