Nestled on Morocco's northwest coast, Asilah is a vibrant seaside town with a history dating back to 1500 BC when it was the Phoenician site of Zili. Encircled by 15th-century Portuguese ramparts, its compact medina packs a visual punch, with whitewashed houses adorned with captivating murals that reflect Asilah’s artistic side.
As you meander through the cobbled streets, you'll find art galleries and cultural centres housed in historic palaces, not to mention spectacular sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean. While you can see the town’s highlights in a day, once you experience Asilah's beauty and seaside setting, you’ll wish you stayed longer.
In this Ultimate Travel Guide to Asilah, discover everything you need to know to experience this seaside town to the fullest, from the best things to do and incredible hotels to my top tour recommendations.
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BEST TOURS IN ASILAH
Don't have time to read the whole article? These are my top Asilah tour recommendations:
Things to do in Asilah
Photograph the street art
Asilah’s historic medina is an artist's haven, with its whitewashed walls serving as the perfect canvas for a rotating gallery of murals. Every year, new pieces grace the streets, luring art aficionados and photographers alike to meander this open-air museum.
Intricate miniatures sit alongside sprawling works that engulf entire walls. Compared to the monotone earthen walls typical of places like Marrakech and Fes, Asilah’s have a fresh and vibrant feel. Let your inner photographer run wild as you document the town’s street art treasures - you never know what inspiration lies around the next corner.
Visit the Church of San Bartolome
Just northwest of Asilah's old town lies a hidden gem from the colonial past: the Church of San Bartolome. Built in 1925 by Spanish Franciscans, this striking Catholic church is a rarity in mostly-Muslim Morocco and one of the few allowed to ring its bells for Sunday mass.
Inside, devoted nuns of the order still reside and are often delighted to provide a short tour of the premises. Wandering between the pews, the ornate altar and the tranquil courtyard, you'll gain a compelling glimpse into Morocco's multilayered religious heritage.
Haggle at the Thursday market
If possible, coincide your visit to Asilah with a Thursday when a lively market takes place just outside the old town walls. Traders come from the surrounding villages to sell their fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as poultry, spices and household goods. It’s a great way to experience Moroccan commerce in an authentic setting.
Tucked away in one of the medina's tiny streets is the Nashia Bazaar, which boasts an array of handcrafted goods. Ornate Moroccan mirrors and chests share space with brilliantly hued rugs in endless shapes and sizes. Haggling is an essential part of the experience here, so don’t be afraid to embrace the art of negotiation to get the best deals.
Things to do in Asilah
Tour the Palais du Raissouli
This grand palace reveals a dramatic tale of power and piracy along Morocco's coast. Constructed in 1909 by Er Raissouli, it provided a lavish retreat during his reign as a pirate lord. Despite being beautifully restored, its opulent rooms still hold dark secrets.
The main reception room still boasts its glass-fronted terrace overlooking the sea - the very place where Er Raissouli ruthlessly forced convicted murderers to plunge to their deaths on the rocky shores below. While usually closed to visitors, the palace briefly opens its doors during the Asilah Festival, offering a glimpse into a turbulent time when pirates held sway along this coastline.
Spend a day at Paradise Beach
For a peaceful beach escape near Asilah, head to the aptly named Paradise Beach (also known as Kaf Lahmam), which is located seven kilometres south of the town. It’s less popular than Asilah's urban beach, making it the perfect alternative for those who want to relax in peace and quiet. Outside of the summer months, you’ll probably have the beach largely to yourself.
Dotting the sands are umbrellas and sun loungers available for rent, as well as chiringuitos (beach bars) selling fried fish and tagines. It’s possible to walk to Paradise Beach from Asilah or you can catch a taxi there and back for around 250-300 Dirhams.
Enjoy a hammam experience
In the heart of Asilah’s medina is Hammam Al Alba, which features two rooms (one warm, one hot) that recreate the traditional Moroccan hammam experience. It’s a great option if you’re not ready for the real deal, which involves getting (almost) naked in front of a bunch of strangers. That being said, I highly recommend an authentic local hammam if you feel comfortable as it really is a wonderful cultural experience.
You can learn more about what to expect at a local Moroccan hammam here.
Hammam Al Alba also offers a variety of other wellness treatments, including skin exfoliations and therapeutic massages. For something uniquely Moroccan, why not indulge with a facial using a mineral-rich rhassoul clay mask that nourishes while drawing out impurities.
