This plan was commissioned by Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah, who in 1764, had the idea of creating a free commerce zone, drawing up trade treaties with the French, Portuguese and Spanish.

As far back as the VII century B.C.E the Phoenicians used the bay of Essaouira and the islands off the city to anchor their ships.

The largest island was the source of purpura – a highly desirable material during the Roman era, which comes from a particular sea mollusc. In the fourteenth century the Portuguese established themselves along the Moroccan coast.

As a consequence of its rich histroy, Essaouira, with its 40,000 inhabitants, is nowadays the most poliglot of Moroccan cities.

Here in Essaouira the Atlantic winds offer unbeatable conditions for surf lovers.

One a year a music festival is held, internationally renowned and which, every year, attracts greater numbers of visitors.

The Medina is car-free and luggage and merchandise are transported using hand cart.