Mauritania

Places in Mauritania

• Atar

  Atar is a quiet Saharan town of 25,000 people serving as the practical gateway to the Adrar region. It tends to be slightly cheaper than nearby Chinguetti while offering access to the same desert landscapes, ancient oases, and dune systems.

• Chinguetti

  Chinguetti is a historic Saharan city in Mauritania that served as a major trading post on trans-Saharan caravan routes. The city is famous for its Islamic scholarly heritage, earning the nickname 'the library in the desert' for its collection of ancient Qur'anic manuscripts.

  Atlas entry

• Nouadhibou

  Nouadhibou is Mauritania's second largest city and primary industrial hub, home to roughly 120,000 people. The city offers a rare blend of Atlantic fishing culture and Saharan frontier atmosphere, with fresh seafood at the Port Artisanal, a ship graveyard in the bay, and steady winds for kiteboarding.

  Atlas entry

• Nouakchott

  Nouakchott is Mauritania's capital and largest city with nearly 1.2 million residents, serving as the country's economic hub with a deepwater port and international airport. The city offers a distinctly Saharan experience with traditional Moorish culture, bustling markets, and access to Atlantic beaches.

  Atlas entry