THINGS TO DO IN asilah: 1-DAY ITINERARY

Exploring a beautifully preserved medina lined with whitewashed houses and colorful murals. Walking along the 15th-century Portuguese ramparts and enjoying magnificent sunset views. Visiting small art galleries and discovering crowded souks. These are just a few activities you can enjoy in Asilah, an artsy coastal town with a unique bohemian character.

Located in northern Morocco, Asilah is a melting pot of cultural traditions because of its proximity to Spain. It is also known for its thriving art scene and the popular Asilah Arts Festival. Wish to spend a day on the beach? You will find some of the best beaches in this part of Morocco just a short drive from this picturesque town that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.

In this 1-day travel itinerary, discover the best things to do in Asilah and check out our recommendations on places to stay and places to eat. As a bonus, we’ve added a few cool day trip ideas from Asilah.

Day 1

Morning: Marché Central d'Asilah

Begin your morning walk at this typical Moroccan market located on Rue Mouly Ismail. Marché Central d'Asilah (Central Market) is an ideal place to mingle with the locals and shop for fresh veggies, fruits, eggs, fish, and meat. The small indoor market is also home to stalls selling olive oil, jam, and all kinds of olives. You might even come across local vendors offering live chickens and other animals.

Medina

Welcome to the historic center of Asilah, a beautiful pedestrian-only medina known for its Moorish, Spanish, and Portuguese architecture. Asilah’s Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which can be entered via one of the two main gates (Bab el-Kasaba and Bab el-Homar). Wander the alleyways adorned with white-washed buildings and blue/green painted window shutters and key-shaped doors. Visitors can snap photos in from of the city’s famous murals set against bright blue arched doorways. Keep an eye out for authentic Moroccan souks that offer everything from authentic souvenirs and North African furniture to spices, jewelry, ceramics, and rugs.

 Krikia

Located southwest of the medina, this renowned viewpoint is where you want to go next. Also known as Caraquia Viewpoint, Krikia is a popular spot for vacationers looking for the perfect selfie. It offers stunning views over the coastline and the city walls. Krikia is also the most popular spot in Asilah to enjoy sunset views, so feel free to revisit the promenade later in the day. The view of the sun setting into the sea from Krikia is truly breathtaking.

Day 1, Morning - Asilah Tour Map

Afternoon: The Walls of Asilah (Torre de San Francisco)

Stretching for several kilometers along the coast, the walls of Asilah are a wonderful place for a leisurely stroll. These ramparts built during the Portuguese occupation in the 15th century offer stunning views of the city’s beaches, cliffs, and the sea. Wander around at your own pace and discover narrow passages and a few picturesque doors and gates.

Alqamra Tower

Your next stop is a rectangular tower built in the 16th century during the Portuguese occupation of Asilah. Adjacent to the Bab el Bahr gate, the Alqamra Tower is a military tower that once served as a defense point against invasions. This prominent tower was also the residence of the Portuguese governor and the daughter of the Kin of Portugal. There is a small café right next to the tower where you can sit down for a refreshing cup of Moroccan mint tea.

Borj Al Kasbah

Your last stop on this walking tour is the most prominent tower in Asilah, the famous Borj Al Kasbah. This magnificent tower surrounded by swaying palm trees overlooks the central square of the city. Built in the 15th century, the tower once served to protect the city from invasions and pirate attacks. The nearby Zrirq Café is an ideal spot to sit down for locally roasted bio peanuts and coffee.

Day 1, Afternoon - Asilah Tour Map

Other things to see in Asilah

• Mahmoud Darwich Garden: Wish to enjoy nature without having to step outside the city gates of Asilah? Recharge your batteries after all the sightseeing at Mahmoud Darwich Garden, a beautiful public green space located in the heart of Asilah. Nature lovers can read a book under the shade of the trees or just wander around and breathe in fresh air.

• Hammam Al Alba: A visit to this hammam is one of the most relaxing things to do in Asilah. Hidden in a small alley in the medina of Assilah, Hammam Al Alba is a lovely boutique hotel that offers a steam bath and relaxing traditional wellness treatments. Guests can enjoy a variety of massages, and facials with a rhassoul clay mask, and scrubs. After the treatment, you can relax in the hotel’s tea room and enjoy Moorish tea served with typical Moroccan sweets.

