Visiting northern Morocco? Stop off in Asilah, the pearl of Morocco’s Atlantic coast. With its medina of white walls adorned with colorful frescoes, its ramparts and its bohemian atmosphere, this small coastal town completely charmed us. In this city of artists, historical heritage blends harmoniously with contemporary creativity.
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in Assilah and useful tips for planning your visit.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is the seaside resort of Assilah worth a visit?
Yes, Asilah is definitely worth a visit in our eyes. We loved this small coastal town, a former fishing port, which exudes a soothing atmosphere with its whitewashed alleyways, colorful murals and panoramic views of the Atlantic. Every year, numerous artists come to transform the medina into a veritable open-air museum. An ideal destination for a cultural and relaxing getaway.
In fact, it’s one of the most beautiful cities in Maroc for its artistic and historical heritage!
If you don’t have a car or don’t want to drive, you can discover it on an organized tour from Tangier.
1. Stroll through the white medina and its colorful gates
Arriving in the city, we were immediately captivated by the beauty of Asilah’s medina. You’ll stroll through alleys with white walls, punctuated by blue, green or yellow doors that create a surprising contrast. Every turn reveals a postcard setting, where the atmosphere invites you to take a leisurely stroll. We particularly appreciated the cleanliness of the premises and the harmony of colors that transform every street corner into a work of art.
- Free access all day
- Medina closed to traffic (except residents)
- Relatively flat, accessible to all, some cobblestones
A LITTLE MORE PATIENCE
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay at Maroc a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
Coming soon!
2. Marvel at the frescoes at the Asilah Cultural Festival
A veritable open-air museum, Asilah fascinates us as the city lives to the rhythm of the colorful frescoes painted every year during the Moussem culturel Festival by artists from all over the world. These works transform the medina into a contemporary art gallery, giving the city its distinctive bohemian character. We learned how artists and children repaint the walls according to a different theme each year. It’s a permanent artistic renaissance, enhanced by the Moorish architecture of the historic center!
- Frescoes renewed every summer during the International Cultural Moussem Festival
- Free access to art throughout the medina
- World-renowned summer festival
3. Walk along the ramparts
What a soothing stroll along the ramparts of Asilah! Did you know that they were built in the 15th century to protect the medina? Their walls encircle the old town and offer beautiful panoramic views of the Atlantic, carried by the cry of seagulls and the sea breeze. The Borj al-Bahr, an advanced bastion facing the sea, is undoubtedly the best spot to admire the sunset. A walk along these fortifications will give you a feeling of calm and tranquillity, with the ocean stretching as far as the eye can see.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Maroc
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Adapt your choice of vehicle to your itinerary!
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
4. See the Al Kamra Tower
Built in the 15th century by the Portuguese, the Al Kamra Tower is a symbol of Portuguese defensive architecture. Its massive reddish stone silhouette dominates the northern entrance to the medina, bearing witness to the city’s colonial heritage. This ancient watchtower is a perfect illustration of the Portuguese influence blended with traditional Moroccan culture. You can admire this emblematic fortress from the square in front of it, which is particularly lively during the summer festivities.
- 15th-century historic monument under restoration at the time of our visit
- Freely accessible outside view
- Find out more on the city’s official website here
5. Stay overnight
Sleeping in Asilah extends the experience beyond a day trip. The town empties of visitors in the evening, giving way to an even more peaceful and authentic atmosphere. You can choose from a number of charming riads in the medina or private homes for rent. An overnight stay is an integral part of the trip, for total immersion in the unique atmosphere of this city of artists facing the Atlantic.
- Authentic riads in the medina, such as Riad Oasis or Riad Dar Jean
- Private homes available – see details
- Ideal for short stays during festivals or all year round
WHERE TO STAY IN Tangier
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Our selection is coming soon Hotel 1 – See prices, photos and availability
Our selection is coming soon Hotel 1 – See prices, photos and availability
Our selection is coming soon Hotel 1 – See prices, photos and availability
6. Enjoy the view from Caraquia
At the western end of the ramparts, we made our way to the Caraquia viewpoint, one of the most breathtaking panoramas of our stay. This viewpoint overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, the perfect place to contemplate the infinite seascape in front of you. You can listen to the soothing sound of the waves breaking on the rocks while admiring the sunset or the horizon. In the medina, it’s the only vantage point from which to take in both the city walls and the immensity of the ocean.
