Are you envisioning an ancient medina, beautifully preserved and overlooking the sea? A hidden gem seldom included in standard Moroccan tours? Or perhaps an unexpected coastal town where contemporary art meets historic ambience? Then you’re picturing Asilah in Northern Morocco. This unique destination merges an authentic medina with stunning sea views and a thriving art scene. Discover more about Asilah and let us persuade you to visit this hidden gem.
How to get to Asilah in Morocco
Asilah is a picturesque coastal town nestled in the northwest of Morocco. Situated just 31 kilometers south of Tangier on the Atlantic coast, it’s a popular first stop for travelers crossing from Spain to Tangier. Nearby, you’ll find popular destinations such as Tangier, Rabat, and the blue-hued Chefchaouen within a short distance. As Asilah has a train station, it is most convenient to get there by train.
Tip: Visiting Asilah as your first stop after crossing from Spain? Consider stopping by the local Inwi store for the best sim card in Morocco, offering unlimited internet for a month.
What Asilah is known for
Asilah is renowned for its historic medina and the annual cultural art festival. The city uniquely blends a rich history with a contemporary art scene, distinguishing Asilah from other Moroccan destinations.
The medina of Asilah, encircled by well-maintained city walls, is the city’s heartbeat. Here, you’ll discover whitewashed houses and a labyrinth of narrow alleys. This beautifully preserved medina is the city’s main attraction.
Each year, the medina transforms into an open-air art gallery during the International Cultural Moussem of Asilah. The festival attracts artists worldwide, who convert the city walls into a canvas of colorful and meaningful murals. These artworks remain visible throughout the year, making Asilah an unexpected street art destination.
Where to stay in Asilah
When it comes to accommodation in Asilah, staying in the old medina is highly recommended. Within the heart of the medina, two establishments stand out: Dar Narjis en Riad Aicha. Both offer prime locations and blend Moroccan allure with Western comfort.
On the edge of the medina, you’ll find hotels within walking distance of all major attractions. A top recommendation is Asilah 32. This hotel option boasts exceptionally high review scores, offers stunning seaside views, and provides modern comfort in a trendy atmosphere.
Top things to see in Asilah
#1 Asilah Medina
The Asilah Medina is the historic heart of the city, dating back to the 8th century. It’s a picturesque sight with its whitewashed houses adorned with blue details. The narrow streets, beautiful buildings, and typical Moroccan shops displaying their goods on the streets make it an enjoyable exploration. We absolutely loved the medina with its photogenic doors, charming views, and atmospheric streets.
While Asilah is somewhat off the beaten tourist path, its medina can still be described as touristic. Here, you’ll find the typical (souvenir) shops and craftsmen as seen in many places. However, we noticed that the vendors are less pushy than in other medinas, contributing to a very relaxed atmosphere. Shopping for souvenirs here can actually be enjoyable.
Tip: Looking for a typical souvenir from Asilah? Opt for an artwork, reflecting Asilah’s renowned art scene.
#2 The Asilah City Walls
The city walls of Asilah are remnants from the Portuguese era. The entire old medina is still encircled by these monumental walls.
Known as the Portuguese city walls of Asilah, they predate the Portuguese conquest. However, after the city was captured by the Portuguese in 1471, the walls underwent a radical transformation and took on the appearance they have today. The Portuguese reconstructed the walls to defend the city against the new warfare and weapons of that era, reducing the city’s perimeter for easier control and defense.
The current walls largely date from the period of Portuguese occupation, except for some parts of the seawall. They feature multiple gates, including Bab Homar, Bab el Bahr, and Bab al-Qasba.
#3 Krikia Viewpoint
The Krikia Viewpoint, or Caraquia Viewpoint, is a must-visit spot in Asilah. Located in the city walls southwest of the medina, it offers stunning views over the coastline, city walls, and Asilah itself. The city and beach lie like a postcard at your feet. Often, you’ll find street musicians here, and it’s a favorite spot for Moroccan vacationers taking selfies with the scenic backdrop.
