The fortified port city of Asilah, Morocco is a small and picturesque town on the northern Atlantic coast.
If you haven’t heard about it already, Asilah is just a one-hour drive from the Tangier Med port. So if you are arriving by ferry from Algeciras to Tangier, Asilah is a great place to start your Moroccan travels.
It’s true that the iconic brilliant white-and-blue buildings of Asilah’s medina match the sea and sky. And if this is your first stop in Morocco, you’ve made a great choice.
Most of the best things to do in Asilah are located inside the historic medina and size-wise, Asilah can be explored on foot in a day. You don’t need to plan too much to see the city, as much of Asilah attraction is here in the architecture, beautiful white facades, colourful mural painting and the views from the city walls to the ocean.
The best option is to wander the streets of the medina and take it all in.
A brief history of Asilah, Morocco
Located just south along the coast from Tangier, in northern Morocco, Asilah is a port city overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Modern-day Asilah dates back to the ancient Phoenician port of Zilis with history detailing the city founded sometime around 1500 BC.
Much of Asilah’s medina was built under Arab Muslim rule in the 8th to 10th centuries AD. But the beautifully dramatic ramparts that surround the medina today were built by the Portuguese, who conquered the city in 1471. The Portuguese controlled Asilah until 1589 when it was returned to Moroccan rule and then briefly taken over by the Spanish.
In the 17th century Asilah once again was returned to Moroccan rule. And although in the 18th and 19th centuries Asilah was once more part of Spanish Morocco, today it has regained its independence.
How to get to Asilah, Morocco
If you’re planning to spend a day in Asilah, you; need to figure out how to get there.
Here are some options to consider…
Asilah, Morocco by train
From Tangier to Asilah, the train costs 18 dirhams and takes about 40 minutes. The train is modern and comfortable.
Tickets can be bought at the train station. And the travel time to Asilah by train is the same as if you were travelling by road.
Asilah, Morocco by road
You can also reach Asilah by bus or car (and of course by motorhome). Due to Asilah’s northern location and close proximity (60 minute drive) from the port at Tangier Med, the small city is a popular first stop for anyone arriving by vehicle ferry.
If you are coming from the south, Asilah is approximately 3 hours from Casablanca or 2 hours from Rabat.
- Asilah to Rabat: 2hr 14 min (211km)
- Asilah to Casablanca: 3hr 11 min (299km)
- Asilah to Tangier Med: 1hr 11 min (89km)
How to visit the medina in Asilah, Morocco
Most of the best things to do in Asilah, Morocco are located inside the historic medina walls. So, to start your day in Asilah, head for the medina.
The Medina is mainly residential, and is home to many artisans who sell their wares at street level.
The medina is accessed via four main gates. Simply follow the signs to the entrance of the old town to enter.
- Bab al-Bahr Gate: This is the main gate leading directly to the beach and port located in the south-west of the medina.
- Bab Al Homar Gate: Located in the north-east of the medina, this gate is the main entrance to the old town. There are many coffee shops and restaurants just outside of Bab Al Homar.
- Bab Al Kasbah Gate: To the west of the medina gives access to the Kasbah quarter, which houses the remains of an ancient fortified palace.
- Bab Sidi Bouzid Gate: Located in the south-east of the medina, this gate is situated near the Sidi Bouzid mosque.
The best things to do in Asilah, Morocco
Much of the best of Asilah lies in the chance to wander the streets and narrow lanes of the medina and take in this picturesque Moroccan city. We are big fans of Asilah and each time we visit we agree this beautiful port is an underrated destination in Morocco.
Here are the best things to do in Asilah, Morocco.
Try a Moroccan breakfast at Chez Farid
It doesn’t matter how late in the morning you start your day in Asilah, Morocco, one of the best rated cafes is the humble Chez Farid café right inside the medina walls. Here you can start your day in Asilah with a tasty traditional Moroccan breakfast. And if you just arrived and it is your first day exploring in Morocco, this is a great place to start.
Breakfast costs 20 – 30 Dh (around 2.5 EUR) and the menu is extensive. You can get a set breakfast including delicious Moroccan mint tea, fresh orange juice, egg and fromage (cheese), Moroccan breads, butter and spreads all for a great price and with impeccable friendly service. And definitely say Salam to Farid!
