Índice

The best things to do in Asilah

Asilah is one of the major cities in Morocco and is the capital of the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima department. It is located on the northwest coast of Morocco, about 46 kilometers south of Tangier and approximately 110 kilometers west of Tetuan, close to other favorite cities like Tangier, Tetuan, and Larache. Here’s a small tour guide of the must-visit places in Asilah, the pearl of the Atlantic.

Arcila is a city founded on August 19, 1471. It is characterized by having 3 main districts, which are further divided into a total of 7 neighborhoods, with a population of 28,000 inhabitants.

This metropolis of tall buildings has the Tangier Airport, located 45 minutes away from the city if you prefer to travel by plane, and a bus terminal called Gare Routière d'Asilah located to the east of the city if you wish to arrive by bus to Asilah.

Asilah also has 2 transportation systems, buses, and taxis. Finally, there are 10 km of bike lanes to ride around the city.

Asilah is a city to live in Morocco because, in addition to offering essential places to visit, it is renowned for being the charming coastal city in Morocco, with its impressive architecture, white sandy beaches, and vibrant artistic culture.

It is famous for its traditions, such as the International Festival of Asilah in August, the Festival of Popular Arts of Asilah in July, and the Andalusian Music Festival of Asilah in September. But especially, for its welcoming climate, as the weather in Arcila is Mediterranean for most of the year, with an average annual temperature ranging from 15°C to 25°C.

Now, as for the beautiful places in Asilah, they have many facets, making it possible to experience different types of tourism. For example, one attractive aspect of historical tourism is exploring beautiful places in Asilah where you can take photos without any problem. Some main ones include the Asilah Medina, the Alcazaba Tower, the Plaza of the Fountains, the Raissouni Palace, the Sidi Mansour Mosque, the Bab Homar Gate, the Asilah Walls, the San Bartolomé Church, the Portuguese Square, and the Asilah Beach.

Another great plan in Asilah for a day is to walk through landscapes or parks like Asilah Beach, Cabo Espartel, Akchour Waterfalls, and Talassemtane National Park. Most of these tourist sites in Asilah require little money to visit.

Among the other attractions in Asilah that you must visit for a day are the museums, some of the most important ones are the Contemporary Art Museum, the City Museum, and the Museum of Mediterranean Cultures.

If you prefer nightlife and enjoy traveling alone or as a couple, you must visit some emblematic places in Asilah for a night out. Some recommended ones are the Asilah Medina, the Port of Asilah, and the Raissouni Palace.

But if you are more into family travel, among the beautiful places in Asilah for children are the Alcazaba Park, Sidi Mghait Beach, and the Contemporary Art Museum.

Before traveling to this wonderful city and experiencing some tourist places in Asilah, we recommend you get to know the richness of Asilah's customs and some interesting facts about the metropolis. Some important ones are:

  • Asilah is known for its annual art festival, which attracts artists from all over the world to paint murals on the city's walls.
  • The city has a long history dating back to the Phoenicians and has been ruled by different empires over the centuries, including the Romans, Arabs, and Portuguese.
  • Asilah boasts beautiful white sandy beaches, where visitors can enjoy the sun and the sea.
  • The Medina of Asilah is surrounded by fortified walls built by the Portuguese in the 15th century.
  • The city is famous for its white and blue houses, which give it a distinctive and charming look.
  • Asilah hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year, including the International Festival of Andalusian Music and the International Film Festival.
  • The city is known for its craftsmanship, especially its traditional textiles and ceramics.
  • Asilah has a rich literary tradition and has been home to many famous Moroccan writers and poets.
  • The city has a large number of historic mosques.

Asilah, being one of the important cities in Morocco, is a hub for gastronomic trade. So, one of the many essential things to do is to eat in areas like Plaza de los Sabores, Le Jardin d'Asilah, and La Perle d'Asilah, which are favorites among foodies.

You will find the best restaurants and bars to suit all tastes and budgets, perfect for trying some local specialties such as lamb Tajine, Pastela (chicken and almond pie), Moroccan Couscous, Harira (traditional Moroccan soup), Kefta Tajine (meatball tajine), Mechoui (grilled roasted lamb), Zaalouk (eggplant salad), Briouats (stuffed pastries with meat or cheese), Msemen (Moroccan pancakes), and Grilled Sardines. Some recommended restaurants are Al Khaima Restaurant, Bab El Bhar Restaurant, La Perle d'Asilah Restaurant, and Dar El Maghreb Restaurant.

As for accommodation, if you want to stay in one of the most exclusive and safe areas of Asilah, we recommend staying in the Medina of Asilah, near Asilah Beach, the Port of Asilah, or the city center of Asilah, where you can find the most recommended famous hotels in Asilah such as Al Khaima Hotel, Zelis Hotel, Al Jasira Hotel, and Riad Asilah Hotel.

What to do in Asilah on a budget

Asilah is undoubtedly a city in Morocco with a wide range of beautiful and picturesque sites both inside and around it. Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima also has a lot of nature, history, gastronomy, and buildings worth visiting.

So, if you are looking for plans to do today in Asilah or if you want to stay for more days to learn about the culture and enjoy this beautiful destination, we bring you a list of more things to see and do in Asilah:

  • Visit the Medina of Asilah
  • Stroll along the city walls
  • Explore the Raissouni Palace
  • Relax on the beaches of Asilah
  • Enjoy the local cuisine in the city's restaurants
  • Visit the Al-Kamra Tower
  • Explore the Contemporary Art Museum of Asilah
  • Discover the Hassan II Square
  • Take a boat excursion along the coast of Asilah
  • Visit the San Bartolomé Church
  • Explore the Great Fountain of Asilah
  • Visit the Al Maimounia Mosque
  • Go shopping at the Asilah Souk
  • Visit the Ibn Khaldoun Garden
  • Enjoy a camel ride on the dunes near Asilah
  • Explore the Jewish Cemetery of Asilah
  • Visit the House of Culture in Asilah
  • Participate in a local craft workshop
  • Take an excursion to Talassemtane National Park
  • Visit the Tomb of Sidi Ahmed Ben Mansour
  • Enjoy a day of spa and relaxation at one of the city's hammams
  • Explore the Hercules Cave, located near Asilah
  • Visit the Alcazaba Tower
  • Take an excursion to the neighboring city of Tangier
  • Enjoy a day at the beaches near Asilah, such as Sidi Mghayt or Paradise Beach
  • Explore the Cap Spartel Lighthouse
  • Visit the Mosque of Tangier
  • Take an excursion to Perdicaris Park
  • Enjoy a boat trip to the Hercules Cave
  • Explore the Moroccan Art Museum of Tangier
  • Visit the Mendoub Palace
  • Take an excursion to the city of Tetuan
  • Enjoy a day of hiking in the mountains near Asilah
Did our guide help you?

Thanks, we just want you to save time and money. In return, support us by sharing this guide with your networks

It costs you nothing but you help us a lot!

Other travelers were also interested in traveling to these destinations