Essaouira, Morocco

Capital City

This quaint coastal town may seem picturesque, but the reality is a population of just 82,962 and a bureaucratic headache. The climate is mild year-round, but the powerful trade winds can make life a persistent challenge. And while Essaouira was once a hub of international trade and diplomacy, it's now a shadow of its former glory, relegated to a niche as a hippie hangout and filming location. If you're seeking an authentic, low-key Moroccan experience, Essaouira might fit the bill, but those looking for cosmopolitan thrills would do better elsewhere.