Mainly located in southern Morocco, Laayoune-Sakia el Hamra is one of the country’s twelve regions. In addition to the capital regional Laâyoune, there are three more provinces in the region : Boujdour, Es Semara, and Tarfaya. While every region in Morocco is considered a great tourist destination, Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra, or the “sandy region,” boasts a unique nature that varies between coastal extension and sandy beaches. Perhaps most notably, the sandy region’s strategic locations puts it in close proximity to three major touristic markets (Agadir, Dakhla, and the Spanish Canary Islands).
In addition, the region is home to many other touristic assets, such as: Ancient archaeological sites, Saharan landscapes, and rich cultural infrastructures that have preserved ancient Hassanie traditions. Laâyoune-Sakia el Hamra is also known for its regional territory ideal for cultural, artisanal, and ecological investments, as well as its new business culture that is shaping the future of the region.
Laayoune: where civilization ends and the desert begins
Laayoune means “water sources” in Arabic, in reference to the natural oasis providing the town with its water supply. Often referred to as El Aaiùn, it is the largest city and also the capital city of the Sahara region, with a population of 217, 732 in 2014.
A living metaphor for where civilization ends and the desert begins, this desert town is a reminder of the old times and the last stop before reaching the more uninhabited areas of the Sahara.
A multifaceted city
Laayoune’s rich cultural heritage, coupled with diverse natural landscapes makes it an intriguing destination for tourists. For instance, The city’s architecture is a blend of traditional Saharan styles and modern influences, noticeable through the Laayoune Grand Mosque showcasing islamic architecture or the Regional museum, housing artifacts that depict the region’s cultural evolution.
Cultural sites
Laayoune boasts a range of cultural sites that offer a glimpse into its history and heritage. In addition to the Laayoune Grand Mosque and the Regional Museum, another important site is the St.Francis of Assisi Cathedral, built in 1854.. The majestic cathedral mixes both saharan and Spanish architecture, reflecting the city’s rich colonial history.
Landscapes
Besides the city’s cultural richness, Laayoune is known for its scenic views and breathtaking landscapes. A good example is the Saguia el-Hamra, a seasonal river located in the northern part of the city. This is a lake area and the water reservoir of Laayoune, which was formed by the construction of dams. Another good location is the Foum el-Oued beach, located 25 km away on the Atlantic Ocean.
Activities
Laayoune is a good place for outdoor activities and adventures. The most iconic would be an excursion into the Sahara desert. In Lamsayad, people of Laayoune enjoy different activities, such as camel racing. One can also enjoy a trip to the Foum el-Oued beach and bask in the breeze of the Atlantic Ocean. You can also rent bungalows and cottages for overnight stays.
Local dishes
As for local dishes, Laâyoune, like many other regions across Morocco, is influenced by a combination of Berber, Arab, and Spanish culinary traditions. An iconic dish would be Mreifissa, a traditional comforting stew made with lamb, onions, beef broth, and olive oil. One can also enjoy hot mint tea in the desert.
Progress and business plans
But Laayoune is not only home to tourist activities; it is also a place for business opportunities, projects. From economic empowerment to green energy projects and climate change initiatives, the city of sands has adopted various strategies to promote growth and innovation in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism and renewable energies, underscoring the importance of sustainable development.
In particular, the city has invested in solar and wind energy projects to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, and has welcomed investments for the same purposes.
To ensure a sustainable future by providing 26,000 m3 of drinking water per day, water management techniques such as desalination and wastewater treatment were also implemented in the city in 2021.
As Morocco World News reported in March 2022, the city also holds meetings in schools to raise awareness about climate change for future generations, and new initiatives aimed at the economic empowerment of women to increase and encourage their potential in business creation.
Es-semara — The historical trading spot
Es-semara, also known as Semara or Smara, is the second largest city in the Laayoune-Sakia el Hamra region, with a current population of approximately 60,000. Like Laayoune, Semara has a rich historical background with its archaeological treasures.
Long a hub of human interaction, the history of Es-Semara is deeply intertwined with its strategic location as a crossroads for trade and cultural exchange. From its origins as a trading post to its role in the Saharan caravan routes, the city has been influenced by various cultures, such as Berber, Arab and, of course, Sahrawi traditions.
History
The history of Semara dates back to prehistoric times. Several studies have established the presence of ancient humans in the city, with excavations revealing stone tools, pottery fragments and rock art.
