Ultimate Guide to Asilah, Morocco: Things to Do & Where to Stay

My first time to Morocco was more like a much-needed break from the busy and hot summer season in Barcelona while also a great choice to explore somewhere more exotic, eat something apart from Tapas and finally see an uncrowded beach again.

Admitted, I didn't know much about Morocco before travelling there, except that it was Ramadan at the time of my travels and no one was eating or drinking throughout the day but everyone partied it up in the nighttime. Want to know more about Ramadan? Have a look here.

The best time to travel to Morocco is in spring between mid-March to May and in autumn which is in the months of September and October, when the temperatures are pleasant and not too hot.

My first impression of the country was certainly exotic. I flew into the former capital called Fès, the cultural hub of Morocco full of medieval architecture and a vibrant medina with narrow lanes infused with the smell of freshly squeezed orange juice, fresh peppermint, chickens running around and donkeys pulling past sweet pastry stalls, a crazy mix of stuff going on.

After a few days of wandering the streets as well as relaxing on the rooftops overlooking the bustling town, it was time to see some ocean, coast and feel some sand between my toes.

Time for a Moroccan beach holiday! I wanted to visit the small seaside town of Asilah, so here comes your ultimate travel guide to this hidden coastal town of Morocco.

How To Get There & Around

I decided to take the early afternoon train to travel four hours northwest toward the Atlantic. And I will probably never do that again. Not the thing with the train, it's actually quite fine, but I couldn't have chosen a poorer time as the train was stinking hot even though I had bought a 1st class ticket where the air-conditioning was supposed to be working.

It was a mere breeze and my cold water bottle that kept me alive until the train reached the small town of Asilah right before sunset.

Side note: Trains are a great medium to get around Morocco, but if it's a very hot day I would rather take it in the evening or early morning as otherwise it just gets stinking hot and windows and doors cannot always be opened (or need to be forced). That's my learning for you right there.

There are also trains from Tangier, Casablanca and Marrakech and long-distance buses leaving from Tangier, which is a 30-40 minute train ride away, that takes you all around the country. Booking 2nd class is fine too but you don't get a dedicated seat and at peak times it can get crowded.

Asilah is the perfect place to spend a weekend or some quiet days by the beach, taste fish tagine and wander the white-washed walls of the medina (old town). The towns busiest month is August when holiday-makers flock into town.

The town is not big and you can easily explore it by walking. Taxis are inexpensive and there are also horse and donkey carts you can use to get around. Always bargain! It's also best to ask at your accommodation how much a ride across town should normally cost in order not to pay the tourist price.

Where To Stay In Asilah

You can find some very nice guesthouses and hotels in Asilah which are right in the medina or close by.

If you are looking for a bigger place to stay in Asilah, there are options to rent a whole house in the medina too.

Patio de la Luna

Situated right in front of the medina walls, Patio de la Luna offers a comfortable stay in rustic-chic rooms which have been tastefully decorated in Arabic-Andalucian style.

From the top terrace, you have great views over Asilah as it's also a great spot to watch the sunset over the Atlantic.

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Riad Asilah

In the medina of Asilah, you will find the small charming hotel Riad Asilah, a beautifully restored building with Morrocan-style rooms equipped with all modern amenities.

There is a common area with a patio and large terrace to chill and of course free wifi.

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Asilah 32

Located on the beach, Asilah 32 offers beautifully decorated, clean and modern rooms with fantastic views of the ocean.

There is also a recently renovated restaurant and bar to enjoy some classic Asilah dishes.

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Riad Oasis D'Asilah

A great hotel choice set in its own private gardens. Set amongst other beautiful buildings, each room has its own private entrances and with a choice of ocean views or views of the garden and rooftops.

There is also an amazing rooftop pool to enjoy after a long day of exploring

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Christinas House

Christina's House is a big comfortable house shared with other travellers. The various rooms (with ensuite or shared bathroom) are nicely decorated in Moroccan style while offering all modern comforts.

The breakfast is very yummy with fresh bread and croissants, freshly squeezed orange juice and mint tea! The rooftop terrace is a big plus. I really enjoyed staying here.

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Things To Do In Asilah

Are you wondering what to do in Asilah?

Highlights of the city include a visit to the hammam, the public bathhouse which plays a large part in the social life of local people and where you will probably get the best exfoliation you've ever seen. It's certainly an experience!

Another highlight you cannot miss is the pedestrian-only medina with its colour Mediterranean-influenced houses and vivid art scene.

Artists have been invited to paint the white walls for years so you will find a lot of interesting paintings which sets Asilah apart from other Andalucian-style towns in Morocco like the blue town of Chefchaouen or Essaouira.

I also love the many shades of blue and green that accents house walls and especially the many key-shaped doors which serve as fantastic photo subjects.

There is even an international arts and cultural festival held every year during summer.

You will surely pass many small galleries of artists from all over Europe. When I was walking around here throughout the daytime I hardly met any people let alone tourists, just be a little careful about self-proclaimed artists wanting to sell you fake replicates of art pieces.

In general, I found that shop owners here have a less aggressive sales approach compared to other cities in Morocco.

On the edges of the medina, you will find ramparts that protect the town from the roughness of the Atlantic Ocean.

A beautiful spot to come watch the waves in daylight or enjoy the sunset is the stone pier, the Krikia, on the south of the medina.

The counter part of the medina is the Ville Nouvelle, the “new town”. In the heart of it you will find a newly renovated square boarded by little restaurants, ATMs and shops.

From here you can also spot the Church of St Bartolme, one of the few churches in Morocco which was allowed to ring the bells for Sunday mass.

Outside the gate Bab el-Homar you can also find a bazar buzzing throughout the day where you can try Moroccan pastries, buy fresh orange juice for about 40 cents, clothes, shoes and many other things.

Throughout the day you will most likely find many travelers explore the beautiful surroundings and lounge at some of the best beaches in Morocco.

Medina Beach is the main beach of Asilah, but really not the cleanest. However, it's close to town and the water is relatively shallow. Also close by is Port Beach, which is just a small strip of sand inside the harbor bay of Asilah, which is very shallow and can get crowded with locals in summer.

One of the more popular beaches is Paradise Beach (Rmilate Beach), a very large and laid-back beach about 7km south of Asilah. You will find a spot where no matter how many people are at the beach. There is a small café and you can rent sun chairs and umbrellas too. I have also seen locals down here with their horses riding along the beach or offering rides to families with kids.

You can actually take a walk along the coast which takes about an hour and a half, depending on how fast you walk.

There are some trails but not really an official route and I can recommend wearing proper shoes and carrying enough water. You also have to walk through a Golf course/hotel facilities which are fenced but you can still enter at one point and simply exit on the other side, everyone does it. And the coastline you get to see is just beautiful!

Alternatively, you can take a horse cart which is about 150 Dh for the return journey. It takes about 30-40 minutes one way.

However, I only took it on the way back and it was already enough to have a very sore bum from the wooden seating surface.

Other beaches to visit around Asilah

Sidi Mugait Beach, Asilah’s most remote and relatively undiscovered beach.

Rada Beach, next to Sidi Mugai Beach but still rather undiscovered by tourists and therefore plenty of space to lie on your towel.

Afriquia Beach, 3 km north of Asilah so very close to even take a bike ride there.

Being so close to the ocean naturally, you will find a lot of fresh seafood on the menu. Other traditional food includes Tagine and Couscous. And of course, the infamous fresh peppermint tea.

In Asilah, it's great to dine at one of the restaurants located on the promenade, such as La Perle, El Espigon or Port XIV. Ask for the daily recommendation and enjoy it with a chilled glass of wine.

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