Overview
Where the Ocean Meets the Desert
Dakhla is Morocco’s southernmost treasure—a destination so pristine, so serene, and so utterly surprising, that it often leaves visitors wondering why they hadn’t discovered it sooner. Tucked between the endless dunes of the Sahara and the wild Atlantic coastline, Dakhla is not only a geographic marvel but a spiritual sanctuary—raw, radiant, and remarkably refined.
This sliver of paradise stretches along a narrow peninsula that slices into the ocean, cradling a shallow turquoise lagoon on one side and facing the Atlantic’s rhythmic waves on the other. It’s this juxtaposition—saltwater and sand, motion and stillness, simplicity and luxury—that defines Dakhla’s character.
Originally a colonial port town, Dakhla has reimagined itself as a destination for the modern traveler who values immersion over itinerary. Here, you don’t rush to check boxes—you pause, you breathe, you connect. Whether you’re gliding across its world-famous lagoon on a kiteboard, feasting on oysters freshly harvested from its waters, or meditating under a sky full of stars, Dakhla offers something far deeper than a vacation. It offers peace.
Yet, this tranquility is paired with dynamic adventure. Dakhla is a playground for thrill-seekers and slow travelers alike. Days are filled with kite surfing, paddleboarding, off-road desert safaris, yoga retreats, birdwatching, and even spiritual experiences rooted in the region’s Sufi traditions and Berber heritage.
And yet, despite its remote feeling, Dakhla is easily accessible and warmly accommodating. Luxury eco-resorts, wellness lodges, and designer desert camps have emerged discreetly among the landscape—never interrupting, always enhancing. The architecture mirrors the earth tones. The service whispers. The ambiance nurtures.
Hotspots & Highlights
1. Dakhla Lagoon
A mirror-flat expanse of sapphire blue, the lagoon is the heart of Dakhla’s energy. With consistent winds and glassy waters, it’s a global magnet for kite surfers—including world champions. It also hosts international water sports festivals and offers gentle conditions for beginners.
Beyond sport, the lagoon is an aesthetic masterpiece. During golden hour, the sandbanks seem to float on the water. Paddleboarding here feels like walking on light.
2. White Dune
Nature’s sculpture, this chalk-white sand dune rises from the lagoon as if carved by the hand of a deity. Accessible by 4×4 or boat, it’s the ultimate place for solitude, reflection, or that once-in-a-lifetime photo. Its peak offers surreal panoramic views where the desert and the sea blur into one.
3. Dragon Island
A sanctuary of stillness, this uninhabited island is shaped like a sleeping dragon and offers a surreal space for picnics, yoga sessions, and complete disconnection. At low tide, walk across the lagoon’s shallows to reach its shores.
4. Thermal Springs of Asnaa
Let the desert heal you. These sulfur-rich waters, hidden among the dunes, are a local wellness secret. Natural, simple, and powerful, the Asnaa springs have been used for generations to treat everything from muscle aches to skin conditions.
5. Oyster Farms & Gourmet Seafood
Dakhla’s lagoon isn’t just beautiful—it’s bountiful. The region produces some of Morocco’s finest oysters, cultivated in calm waters and served with local white wine or fresh lemon. Many boutique restaurants offer lagoon-front dining, where gourmet seafood platters meet ocean breezes.
6. Desert Glamping & Stargazing
Luxury desert camps in Dakhla take the notion of “roughing it” and flip it on its head. Think plush beds under woven Berber canopies, gourmet candle-lit dinners, fire pits, live tribal music, and skies so clear, you’ll feel like you’re floating in the cosmos. Stargazing in Dakhla is a spiritual experience.
7. Flamingo Watching & Bird Migration Hotspot
Dakhla is on the route of the African-European bird migration corridor. It’s not uncommon to see flamingos, herons, cormorants, and ospreys feeding or nesting in the area. For nature lovers and photographers, it’s a dream come true.
8. Dakhla City Medina & Souk
Small but charming, the old city center gives you a glimpse into local life. Expect low-key cafés, traditional bakeries, leather goods, Berber jewelry, and that rare sense of authenticity untouched by mass tourism.
At a glance
Population
Approx. 100,000
Region
Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab
Airport
Dakhla Airport (VIL)
Best Time to Visit
All year round
Scenes from a Dream
Glimpse of Dakhla's Magic
Why Visit Dakhla?
Because Dakhla is not just a place—it’s a sensation.
It’s waking up to the sound of wind over water, not traffic.
It’s sipping mint tea while barefoot in the sand, not checking your inbox.
It’s diving into saltwater or silence, depending on the moment.
Dakhla is for the traveler who’s been to Paris and Marrakesh, who’s done the rooftop brunches and the boutique hotels. This is for the traveler who wants something different. Something real. Something to remember.
Whether you’re traveling solo to reconnect with yourself, with a partner to ignite romance, or with a small group to explore nature in style, Dakhla offers a luxurious pause from the ordinary. It’s wild, warm, and wildly refined.
Come to Dakhla. Come for the wind, the waves, the wonder.
Stay for the silence that says everything.