Browse the traditional handicrafts and colourful souvenirs
Mohammed Ben Abdellah Street is the main shopping street inside the medina. And the street is lined with shops to browse! There are shops selling handicrafts, beautifully coloured Moroccan carpets, postcards and souvenirs, jewellery and traditional Moroccan clothing.
Admire the view from the Ramparts
The ramparts are part of the fortified wall forming the defensive part of the historic city. In Asilah, the southwestern bastion – the Caraquia viewpoint – is the best spot for views over the ocean. It is a popular spot at sunset. And this is the closest viewpoint to the port that is open to tourists and makes for a beautiful (and popular) photo spot accessible from inside the medina.
Try the local sweets and biscuits (have you heard of Chebakia?!)
Admiring the beautiful displays of sweets, biscuits and pastries in the small alleyways of the medina stands alone as one of the best things to do in Asilah, Morocco! If you are just arriving in Morocco and have chosen Asilah as your first destination, then the chances are you are yet to try Chebakia…
Chebakia is a Maghrebi pastry made of strips of dough and rolled to resemble a rose. The dough is deep-fried until golden and then coated with a syrup made of honey and orange blossom water and sprinkled with sesame. Delicious right?!
And you are in luck! There are beautiful pastry shops inside the medina walls. And just outside the Bab Al Homar gate.
M’smen, Krachel and Moroccan breads you have to try
M’smen is a rich traditional, pancake-like bread in Morocco. It’s literally like the Indian, paratha. And Krachel, the Moroccan brioche…
Ignoring all challenges of pronunciation (and particularly if this is your first Moroccan destination). But the M’smen flat bread is one of the first types of street food you need to try in Morocco.
Inside the medina there are several small bakeries and patisseries. But just outside the main Bab Al Homar gate is a whole street of cafes, bakeries and street vendors. And they have all kinds of Moroccan breads you better get ready to try!
Admire the iconic artwork of Asilah, Morocco
Colourful wall murals are painted each year during the Asilah Arts Festival in July, as well as murals by local schoolchildren. And the murals make the medina of Asilah exceptionally photogenic.
Try a fresh juice in Asilah, Morocco
There are numerous juice shops and cafes inside the medina and out. But we reckon the best fresh orange and pomegranate juice is just outside Bab Al Homar Gate.
Have seafood lunch at Restaurant Al Kasaba
Asilah, Morocco is centred around the port. The medina and surrounding restaurants and cafes quite literally line the streets leading up from the corniche and port. There is a multitude of restaurants to choose from. But by far the most popular restaurants in Asilah – especially on a sunny day – are the European influenced restaurants of Casa Garcia, Restaurante Oceano Casa Pepe, Restaurant Dar Al Maghribia and Restaurant Al Kasaba.
These restaurants in Asilah serve fresh seafood and authentic paella, beautiful Mediterranean-style fish and Moroccan dishes. Restaurant Al Kasaba is directly opposite the seafood market and port of Asilah. The tables have a great sunny position to watch the world going by just outside the medina.
Asilah seafood market
Just outside the Bab al-Bahr Gate on the port-side of the medina walls is Avenue Moulay Hassan Ben Mahdi. This road connects the corniche with the entrance to Asilah Port. And every evening, this is the spot fishermen set up stalls to sell their catches of the day.
So, if you haven’t tried the famous seafood yet then this a perfect way to end your day in Asilah, Morocco.
Browse the Thursday souk in Asilah
Ahfir Souk is a street market located next to the Bab Homar wall of the medina. The souk is open every day. And the street is lined with all kinds of stalls selling clothes, food, handicrafts, second-hand goods and more. But on Thursday the market is even bigger. And street vendors and vegetable stalls set up further along the road.
The medina is busiest on Thursday, Asilah’s main market day and the souk is not to be missed for its abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, vendors, smells, breads, and general marketplace-bustle. The Ahfir Souk is one of the most interesting (and colourfully chaotic) things to do in Asilah, Morocco.
