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Coast

Assilah

A small fortified town on the Atlantic coast, Asilah charms with its Portuguese ramparts, its white lanes turned into an open-air gallery and its peaceful atmosphere.

Region
Coast
Ideal stay
2–3 days
Best time
May – September
White lane adorned with colourful murals in the medina of Asilah

An open-air gallery town

Each summer, Moroccan and international artists repaint the medina walls during an art festival that has become iconic.

Portuguese ramparts

The 15th-century fortifications ringing the medina bear witness to the town's Portuguese and Spanish past.

Seaside gentleness

More intimate than its neighbours, Asilah offers a peaceful coastal way of life, between beaches, fishing and little white lanes.

Don't miss

1

The fortified medina

2

Raisuli Palace

3

The murals

4

Bab el Bahar (Sea Gate)

Essential guide

What to do in Assilah ?

Emblematic sites, must-do experiences and the best outing ideas to plan your stay.

The essentials

4 places

The fortified medina

An all-white town centre encircled by ramparts, where the lanes are decorated with new murals every year.

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Raisuli Palace

The former residence of a local lord from the early 20th century, overlooking the sea from the medina ramparts.

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The murals

A patchwork of works painted straight onto the white walls, renewed each year during the international cultural festival.

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Bab el Bahar (Sea Gate)

A historic gate opening straight onto the ocean, a symbol of the fortified town's maritime roots.

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Culture & Festival

4 places

Asilah International Cultural Moussem

A renowned art and culture festival that livens up the town each summer with exhibitions, concerts and mural-painting workshops.

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Contemporary art galleries

Several exhibition spaces showcase Moroccan artists, extending the town's artistic spirit all year round.

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Old Portuguese cemetery

A discreet remnant recalling the Portuguese presence on this Atlantic coast from the 15th century.

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Mohammed V Square

The lively central square outside the ramparts, an ideal starting point to explore the medina.

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Relaxation & Coast

4 places

Asilah beaches

Long beaches of fine sand stretch north and south of the town, appreciated for their relative calm.

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Fishing port

A small traditional port where you can watch the boats return and enjoy freshly grilled fish.

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Walk along the ramparts

A stroll along the fortifications with lovely views over the Atlantic and the white medina.

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Paradise Beach

A wild beach a few kilometres from town, loved for its preserved natural setting.

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Best time to visit

May – September

Average temperatures : 19–24°C

Season Ideal

Getting around

In Assilah, walking is ideal in the historic centre. For longer trips, taxis (petits and grands), buses and trains connect the city to the rest of the Kingdom.

Where to stay

Options range from traditional riads to boutique hotels. Choose accommodation near the medina or the main sights to make the most of Assilah.

Good to know

Respect local customs, bargain with a smile in the souks and keep some change for small purchases. A word of Arabic or Berber is always appreciated.

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