★ 1 · last edited Dec 11, 2019
Laayoune
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Though founded by the Spanish less than a century ago, Laayoune is the main city and "claimed capital" of Western Sahara. For travellers, however, it offers little of interest and is often seen simply as a stopover for those heading to Mauritania.
Overview of Laayoune
Though founded by the Spanish less than a century ago, Laayoune is the main city and "claimed capital" of Western Sahara. For travellers, however, it doesn’t offer much of interest and is often seen simply as a stopover for those making the Route to Mauritania.
Key facts
- Localisation: on the coast of Western Sahara, at the level of the Canary Islands archipelago.
- Distances: Agadir (635 km to the northeast), Dakhla (535 km to the southwest), Tan-Tan (310 km to the northeast).
- Heure locale: .
- Population: 217,732 inhabitants (2014).
- Superficie:
- Altitude: sea level.
- Site internet:
History of Laayoune
What to see and do in Laayoune
Thanks to phosphate revenues and tax incentives, the city has developed well. In terms of urban planning, the centre aims to be modern while reflecting traditional Saharan architecture. You can also see the old Spanish concrete cathedral.
In the surrounding area
With a desire to open up to tourism, Laayoune and its surroundings have developed sport fishing and water activities, such as on the dune beach of Foum El Oued.
A few excursions from the city are offered into the desert and the hinterland, as well as to the rock art sites of Asli and Oued on the way to Smara.
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