Asilah is one of the rare cities in the world where you can watch the sunset over a beautiful, blue beach. Everything in Asilah has a deep-rooted history. This coastal town opens its arms to visitors in the summer for relaxation and enjoyment, and in the winter, it offers a peaceful retreat. Why not also explore the diverse art forms within its walls and galleries?
You can call it Asilah or Azaila—whichever you prefer—and trace its history from the Phoenicians and Carthaginians to the Romans and Normans, through to the Portuguese colonial era in the 14th century when they established it as a center for overseeing their ships crossing the Atlantic. As you listen to the sound of waves crashing on the Atlantic coast, recall how it was recaptured by Ahmad al-Mansur in 1598, later falling under Spanish control, and eventually returning to the Alaouite dynasty in 1691.
While visiting the palace of Moulay Ahmed al-Raisuni, you can imagine how he once controlled the town before being expelled by the Spanish in 1924, who held it until Morocco's independence in 1956.
Reaching Asilah
Asilah is a small town without an airport or port, but it is very easy to reach by land from Tangier, which is just 31 kilometers away. You can travel either by national road or highway. In Tangier, there are various transportation options, including buses and taxis, with fares starting from 7 dirhams for public buses and 30 to 40 dirhams for taxis or intercity buses. The main departure point in Tangier is the Castilla intersection, a key hub for travel to Asilah.
Accommodation Options
Like most smaller towns, Asilah offers a range of hotels and small guesthouses that suit all budgets, with prices generally starting from 200 dirhams.
There are also options for renting private apartments, as well as riads and beachfront residences with historical charm and elegant Moroccan designs.
Asilah's Annual Cultural Festival
It’s impossible to talk about Asilah without mentioning its annual Assilah International Cultural Festival, which is now in its 40th year, having started in 1978. This event allows visitors to enjoy both relaxation and a vibrant cultural experience. During the festival, the town’s walls are adorned with fresh colors and beautiful paintings signed by local and international artists, turning the entire town into an open-air gallery that uplifts the soul.
Throughout the festival, you can watch dozens of artists from different countries and artistic schools exhibiting their work, both inside the Hassan II International Conference Center and through murals on the walls of the Old Medina and its simple, beautiful houses.
For those who want a deeper cultural immersion and discussions, the festival also includes a rich program of talks and meetings. Over the years, the town has added a series of gardens named after Arab and African poets and writers, such as Mahmoud Darwish, Tayeb Salih, and others.
The Tower of Borj Al-Kamra
The Al-Kamra Tower may be the perfect starting point for any visitor to Asilah. Historical sources say this was the last place King Sebastian of Portugal visited before heading to the Battle of Alcáçer Quibir (Battle of Three Kings), where his forces were defeated by the Saadian King Ahmad al-Mansur. The tower was restored in the early 1990s as part of a Moroccan-Portuguese cooperation.
At the far end of the city, overlooking the sea, stands the fortified Palace of Al-Raisuni, built at the beginning of the 20th century. This palace has been restored by the Asilah Forum Foundation and now serves as a prominent cultural and artistic venue. Historians note that Al-Raisuni brought the finest craftsmen—specializing in wood and plaster carving, as well as Andalusian tilework—to build his palace, which is now an architectural masterpiece that attracts admiration. Touring the palace allows you to appreciate its intricate design and serves as a perfect reminder of the city’s rich past.
The Krikia Tower and the Medina
After a tiring day, head to the Krikia Tower, which extends like a tongue into the sea. Here, you can enjoy stunning views of the Atlantic waters while the sea breeze brushes your face. This historical site was built by the Portuguese in the 15th century.
As evening falls, take a stroll through the enchanting Medina (Old City), with its narrow streets, elegant alleys, and white and blue houses. The medina’s walls are adorned with paintings by artists from various schools and generations, and its ancient fortifications date back to the Portuguese era.
You can enter the Medina through three gates: Bab al-Kasbah, Bab al-Bahr, and Bab al-Homr. Inside, you’ll find a traditional market offering handmade products, as well as the Al-Kamra square, where outdoor performances take place during the cultural festival. Another square overlooking the sea, called Tiqan, leads to the Krikia Tower.
The Medina is built in a rectangular shape facing the beach. It consists of five main neighborhoods and is a large fortified structure that contains the town’s first mosque, as well as the towers built in the 3rd century AH. Amidst all this history, don’t forget to visit the Grand Mosque, which dates back to the 3rd century AH, or the 17th-century Khadir Ghaïlan Palace, built in the Andalusian-Moroccan style by the former ruler of Asilah, Ahmed Khadir Ghailan.
Relaxation in Asilah
Although Asilah is famous for its cultural scene, it is also a wonderful place for relaxation. The beach near the modern town attracts thousands of visitors, both from Morocco and abroad. Asilah is also known for Kaf Lahmam beach, about 7 kilometers south of the city, which offers a natural treasure that draws many beach lovers despite the rough roads leading there.
Getting to the beach may be challenging due to the tough terrain, but it remains a beautiful retreat for adventure seekers who desire moments of tranquility. The beach is known for its golden sands, clear waters, and serene atmosphere.
And, as expected from a coastal city, tasting the local seafood is one of the most enjoyable experiences for visitors. Restaurants are scattered along the beach and in the Medina, inviting you to try fresh fish dishes while enjoying views of the waves or admiring one of the many murals.
If you’re a fan of shopping, make sure to check out the central market, which features many shops and local kiosks offering a wide variety of handmade goods and products.
