RSF: Morocco’s Essaouira a Top 10 ‘Paradise’ on Earth for Foreign Retirees

Rabat- Essaouira has ranked among the top 10 retirement destinations in 2018 for foreigners to retire by the French website Retraite sans Frontieres.

Morocco continues to attract foreigners from all around the world with its rich and colorful culture, mesmerizing landscapes, and hospitality.

Morocco’s Atlantic port city, Essaouira, came tenth in the list of “Top 10 Overseas Paradise Escapes for 2018.” Another North African city, Houmt-Souk on the Tunisian island of Djerba, made it to the list.

The list includes Portugal’s Cascais ranking ninth, Houmt-Souk eighth, Indonesia’s Ubud seventh, Dominican Republic’s Boca Chica sixth, Greece’s Paros fifth, Thailand’s Ao Nang third, Mauritius’ Trou aux Biches second, and Portugal’s Tavira first.

Like every year, the site bases its judgment on specific criteria suitable for retirees: The cost of living, security and stability, infrastructure, natural and cultural heritage, climate, and environment.

The survey notes the widespread use of the French language by Moroccans which makes it easier and comfortable for French retirees to communicate with the locals, in addition to the country’s geographic proximity to Europe.

Essaouira’s charm lies in its combination of beach and desert, “its narrow streets, vivid colors, white houses with blue shutters … its medina and fish markets, fabrics and spices,” the website states.