Atar is a city in Saharan Mauritania.

Atar is a small town which is great for exploring the Adrar region and tends to be slightly cheaper overall than Chinguetti. Atar is growing in importance due to its proximity to an airport and a regional hospital.

Atar has Mouakchott Airport ATR  ^IATA which used to be served by a daily flight from Marseille, France but as of writing there are only small charter flights available due to the kidnappings in other parts of Mauritania.

Atar is quite small and can easily be walked, although some auberges and resorts lie quite far out of town. Taxis are available and can usually be caught around the traffic circle in the center of town, fares run from around 100-300 ouguiyas depending on distance.

Atar has a few markets which may be of interest to the souvenir hunter and prices tend to be lower than Chinguetti although bargaining is of course expected.

• Restaurant Agadir. in the center of town serves typical Moroccan fare for around 600 ouguiyas a plate. 
• Restaurant De la Coin. A little harder to find, this hole in the wall Senegalese restaurant dishes out plates at around 300 ouguiyas. 
• Auberge Bab Sahara. On the pricier end try a home-cooked lunch (700 ouguiyas and up) or dinner (3500 ouguiyas for a 3 course menu) 

The occasional beer can be found at Auberge Bab Sahara

For its size Atar contains a good number of auberges, hotels and resorts.

• The Auberge Bab Sahara (about a km outside of town on the road to Choum). Located has rooms ranging from mattresses on one of two terraces, a number of traditional tents or stone huts for the more luxurious. Plentiful bathroom and shower facilities (including hot water). The hospitality of the owners is genuine and they will gladly help arrange bush taxis or tours. Terrace/Tent spots start at 2000 ouguiyas (1500 for students and cyclists) and 5000 for huts.. 

Bush Taxis or 4x4's to Choum, Chinguetti, or Nouakchott can be arranged in the Garage, the market or at most hotels.

Many of the oases and other natural sites in the region can be seen in day trips leaving from Atar. Ask around at your hotel/auberge to arrange bush taxis, 4x4's, or rent bikes. If your feeling adventurous wander into the market and you will doubtless get offers of obliging drivers ready to show yoy what they consider to be the most interesting sites.