- A few steps up to the stone promenade
- Slope with ramp installed close to steps for PRM access
- Vigilance on the promenade as there are no safety barriers and the area can be windy.
7. Discover the marine cemetery and mausoleums
Close to the Caraquia viewpoint, we discovered a place imbued with serenity: the Asilah marine cemetery. It is distinguished by its tombs covered in colorful mosaics, a funerary practice found in northern Maroc but which takes on a special dimension here, with the ocean as a backdrop. The combination of spirituality, aesthetics and craftsmanship reflects the cultural identity of Asilah, where art plays a central role, as you will see.
The cemetery is home to two mausoleums, that of Sidi Ahmed el-Mansour and his sister Lalla Mennana. Facing the ocean, the ensemble exudes a peaceful and moving atmosphere. A blend of spirituality, religious tradition and the raw beauty of the Atlantic coastline, this site touched us deeply.
8. Admire the Great Mosque and its octagonal minaret
As soon as we entered the medina to the northeast, we spotted the Great Mosque. Its octagonal minaret is typical of northern Maroc, and bears witness to the region’s architectural influences. Although access to the interior is reserved for people of the Muslim faith, the exterior is well worth a stop to contemplate this architectural harmony. Take time to admire the details of this building, which blends subtly into the urban landscape of the white medina.
9. Explore the Hassan II Center for International Encounters
Housed in an ancient bastion, this cultural center revealed the artistic importance of Asilah. Opposite the mosque, it hosts exhibitions, debates and concerts that keep the city buzzing throughout the year. It’s one of the key venues for the Moussem d’Asilah, an international festival that brings together painters, sculptors, writers and musicians from all over the world. Here you’ll discover a symbol of the major cultural role played by this small town in the Moroccan and international artistic landscape.
10. Taste local specialities
There’s nothing like a gourmet break to feel the soul of Asilah. A town can also be discovered through its cuisine – that’s one of our convictions! Enjoy grilled fish and fresh seafood in one of the port’s small restaurants. Note that at the entrance to the medina on arriving in Asilah, the tables are quite touristy with a varied cuisine. We recommend that you wander a little further into the narrow streets outside the medina, up Avenue Mohamed V. Our favorite: Restaurant Dar Al-Maghrebiya. Their promise: fresh, local, seasonal produce on your plate, enhanced by local culinary know-how. You’re in for a treat!
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
11. Relax on Asilah’s main beach
Located right next to the medina, the main beach won us over with its proximity and tranquility. It’s the most convenient place for a refreshing dip in the Atlantic, a walk with your feet in the water or to admire a romantic sunset. This long stretch of fine sand, bordered by the town, plunged us into a simple but charming setting, punctuated by the scent of iodine and the Atlantic breeze.
- Direct access from the medina
- Sandy beach with lifeguard surveillance in season only
- Some rocks and waves, gentle slope but beware of the current
Other attractions in and around Asilah
We have discovered other places of interest that deserve special attention during your stay in Asilah:
- Mohamed Abed Al Jabri Park for a nature break
- Avenue Mohamed V children’s playground
- The long oceanfront walk to the port
Excursions around Asilah
To enrich your discovery of the region, there are several possible escapades around Asilah:
Hercules Caves
The mysterious Grottes d’Hercule are a 30-minute drive from Asilah. Legend has it that the hero rested in these caves after separating Africa from Europe, one of his 12 labors. These rock-cut caves open out spectacularly onto the Atlantic Ocean. We really enjoyed visiting this major Tangier site, at the crossroads of history, geography and geology. See guided tour options
Achakkar Beach
The wilder Plage Achakkar is one of our favorites, just a 40-minute drive from Asilah. It attracts lovers of tranquillity. You’ll find facilities and installations in season only when the beach is supervised.
Cap Spartel
Just 3/4 of an hour’s drive from Asilah, the Cap Spartel lighthouse marks a unique geographical location: where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. In this highly poetic setting, where shades of blue intermingle, we were truly amazed by this promontory at the southern entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar. The view of the sea, the rocks, the surrounding forest and of course the lighthouse itself make this place a natural curiosity to put on your bucket list. We were really intrigued by the changes in water color, currents and rock types where the ocean meets the sea. Discover Cap Spartel at the crossroads of ocean and sea on a guided tour departing from Tangier!
