Iles Purpuraires, Island group near Essaouira, Morocco.
The Iles Purpuraires are a group of small rocky islands located roughly 400 meters (1,300 feet) offshore from Essaouira's coast. They feature jagged rock formations and contain marine habitats typical of this part of the Moroccan Atlantic.
The islands were used by ancient Phoenicians and Romans as centers for extracting purple dye from murex shells, a precious commodity for dyeing fabrics across the Mediterranean. This industry shaped the islands' importance for centuries.
The islands take their name from the ancient purple dye industry that flourished here, shaping their identity in the Mediterranean trade world. This heritage is visible in how the rocky landscape and ruins tell the story of their past economic importance.
Access to the islands is by boat tour departing from Essaouira's harbor, where local operators organize regular trips. Tours generally run 2 to 3 hours in length, though this can vary based on sea conditions and tide.
The islands serve as critical breeding grounds for numerous seabird species and hold protected status within the UNESCO World Heritage designation. This ecological role now overshadows their earlier industrial history.
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