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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Recommended hotels in Asilah

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

elmostafa

AED 257 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Jan - 7 January 2026

Aparthotel in Asilah

Shareen

AED 320 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Dec - 23 Dec

Guesthouse in Asilah Beach

"A little gem of a place, we were greeted by the owner who was very welcoming. He gave us a great room with a wonderful view and told us all we needed to know to get around Asilah. Breakfast was good and on our last day we left very early to get a ferry and he still managed to get us fed. The view from the top is great and can I just say once again how welcoming we were made to feel, couldn’t recommend it enough!"

Jonathan

AED 356 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Dec - 23 Dec

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers

Riad in Medina

hoda

AED 399 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Jan - 2 January 2026

Classic Studio, Balcony, City View | Individually decorated, soundproofing, free WiFi

Aparthotel in Asilah

AED 133 total

includes taxes & fees

23 Dec - 24 Dec

Hotel Al Khaima

Mobarak

AED 449 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Dec - 23 Dec

Hotel Zelis

David

AED 218 total

includes taxes & fees

23 Dec - 24 Dec

Apartment in Asilah

AED 202 total

includes taxes & fees

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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."

Search Residences in Asilah

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Recommended hotels in Asilah

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

Aparthotel in Asilah

Guesthouse in Asilah Beach

Riad in Medina

Aparthotel in Asilah

Hotel Al Khaima

Hotel Zelis

Apartment in Asilah

Apartment in Medina

Apartment in Asilah

Apartment in Asilah

Apartment in Asilah

Apartment in Asilah

Apartment in Asilah

Apartment in Asilah

Apartment in Asilah

Vacation Home in Medina

Apartment in Asilah

Apartment in Asilah

Apartment in Asilah

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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