Asilah day trip from Tangier: ramparts, murals and the Atlantic

Asilah is a small, relaxed town on the Atlantic coast, about 45 kilometres south of Tangier. Its whitewashed medina, painted with blue doors and bright murals, sits inside thick stone walls right beside the sea. It is one of the easiest day trips from Tangier, and a calm change from the bustle of the city.

Getting to Asilah

• By train: trains from Tangier Ville station take about 30 to 45 minutes. Asilah station is a few kilometres north of the town, so take a petit taxi from there to the medina.
• By grand taxi: shared grand taxis leave from Tangier and take under an hour. You can also hire a whole taxi for the day.
• On a tour: most Asilah day trips include transport and a local guide, and some add a stop at Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules on the way.

The ramparts

The Portuguese captured Asilah in 1471 and built the walls and towers that still surround the medina. Walk along the ramparts on the sea side for views over the waves, and enter the old town through one of the gates, such as Bab el Kasbah or Bab Homar. On the sea wall, the Krikia, a terrace above the rocks, is the town’s favourite spot for sunset.

The medina and its murals

Asilah’s medina is small, clean and easy to explore on foot. Its lanes are lined with white houses trimmed in blue and green, and many walls are covered in murals. Every summer since 1978, the town has held a cultural festival, the Moussem of Asilah, when artists from around the world paint new works on the walls of the medina.

Look out for the Raissouni Palace, built in the early 20th century by a local strongman, and for the small art galleries and craft shops in the lanes. Shopkeepers here are generally less pushy than in the larger cities, but polite bargaining is still expected.

The beaches

Asilah has a long town beach just north of the medina. Some of the prettiest beaches are south of town, such as Paradise Beach, usually reached by taxi or by horse cart in summer. The Atlantic can be rough, with strong currents, so only swim where others do and watch for flags.

Where to eat

Asilah is a fishing town, and its restaurants by the medina walls serve grilled sardines, sea bream and calamari, along with tajines and Moroccan salads. Fresh fish is usually priced by weight, so ask before you order.

Tips for your visit

• Time it for sunset: stay late to watch the sun go down over the Atlantic from the ramparts.
• Visit out of season: Asilah is very busy in July and August, and quiet for the rest of the year.
• Bring cash: card payments are not accepted everywhere, so carry some dirhams.
• Combine it: pair Asilah with a day trip to Chefchaouen on another day for a contrast between the coast and the mountains.

Read more about the town on our Asilah guide.