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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Compare rooms and suites by Independent in Asilah with rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

Diagonal Hotel

Hjar Ennhal

Pravinth

AED 341 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Nov - 23 Nov

Hotel España

Larache

Othman

Mia Hotels Tanger

Hjar Ennhal

Joanna

AED 210 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Nov - 25 Nov

Asilah 32

Asilah

Shareen

AED 316 total

includes taxes & fees

17 Dec - 18 Dec

Hotel Al Khaima

Asilah Beach

Mobarak

AED 319 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Nov - 27 Nov

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

Asilah Beach

elmostafa

AED 220 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Dec - 19 Dec

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

Dar Bouanani

Asilah

AED 124 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Dec - 8 Dec

Hotel Ben Batouta - Tanger

Bni Makada

Jennifer

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Top Asilah Hotel Reviews

Hilton Tangier Al Houara Resort & Spa

10/10 Excellent

"It was all good "

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."

Find all hotels by Independent in Asilah from AED 124

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Compare rooms and suites by Independent in Asilah with rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

Diagonal Hotel

Hotel España

Mia Hotels Tanger

Asilah 32

Hotel Al Khaima

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

Dar Bouanani

Hotel Ben Batouta - Tanger

Imarati Appart 1

Elite Holiday Homes - Luxury & Centric Flat

Top Asilah Hotel Reviews

Hilton Tangier Al Houara Resort & Spa

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

Hotel Al Khaima

Pasta Plaza Hotel

Hotel Zelis

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