Asilah: Murals, Ramparts and Beaches on Morocco's Atlantic Coast

The short answer: Asilah is a small, relaxed town on the Atlantic, about 45 km south of Tangier. Its whitewashed medina is famous for murals painted by artists during the summer arts festival, held since 1978, and its Portuguese ramparts are the place for sunset over the ocean. Half a day to one day is enough; it is an easy day trip from Tangier or a stop between Tangier and Rabat.

What to see

• The medina. Small, clean and calm, with blue and green doors, flowers and almost no hassle. Get lost; it takes ten minutes to find your way again.
• The murals. Each summer, Moroccan and international artists paint the walls during the Asilah arts festival. Some murals stay for a year, others are repainted, so the town changes every visit.
• The ramparts. The Portuguese, who held Asilah from 1471, built the sea walls and bastions. Walk along them to the point above the ocean at sunset.
• Palais de Raissouni. The palace of a famous early-20th-century local strongman and governor, facing the sea; it hosts festival events.
• The beaches. Long sandy beaches stretch north and south of town; Paradise Beach to the south is the most beautiful and quieter outside July and August.

When to go

Where to eat

Asilah is a fishing town. Grilled sardines, sea bream, calamari and seafood tagine are served in the restaurants near the medina gates and on the seafront. Lunch on a terrace is part of the visit.

How to get there

• From Tangier: about 45 minutes by road, or a short train ride.
• From Rabat or Casablanca: a natural stop on the way north, about 2.5 to 3 hours from Rabat by road.
• With a driver: combine Tangier, Asilah and the Caves of Hercules in one day.

Asilah pairs well with our Tangier guide and the blue town of Chefchaouen. For more coastal towns, read the best beaches and coastal towns in Morocco, and ask us to add Asilah to a northern route on our private tours.