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# **5 Most Beautiful Islands in Morocco: Discover Morocco’s Coastal Secrets**
When people think of Morocco, they often imagine the golden sands of the Sahara, the colorful chaos of Marrakech, or the serene peaks of the Atlas Mountains. But beyond the mainland lies another side of the country—one that’s just as fascinating, but far less explored: **Morocco’s islands**.
Though Morocco isn’t an island-heavy destination like Greece or Indonesia, it boasts several **beautiful and historically rich islands** off its Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. These islands offer a unique blend of **natural beauty**, **marine biodiversity**, and **centuries of history** wrapped in mystery and charm.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply looking for a new Moroccan escape, these **five most beautiful islands in Morocco** are worth the trip.
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## **1. Mogador Island (Île de Mogador), Essaouira**
### **The Most Iconic Island in Morocco**
Just off the coast of **Essaouira**, a breezy seaside town on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, lies the mysterious and windswept **Mogador Island**, also known as **Île de Mogador**. It’s one of the most well-known islands in the country, shrouded in legends and rich history.
Once a base for the Phoenicians and later a Portuguese stronghold, Mogador is now a **protected nature reserve** and part of the **Essaouira Archipelago**.
### **What Makes It Special:**
– **Historical ruins** from Portuguese occupation
– Protected status for **birdlife**, especially **Eleonora’s falcon**
– Beautiful views from Essaouira’s Skala (sea bastion)
– Accessible by boat (though access to the island itself is limited to preserve its ecology)
While you can’t land on the island itself without a special permit, its presence adds a mystical quality to the skyline of Essaouira and offers stunning views during sunset walks along the coast.
### **Best For:**
History buffs, photographers, and birdwatchers.
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## **2. Îles Purpuraires (Purple Islands), Essaouira**
### **Rich in Ancient Dye and Roman Trade Routes**
Just next to Mogador Island are the **Îles Purpuraires**, a group of small islets named for the purple dye the Phoenicians once extracted from **murex sea snails**. These islands were part of Morocco’s early trade network and have archaeological evidence dating back to Roman and Phoenician times.
Today, these rocky outcrops are **protected nature reserves** due to their importance as seabird nesting sites. While access is restricted to protect their ecosystem, you can take guided boat tours around them from Essaouira’s port.
### **What Makes It Special:**
– Connection to **ancient trade routes and empires**
– **Marine biodiversity** and rare bird species
– Excellent for **eco-tourism and coastal sightseeing**
### **Best For:**
Nature lovers, historians, and eco-conscious travelers.
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## **3. Tourée Island (Île Tourée), El Jadida**
### **A Hidden Historical Island in the Atlantic**
Near the port city of **El Jadida**, a UNESCO-listed town known for its Portuguese cisterns and sea-facing fortifications, lies **Île Tourée**—a small island with a rich maritime past.
The island is visible from the city’s old ramparts and has historically served military purposes. Though relatively unknown and not frequently visited, it adds charm to the seascape of El Jadida and is often included in **fishing or boat tours** from the area.
### **What Makes It Special:**
– Off-the-beaten-path destination
– Historical link to **Portuguese colonial architecture**
– Often included in **local sea excursions and photography tours**
### **Best For:**
Travelers looking for hidden gems and history off the coast.
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## **4. Isla de Perejil (Leila Island), near Tangier**
### **The Controversial Rock of the North**
Just a few hundred meters off the Moroccan coast and a few kilometers from Tangier, **Isla de Perejil** (also known as **Leila Island**) is a small, rocky island in the **Strait of Gibraltar**.
This uninhabited island is best known for its **political controversy** between Morocco and Spain, having been the subject of a diplomatic incident in 2002. Today, it remains uninhabited and inaccessible, but it’s visible from the northern coast and a point of intrigue for many.
Despite its dramatic reputation, the island is also of ecological importance and part of ongoing marine preservation efforts in the strait.
### **What Makes It Special:**
– Strategically located near the **Strait of Gibraltar**
– Political and historical interest
– Part of **Morocco’s northern coastal narrative**
### **Best For:**
Those interested in geopolitics, marine geography, and coastal views near Tangier.
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## **5. Khenifiss Lagoon Islands, Atlantic Sahara**
### **Wild, Remote, and Untouched**
Far from the tourist trail, in the **southern reaches of Morocco near the town of Tarfaya**, lies one of the country’s most spectacular and least-known natural sites: **Khenifiss National Park**.
This coastal park includes a network of **desert islands, lagoons, and sandbars**, teeming with **migratory birds**, including flamingos, herons, and terns. The isolated islands within the lagoon are part of an **important Ramsar site** (a protected wetland of international significance).
The area is hard to reach but offers one of the **most pristine natural environments** in the country.
### **What Makes It Special:**
– Important **bird habitat and biodiversity hotspot**
– Dreamlike landscapes of **sand dunes, water, and sky**
– Ideal for **wildlife photography**, **birdwatching**, and **eco-tourism**
### **Best For:**
Adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and off-the-beaten-path explorers.
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## **Exploring Morocco’s Island Beauty**
While Morocco may not be known for its tropical islands, the **ones it does have tell stories of empire, ecology, and enchantment**. Whether you’re gazing at a deserted fortress from the Skala of Essaouira or scanning the horizon for flamingos in the south, Morocco’s islands add depth and diversity to your travel experience.
Here’s a quick summary:
| **Island** | **Region** | **Known For** |
|————————|———————-|———————————————|
| Mogador Island | Essaouira | History, birdlife, scenic views |
| Îles Purpuraires | Essaouira | Ancient dye trade, seabird nesting |
| Tourée Island | El Jadida | Portuguese history, local sea tours |
| Isla de Perejil | Near Tangier | Geopolitical interest, strait views |
| Khenifiss Lagoon Isles | Southern Atlantic | Birdwatching, wild landscapes, eco-tourism |
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## **Tips for Visiting Morocco’s Islands**
– **Respect nature reserves**: Many of these islands are protected, so access may be restricted.
– **Go with a local guide**: Especially in Essaouira and El Jadida, where knowledgeable guides can enrich your experience with stories and insights.
– **Bring binoculars**: Birdwatchers and photographers will find Morocco’s coastal islands especially rewarding.
– **Plan for the season**: Coastal winds can affect visibility and accessibility, especially in winter.
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## **Final Thoughts: Small Islands, Big Stories**
Morocco’s islands may not be vast, but they carry the **weight of centuries and the beauty of untouched nature**. They’re perfect for those looking to experience something **different, quiet, and deeply rooted** in Moroccan heritage.
Next time you’re wandering Morocco’s coast, look to the horizon. You might just find one of these **island treasures** waiting to tell you its story.
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