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

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
The fortified medina
Raisuli Palace
The murals
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 placesThe fortified medina
An all-white town centre encircled by ramparts, where the lanes are decorated with new murals every year.
See on the mapRaisuli Palace
The former residence of a local lord from the early 20th century, overlooking the sea from the medina ramparts.
See on the mapThe murals
A patchwork of works painted straight onto the white walls, renewed each year during the international cultural festival.
See on the mapBab el Bahar (Sea Gate)
A historic gate opening straight onto the ocean, a symbol of the fortified town's maritime roots.
See on the mapCulture & Festival
4 placesAsilah International Cultural Moussem
A renowned art and culture festival that livens up the town each summer with exhibitions, concerts and mural-painting workshops.
See on the mapContemporary art galleries
Several exhibition spaces showcase Moroccan artists, extending the town's artistic spirit all year round.
See on the mapOld Portuguese cemetery
A discreet remnant recalling the Portuguese presence on this Atlantic coast from the 15th century.
See on the mapMohammed V Square
The lively central square outside the ramparts, an ideal starting point to explore the medina.
See on the mapRelaxation & Coast
4 placesAsilah beaches
Long beaches of fine sand stretch north and south of the town, appreciated for their relative calm.
See on the mapFishing port
A small traditional port where you can watch the boats return and enjoy freshly grilled fish.
See on the mapWalk along the ramparts
A stroll along the fortifications with lovely views over the Atlantic and the white medina.
See on the mapParadise Beach
A wild beach a few kilometres from town, loved for its preserved natural setting.
See on the mapBest time to visit
May – September
Average temperatures : 19–24°C
Season IdealGetting 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.
Next destination
Tanger