Things to do in Asilah Morocco

Asilah, also known as Arcila, is a very small and picturesque town in northern Morocco. The beauty of the place lies in its white façades decorated with colourful murals that indicate the presence of an art gallery, a craft shop or are simply for ornamental purposes. And the most interesting thing is that this exhibition of street art to see in Asilah is renewed every year, and new artists can demonstrate their talent at the Asilah International Cultural Festival, which in addition to artists, invites intellectuals, academics, journalists and researchers from all over the country.

Although the city is quite touristy in summer due to its charm and affordable prices, the truth is that there are not many things to do beyond getting lost in the streets, visiting the craft markets and enjoying the most picturesque corners of the city. Even so, we have prepared this post where we tell you how to make the most of your stay in this pleasant city. Are you ready? Let’s get started!

What things to do in Asilah Morocco?

1. The Medina, a must-see in Asilah, Morocco

The Medina is accessed through the Bab Al Kasba wall gate, which is opposite the Muslim cemetery. Inside you will find the Grand Mosque and the defensive tower Borj Al Kamra, which was built by the Portuguese and is a symbol of the city.

The Medina is mainly residential, and is home to many artisans who sell their wares at street level. The facades are white, and the windows are decorated in shades of blue and green, giving the town a unique, bright style, which makes the streets appear wider as a result.

The harmonious ensemble of the white houses, together with the contrast of the ochre stones of the city wall and the sound of the sea in the background is the reason why the medina of Asilah is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

2. The wall

The wall surrounding the medina was built in the 15th century by Alfonso V of Portugal. It has several gates, although the best known are Bab Hamar, Bab Bhar and Bab Al Kasba. The southwest is undoubtedly the busiest area because of the views of the coast. From this point you can also see a spectacular sunset at the Caraquia viewpoint.

3. Caraquia viewpoint and the best views of Asilah

The lookout is next to the Borj Krikia tower and the views from it are spectacular. To see the sunset, it’s advisable to go early to get a spot, as the jetty gets very crowded. At the end of the sunset, you can hear the locals praying. Street musicians are also a common sight.

4. SoukAhfir

The Ahfir souk is a street market with all kinds of stalls selling clothes, food, handicrafts and more. It’s located next to the Bab Homar wall gate and is a place not to be missed for its abundance of colours, smells and general chaos. Be prepared to haggle like you’ve never haggled before in your life.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

5. The best beaches to see in Asilah

On both sides of Asilah there are 40 km of white sandy beaches where you can relax and sunbathe. Here is a selection of the best:

• Briech Beach: 5 minutes from the town, it is a huge beach of fine sand with views of the hills.
• Tahaddart Beach: also known as the beach of the boats. It is an ideal beach for families. It is wide, there are few waves, and it offers all kinds of services, renting sunbeds, umbrellas, boats and you can also hire camel rides. Along the beach there are several beach bars serving Moroccan fish specialities where you can have lunch or just a refreshing drink. The beach is a 10-minute drive from Asilah.
• Beach of the Canyons: this is the beach of the city of Asilah and can be reached on foot. It is one of the busiest beaches due to its proximity. There are also camel rides in spring and summer.
• Cave beach: this beach is one of the most beautiful in the area and a must-see in Asilah. It can be reached by car in the direction of Rabat, by donkey cart or on foot. It takes approximately 1 hour on foot from Asilah. From the main gate of the Medina, you can take a taxi directly to the beach for 200 dirhams. It takes about 15 minutes. The beach is sheltered from the wind as it is between cliffs, and has a lot of waves, perfect for some water sports. At low tide, you can also visit the caves that give the beach its name.

What things to do around Asilah, Morocco?

1. Larache

Directing towards Casablanca or Rabat is Larache, which is a coastal city where there was a Carthaginian settlement, then a Phoenician one and finally it became a Roman colony. In fact, the ruins of Lixus, an ancient Phoenician settlement, are located here. Larache is only 48 km from Asilah, and is very well-connected. By taxi, car or bus it takes between 30 and 40 minutes to get there.

2. Tangier

The city of Tangier is less than 1 hour’s drive from Asilah and is a perfect day trip. This fascinating city known as the “Pearl of the North” is a fascinating and multicultural destination with a rich history as it has been a meeting point of cultures over the centuries due to its strategic location on the Strait of Gibraltar.

In Tangier, you will be able to visit the measure, the Kasbah fortress, the Great Mosque, the Cave of Hercules and many beaches ideal for sunbathing and enjoying the sea views. If you want to know more about Tangier we invite you to read this post: Things to do in Tangier, Morocco

What to see in Asilah in 1 day?

Asilah is a very small city that can easily be seen in one day. We recommend an early start to your visit, especially if it is in summer, as the city attracts many tourists. At nine in the morning the city starts to come alive, but it’s not very busy yet.

