★ 2 · last edited Dec 11, 2019
Asilah
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Asilah
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The tourist appeal of this seaside resort south of Tangier lies, beyond its beaches, in its stunning all-white medina. Moreover, the city has become increasingly popular in summer.
Overview of Asilah
Although founded by the Phoenicians, Asilah (or Assilah) owes its current appearance to the Portuguese, who fortified the city in the 15th and 16th centuries. The tourist appeal of this small Atlantic seaside resort lies, beyond its beaches, in its stunning all-white medina. Moreover, the city has become increasingly popular in summer, especially since it hosts the International Cultural Festival in August.
Key Facts
- Type de lieu: small town.
- Intérêt touristique: (worth seeing).
- Localisation: on the northern Atlantic coast, between Tangier and Larache.
- Heure locale: .
- Population: 31,147 inhabitants (2014).
- Superficie: 34.1 km².
- Altitude: sea level.
- Site internet: www.officetourismemaroc.com/Asilah.html
History of Asilah
What to See and Do in Asilah
The Medina
Surrounded by walls dating from the Portuguese era, the small medina is best explored on foot. With its narrow streets and white houses, it offers a pleasant stroll.
The Beaches
There are several beaches both in the city and its surroundings. Some are well-known for water sports.
In the Surroundings
Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules (50 km)
Just a few kilometres from Tangier, Cape Spartel is a rocky promontory at the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, towering over 300 metres above the sea. Below it, waves have carved out caves known as the Caves of Hercules.
Just a few kilometres from Tangier, Cape Spartel is a rocky promontory at the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, towering over 300 metres above the sea. Below it, waves have carved out caves known as the Caves of Hercules.
Larache (45 km)
The town is primarily known for the Roman ruins of Lixus on its outskirts and, secondarily, the Merja Zerga National Park, as well as the (future) seaside resort of Port Lixus nearby.
The town is primarily known for the Roman ruins of Lixus on its outskirts and, secondarily, the Merja Zerga National Park, as well as the (future) seaside resort of Port Lixus nearby.
Lixus (45 km)
These Roman ruins, 2 or 3 kilometres from Larache across the river, represent the second ancient site in Morocco after Volubilis. The site itself includes, among other things, the remains of an acropolis, temples, and an amphitheatre.
These Roman ruins, 2 or 3 kilometres from Larache across the river, represent the second ancient site in Morocco after Volubilis. The site itself includes, among other things, the remains of an acropolis, temples, and an amphitheatre.
Merja Zerga Reserve (95 km)
This spot, south of Larache, is a wintering area for many birds. As the park is by the sea, around a lagoon, boat trips are available.
This spot, south of Larache, is a wintering area for many birds. As the park is by the sea, around a lagoon, boat trips are available.
Tangier (45 km)
A city with a rich history stretching from the Phoenician era to its unique status as an international zone in the 1920s–1950s.
A city with a rich history stretching from the Phoenician era to its unique status as an international zone in the 1920s–1950s.
Tetouan (95 km)
The city is renowned for its medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Mediterranean beaches and the Rif Mountains are also nearby.
The city is renowned for its medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Mediterranean beaches and the Rif Mountains are also nearby.
Climate and Weather in Asilah
Transport
Getting There
Getting Around
Accommodation
Food
Useful Addresses
Additional Information
Worth a look / Other
Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules
★★ Just a few kilometres from Tangier, Cape Spartel is a rocky promontory at the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, towering over 300 metres…
Tangier
★★ A city with a rich history stretching from the Phoenician era to its unique status as an international zone in the 1920s–1950s.
Tetouan
★★ The city is renowned for its medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Mediterranean beaches and the Rif Mountains are also nearby.
Larache
★ The town is primarily known for the Roman ruins of Lixus on its outskirts and, secondarily, the Merja Zerga National Park, as well as the…
Lixus
★ These Roman ruins, 2 or 3 kilometres from Larache across the river, represent the second ancient site in Morocco after Volubilis. The site…
Merja Zerga Reserve
★ This spot, south of Larache, is a wintering area for many birds. As the park is by the sea, around a lagoon, boat trips are available.