Perched along Morocco's northwestern coast, Asilah is a sun-kissed town that I find endlessly charming. While it boasts a rich history, a captivating arts scene and a serene seaside ambiance, it still remains well and truly off the beaten tourist track. This always surprises me, considering it’s only 45 minutes’ drive from Tangier.
Tracing its origins back to the Phoenicians in 1500 BC (when it was known as the ancient site of Zili), Asilah has long been a hub of cultural exchange and creative expression. Today, the town's compact medina is clustered with low-hung whitewashed buildings and encircled by Portuguese ramparts dating from the 15th century.
While Asilah can be easily explored in a single day, its serene seaside setting and laid-back vibe may just leave you wishing you had more time. The cobbled streets are framed by colourful murals that reflect the town's artistic roots and it's home to galleries, cultural centres and an inspiring choice of accommodation.
If you’re wondering: “Is Asilah worth visiting?” then this article is for you.
The relaxed pace and lack of any big-ticket attractions mean it may not be for everyone. But for me, that’s exactly why it’s so appealing!
Read on to discover 7 reasons why I think Asilah is worth visiting and why you should add it to your Morocco itinerary.
Is Asilah worth visiting?
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7 reasons why Asilah is worth visiting
It hosts one of Morocco’s best arts festivals
Every summer, artists from around the world gather in Asilah, ready to transform the medina's whitewashed streets into an energised artistic hub. The Asilah Arts Festival is a yearly celebration that includes concerts, exhibitions and theatrical performances showcasing the richness of Moroccan art and culture.
It's designed to foster a creative dialogue between artists and the local community, offering interactive workshops and educational programs. The Asilah Arts Festival is held in July or August each year - check in the lead up for exact dates! If you're planning a visit, make sure to secure your accommodation early, as it tends to fill up quickly.
The street art is amazing!
Asilah’s historic medina is a paradise for artists, where the whitewashed walls act as a canvas for a constantly changing display of murals. Each year, fresh artworks adorn the streets, attracting art lovers and photographers to explore this open-air gallery.
Delicate miniatures coexist with large-scale pieces that cover entire walls - you never know what you’re going to find around the next corner! As someone who loves street art, simply wandering Asilah’s thoroughfares is one of my favourite things to do when visiting the town.
Is Asilah worth visiting?
There are some beautiful beaches nearby
Surrounding Asilah are plenty of beaches where you can swim and sunbathe during the warmer months, with the closest being Plage d’Agadir. For a more tranquil experience, travel south to Paradise Beach, which is just seven kilometres down the coast. You'll find umbrellas and sun loungers scattered across the sandy shore, along with beach bars selling fried fish and tagines.
Further south is Sidi Mghayet, one of Asilah’s quietest stretches of sand and my personal favourite. It comes alive in July and August with both domestic and international holidaymakers but it’s usually quieter than the beaches closer to town. Outside of the summer season (when the chiringuitos shut up shop), it’s often almost completely deserted and perfect for a leisurely stroll.
It’s home to a wonderful hammam
In the heart of Asilah’s medina lies Hammam Al Alba, which boasts two rooms (one warm and one hot) designed to provide a traditional Moroccan hammam experience. It’s a fantastic place to go if you’re not quite ready to embrace a public hammam, which typically involves being (almost) undressed in front of others.
You can learn more about what to expect at a local Moroccan hammam here.
Hammam Al Alba also provides a range of wellness treatments, such as skin exfoliations and therapeutic massages. For a Moroccan-inspired treat, consider pampering yourself with a facial that features a mineral-rich rhassoul clay mask, which nourishes the skin while helping to eliminate impurities.
Is Asilah worth visiting?
It’s on the doorstep of an ancient stone circle
Around 30 minutes’ drive from Asilah is the Cromlech de Msoura, an ancient stone circle near the village of Chouahed. The site features 167 impressive monoliths arranged in a circular formation surrounding a large central tumulus. While most of the monoliths stand at about 1.5 metres tall, El Uted (also known as “The Peg”) towers above at five metres.
According to legend, this site is believed to be the burial place of the legendary giant Antaeus, though the true significance of the location remains a mystery. Archaeologists have dated the site back to the 4th or 3rd century BC, indicating it could represent the early days of the ancient Kingdom of Mauretania.
The sunsets are divine
Facing west across the Atlantic Ocean, Asilah experiences some gorgeous sunsets and in my opinion, there’s no better way to end the day than sitting on the ramparts watching the sun sink towards the horizon. Built in the 15th century during the Portuguese occupation of the town, these sturdy walls provide an atmospheric backdrop to this natural spectacle. Be sure to bring your camera!
Is Asilah worth visiting?
There are some charming places to stay
While you can easily visit Asilah as a day trip from Tangier, I'd highly recommend spending a night or two as there is some great accommodation available. Many feature sunny rooftop terraces that provide breathtaking views across the medina and the waters of the Atlantic Ocean beyond.
If you venture a bit further from the town, you'll uncover boutique hotels, luxurious homes and serene rural retreats offering a really tranquil getaway. For more Asilah accommodation information, check out my article detailing 10 of the Best Places to Stay in Asilah.
Please note: Many Asilah accommodations close over the winter months and reopen in March/April.
Best places to stay in Asilah
Best hotel in Asilah for a luxury stay
Boasting wonderful views across Asilah's rooftops and the Atlantic Ocean, this luxurious retreat spans three levels and includes two sunlit terraces. It offers three bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom, along with two inviting living spaces and a fully equipped kitchen. To top it off, Dar el Maq features a private sauna, providing an ideal spot to unwind and refresh after a day of discovery.
Best beachside hotel near Asilah
This charming beachside cottage, located only a 10-minute drive from Asilah, is the perfect getaway for anyone in search of coastal tranquility. With its whitewashed walls and natural materials, it creates a peaceful ambiance, complemented by breathtaking views from the infinity pool. The White Cottage places you right at the intersection of ocean and mountain vistas, all while being enveloped by serene fields.
Best eco-friendly hotel near Asilah
If you're open to options beyond the medina, this eco-friendly hotel near Asilah is a fantastic choice. The rooms are beautifully designed in a rustic Moroccan style, featuring decor that pays tribute to local customs. Enjoy homemade breakfasts while taking in views of the picturesque countryside before relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches nearby.
Is Asilah worth visiting?
Is Asilah worth visiting?
In my opinion, Asilah offers a gentler, more accessible introduction to the Moroccan medina experience, particularly when compared to the bustling city of Tangier up the coast. It has a population of just over 30,000 inhabitants and the pace of life here is enticingly relaxed. The slow, unhurried rhythm provides the perfect antidote to the frenetic energy found in more popular Moroccan destinations, such as Marrakech, Fes and Casablanca.
If this is what you’re craving, then I think Asilah is definitely worth visiting, particularly for lovers of the arts. For a town of such a small size, it abounds with creativity - it’s literally painted all over the whitewashed walls! Added to that, Asilah boasts beautiful beaches where you can enjoy a dip and a handful of historic attractions, from its centuries-old ramparts to the ancient monoliths of the Cromlech de Msoura.
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.