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.

Family Hotels & Resorts in Asilah from NZ$147

Change your mind
Book hotels with free cancellation
Treat yourself
Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
Sign in
Be picky
Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check availability on Asilah Family Hotels

Tonight

Tomorrow

This weekend

Next weekend

Our top choices for Asilah family-friendly hotels

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

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, pool loungers

Riad Oasis d'Asilah

Medina

hoda

includes taxes & fees

1 Jan - 2 Jan 2026

For rent: Luxury apartment in a tourist residence.

Asilah

includes taxes & fees

30 Dec - 31 Dec

Luxury apartment + pools + wifi

Asilah

includes taxes & fees

30 Dec - 31 Dec

Assilah - Apartment luxury quiet + pool + WIFI

Asilah

Anne Sophie M.

includes taxes & fees

30 Dec - 31 Dec

Sultana Larache

Old Town

HSUEH-CHIN

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

RIMAS Apparthôtel

Branes

includes taxes & fees

26 Jan - 27 Jan 2026

Charming apartment in Briech - Assilah, Morocco

Asilah

includes taxes & fees

30 Dec - 31 Dec

View all properties

Top Asilah Hotel Reviews

Hotel Al Khaima

10/10 Excellent

"Great host , convenient location "

Frequently asked questions

What's Asilah like for family-friendly holidays?

If you've been thinking about a trip with your children, the walkable destination of Asilah is a good choice. The excursions, museums and festivals are just a few things that make this an attractive holiday destination for families. Arrange a flight into Tangier (TNG-Ibn Batouta), which is located 19.2 mi (30.8 km) from the city centre.

What's the best family accommodation in Asilah?

Riad Oasis d'Asilah is a riad with a children's pool and a restaurant, and it's a top choice on Expedia for families.

When's the best time to book a family-friendly holiday 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's there to see and do with your family in Asilah?

While you are visiting Asilah, you may want to round up the youngsters and make time to see interesting attractions such as Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales, Asilah Port and Centre Hassan II. Make sure that you have lots of time for activities such as Galerie Hakim and Aplanos Gallery.

What's the best way for us to get around Asilah?

To venture out into the surrounding area, take a train from Asilah Station. Asilah might not have many public transport choices, so consider a car rental to maximise your time.

Family Hotels & Resorts in Asilah from NZ$147

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check availability on Asilah Family Hotels

Our top choices for Asilah family-friendly hotels

Pasta Plaza Hotel

Riad Oasis d'Asilah

For rent: Luxury apartment in a tourist residence.

Luxury apartment + pools + wifi

Assilah - Apartment luxury quiet + pool + WIFI

Sultana Larache

RIMAS Apparthôtel

Charming apartment in Briech - Assilah, Morocco

Cozy family apartament with garage

Spacious Apartment in beautiful Tangier

Top Asilah Hotel Reviews

Hotel Al Khaima

Frequently asked questions