Things to do in Western Sahara

Ride the steady winds and shallow flat waters of this world-renowned kiteboarding spot, framed by golden dunes and the Atlantic horizon.

Step inside this striking Spanish-built cathedral, an unexpected colonial landmark with simple whitewashed walls and a serene interior in the heart of the territory’s largest city.

Scale this towering white sand dune rising abruptly near the industrial port, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic and a surreal desert-meets-ocean landscape.

Examine ancient petroglyphs etched into sandstone slabs, depicting ostriches, cattle, and enigmatic symbols left by early Saharan inhabitants thousands of years ago.

Walk along the seaside promenade lined with palm trees and cafés, watching local families and fishermen against a backdrop of endless ocean.

Watch boats unload their catch and choose glistening sea bass or sardines to be grilled on the spot at simple harbour-side stalls, seasoned with cumin and salt.

Observe flocks of pink flamingos feeding in the shallow, nutrient-rich waters of the bay, a vital stopover on their migratory route along the West African coast.

Visit this iconic white-and-red lighthouse perched on the rugged Atlantic cliffs, guarding the treacherous Cape Bojador that terrified medieval sailors.

Set up a bivouac among rolling sand dunes and wind-sculpted rocks, where the lack of light pollution reveals the Milky Way in stunning clarity.

Lose yourself in the grid of low-rise white buildings with arched windows and faded painted tiles, a quiet echo of Spain’s decades-long presence.

Visit the historic religious centre and mosque founded by the influential Sahrawi leader Ma al-Ainin, a rare example of traditional stone architecture deep in the desert.

Trek on a dromedary across undulating golden sands as the sun sets, led by a nomadic guide who shares stories of the land.

Sip three glasses of sweet mint tea from tiny cups in a local home or tent, following the ritual that symbolises hospitality and friendship.

Take a boat to this uninhabited sandy islet teeming with terns, gulls and occasional ospreys, a peaceful sanctuary in the middle of the bay.

Capture the dramatic skeleton of a rusting freighter stranded on the rocks, with waves crashing around its hull – a ghostly relic of maritime mishap.

Learn about the Sahrawi struggle for self-determination through photographs, artefacts and personal testimonies housed in a modest but impactful collection.

Browse colourful stalls laden with handcrafted Berber and Sahrawi silver pendants, camel-wool rugs and aromatic spices in the lively market quarter.

Paddle out at the vast sandy beach north of the port where consistent swells attract local surfers, and you can ride waves with the desert wind at your back.

Stand on this pristine white-sand beach south of Dakhla, where imposing desert dunes run directly into the turquoise Atlantic, untouched and nearly deserted.

Hike the narrow strip of land that divides the lagoon from the ocean, ending at a remote lighthouse with sweeping views and a sense of sublime isolation.

Discover the small but beautifully maintained Nuestra Señora del Carmen church, a whitewashed reminder of Dakhla’s past as Villa Cisneros.

Launch from this dedicated kite camp on the lagoon’s edge, where flat water and reliable sideshore winds make it ideal for both beginners and pros.

Explore the eerie abandoned settlement on the Ras Nouadhibou peninsula, where crumbling Spanish buildings and a quiet bay evoke a forgotten outpost at the end of the world.

Bounce over chalky white hamadas and isolated dunes in this stark, lunar-like landscape west of Laayoune, a photographer’s dream of raw mineral beauty.

Unwind at a breezy terrace overlooking the lagoon, sipping strong tea while kite sails colour the sky and the call to prayer drifts from a nearby mosque.