Asilah (Assilah), Morocco

This fortified town on the Atlantic coast of Morocco may look picturesque, but with a population of over 1.27 million, daily life in Asilah can be a headache. The city's history stretches back to the Phoenicians, and its Portuguese-built walls and ramparts have survived intact, but the bureaucracy and cost of living are a persistent challenge. Asilah does offer cultural attractions like the renowned International Cultural Festival, which has helped boost average monthly incomes from $50 in 1978 to $140 today, but the hustle and bustle may be too much for those seeking a quiet seaside retreat.