What to Do in Asilah, Morocco
Asilah lies on the Atlantic coast, 50 km from Tangier and 100 km from Ceuta. The town sits on a gentle hillside plain overlooking the ocean. Bright light, fresh sea air, friendly locals, and outstanding seafood define the atmosphere. Asilah offers long sandy beaches, art-filled streets, and a relaxed coastal rhythm that makes many travelers fall in love with it instantly.
Would you like to go to Asilah? Many Tangier desert tours include it as a peaceful stop by the sea.
Explore the Medina of Asilah
The medina of Asilah ranks among the most beautiful in Morocco. Narrow streets wind between white and indigo walls covered with murals. Moorish-style houses, spotless streets, and the sound of waves create a calm and artistic setting.
The Portuguese built high defensive walls around the medina in the 15th century. Several historic gates still stand:
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Bab Homar (Gate of the Earth) sits beneath a tower displaying the Portuguese royal coat of arms
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Bab al Bahar (Gate of the Sea) opens beside a Portuguese square tower overlooking the ocean
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Bab Kasbah, in the north, lies near gardens and the Muslim cemetery
Walk along Alcazaba (Kasbah) Street, where you will find the Great Mosque (Kebir Mosque) with its tall octagonal minaret. Nearby, the Centre Hassan II des Rencontres Internationales hosts cultural exhibitions inside former military buildings.
Visit Sidi Ali Ben Hamdouche Square, home to a small mosque that once served as a Catholic church during Portuguese rule. The Portuguese tower dominates the square and acts as a symbol of the city.
Do not miss the Muslim cemetery by the sea, where colorful ceramic tombs face the Atlantic. Here stands the Mausoleum of Sidi Ahmed El Mansur Saadi, the ruler who reclaimed Asilah after the Battle of the Three Kings.
For the best view, climb to the Asilah lookout point above the cemetery. From there, you can watch the sun sink into the ocean in one of the most beautiful sunsets on the Moroccan coast.
Tourist Attractions and Cultural Life
Asilah becomes one of Morocco’s most popular summer destinations. Moroccans and international travelers fill the town during the warmer months, yet it never loses its charm.
Like many Moroccan cities, Asilah has a medina and a new town. The medina stays small, clean, and artistic, famous for murals painted by African and international artists. Many people consider it the most beautiful medina in the country.
The town offers a lively but relaxed nightlife and a selection of charming accommodations, especially suited for summer visitors.
Every August, Asilah hosts its renowned International Arts Festival. Artists repaint the medina walls with new murals, turning the city into an open-air gallery. You can easily spend an entire day wandering the streets and admiring the artwork.
Enjoy the Beaches of Asilah
Beaches rank among the top reasons to visit Asilah. Long stretches of fine sand extend north of the city, perfect for walking, swimming, and water sports.
Surfers often choose these beaches because of the consistent waves. Many visitors also come specifically to watch the sunsets, which rank among the best in the region.
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Short Beach: Close to town and ideal for quick swims
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Wild beaches (10 km away): Large waves, wide open spaces, and very few people
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Cave Beach (Cuevas / Paradise Beach): South of the Asilah Marina Golf complex, this stunning beach features cliffs and natural caves. The landscape protects it from strong winds, making it one of the most popular summer beaches
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Sidi Mghait Beach: Farther south, wide, quiet, and perfect for travelers seeking peace and space
Many Morocco tours of 8 days include Asilah as a coastal break between cultural cities.
Shopping in Asilah
The medina hosts most souvenir and handicraft shops. You can find:
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Leather slippers and shoes
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Handbags and jewelry
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Ceramics and textiles
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Carpets and hand-painted furniture
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Wood carvings, brass lanterns, herbal products, and musical instruments
Shopkeepers in Asilah are friendly and relaxed. Prices start fair, and bargaining feels easy and respectful. Bring cash in Moroccan dirhams, as most shops do not accept cards and only some accept euros. Exchange money at banks, hotels, or the port before shopping.
Shopping in Asilah feels far calmer than in larger cities like Tangier. Lower prices, less noise, and a peaceful atmosphere make the experience enjoyable rather than stressful.
Asilah combines art, history, beaches, and calm in a way few Moroccan towns can match. Whether you arrive from the north or add it to viajes a Marrakech and coastal itineraries, Asilah offers a refreshing and unforgettable Atlantic escape.
