Why go
- Largest city of Western Sahara.
- Served by Laayoune Hassan I International Airport (EUN).
History
Laayoune or El Aaiún is the largest city of the disputed territory of Western Sahara, with a population of 262,791 in 2024. The city is the de jure capital of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, though it is under de facto Moroccan administration as occupied territory. The modern city is thought to have been founded by the Spanish captain Antonio de Oro in 1938. From 1958 it became the administrative capital of the Spanish Sahara, administered by the Governor General of Spanish West Africa.
Where to stay
Restaurants & places to go
Airports
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 3 airlines, 3 direct destinations
- Royal Air Maroc AT (737-800) · 2 routes: Agadir, Casablanca
- Binter Canarias NT (ATR 72) · 1 route: Gran Canaria*
- Tropic Air PM (AT4) · 1 route: Gran Canaria
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
Where things are
Photographs
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page
When to go
The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.
Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.
Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.
Getting there & around
Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Laayoune Hassan I International Airport (EUN); 2 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By air: EUN has direct flights to 3 destinations on 3 airlines (incl. Gran Canaria, Agadir, Casablanca).
Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Laayoune, Morocco. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.
Trains & rail
Private aviation
On-demand charter, jet cards and the semi-private scheduled carriers that serve this city.