Asilah travel guide
Experience the Cromlech de Msoura
History buffs shouldn’t miss a visit to this ancient stone circle, which lies 15 kilometres’ drive from Asilah near the village of Chouahed. It consists of 167 towering monoliths arranged in a circle around a massive central tumulus. While the monoliths average around 1.5 metres in height, El Uted (“the peg”) is a staggering 5 metres tall.
Legend claims this was the tomb of the mythical giant Antaeus, although the significance of the site is still shrouded in mystery. Archaeologists date the site to the 4th or 3rd century BC, suggesting it may mark the beginnings of the ancient Kingdom of Mauretania.
Watch the sunset from the ramparts
As the sun begins sinking towards the horizon, head to the grand ramparts of Asilah for an evening stroll. Constructed primarily in the 15th century when the Portuguese ruled this coastal outpost, these formidable walls have endured for centuries.
Embracing Asilah's historic medina, the ramparts exude old-world charm and are the perfect spot to watch the sun’s last rays illuminate the old town.
Things to do in Asilah
Experience the Asilah Arts Festival
Every summer, artists flock to Asilah from all corners of the globe, ready to transform the medina's whitewashed houses into canvases of creativity. But street art is only part of what makes the Asilah Arts Festival so captivating. This annual event also features concerts, exhibitions and theatrical performances that highlight the best of Moroccan art and culture.
The festival provides a creative exchange between artists and the local community, with engaging workshops and community education programs. The Asilah Arts Festival takes place in July or August each year. If you’re planning on visiting, be sure to book your accommodation well in advance as it tends to get snapped up early.
Top tours in Asilah
Top tours in Asilah
Things to do in Asilah
How to get to Asilah
Asilah is located just 45 kilometres south of Tangier and is easily accessible from Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport. For more information about flying into Tangier, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Tangier.
Private transfer
If you’re travelling from Tangier, Chefchaouen or other cities in Morocco’s north, the most comfortable and convenient way to reach Asilah is by booking a private transfer. It’s a hassle-free option that includes door-to-door service, eliminating the need to lug your bags to and from the train/bus station.
Bus
One of the most affordable ways to reach Asilah is by bus, with daily coaches connecting from Tangier. If you’re travelling from Chefchaouen, you’ll need to change bus in Tangier before continuing on to Asilah. Share taxis are also available at the Tangier bus station and leave for Asilah once full.
If you’re short on time, I highly recommend this two-day Taste of the North tour, which takes in Tangier, Chefchaouen, Tetouan and Asilah. It will save you the hassle of organising transportation between cities while taking in the highlights of each.
To learn more about Chefchaouen, including things to do in the "Blue City" and the best places to stay, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Chefchaouen.
Train
Trains connect from major cities across Morocco to the Asilah Railway Station, which is located two kilometres from the town centre. There are daily services from Tangier (40 minutes), Rabat (3.5 hours), Fes (4 hours) and Casablanca (4.5 hours), as well as Marrakech (9 hours) and Meknes (3 hours). From the train station, you can easily grab a taxi to your Asilah accommodation.
Cruise ship
If you’re arriving in Tangier by cruise ship and want to explore beyond the city, I highly recommend this Asilah shore excursion from Tangier. It includes all transport, entrance fees and a private guide to ensure you make the most of this enchanting seaside town in the time you have available.
Travel guide to Asilah
Best places to stay in Asilah
Despite its compact size, Asilah boasts an abundance of atmospheric apartments and dars where you can overnight or spend a few days. Many have sun-drenched rooftop terraces, offering stunning views across the medina. Beyond the old town walls are a handful of boutique hotels and retreats catering to luxury travellers.
Luxury places to stay in Asilah
Mid-range places to stay in Asilah
Affordable places to stay in Asilah
For more information about the above hotels, check out my article detailing 9 of the Best Places to Stay in Asilah.
Travel guide to Asilah
Best time to visit Asilah
Weatherwise, the best time to visit Asilah is during spring and autumn, when pleasant weather in the 20s makes exploring ideal. From March to May and September to November, you can stroll through the medina's winding alleys and relax at the breezy cafes without building up a sweat.
While the summer months can be hot, with temperatures regularly topping 30°C, this is the best time to visit Asilah if you want to experience its arts festival. Keep in mind that large numbers of other visitors are hoping to stay in Asilah during this period, so be sure to book your accommodation well in advance.
Despite the cooler weather, winter is still a wonderful time to visit this seaside town, with a small peak in tourist numbers over the Christmas/New Year holiday period.
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