Essaouira has been named one of the world’s top 10 places for French retirees in 2026, according to the website Retraite sans Frontières, which tracks popular retirement destinations.
The coastal city ranked 10th worldwide in a list of places where retirees can live a calm and happy life. The result highlights Morocco’s growing appeal to retired people from abroad, alongside well-known European and island destinations.
The website pointed to Essaouira’s narrow streets, white houses with blue shutters, busy fishing port, old city walls and long sandy beach. It also noted the city’s mild weather, helped by Atlantic winds that keep temperatures comfortable most of the year.
The 2026 list was topped by Paros in Greece, followed by Tavira in Portugal and Trou aux Biches in Mauritius.
Morocco also ranked fifth among the most attractive countries for retirement, behind Thailand, Greece, Spain and Portugal.
Retraite sans Frontières said Morocco attracts retirees because it is close to France, has a lower cost of living, uses French widely, offers tax benefits on pensions, and has mild winters and a rich cultural life.
The ranking is based on data covering 12 key points, including living costs, housing, weather, healthcare, safety, transport, and how easy it is for retirees to settle in. It also includes views from French retirees already living abroad.
