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.

Find Hotels with WiFi in Asilah

Change your mind
Book hotels with free cancellation
Treat yourself
Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
Sign in
Be picky
Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check availability on Asilah Hotels with WiFi

Tonight

16 Nov - 17 Nov

Tomorrow

17 Nov - 18 Nov

Next weekend

21 Nov - 23 Nov

In two weeks

28 Nov - 30 Nov

Top Asilah Hotels with WiFi

View from property

Asilah 32

Asilah

Canada

Shareen

AED 317 total

includes taxes & fees

17 Nov - 18 Nov

Spa treatment

Pasta Plaza Hotel

Asilah Beach

United States

Sam

AED 334 total

includes taxes & fees

17 Nov - 18 Nov

Exterior

Hotel Al Khaima

Asilah Beach

United Kingdom

Robert

AED 320 total

includes taxes & fees

17 Nov - 18 Nov

Deluxe Suite, Sea View | View from room

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

Asilah Beach

United States

AMAL

AED 219 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Dec - 16 Dec

Fireplace, heated floors

Dar Bouanani

Asilah

AED 124 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Dec - 8 Dec

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers

Riad Oasis d'Asilah

Medina

France

Iliass

AED 473 total

includes taxes & fees

23 Nov - 24 Nov

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers

Hotel Zelis

Asilah

Spain

ivan

AED 210 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Nov - 27 Nov

Outdoor pool

Marina Golf Assilah

Asilah

AED 470 total

includes taxes & fees

17 Nov - 18 Nov

View all properties

Top Asilah Hotel Reviews

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

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."

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Top neighborhoods for Hotels with WiFi

Hotels with WiFi in Asilah Beach

More Hotel Options in Asilah

More Accommodation Types in Asilah

Hotels near popular Asilah Attractions

Asilah Hotels by Star Rating

308d8d20-526e-4a00-a891-0dbe34c2f02caf63599d-6352-457a-909e-2f67140f1724