Are the sand baths in Merzouga real? What are they for?

Yes — in the hottest weeks locals bury rheumatism sufferers neck-deep in hot sand for short, supervised “sand bath” sessions, a genuine local tradition.

Each July and August, visitors from across Morocco come specifically for these psammotherapy cures. Sessions are short, supervised and followed by rest and mint tea — ask locally if you are curious to watch or try.