Essaouira, initially named Mogador by the Portuguese, boasts a history dating back to the 7th century BC when it served as a Phoenician trading post.

The city's strategic coastal location on the Atlantic Ocean made it a crucial trading port connecting Africa, Europe, and the Americas, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Essaouira's medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001, exemplifies a late 18th-century fortified town, blending European military architecture with North African design principles.

The Alaouite Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah rebuilt Essaouira in the 1760s, commissioning French architect Théodore Cornut to design the new city, establishing it as a major royal port.

The Sqala de la Kasbah and Sqala du Port, two impressive fortified platforms along the city walls, once housed cannons to defend against naval attacks, now offering panoramic ocean views.

Essaouira's fishing port remains a vital part of the local economy, providing a daily spectacle of colorful boats returning with their catch and bustling fish auctions.

The Gnaoua World Music Festival, held annually in Essaouira, celebrates the unique Gnaoua music tradition, attracting musicians and visitors from around the globe.

Argan oil production is a significant industry in the Essaouira region, with local cooperatives, often run by women, processing the nuts from the endemic argan trees into various products.

Essaouira’s climate is characterized by strong winds, making it a world-renowned destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

The population of Essaouira has steadily grown over the past decades, reflecting its economic importance and attractiveness as a tourist destination.

Safi, historically known as Safim, predates Essaouira and served as an important port during the Almohad Caliphate in the 12th century.

The Portuguese occupied Safi from 1488 to 1541, building a fortress, the Kechla, which still stands as a prominent landmark, reflecting the city's strategic importance.

Safi is renowned for its pottery industry, producing vibrant and intricate ceramics that are sold throughout Morocco and internationally.

The city's location near significant phosphate deposits has made phosphate processing a major industry, contributing substantially to the national economy.

Safi's Mausoleum of Sidi Bouzid, a revered Sufi saint, is a significant religious site, attracting pilgrims and contributing to the city's cultural and spiritual identity.