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

Pasta Plaza Hotel

Asilah

"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 355 total

includes taxes & fees

16 Jan - 17 Jan

Deluxe Suite, Sea View | In-room safe, desk, free WiFi

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

Asilah Beach

Sobia

AED 259 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Jan - 20 Jan

40-inch Smart TV with satellite channels

Asilah 32

Asilah

lesley

AED 318 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Feb - 2 Feb

Riad Oasis d'Asilah

Medina

hoda

AED 458 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Jan - 20 Jan

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

Dar Bouanani

Asilah

AED 134 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Feb - 2 Feb

Hotel Al Khaima

Asilah

Mobarak

AED 320 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Feb - 2 Feb

Bel Appartement Neuf

Medina

AED 568 total

includes taxes & fees

12 Jan - 13 Jan

Daya Rentals

Asilah

AED 202 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Jan - 11 Jan

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Top Asilah Hotel Reviews

Hilton Tangier Al Houara Resort & Spa

10/10 Excellent

"Amazing and friendly Staff "

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

Should I stay in a hostel in Asilah?

By staying at a hostel you can cut your spending on lodging and set aside more of your budget for fun things to do during your vacation.

What is a hostel?

No two hostels look exactly the same, but these dormitory-style accommodations all feature shared rooms (though many hostels offer private room options too), budget-friendly prices, and a social setting.

What are the best hostels in Asilah?

Not sure where to stay in Asilah? This hostel is popular: Mia Hostels - You can take advantage of free breakfast and free WiFi, as well as free parking. Rooms come with towels and free WiFi.

When is the best time of year to stay in a hostel in Asilah?

Good weather's always better when you want to venture out and explore, so here's a little information about the seasons: 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 is there to see and do in Asilah?

Overall, Asilah is known for its art, festivals, and monuments. Get out into nature with places like Paradise Beach and Sidi Mghait Beach. Visit landmarks like Centre Hassan II and El-Hamra Tower. Additional attractions include Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales, Asilah Port, and Palais de Raissouli.

What's the best way to get to and around Asilah while staying at a hostel?

Keep this information about transit options in and around Asilah in your back pocket to make the most of your stay: You can fly into the closest airport, which is Tangier (TNG-Ibn Batouta), located 19.2 mi (30.8 km) from the city center. When you're out and about, you may want to use public transit during your trip. If you're eager to see more of the area, make your way to Asilah Station to take a train.

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Treat yourself

Be picky

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Recommended hotels in Asilah

Pasta Plaza Hotel

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

Asilah 32

Riad Oasis d'Asilah

Dar Bouanani

Hotel Al Khaima

Bel Appartement Neuf

Daya Rentals

For rent: Luxury apartment in a tourist residence.

Apartment near to beach

Marina Golf Appart Chez Hicham

Brand new flat city center

Luxury apartment + pools + wifi

Spacious apartment Assilah

Cozy apartment with pools for daily rental

Don't miss this unique blue planet.

Marina Golf Appart Chez Hicham

Marina Golf Appart Chez Hicham

Assilah - Apartment luxury quiet + pool + WIFI

Hilton Tangier Al Houara Resort & Spa

Top Asilah Hotel Reviews

Hilton Tangier Al Houara Resort & Spa

Asilah 32

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

Riad Oasis d'Asilah

Hotel Al Khaima

Pasta Plaza Hotel

Diagonal Hotel

Hotel Zelis

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