Asilah (Arabic: أصيلة،‎‎ Aṣīla; Berber: ⴰⵥⵉⵍⴰ Aẓila; "authentic", Portuguese: Arzila, Spanish: Arcila) is a fortified town on the northwest tip of the Atlantic coast of Morocco, about 31 km (19 mi) south of Tangier. Its ramparts and gateworks remain fully intact.

The town's history dates back to 1500 B.C., when the Phoenicians used it as a base for trade. The Portuguese conquered the city in 1471, but later it was decided to abandon it because of an economic debt crisis in 1549. Later in 1578, Sebastian of Portugal used Asilah as a base town for his troops during a planned crusade that resulted in Sebastian's death, which in turn caused the Portuguese succession crisis of 1580. The Moroccans in 1589 regained control of Asilah briefly, but then lost control of it to the Spanish.
In 1692, the town was again taken by the Moroccans under the leadership of Moulay Ismail. Asilah served then as a base for pirates in the 19th and 20th centuries, and in 1829, the Austrians punitively bombarded the city due to Moroccan piracy.

From 1912 to 1956, it was part of Spanish Morocco. A major plan to restore the town was undertaken in 1978 by its mayor, Mohamed Benaissa. The first edition of an art festival known as the International Cultural Moussem of Asilah was launched that year to help generate tourism. It was successful in generating revenue for the city and played a role in raising the average monthly income from $50 in 1978 to $140 in 2014. The festival features local artwork and music and continues to attract large amounts of tourists.

Asilah is now a popular seaside resort, with modern holiday apartment complexes on the coast road leading to the town from Tangier.

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AED 249 total

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Top Asilah Hotel Reviews

Riad Oasis d'Asilah

10/10 Excellent

"Beautiful Riad. Very homely and welcome. Quiet a place, one to remember."

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

10/10 Excellent

"We loved our mom with the terrace. The onsite restaurant served a wonderful 3 course Moroccan meal. And the Spa is not to be missed. My wife and I had the Couples Hammam and Spa and we talked about it for the rest of the trip. Outstanding value for guests, and an unforgettable experience."

Hotel Zelis

10/10 Excellent

"We had planned on staying in Tangiers and had not realized the hotel was in Asilah, 35 minutes away by train. We decided to give Asilah a good look and were very pleased with the Hotel Zelis. Close to the rail station we found it simple and inexpensive to move around by taxis. We had a room on the fourth floor with a spectacular view of the ocean. There was a sand dredger working in the harbor but we didnt hear it ( but could see its lights).Great little breakfast buffet. Out for a stroll I had a sweet little girl about ten who made me a delicious crepe with Nutella drizzled on top. Very safe to be out walking at night. Not impressed with the Medina but maybe I’m just spoiled. Highly recommend Asilah for a couple of nights and we liked the Hotel Zelis."

Frequently asked questions

What's it like to stay at an apartment in Asilah?

You can search through 135 apartments in Asilah for your vacation.

Why consider an apartment versus a traditional hotel?

An apartment is often more spacious than a traditional hotel room and comes with a kitchen, so you can cook some of your meals. Apartments are ideal for families who want the conveniences of home, and also for couples looking for something with a more local feel.

What's the best apartment I should consider for a stay in Asilah?

Here is a top apartment in the area: Elite Holiday Homes - Luxury & Centric Flat: Located 22.9 mi/36.8 km away in Tangier. Free WiFi, private yards, and separate dining areas are included. A rooftop terrace and a 24-hour front desk are on site.

How many apartments should I expect to find in Asilah?

Expedia has 135 apartments to book in Asilah.

What can I expect from the weather when I travel to Asilah?

Though weather is just one factor, it can really affect your travel plans, especially when you are planning a longer stay in Asilah. The hottest months are usually August and July with an average temp of 75°F, while the coldest months are February and January with an average of 57°F. Average annual precipitation for Asilah is 28 inches.

What should I see in Asilah?

While you're exploring the area, Paradise Beach and Sidi Mghait Beach are a couple of picturesque spots to get outside and enjoy nature. Centre Hassan II and Asilah Port are other places to visit while you're in town.

What's the best way to get to and around Asilah?

Knowing a bit about the transportation options can make your trip smoother when you get to your destination. Fly into Tangier (TNG-Ibn Batouta), which is located 19.2 mi (30.8 km) away from the city center. To venture out into the surrounding area, hop aboard a train at Asilah Station.

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Top Asilah Hotel Reviews

Riad Oasis d'Asilah

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

Hotel Al Khaima

Pasta Plaza Hotel

Hotel Zelis

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