El Aaiun (Arabic: العيون (Al-Ajoen)) is the official capital of the Sahara Arab Democratic Republic (ADRS) commonly referred to as Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony now mainly in Moroccan hands. El Aaiun is also occupied by Morocco. The actual administrative center of the ADRS is therefore the interim capital Bir Lehlou, which is in the hands of the ADRS.
Understand
The Arabic name means "the wells". The city has about 200,000 inhabitants, making it the largest city in Western Sahara.
Arrive
By plane
The Hassan I Airport (IATA: EUN, ICAO: GMML/GSAI) is located 2 kilometers south of El Aaiun. Domestic flights are mainly offered, but there are also flights to the Canary Islands.
By train
There are no trains in Western Sahara, so it is not possible to travel to El Aaiún by train.
By car
The city is crossed by the N1, the important north-south axis that runs mainly along the Atlantic coast. The road is in relatively good condition but that can vary from place to place. Be careful, because the distances in the desert can be very large.
By bus
There are bus connections with all major towns in southern Morocco, including a good connection with Inezgane. There are also regular buses to and from Marrakesh.
By boat
El Aaiún is a desert city with no navigable rivers nearby and the city is not on the coast, so it is not possible to travel to El Aaiún by boat.
Travel around
By bus/tram/metro
Public transport is virtually non-existent in El Aaiun.
By bike
By taxi
Taxis will take you from the airport to the city center. One can also take a taxi to El Aaiún port (don't be fooled by the name as the coastal town is almost 30 kilometers away).
on foot
The sights in the small center of El Aaiun can easily be explored on foot.
To look at
The tourist office has a lot of staff, but visitors are hardly helped, so you will have to explore the city yourself.
- The main roads are lined with shops selling all kinds of Moroccan goods.
- the bird park seems to have closed its doors forever and can therefore not be visited (for the time being).
To do
The coast is a good 25 kilometers away and there are beautiful deserted beaches surrounded by desert landscape.
To learn
To work
To buy
Food
Budget
Medium
Expensive
Going out
To sleep
Budget
Medium
- Hotel Parador appears to have reopened after years of being used as an army base. Should easily become the best hotel in town.
- Hotel Larkaoune is mainly occupied by UN troops. The atmosphere is gloomy and the staff are not really helpful.
Expensive
Communication
Phone
cell phone
Internet
Safety
Next destinations
- smara - This fortified town was never discovered by the Spaniards during the colonial period. The remains of the fortress can still be seen.