Perdicaris forest
Looking for total immersion in Moroccan nature? Stop off at the Forêt de Perdicaris on the mountain overlooking the sea. Just beyond Cap Spartel on our way from Asilah, we were seduced by this hilly expanse, home to the oldest plantations in Maroc, dating back to 1918.
Tangier
Tangier, the gateway between Europe and Africa, will seduce you with its thousand-year-old cultural wealth. This cosmopolitan city is home to architectural treasures such as its perched Kasbah, urban beaches and numerous museums. Did you know that the city was originally Phoenician, before passing through eras and civilizations to the present day? We were transported by the atmosphere of this city, a crossroads where Mediterranean and Moroccan influences meet, visible in both its architecture and its pace of life.
How to get to Asilah + parking
Where is Asilah
- On Morocco’s North Atlantic coast
- From Tangier: 45min drive
- From Rabat: 2h30 drive
- From Casablanca: 3h drive
- Here is a map to help you locate Assilah in the north of Maroc :
How to get there
- By car: via the A1 freeway 45min south of Tangier, 2h30 from Rabat, 3h45 from Casablanca. A car is the best option for exploring the surrounding villages and beaches on your own.
- By train: direct from Tangiers or Kenitra by conventional train, see details on the official ONCF website here
- By bus: the cheapest but slowest option, several routes from Tangier with the air-conditioned bus companies Alsa (see here) or CTM (see here).
- Organized tours: ideal if you don’t want to drive and enjoy the scenery without logistical worries. Excursions from Tangier or Casablanca are available. You can even include Assilah in a guided tour from Spain to explore northern Maroc.
Parking in Asilah
The medina is not accessible by car, except for residents in a restricted area. Several parking lots are available at the entrance to the old town. Traffic flows smoothly in this small coastal town.
Useful tips for visiting Asilah
How long and when?
We recommend a full day to discover Asilah at your own pace. Summer is particularly lively with the International Cultural Moussem Festival (or Asilah Arts Festival). Note that the rest of the year offers a more peaceful atmosphere, with some visitors but fewer crowds.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
The ground is fairly flat, with a very well laid-out medina featuring very few staircases and slopes with ramps. Some of the alleyways are cobbled, but the ground is sometimes slippery due to humidity, especially given the proximity of the ocean. Wear shoes with non-slip soles, and bring clothing to protect you from the wind.
Walking is very pleasant and accessible to all. It’s best to visit during the day, to enjoy the peace and light of the alleyways. In the rest of the city, the avenues are wide and some lanes are pedestrianized, notably near Avenue Mohamed V.
Visiting with children
Visiting Asilah with the family? It’s a pretty, pleasant and colorful town that children will love! The beach, the playground on Avenue Mohamed V, a visit to the medina with its mural frescoes or the ocean views from the ramparts will delight young and old alike. The town’s friendly, safe atmosphere will also make it easy for you and your family to get around.
Restaurants
In our opinion, eating well is an integral part of traveling and discovering a destination. We didn’t have time to try out many addresses, but on our list are the small establishments along the port for fresh seafood, and certain cafés in the medina for tasting local specialties such as kalinti, a typical northern Moroccan chickpea tart, and m’semen, a Moroccan pancake.
Our favorite lunch spot: the Dar Al-Maghrebiya restaurant in a lovely flower-filled pedestrian alleyway. Their promise: fresh, local, seasonal produce on your plate, enhanced by local culinary savoir-faire. We feasted on grilled meat and fish, fresh fruit and mint tea.
Visiting Asilah in winter
Why not explore the city out of season? In winter, you’ll have the chance to discover Asilah in a more intimate way. We enjoyed the calm of the medina, lulled by the sound of the waves and the songs of the seagulls. The invigorating strolls along the ramparts facing the Atlantic are sure to provide many happy memories. With around 5/6 hours of sunshine a day, temperatures remain mild for visiting the city on foot, at around 17/18°C (62.6/64.4°F) during the day.
Other tips
- Islam is the official state religion, so you’ll hear the 5 daily calls to prayer echoing from the minarets of mosques across Maroc.
- Note a particularity of the weekly rhythm: on Friday, the Muslim prayer day, some shops adapt their opening hours or close. But this is not an official holiday.
- On weekends (Saturday and Sunday), some stores close on Saturday, notably those serving the Jewish community, and others on Sunday.
- Maroc remains a modern Muslim country, economically liberal, open to the world, which cultivates a balance between traditions and international dynamics.
Read all our tips for visiting Maroc in our dedicated article – coming soon.
