Asilah

Travel Guide

The corner next to Atlantic Ocean #blue #Morocco #Asilah
The corner next to Atlantic Ocean #blue #Morocco #Asilah
If you're staying in Asilah, don't forget to watch the sunset. The colors are stunning. There is a rocky pier where you can sit, relax and enjoy the view.
Asilah (Arabic: أصيلة،‎‎ Aṣīla; Berber: ⴰⵥⵉⵍⴰ Aẓila; "authentic", Portuguese: Arzila, Spanish: Arcila) is a fortified town on the northwest tip of the Atlantic coast of Morocco, about 31 km (19 mi) south of Tangier. Its ramparts and gateworks remain fully intact. The town's history dates back to 1500 B.C., when the Phoenicians used it as a base for trade. The Portuguese conquered the city in 1471, but later it was decided to abandon it because of an economic debt crisis in 1549. Later in 1578, Sebastian of Portugal used Asilah as a base town for his troops during a planned crusade that resulted in Sebastian's death, which in turn caused the Portuguese succession crisis of 1580. The Moroccans in 1589 regained control of Asilah briefly, but then lost control of it to the Spanish. In 1692, the town was again taken by the Moroccans under the leadership of Moulay Ismail. Asilah served then as a base for pirates in the 19th and 20th centuries, and in 1829, the Austrians punitively bombarded the city due to Moroccan piracy. From 1912 to 1956, it was part of Spanish Morocco. A major plan to restore the town was undertaken in 1978 by its mayor, Mohamed Benaissa. The first edition of an art festival known as the International Cultural Moussem of Asilah was launched that year to help generate tourism. It was successful in generating revenue for the city and played a role in raising the average monthly income from $50 in 1978 to $140 in 2014. The festival features local artwork and music and continues to attract large amounts of tourists. Asilah is now a popular seaside resort, with modern holiday apartment complexes on the coast road leading to the town from Tangier.
Wander the streets of the medina and stumble across murals, contributions left behind by groups of international artists attending the Asilah Arts Festival every August.

Where to stay in Asilah

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Asilah Beach

4/5(1 area review)

You'll appreciate the restaurants during your time in Asilah Beach and you might want to plan a stop by Asilah Port and Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales while you're in the area.

Asilah Beach
A blue city in the north of Morocco The old town is gorgeous with narrow streets #August 2017

Medina

If you're spending some time in Medina, El-Hamra Tower and Asilah Port are top sights worth seeing.

Medina
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Dghaliyene

Dghaliyene might not have many top sights, but Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales and Asilah Port are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Dghaliyene
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Saqaya

Though Saqaya might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Palais de Raissouli and Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales.

Saqaya
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Widadiya Asilah

Though Widadiya Asilah might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales and Asilah Port.

Widadiya Asilah
Dar Bouanani

Dar Bouanani

2.5 out of 5
rue abou kaccem chabi Asilah tanger-asilah
Stay at this aparthotel in Asilah. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions El-Hamra Tower and Ramparts & Medina are located ...
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Dar Bouanani
Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

4 out of 5
Nakhil 35 Asilah
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Asilah. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales ...
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Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant
Hotel Al Khaima

Hotel Al Khaima

4 out of 5
Km 2 - Route De Tanger Asilah
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Asilah. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a nightclub. Popular attractions Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales ...
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Hotel Al Khaima
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Dar Bouanani

Dar Bouanani

2.5 out of 5
rue abou kaccem chabi Asilah tanger-asilah
Stay at this aparthotel in Asilah. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions El-Hamra Tower and Ramparts & Medina are located ...
Dar Bouanani
Asilah 32

Asilah 32

4 out of 5
Av. Moulay Hassan Ben Mahdi Asilah Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Asilah. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales ...
Asilah 32
Asilah Marina Golf

Asilah Marina Golf

3 out of 5
Quartier Touristique Asilah Marina Golf Asilah
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Asilah. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 9 outdoor pools. Popular attractions New Town and Aplanos Gallery are located ...
Asilah Marina Golf
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Asilah Port

4.5/5(12 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Asilah with a trip to Asilah Port. Experience the area's festivals and art scene.

Asilah Port

Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales during your travels in Medina. Stroll along the marina or visit the monuments while you're in the area.

Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales

Palais de Raissouli

You can find out about the history of Medina with a visit to Palais de Raissouli. Amble around the area's marina or experience its festivals.

Palais de Raissouli

Centre Hassan II

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Centre Hassan II during your travels in Medina. Wander the marina and beaches while you're in the area.

Centre Hassan II

Ramparts & Medina

Find out about the history of Medina with a stop at Ramparts & Medina. Experience the area's festivals and art scene.

Ramparts & Medina

Galerie Hakim

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Galerie Hakim during your trip to Medina. Wander the marina and beaches while you're in the area.

Galerie Hakim

Things to do

Tangier to Asilah Day Trip

Tangier to Asilah Day Trip

$76
per traveler
Tangier to Asilah Day Trip
Private Hammam and Toning Massage Asilah

Private Hammam and Toning Massage Asilah

$53
per adult
Private Hammam and Toning Massage Asilah
Asila Private Tour And Sightseeings Of Tangier

Asila Private Tour And Sightseeings Of Tangier

$174
per adult
Asila Private Tour And Sightseeings Of Tangier
From Tangier to the Blue City – an unforgettable journey through Morocco’s hidden gems

2 Days Private Tour Luxury to Chefchaouen & Tetouan from Tangier

$457
per adult
2 Days Private Tour Luxury to Chefchaouen & Tetouan from Tangier
3-Day Trip to Northern Morocco

3-Day Trip to Northern Morocco

$754
per adult
3-Day Trip to Northern Morocco
Panoramic view of Tangier’s coastline — where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean.

Tangier and Asilah Luxury Private Tour from Malaga or Tarifa

$348
per adult
Tangier and Asilah Luxury Private Tour from Malaga or Tarifa
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Reviews of Asilah

4.5
Top Destination
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4 - Good
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4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Cool city right near the ocean. The Médina is beautiful and very classic looking. Plenty of great food