Asilah Travel Guide

Tourist 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.

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Where to stay in Asilah

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Asilah Beach

Asilah Beach is well liked for its restaurants, and you can visit sights like Asilah Port and Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales if you have time to explore the area.

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

Medina

While visiting Medina, you might make a stop by sights like Palais de Raissouli and Asilah Port.

Medina
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Dghaliyene

While Dghaliyene may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales and Asilah Port.

Dghaliyene
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Saqaya

While there might not be top attractions in Saqaya, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Palais de Raissouli and Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales.

Saqaya
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Widadiya Asilah

When in Widadiya Asilah, you can plan a visit to Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales and Asilah Port, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Widadiya Asilah
Dar Bouanani

Dar Bouanani

2.5 out of 5
rue abou kaccem chabi Asilah tanger-asilah
The price is NZ$58 per night from 19 Feb to 20 Feb
NZ$58
19 Feb - 20 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this aparthotel in Asilah. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions El-Hamra Tower and Ramparts & Medina are located ...
Dar Bouanani
Hotel Al Khaima

Hotel Al Khaima

4 out of 5
Km 2 - Route De Tanger Asilah
The price is NZ$146 per night from 14 Feb to 15 Feb
NZ$146
14 Feb - 15 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Asilah. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and a nightclub. Popular attractions Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales and ...
7.4/10 Good! (60 reviews)
Great host , convenient location

Reviewed on 2 Oct 2025

Hotel Al Khaima
Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

4 out of 5
Nakhil 35 Asilah
The price is NZ$118 per night from 25 Feb to 26 Feb
NZ$118
25 Feb - 26 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Asilah. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (49 reviews)
Excellent staff, adorable hotel Amazing customer service Highly recommend

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant
See all 472 properties in Asilah
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 Wi-Fi, 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 Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales ...
9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
Clean spacious apartment, good restaurant nice staff

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026

Asilah 32
Asilah Marina Golf

Asilah Marina Golf

3 out of 5
Quartier Touristique Asilah Marina Golf Asilah
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Asilah. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 9 outdoor pools. Popular attractions New Town and Aplanos Gallery are located ...
Asilah Marina Golf
See all properties in Asilah
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

Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales during your trip to Medina. Stroll along the marina or visit the monuments while you're in the area.

Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales

Asilah Port

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

Asilah Port

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 browsing the exhibits at Centre Hassan II during your trip to Medina. Wander the marina and beaches while you're in the area.

Centre Hassan II

Galerie Hakim

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

Galerie Hakim

El-Hamra Tower

You can find out about the history of Medina with a trip to El-Hamra Tower. Discover the area's festivals and monuments.

El-Hamra Tower

Activities

Private Hammam and Toning Massage Asilah

Private Hammam and Toning Massage Asilah

NZ$89
per adult
Private Hammam and Toning Massage Asilah
Tangier to Asilah Day Trip

Tangier to Asilah Day Trip

NZ$131
per traveller
Tangier to Asilah Day Trip
Asila Private Tour And Sightseeings Of Tangier

Asila Private Tour And Sightseeings Of Tangier

NZ$302
per adult
Asila Private Tour And Sightseeings Of Tangier
See all activities in Asilah