• Thursday souk in Asilah: Shopaholics staying in Asilah will want to visit the Thursday souk. Located right next to the Bab Homar wall, this street market is actually open every day of the week. However, the main market day is on Thursdays when many street vendors set up their stalls. From fresh fruits and vegetables to handicrafts, clothes, and second-hand items, the Thursday souk in Asilah offers something for everyone.

• Asilah Art Galleries: The coastal city of Asilah is known for its bohemian vibe and has a thriving art scene. Judging by the number of colorful murals on the walls in the medina, art is an important part of the city’s integrity. You will also notice many art galleries and boutiques along the alleys of the medina selling works of local artists.

• Palais de Raisuli: Built at the beginning of the 20th century, this grand palace was home to the infamous pirate Er Raissouli. With lavish architecture and a gorgeous glass-fronted terrace overlooking the sea, it is one of the most beautiful buildings in Asilah. The only time when the interiors of Palais de Raisuli are open to visitors is during the famous Asilah Festival in summer. If you are not in the city during the festival, you can admire the exterior and walk along the seawall.

• Asilah Grand Mosque: You will find the recently renovated Grand Mosque on the east side of the city’s medina right next to a small craft market. With its octagonal minaret and beautiful Islamic green doors, the mosque is a classic example of Moroccan architecture. Like most mosques in Morocco, Asilah Grand Mosque is closed to non-Muslims.

• Asilah City Gates: No visit to the coastal city of Asilah is complete without stopping by the city’s iconic gates. Leading directly to the port, the Bab al-Bahr Gate (Gate of the Sea) is the main gate of Asilah. There is the Bab Al Homar Gate which is located in the north-east of the medina. You will find many cute cafes and restaurants outside this impressive gate made of earth-colored stones. Visitors can also check out the Bab Sidi Bouzid Gate located near the mosque.

• Café Daya: Aside from the ramparts in the Asilah and the popular Caraquia Viewpoint, there is one more magical place that offers spectacular sunset views. Welcome to Café Daya, one of the city’s best-hidden gems. Overlooking a small beach, this café and restaurant is an ideal spot to watch the sunset. The café offers everything from salads and pizza to crepes and breakfast. We should mention that Café Daya doesn’t serve alcoholic beverages.

Day Trips from Asilah

• Tangier: The cosmopolitan coastal city of Tangier needs little introduction. With its bohemian vibe, lavish palaces, and seductive art deco buildings, this unique city with a multicultural heritage is a popular day trip option from Asilah. Get lost in the colorful medina, unwind with a drink at the legendary Cinema Rif, and learn more about Moroccan history, art, and architecture at the Kasbah Museum. For mesmerizing views of the Mediterranean Sea, go to the legendary Café Hafa in Tangier. It takes about 45 minutes by car to reach Tangier from Asilah.

• Cape Spartel: Located just 14 kilometers from Tangier, Cape Spartel is a lovely natural site frequented by many tourists. It is a place that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and provides spectacular views of the Strait of Gibraltar. Don’t forget to snap a photo of the sand-colored Moorish lighthouse from the 19th century.

• Caves of Hercules: Also known as the Grottoes of Hercules, the archaeological cave complex is located further south along Cape Spartel. There are two exits here, one to the sea and one to the land. Step inside the caves to find stalagmites and stalactites, as well as several waterfalls and markings on the walls made by the Phoenicians. An interesting fact is that British rock group Def Leppard played a concert here back in 1995.

• Larache: If you are searching for a quiet coastal town undiscovered by hordes of tourists, go for a day trip from Asilah to Larache. It will take you approximately 40 minutes by car to get here. This harbor town is known for its blue-and-white medina, a lively street food market, the ruins of Lixus, and the nearby Ras R'mel beach.

• Tetouan: Located 100 kilometers from Asilah, Tetouan is nestled at the foot of the Rif Mountains. Also known as the white dove of the Mediterranean because of its affinity with Spanish culture, it is a popular tourist destination in northern Morocco. The UNESCO-listed medina and its alleyways and arched passageways are lined with beautifully white-washed and tiled buildings. You can also check out souks and purchase leather, spices, foods, ceramics, lamps, and rugs. Nature lovers can visit the popular Feddan Park. If you are into art, we recommend spending a few hours at the Tetouan Museum of Modern Art.

