Boujdour

Boujdour is a fishing town on the Atlantic, south of Laâyoune on the coast road, built around one of the most famous headlands in the history of navigation. Today it is a quiet place of fishing boats, low cliffs and long beaches, and a natural stop on the coast road to Dakhla.

Why visit Boujdour

Cape Bojador was the limit of the known world for medieval European sailors, who feared its shoals, fogs and currents. Its Arabic name, Abu Khatar, means “father of danger”. In 1434 the Portuguese navigator Gil Eanes became the first European known to sail past it and return, opening the way for Portugal’s voyages down the African coast.

The town grew up around a lighthouse built under Spanish rule in the mid-20th century. The tower still dominates the skyline and is the town’s best-known landmark. Elsewhere, the cliffs south of town are good for watching the Atlantic swell, and the fishing harbour is busiest early in the morning.

Getting there

Boujdour is on the N1 and the Tiznit–Dakhla expressway, a few hours’ drive south of Laâyoune. Coaches between Laâyoune and Dakhla stop here. The nearest airport with regular flights is Laâyoune Hassan I (EUN).

Getting around

The town is small and easy to walk. A car is useful for the coast north and south of town.

Where to stay

Boujdour has a handful of simple hotels. Most travellers stop for a meal and a walk to the lighthouse on their way between Laâyoune and Dakhla.