population: 0.116 million
extension: 38,850 square kilometers
If you're in Guelmim and interested in visiting museums, one place worth checking out is the Museum of the Sahara. It showcases traditional Sahrawi culture, art, and lifestyle. Other nearby options include the Dar Souiri Museum in Essaouira, which features historical artifacts and artwork, and the Musee Abderrahman Slaoui in Casablanca, which showcases Moroccan decorative arts and textiles.
In Guelmim, some of the most recommended and popular local dishes according to local people are:
1. Tagine: A classic Moroccan dish made with meat (usually chicken or lamb), vegetables (such as potatoes, carrots, or tomatoes), and spices (like cumin, cinnamon, and ginger) cooked slowly in a conical clay pot.
2. Couscous: A staple dish in Morocco made from steamed semolina grains, often served with a variety of vegetables, meats, and sauces.
3. Harira: A hearty soup made with lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices (such as cumin and coriander), often served during Ramadan or as a meal starter.
4. B'ssara: A thick soup made from dried fava beans, olive oil, garlic, and cumin, typically served for breakfast or as a mid-day snack.
5. Mechoui: A whole roasted lamb or goat seasoned with spices and slow-cooked over a charcoal fire, often served at special occasions like weddings or Eid al-Adha.
6. Pastilla: A sweet and savory pie made with shredded chicken or pigeon meat, almonds, cinnamon, and sugar, wrapped in layers of thin pastry dough.
7. Zaalouk: A traditional salad made with roasted eggplant, tomato, and spices (such as paprika and cumin), often served as an appetizer or side dish.
Some fun activities that local people enjoy in Guelmim include:
1. Visiting the weekly camel market, which takes place every Saturday and is a bustling hub of activity.
2. Exploring the Tighmart oasis, which is located just outside the city and offers scenic walks and picnic spots.
3. Shopping for souvenirs and handicrafts at the popular Souk El Had d'Errachidia, which sells everything from spices to traditional clothing.
4. Taking a day trip to nearby beaches like Sidi Ifni or Legzira, which offer stunning coastal views and opportunities for swimming and sunbathing.
5. Sampling local cuisine at restaurants like Chez Fatima, which serves up delicious tagines and other Moroccan specialties.