El Aaiún Travel Guide

Our El Aaiún travel guide will provide you with insights into natural attractions, hiking trails, best things to do, culture, and more!


El Aaiún Travel Guide: A Comprehensive Tourist Guide

If you are planning to visit Africa and want to enjoy an offbeat destination, El Aaiún should be on your list. This city is located in the Western Sahara region of North Africa, has an age-old culture, and is rich in natural beauty. Our El Aaiún travel guide will provide you with insights into the best places to visit, hiking trails, activities, culture, and more to help you make the most of your trip.

List of Places to Visit in El Aaiún

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or someone who loves being outdoors, El Aaiún has something unique to offer. Following is a list of must-visit places in El Aaiún:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Laayoune Museum: Founded in 2011, this museum showcases various indigenous artifacts and gives insights into El Aaiún’s history.
  2. El Mina Mosque: One of the most visited mosques in El Aaiún, it has a unique architectural design and offers a glimpse into Islam’s cultural significance.
  3. Monumento de la Independencia: It is a unique structure built to commemorate Western Sahara’s independence from Spanish colonial rule.

Natural Attractions of El Aaiún: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Touissit Park: A beautiful park with greenery, fountains, playgrounds, and small lakes that offers an ideal location for picnics and relaxation.
  2. Khnifiss Lagoon: One of the few freshwater lagoons in the world, Khnifiss Lagoon is an ideal place for bird watching or swimming.
  3. Tarfaya Beach: A beautiful beach where you can relax, take a dip in the blue waters, or watch the sunset.

Hiking/Biking Routes of El Aaiún

El Aaiún has fantastic hiking and biking trails that offer breathtaking scenic views. Here are some of the best trails:

  1. Tarfaia to Wadi Draa Trail: This is an excellent trail for adventure lovers and offers a combination of hiking and biking.
  2. Khnifiss Lagoon Hike: An ideal hike for nature lovers and birdwatchers that leads to the Khnifiss Lagoon
  3. Lalla Mimouna Basalt Landscape: This hike will offer you the best view of the Ruch Caid Plateau.

Best Things to Do in El Aaiún: Activities and Tours

El Aaiún has a host of activities and tours that caters to all types of tourists. Here are some of the best things to do:

  1. Camel Trek in the Sahara: Experience the traditional Berber lifestyle t by taking a camel trek across the Sahara Desert with local guides.
  2. Surfing and Wind Surfing: El Aaiún is perfect for windsurfing and other water sports which involve waves.
  3. Attend the Moussem Festival: Take part in the traditional Moussem Festival, which takes place every year during Eid Al Fitr.

Week-Long Itinerary for El Aaiún

Here is a week-long itinerary for El Aaiún to help you get the most out of your trip:

Day Activity
Day 1 Sightseeing in El Aaiún
Day 2 Visit to Laayoune Museum
Day 3 Enjoy the outdoor activities
Day 4 Visit to Khnifiss Lagoon
Day 5 Hiking in Lalla Mimouna Basalt Landscape
Day 6 Enjoy the surfing and windsurfing at Tarfaya Beach
Day 7 Experience the traditional Berber lifestyle by taking a camel trek across the Sahara Desert

Food and Drink Scene of El Aaiún

El Aaiún has an amazing culinary scene with many unique and delicious dishes that you must try:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Maakouda: It is a popular dish that features fried potato balls filled with meat.
  2. Pastela: This dish is made of pigeon meat and onions, wrapped in phyllo dough, and then fried with egg.
  3. Tangia: A slow-cooked lamb dish with spices.

Local Beverages

El Aaiún has a wide variety of local beverages that you should try. The most popular ones include:

  1. Atay Bi Nana: A mint tea is a refreshing drink that is traditionally served to guests.
  2. Lait avec Amande: A sweet almond milk drink that is often served with pastries.
  3. Jus de Fruits: El Aaiún is famous for its delicious fresh fruit juices like apple, orange, mango, and pineapple.

Where to Stay in El Aaiún: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

El Aaiún has a wide range of accommodation options available for all types of tourists. Here are some options:

  1. Hotel Parador - Offers budget-friendly accommodation and is located near many tourist attractions.
  2. Sofitel Laayoune Hotel - A luxurious hotel with fantastic facilities and excellent service.
  3. Tabarkat Hotel El Hamra - An affordable hotel near Khnifiss Lagoon.

What to Buy in El Aaiún: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products you should bring home from El Aaiún:

  1. Tanneries: El Aaiún is famous for its traditional tanneries, and you should buy leather products like bags and shoes.
  2. Berber Carpets: These handcrafted carpets are made in the Sahara by the Berber women and are available in many designs and sizes.
  3. Spices: You can buy local spices like saffron, cumin, and ras el hanout, which are not found anywhere else.

Local Culture and Customs of El Aaiún

The local culture of El Aaiún is a blend of Arabic, Berber, and Spanish influences. Here are some unique customs you should keep in mind while visiting El Aaiún:

  1. Dress Modestly: To respect the local culture, It is recommended that you wear modest clothing and avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless dresses when in public places.
  2. Greet Correctly: It is good to greet with a “As-Salaam-Alaikum” while shaking hands with the locals.
  3. Do not drink in public: El Aaiún is a Muslim city, and it is disrespectful to drink alcohol publicly.

Best Time to Visit El Aaiún

The best time to visit El Aaiún is during the winter months, from November to March, which has a temperate climate that is ideal for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of El Aaiún

Do:

  1. Dress modestly.
  2. Try local delicacies.
  3. Greet correctly with respect.

Don’t:

  1. Drink alcohol in public.
  2. Be disrespectful to the local customs and traditions.
  3. Display public affection.

Safety and Health

Safety in El Aaiún

El Aaiún is a relatively safe city to travel to, but it’s always best to take precautions, especially for solo-female travelers who should avoid going out alone, especially at night.

Health in ElAiaún

El Aaiún has good medical facilities, including Western Saharan health centers and private clinics. It is recommended to buy health insurance before traveling to cover any medical emergencies.

Getting to El Aaiún: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near El Aaiún

El Aaiún has its airport, Hassan I Airport, which is well connected to major cities in Africa, including Casablanca, Dakar, and Nouakchott.

Bus Stations Near El Aaiún

Regular bus services operate between El Aaiún and other cities in Western Sahara.

Other Options

There are many other transport options available, including car rentals and shared taxis or “grand taxis” to get around El Aaiún.

How to Get Around in El Aaiún

El Aaiún is a relatively small city, and most of the tourist attractions are located within a few kilometers of the city center. Walking is the best way to enjoy the stunning views within the city. You can also hire a bicycle or take a taxi to reach your destination.

Where to Go Next from El Aaiún: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you want to explore nearby destinations from El Aaiún, here are some places to add to your itinerary:

  1. Dakhla: A must-visit place on the Atlantic coast with stunning beaches and world-famous kitesurfing spots.
  2. Boujdour: Known for its handicrafts, Boujdour produces some of the finest baskets, pottery, and mats in the country.
  3. Tantan: It is a historic desert town with architectural wonders and outdoor activities like trekking and sandboarding.

Conclusion

El Aaiún is an offbeat destination filled with natural beauty, rich history, and fantastic cultural experiences. You should visit this city to unwind yourself from the hustle-bustle of everyday life and enjoy its unique atmosphere. This travel guide aims to help you plan your trip to El Aaiún and make the most of your time there.