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.

Beach Hotels & Resorts in Asilah from NZ$70

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Our top choices for Asilah beach hotels

Dar Bouanani

Asilah

includes taxes & fees

30 Dec - 31 Dec

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

Asilah Beach

elmostafa

includes taxes & fees

23 Jan - 24 Jan 2026

Pasta Plaza Hotel

Asilah Beach

"A little gem of a place, we were greeted by the owner who was very welcoming. He gave us a great room with a wonderful view and told us all we needed to know to get around Asilah. Breakfast was good and on our last day we left very early to get a ferry and he still managed to get us fed. The view from the top is great and can I just say once again how welcoming we were made to feel, couldn’t recommend it enough!"

Jonathan

includes taxes & fees

30 Dec - 31 Dec

40-inch Smart TV with satellite channels

Asilah 32

Asilah

Shareen

includes taxes & fees

20 Jan - 21 Jan 2026

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, pool loungers

Riad Oasis d'Asilah

Medina

hoda

includes taxes & fees

1 Jan - 2 Jan 2026

Hotel Zelis

Asilah

David

includes taxes & fees

30 Dec - 31 Dec

Hotel Al Khaima

Asilah Beach

Mobarak

includes taxes & fees

30 Dec - 31 Dec

Bel Appartement Neuf

Medina

includes taxes & fees

1 Jan - 2 Jan 2026

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Top Asilah Hotel Reviews

Hotel Al Khaima

10/10 Excellent

"Great host , convenient location "

Pasta Plaza Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Nice place. Clean and simple. Friendly owner. Clean and comfortable beds. I would recommend this place "

Frequently asked questions

What is Asilah like for travellers who love the beach?

Find a great place to stay in Asilah, which has a lot to offer the traveller looking to book a beach holiday.

What's the best hotel to stay near the beach in Asilah?

Hotel Zelis is a top hotel with free WiFi and in-room kitchens, and it's located near a private beach . Other good options to stay near the beach include Hotel Al Khaima and Pasta Plaza Hotel.

When's the best time for a beach holiday in Asilah?

Plan your trip to the beach with this snapshot of weather throughout the year in Asilah: The hottest months are usually August and July, with an average temperature of 24°C, while the coldest months are February and January, with an average of 14°C. Average annual precipitation for Asilah is 701 mm.

What is there to see and do around Asilah?

After checking into your accommodation of choice, you'll probably want to venture out and explore. If you're eager to check out the beaches, head to Paradise Beach or Sidi Mghait Beach for some relaxation by the water. Discover a variety of local attractions, which include Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales and Asilah Port. You can also pay a visit to Centre Hassan II or El-Hamra Tower for more to see and do.

What's the best way to get to my beach hotel in Asilah?

This travel information can help you get to and around your beach accommodation in Asilah more easily: The closest major airport is in Tangier (TNG-Ibn Batouta), located 19.2 mi (30.8 km) from the city centre. To venture out into the surrounding area, hop aboard a train at Asilah Station.

Beach Hotels & Resorts in Asilah from NZ$70

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check availability on Asilah Beach Hotels

Our top choices for Asilah beach hotels

Dar Bouanani

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

Pasta Plaza Hotel

Asilah 32

Riad Oasis d'Asilah

Hotel Zelis

Hotel Al Khaima

Bel Appartement Neuf

Apartment near to beach

Brand new flat city center

Top Asilah Hotel Reviews

Hotel Al Khaima

Pasta Plaza Hotel

Frequently asked questions