Tip: This is also a popular spot during sunset, and deservedly so. The view of the sun setting into the sea from here is truly magnificent.
#4 Bab Homar, Bab el Bahr and Bab al-Qasba
The Bab Homar, Bab al-Qasba, and Bab el Bahr are the iconic gates leading to the Asilah Medina. They are unmissable as you’ll have to pass through one to enter the medina.
Bab Homar, on the landward side, is a monumental gate made of earth-colored stones, often flanked by vendors. On the other hand, Bab el Bahr, the ‘Gate of the Sea’, provides a beautiful passage to the port and the promenade along the Atlantic Ocean. Close by is Bab al-Qasba, situated next to the mosque.
#5 Al Qamra Tower
The Al Qamra Tower, within the historic city walls of Asilah and adjacent to the Bab el Bahr gate, is a rectangular tower built in the Portuguese style in 1509. This prominent tower once served as an important defense point against invasions and was also the residence of the Portuguese governor and his family. At the foot of the tower lies a square, one of the few open spaces in the medina.
#6 Palais de Raissouni
The Palais de Raissouni, or Raissouli, was once the domain of the infamous and flamboyant pirate Raissouni, who built it in 1909. It now stands as a cultural and historical icon in Asilah.
While the palace is said to boast lavish architecture, unfortunately, as a visitor to Asilah, you’ll see little of it. You can admire the exterior and walk through the outer space along the seawall. We understand that the interior of the palace is only open for viewing during the art festival in August. The photos we’ve seen are incredibly promising, so it’s definitely worth a visit then!
#7 Asilah Art Festival
The Asilah Art Festival is one of the best times of the year to visit the city. Asilah has a lively art scene, but it especially comes alive in August. Initiated in 1978 by the mayor and artist Mohamed Melehi, the festival has played a crucial role in the city’s revival. It put Asilah on the map as a cultural and tourist destination and helped it grow into the attraction it is today.
During the festival, the city becomes a vast canvas. Parts of the city walls and buildings are whitened, providing a blank slate for invited painters to create large artworks. These pieces are visible throughout the city all year round, until they are painted over during the next festival.
#8 The Grand Mosque
The Grand Mosque of Asilah is located in the former kasbah on the east side of the medina. Established shortly after Moulay Ismail recaptured the city at the end of the 17th century, it’s a classic example of Moroccan architecture.
The mosque is distinguished by an octagonal minaret, characteristic of Northern Morocco. The simplicity of its whitewashed walls and minaret – unlike the elaborately decorated mosques from the same period – makes the structure stand out. The two beautiful green doors on the street side are also very photogenic.
#9 Sidi Mansour Cemetery
At the far western end of the medina, against the backdrop of the Portuguese fortification walls surrounding the city, lies the Sidi Mansour Cemetery. The cemetery includes a dome-shaped Marabout (mausoleum) where Sidi Ahmed ibn Moussa, a Muslim scholar who founded his own Muslim brotherhood in the 16th century, is buried. Opposite him is the mausoleum of the holy Lalla Mennana, to whom local women turn for help with skin problems. The site is further adorned with graves decorated with colorful ceramic tiles.
You can’t just visit the cemetery, but you can view it from above at the Krikia Viewpoint. From there, you can clearly see the different tiles marking the graves.
#10 The Asilah beaches
Asilah is located directly on the coast and is therefore known as a seaside resort. In the summer months, many Moroccan and Spanish vacationers come here to enjoy the beach. The main beach, right by the city, is ideal for families. You can walk there from the old medina along the promenade in just a few minutes. Paradise Beach, south of Asilah, is also popular.
While Asilah is known for its beaches, we were not particularly impressed by the beach. Perhaps we’re too spoiled by the beautiful beaches in Southern Europe, but we found the beaches in Asilah somewhat dull, bare, and lacking atmosphere.