Best golf courses in Asilah

• Asilah Marina Golf: This is the only place in the city where you can enjoy golfing. Asilah Marina Golf is a beautiful residential complex with plenty of accommodation options, outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, and a fabulous a la carte restaurant where you can feast on both Moroccan and international foods. The property also boasts an excellent 9-hole golf course designed by architect Franciso Lopez Segales.

Beaches in Asilah

Although the city itself has a beach located at the end of the promenade, the best beaches can be found just outside the city gates. For instance, Paradise Beach is easily reachable from the city (7km south of Asilah). It is one of the most picturesque beaches in the region and has a small café where you can rent sun chairs and umbrellas. If you are looking for a tranquil seaside escape, go to the unspoiled Sidi Mghait Beach. This hidden oasis is located just 15 kilometers from Asilah. Fans of wild beaches can drive in the direction of Larache and visit Las Palomas (Playa Cueva De Las Palomas). The beach is equipped with several beach bars where you can eat and rent umbrellas with sun loungers.

Where to eat in Asilah

• Casa Pepe: One of the oldest dining establishments in Asilah, Casa Pepe is a quaint seafood restaurant located just a stone’s throw from the main entrance to the medina. It’s a popular spot among tourists who come here to enjoy Moroccan and Spanish cuisine. For starters, get the dragon mussels or try the Spanish croquettes. You can choose the fresh fish right from the cabinet. We’ve heard that the sea bass is delicious! Casa Pepe has a liquor license, so feel free to pair your meal with a glass of wine or beer.

• Restaurant Dar Al Maghribia: For authentic Moroccan cuisine, book a table at Restaurant Dar Al Maghribia. The restaurant is nestled in a quiet car-free alley and offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Guests love the traditional Moroccan décor and say how everything from the harira soup and the beloved chicken bastilla to the Moroccan couscous with vegetables is mouthwatering. The restaurant also offers tagine of all kinds and salads (eggplant salad/aubergine salad).

• Port XIV: This is a modern restaurant overlooking the coast and the sea in Asilah. With a blue and white nautical theme and large glass windows, the beautifully decorated interior of Port XIV provides an ideal setting for an unforgettable dining experience. What’s on the menu? The restaurant serves seafood, steak, and even British fish and chips. The piri piri chicken is cooked to perfection and both grilled shrimp and fried calamari are tasty. Port XIV has an outdoor terrace for al-fresco dining. They also serve alcohol and have an extensive wine list.

• La Perle: If you are in the mood for some high-quality French cuisine while visiting Asilah, look no further than La Perle. Satisfy your taste buds with their fresh tuna salad or order the signature beef steak with caramelized onions and fresh mushroom sauce. The seafood soup is good, as well as the scallops. Don’t leave La Perple before trying their locally produced rose wine.

• Casa Garcia: Located just a 5-minute walk from the medina, Casa Garcia is actually one of the oldest Spanish restaurants in the city. The restaurant offers both an indoor dining room and a terrace where guests can enjoy Spanish and Moroccan food delicacies such as croquettes, grilled fish fillets with marinated veggies, fish soup, and paella. The shrimp salad with tomatoes is divine and the kefta is cooked to perfection. Visitors love the seaside-themed décor and add that Casa Garcia offers beers and Moroccan wines.

• El Espigon: Searching for a reasonably priced eatery in Asilah? Pay a visit to El Espigon, a casual restaurant located just a few steps from the medina. For starters, order the tasty vegetable ratatouille and you won’t be disappointed. The restaurant specializes in delicious seafood dishes including everything from squid and shrimp to freshly caught lobsters and grilled calamari. They serve alcohol including the popular Casablanca beer. Keep in mind that El Espigon is a cash-only restaurant.

Where to stay in Asilah

• Riad Dar El Maq: With a 4.9 rating on Google and a 9.2 score on booking com, this luxurious riad is one of the best accommodation options in Asilah. Tucked away in a quiet street in the medina, Riad Dar El Maq is spread across three floors and has 2 lovely outdoor terraces with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The three tastefully decorated apartments (blue, orange, and green) come with private bathrooms. The property features two living areas, as well as a fully-equipped kitchen. After a long day of sightseeing, guests can relax in the sauna or enjoy sunset views from one of the terraces.

