The whitewashed coastal town on Morocco's Atlantic coast has 15th-century Portuguese ramparts and narrow streets filled with art galleries and murals.
In northern Morocco's Asilah, artists paint colorful murals across the white-walled medina streets each August during the International Cultural Festival. You can walk along 15th-century Portuguese ramparts, swim at Paradise Beach, or browse art galleries housed in centuries-old buildings. The Grand Mosque's hexagonal minaret rises above the medina, while Atlantic waves crash against the western fortress walls.
Walking the Portuguese Ramparts
You'll find stone fortifications from the 15th century surrounding Asilah's medina, with watchtowers every 100 meters. Walk the entire circuit in about 30 minutes. At the western bastion, which extends 50 meters into the sea, join local residents who gather each evening to watch the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean.
Exploring the Artistic Medina
The medina's wide streets make it easy to explore the art-covered walls, particularly during the August Cultural Festival when artists create new murals. Many former residences now house art galleries, displaying both local and international works. Unlike the narrow alleys of other Moroccan medinas, these broader pathways let you step back to photograph the artwork.
Beaches and Swimming Spots
Head to Paradise Beach, a 2-kilometer stretch of sand located 3 kilometers south of the medina. The water reaches 24°C in summer. If you prefer to stay closer to town, walk the 1-kilometer beach next to the ramparts. A paved promenade connects both beaches. Between June and September, you can ride camels on the sand, and at 5 PM, stop by the port to buy fresh fish directly from returning fishermen.
Religious Buildings in Asilah
Look for the Grand Mosque in the former kasbah area - its hexagonal minaret serves as a landmark throughout the medina. The Church of San Bartolome, built in 1925, rings its Sunday mass bells across the town. Visit the recently restored Kahal Synagogue from 1824, where you can see the original mikveh and hammam.
Getting to Asilah
Regular trains connect Asilah to major Moroccan cities, taking 30 minutes from Tangier and 3 hours from Casablanca. From Tangier's Ibn Battuta Airport, take a 45-minute taxi ride along the coast. If you're driving, take the A5 highway from either Tangier or Rabat.
Weather and Best Times to Visit
The Atlantic moderates temperatures to 15-28°C year-round. Summer days stay warm with constant ocean breezes. Expect rain every third day between December and February. Spring and fall bring mild weather and fewer visitors. During the International Cultural Festival in August, you'll find art events and jazz concerts throughout town, while watching artists create new murals.