You don’t need to plan much to see the city, as its interest lies mainly in the architecture, the white facades, the murals and the views from the city wall to the sea. The best option is to wander through the streets of the Medina, browse the street stalls and enjoy the local cuisine.

Once we have visited the city, we can go to one of the beaches to relax for a while, or take a camel ride. There are many wonderful beaches nearby. But if you don’t want to go too far, you can stay at Asilah beach, which is within walking distance. In summer, it’s very crowded at the entrance. However, if you walk around a bit, you’re sure to find somewhere to lay your towel.

And to end the day, the best place is the Caraquia viewpoint. Can you think of a better way to end the day than with a spectacular sunset and views of the Atlantic?

Accommodation in Asilah Morocco

Asilah is a small city where accommodation is in short supply. The good news is that it’s not particularly expensive, and rooms can be booked from €35. There are also a number of other options, which are detailed below. Here are some of our suggestions for where to stay in Asilah:

• Hotel Al Alba: is a hotel decorated in a typical Moroccan style, located next to the beach and ten minutes from the Medina. Its location is excellent, and it has all the amenities, but the price is a bit high compared to other options. Around €80 per night.
• Casa Garcia: is a set of self-catering flats with sea views. There is good parking in the area, and it also has a restaurant. The name is a legacy of the former Spanish protectorate.
• Hotel Dar Manara: From €50 a night you can stay in this hotel in the heart of the Medina of Asilah and one kilometre from the beach. It also has its own car park and airport transfer.
• Campings: On the beaches of Asilah there are several campsites at very affordable prices that have washing machines, Wi-Fi, electricity and allow pets. Some examples are the Echrigui Asilha campsite or the Assada campsite.
• Airbnb: from the Airbnb platform, you can find options at different prices. From rooms for €30 a night to entire flats for €150.

Where to eat in Asilah Morocco?

We already know what to see in Asilah, now let’s get down to the important stuff, where to eat well. Because of the city’s coastal location, its specialities are, unsurprisingly, seafood and fresh fish. In the Medina, there is a street full of tourist restaurants, next to the main gate, and you will also find many options on the promenade. These restaurants are a bit pricey, but if you’re looking for cheaper alternatives, you’re better off visiting the restaurants attached to the wall by the Bab Homar gate.

• Casa Pepe and Casa Garcia: these two restaurants were established by Spaniards during the protectorate era and offer quality fresh fish. The food however is more international than Moroccan.
• Restaurant Al-Alba: as well as a hotel it is a restaurant serving typical Moroccan food.
• Dar Al Maghribia: here you can try the famous Moroccan pastry.
• Restaurant Port XIV: is a highly recommended place to eat fresh fish, although it is a little expensive.
• Cheaper alternatives: fast-food restaurants such as Dar El Merrakchia, Alibaba, Tahadart or Farah, where you can eat for 10€.

How to get to Asilah Morocco?

To get to Asilah the best option is to fly from Spain to Tangier, as it is very well-connected to the mainland and there are regular flights at good prices. Tangier is 46 kilometres from Asilah, and you have different options to get there:

• Bus: There are several bus companies whose prices range from 7-10 dirhams.
• Train: The train costs 18 dirhams and takes about 40 minutes, the same as if you were travelling by road.
• Taxi: is one of the best options for getting around Morocco, especially if you share. A taxi from Tangier can cost around 20 dirhams per person.
• Private car: Boats leave from Tarifa where you can take your private car to Morocco for as little as €80. If you drive yourself, we recommend going to Asilah by the coastal road, which runs along the coast of Cape Espadel and whose views are much better than if you take the motorway towards Rabat. Remember that to take your car to Morocco you will need a driving licence, passport and a green card, which can be provided by your insurance company.

Travel tips for Asilah Morocco

• Have your hotel reservation or the address where you’ll be staying with you.
• Carry cash, not all shops have credit card facilities.
• The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan dirham. We recommend that you change money before you start your trip because the currency at airports is more expensive.
• The best time to visit Asilah Morocco is in spring. The temperature is pleasant and there aren’t as many tourists. In summer it is a very busy city.
• Beware of unlabelled products in street stalls.
• To visit Morocco as a Spanish citizen you only need a passport, no visa is required.
• It is advisable to take out travel insurance for medical emergencies or luggage theft.
• Be careful with your personal belongings, especially in the more touristy areas. As in most cities, there is a risk of pickpocketing.
• There is no roaming in Morocco, so disconnect your data roaming or check with your operator.

How to organize your trip to Asilah Morocco?

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
• Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
• Add the stops that interest you most, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
• Organise your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can take inspiration from the routes we present in the post)
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates according to your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make the modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and recommend other travellers what to see in Asilah.

If you have any doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.

Frequently asked questions on your trip to Asilah