El Jadida, Morocco

Capital City

With a population of just 235,681, this former Portuguese fortress town on Morocco's Atlantic coast is hardly the bustling metropolis some expats may envision. While the city's fortified walls and Manueline-style architecture are impressive UNESCO World Heritage attractions, the reality is that El Jadida is a sleepy provincial hub where bureaucracy can be a persistent headache.

The city's climate is defined by hot summers and mild, rainy winters - a temperate Mediterranean climate that may appeal to some, but the frequent rainfall could disrupt plans for those seeking perpetual sunshine. And with the nearest major city, Casablanca, lying 60 miles to the north, El Jadida feels a world away from the fast-paced dynamism of Morocco's commercial capital.

For expats seeking a quieter, more historically-rich corner of Morocco, El Jadida's charms may outweigh its administrative and geographic isolation. But those in search of big-city amenities and round-the-clock entertainment would be better off looking elsewhere.