Visit a traditional Moroccan hammam
There are two types of Hammam in Asilah, Morocco. There is a tourist spa and hamman inside the medina (Al Alba Hammam) and a local hammam (Hammam Jedid) on Avenue 16. Novembre.
We had a great experience at the local hammam (you can check our YouTube video here). And we can highly recommend the local hammam in Asilah! It costs 15 Dirham for entry to the hammam. There is a small shop at the entrance where you can buy some soap and a scrubbing mitt (5 Dh each).
Parc Mohamed Abed Al Jabri and Jardin Mahmoud Darwish
These two spots in the centre of Asilah, Morocco are a different space to enjoy this Moroccan city. Both the park and the Jardin (garden) are public green spaces open for people to enjoy. It’s not quite so necessary in winter, but the parks offer shady green spaces to escape the busy medina and souks just outside the city walls.
And, as a practical side to this guide of the best things to do in Asilah, Morocco these parks also border the centre where there are four banks and 24hr ATM’s. (Always good to know for planning where to withdraw money in Morocco).
Church of San Bartolome
Easy to find if you walk up towards Parc Mohamed Abed Al Jabri from the corniche at the northern end of the medina. This beautiful church is easy to spot in the typically bright white of Asilah; a colonial Spanish Church of San Bartolome, built by the Spanish Franciscans in 1925. And interestingly this is one of the very few churches in Morocco that are allowed to ring the bells for Sunday Mass.
Enjoy the Corniche of Asilah, Morocco
The corniche is a waterfront promenade lining the shoreline of the city. In this case it is particularly convenient if you are arriving in Asilah, Morocco by motorhome. Because not only is Asilah a great first stop in Morocco. But the two main campsites in Asilah are located just a short walk along the corniche directly to the medina.
The morning is a quiet time on the corniche, but in the late afternoon as the sun is setting the corniche and beachfront is a popular place to enjoy the beautiful west coast sunset over the Atlantic ocean.
Where to stay in Asilah, Morocco
Although Asilah is not on the main international tourist trail it is popular with domestic tourism especially in the summer months (June – September).
There is a range of accommodation in traditional Moroccan style in the heart of the old medina which in almost every option includes a rooftop terrace and views of the incredible Atlantic coastline.
- MIA Hostels Asilah (budget)
Hostel style accommodation in a typical renovated Moroccan house. A good choice for budget accommodation in Asilah.
- Patio de la Luna (mid-range)
Located in front of the medina with terrace views of the Atlantic Ocean and brilliant sunset.
- Riad Asilah (mid-range)
Inside Asilah medina this is a traditional Riad-style accommodation decorated simply in typical Moroccan style. Shared terrace area and WIFI.
- Dar Manara (mid-range)
A tastefully decorated accommodation inside the medina with a rooftop terrace and included breakfast.
Where to stay in Asilah with your motorhome
There are two main campsites for motorhomes in Asilah, Morocco. And the good news is that they are literally right next door to each other. It is a great first stopping point after arriving by ferry from Spain to Morocco with your van.
We stayed at Camping Echrigui in Asilah.
ASILAH: Camping Echrigui
- Location: Avenue Moulay Hassan Ben Mahdi, Asilah
- Type: Campsite
- Park4Night: #30379
- Cost: CC 30Dh + 20Dh per adult + 8Dh per child
- Facilities: Basic toilets, showers, fresh water, grey and black waste
About: A great first start in Morocco! Friendly family-run campsite with basic facilities but everything you need for your motorhome. The location is great with a 10 minute walk to the medina and across the road from the beach. Mini-market and restaurants just outside the gate. Ask Nawfal in reception about a tagine for dinner – his Mums cooking is divine and a great first taste of Moroccan cuisine!
More useful links for your travels in Morocco and beyond…
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- Skyscanner – This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before riding those trains in India!
Read more about travel in Morocco
- Taking the vehicle ferry from Spain to Morocco with your motorhome.
- Driving in Morocco: Everything you wanted to ask.
- Crossing the Morocco Mauritania border from Dakhla.
- Motorhome services in Morocco: What is it like?
- A guide to campsites in Morocco.
- Visiting the famous Guelmim Camel Market.
- Buying a SIM card in Morocco (and how to get unlimited data!).
