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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Residences in Asilah

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Recommended hotels in Asilah

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

Dar Bouanani

Asilah

AED 132 total

includes taxes & fees

23 Dec - 24 Dec

Asilah 32

Asilah

Shareen

AED 318 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Dec - 12 Dec

Hotel Al Khaima

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Mobarak

AED 320 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Dec - 11 Dec

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers

Hotel Zelis

Asilah

David

AED 216 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Dec - 11 Dec

Riad Oasis d'Asilah

Medina

hoda

AED 419 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Dec - 19 Dec

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

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elmostafa

AED 256 total

includes taxes & fees

8 Jan - 9 January 2026

Pasta Plaza Hotel

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 354 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Dec - 11 Dec

Bel Appartement Neuf

Medina

AED 568 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Dec - 12 Dec

Daya Rentals

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AED 202 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Dec - 11 Dec

Dar Yemma est un Véritable Havre de Paix et de Tranquillité,

assilah

AED 492 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Jan - 4 January 2026

For rent: Luxury apartment in a tourist residence.

Asilah

AED 316 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Dec - 11 Dec

Marina Golf Appart Chez Hicham

Asilah

AED 533 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Dec - 11 Dec

Apartment near to beach

Asilah

AED 274 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Dec - 11 Dec

Brand new flat city center

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AED 291 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Dec - 11 Dec

Luxury apartment + pools + wifi

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AED 586 total

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Spacious apartment Assilah

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AED 248 total

includes taxes & fees

9 Jan - 10 January 2026

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AED 459 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Dec - 16 Dec

Don't miss this unique blue planet.

Medina

AED 274 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Dec - 16 Dec

Marina Golf Appart Chez Hicham

Asilah

AED 533 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Dec - 11 Dec

Marina Golf Appart Chez Hicham

Asilah

AED 4,191 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Dec - 11 Dec

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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

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

Residences in Asilah

Recommended hotels in Asilah

Dar Bouanani

Asilah 32

Hotel Al Khaima

Hotel Zelis

Riad Oasis d'Asilah

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

Pasta Plaza Hotel

Bel Appartement Neuf

Daya Rentals

Dar Yemma est un Véritable Havre de Paix et de Tranquillité,

For rent: Luxury apartment in a tourist residence.

Marina Golf Appart Chez Hicham

Apartment near to beach

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

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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