• Asilah 32: Looking for a luxurious aparthotel with spectacular ocean views in Asilah? Book your stay at Asihal 32, a Belgian-designed property located right on the waterfront and a 5-minute walk from the medina. Stay in one of the enormous apartments/studio suites, each fitted with a fully-equipped kitchen, a dining area, and comfortable beds. Asilah 32 offers a well-stocked bar with an extensive cocktail and wine list and the Le 32 Resto restaurant where Chef Johan Couland prepares everything from your classic fish and chips to chicken pastille, spicy prawns, and sea bass.

• Hotel Al Alba: For a memorable vacation in Asilah, make a reservation at this lovely boutique hotel with traditional Moroccan architecture and decor. You will be staying 100 meters from the beach and just a 5-minute walk from the medina. Hotel Al Alba offers a delicious continental breakfast served in a picturesque garden and a spa center with a hammam and different massage treatments. A gorgeous spiral staircase leads up to the bright and well-appointed rooms with marble floors and private bathrooms. They also have a lovely deluxe suite with a private terrace and sea views.

• Berbari Maison d'Hôtes: If you are looking for a place to stay outside the city gates, this charming hotel offers a peaceful country retreat in the hills. An eco-friendly hotel nestled between the countryside and the sea, Berbari Maison d'Hôtes is one of the best places to stay in Asilah. With a charmingly rustic décor, a terrace with magical views of the countryside, and tastefully decorated rooms and suites, this fabulous 3-star accommodation has everything needed for an unforgettable vacation for travelers searching for a tranquil escape from the city. The on-site restaurant offers home-cooked meals and makes their own organic jams, breads, and tomatoes.

• Riad Oasis d'Asilah: Located in the medina, this petite riad with traditional Moroccan décor, multiple terraces, and lush gardens looks spectacular. Stay in one of the four bright and spacious rooms with en-suite bathrooms. You can go for a dip in the seasonal rooftop swimming pool and relax on your own private terrace with a patio. A delicious breakfast is included in the price and dinner is available upon request.

• Khanfous Retreat: Ideal for families with children and groups of friends looking to escape the city center, Khanfous Retreat is a gorgeous 4-bedroom house located in the countryside close to the village of Bni Meslem. The city of Asilah is 15 kilometers away. With traditional Moroccan décor and a shaded terrace with comfy sofas and fairy lights, the house itself is beautiful. You will come across animals like horses, cows, goats, and chickens at this property. Your kids can even enjoy donkey and horse rides at the Khanfous Retreat. The hosts, Fatima and Mugait offer delicious food for their guests ranging from fish and chips to kofte and BBQ chicken.

• Dar Manara Medina d'asilah: This cozy riad located in the heart of the medina is known for its beautiful central courtyard with a large arch, spacious rooms with traditional Moroccan décor, and a tastefully designed dining room where breakfast is served every morning. Dar Manara Medina d'asilah also has a cute rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the medina. The riad is decorated with great taste and attention to detail and the staff is friendly and helpful.

Things to do with kids in Asilah

Dating back to the 8th century, Asilah’s car-free medina is a perfect area to visit with your kids. Explore narrow streets adorned with whitewashed houses and photogenic doors. You will also discover small art galleries offering works of local artists, as well as typical souvenir shops. Don’t leave the medina before taking your kids to try Chebakia, a fried fragrant pastry coated in honey. You can also spend an hour or two exploring the city walls of Asilah with the little ones, check out the port which is packed with fishing boats, and visit one of the beaches in Asilah.

The best time to visit Asilah

Thanks to Morocco’s pleasant climate, Asilah is a year-round tourist destination. The best time to visit the city really depends on what you are looking to get from your vacation. If you don’t mind the chilly evenings and wish to avoid large crowds of tourists, visit Asilah in winter from December to February. However, we believe that the best time to visit Asilah is in summer during its annual Asilah Culture Festival which is definitely the biggest event of the year in the region. During the summer season, you will also have the opportunity to explore the nearby beaches. The only downside of visiting Asilah in summer is that it is the peak time for tourists and accommodation has to be booked well in advance.

Asilah Festivals

• Asilah Arts Festival: This artsy coastal town comes alive in July/August during the famous Asilah Arts Festival. This vibrant festival has been around since 1978 and is one of the most anticipated events in the region. The festival has actually put the city on the map as a tourist destination. Showcasing both visual and performing arts, the Asilah Arts Festival attracts artists from all over the country. Every year, right before the festival, parts of the city walls are whitewashed to provide a blank slate for artists and painters. In addition to street art, the festival also features a number of events ranging from theater performances and exhibitions to concerts, education programs, and workshops.