This small sliver of sandy land that pokes its way out from the edge of Western Sahara is hallowed ground for adventure sportsters the world over, famed primarily for the strong Atlantic breezes that brush its windswept dunes and golden beaches. But while kite surfers and windsurfers continue to flock to the town’s rustic guesthouses and hostels, and Dakhla tour guides continue to tout some of the top seaside activities in North Africa, there is also another dimension to the place that lies a little more hidden. Alive with the historic and cultural influences of the Berbers, the colonial French and Spanish, the Arabs and the Mauritanians alike, the town also exudes an earthy and folksy vibe, with chatty locals sipping spearmint green teas in smoky patisseries and makeshift bazaars awash with Atlantic seafood and African crafts alike. Nearby, travellers will also discover the wild environs of the Cintra Bay, and the wondrous coastal stretches of the Banc d'Arguin National Park that a cacophonous array of migratory bird species call home.