During the ancient period, Sermara’s role as a trading post was translated through the discovery of goods originating from North Africa, Europe and beyond, with several Roman coins and tools discovered in the city.
The medieval period marked the beginning of Islam in the region, with many tombs and mosques appearing in the city’s archeological records.
According to Morocco World News, the most recent research on the city’s artifacts took place in January 2023 and revealed a variety of prehistoric relics. Today, some archeological pieces are kept in the Museum of Rock Art in Es-semara.
Cultural sites
Samara can also boast of its symbol, the Al-Qasbah Fortress, which represents the architectural grandeur of the city, while the Mausoleum of Sidi Ahmed Es-Senoussi pays tribute to a respected historical figure.
In addition, the city of Samara has a vibrant souk (traditional market) where one can wander and get a glimpse of the daily life and traditions of locals. Tourist sites such as the Oasis Park showcase the region’s ecological beauty and offer opportunities for ecotourism.
Boujdour
The province of Boujdour is the third largest city in the region. With a population estimated at 50,000, Boujdour borders Laayoune and Es-Semara to the north and Mauritania to the east.
Influenced by both indigenous Sahrawi traditions and Moroccan culture, the city also holds a special place in history due its connections to trans-Saharan trade routes and its role as a trading post. Local Sahrawi traditions, such as poetry, storytelling, and music are the pillars of the community’s identity.
Cultural sites
Boujdour Lighthouse, located near Cape Bojador, is a historical monument not only in the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region, but in all the southern provinces of the country. It is considered a historical monument and is managed by the Port and Maritime Authority within the Ministry of Equipment, Transport and Logistics.
The province boasts a range of museums that display the history and cultural evolution, such as the Boujdour Museum, exhibiting artifacts from the region’s past. The museum also provides insights of the indigenous Sahrawi traditions, as well as their relationship with neighboring cultures.
The province is also home to the Sahrawi Museum, which is dedicated to preserving the Sahrawi cultural heritage and offers an in-depth understanding of southern Morocco’s traditions, including traditional clothing, art, and crafts.
Melhfa : the traditional women’s clothing
Like other cities along the Atlantic coast of the Moroccan Sahara, Boujdour is known for its traditional saharan clothing. One of them is the Melhfa, a traditional fabric worn by Mauritanian and Moroccan women.
Activities and local dishes
With its long beach and its famous corniche, Boujdour offers a unique landscape that attracts many tourists.
Tarfaya; A future tourist site
Home to 8,027 inhabitants according to the 2014 census, Tarfaya is located on the coastal road and facing the Canary Islands. Formerly known as Villa Bens under Spanish rule, the city was unified with Morocco after the 1958 Ifni War. Although the city was founded in the twentieth century, it holds an important place in the history of Morocco’s 1975 Green March.
Home of Saint-Exupéry
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the famous French author of The Little Prince, lived in Tarfaya for two years (1927-1928), working as postal aviation manager. The city played a pivotal role in Saint-Exupéry’s life, deeply influencing his writings.
Major cultural site
The saint-Exupéry Museum was created in 2004 to pay tribute to the French writer and his contributions to both aviation and literature. The museum aims to preserve both his memory and the historical context of his presence in the region. Through the exhibition of photographs, documents, personal belongings, etc, the museum offers visitors a comprehensive insight into the writer’s life.
Business and foreign power
Tarfaya is also home to several development projects, including the Tarfaya Wind Farm, the second largest wind farm in Africa, developed by the Tarfaya Energy Company (TAREC). Another project is Casamar, a historical coastal fort built in 1882 at Cape July, near Tarafaya. Founded by the Scottish trader and traveler Donald McKenzie in the nineteenth century, it is the meeting point between the sand of the dunes and the Atlantic coast.
Khenifiss National Park
Tarfaya is the closest town to the Khenifiss National Park, which has been added to the provisional list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The national park is an ecological site of hundreds of different kinds of migratory birds.
Activities
Despite being a small city, Tarfaya has beautiful coastal beaches and natural landscapes; it is expected to become a sought-after tourist destination in the coming years.
In conclusion, the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region offers a rich cultural and historical background in Morocco, marked by a mixture of indigenous traditions and external influences. Under Spanish rule, the region experienced a history of nomadic communities leaving behind a unique and diverse cultural landscape.
Looking to the future, potential projects are emerging in the area as topics surrounding sustainability and ecology gain traction. Plans to establish tourism destinations in the area are being developed with an emphasis on ecological protection.
