Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WESTERN SAHARA
Ask any Moroccan about the status of the Western Sahara and they'll insist it's sovereign
soil, yet international law is clear that this is still under dispute. For travellers, it's mainly
an empty windswept stretch of country for transiting to or from Mauritania.
There's no officially designated border between Morocco and the Western Sahara. Al-
though the region is peaceful you'll be more aware of military and police checkpoints.
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Laâyoune
POP 200,000
The former Spanish phosphate-mining outpost of Laâyoune has been turned into the prin-
cipal city of the Western Sahara. Now neither Sahrawi nor Spanish, its population is mostly
Moroccan, lured from the north by the promise of healthy wages and tax-free goods.
The town's showpiece is the vast Place du Méchouar, but there's no obvious centre. The
post office, banks and most hotels are along either Blvd Hassan II or Blvd de Mekka.
Sleeping & Eating
There are many cafes and simple restaurants around Place Dchira. Lively food stalls can be
found at the Souq Djemal.
Hôtel Jodesa
HOTEL
$
( 0528 992064; 223 Blvd de Mekka; s/d Dh100/144, with shower Dh144/155)
North of Place Dchira, this
modern hotel is a good budget option. Rooms are basic but reasonably spacious.
Hôtel Parador
HOTEL
$$$
( 0528 892814; Ave de l'Islam; s/d Dh1100/1400; )
Built in Spanish hacienda style around gar-
dens, the Parador has a faintly colonial bar and a good, if expensive, restaurant (set menu
Dh200). Rooms are equipped with all the creature comforts you'd expect and have small
terraces.
Restaurant el-Bahja
MOROCCAN
$
