Asilah is a small, laid back town in Northern Morocco and known for the artistic community that live there and inside the old Asilah Medina walls white washed buildings capture the artists imaginations.

But it’s not just painters that find their way there, with writers and musicians, it becomes a very bohemian place to hang out.

Asilah Medina

Being perfectly situated by the Atlantic Coast it’s a place to take a quick break from some of Morocco’s more hectic destinations, and join in the slow way of life.

The best thing to do there is to get a little lost wandering the lanes of the old medina, and discover the various murals from different artists that decorate the walls of the houses.

There is a lot of random stuff that you could find, from the simplest doodles, all the way up to large pieces of art.

Being next to the ocean is a big plus as the strong Atlantic breezes blow a cool fresh air through the town, and the sunsets are out of this world.

Indeed the weather (meteo Asilah) is another good reason to visit.

Heading to the end of the fishing pier you get a peaceful view as the sun dips below the horizon.

The Portuguese built fortified walls around the old town a few centuries ago, which today adds to the postcard perfect image.

The history of Asilah stretches back to Roman times millennia ago.

My own primary reason to go there was too see the art, as I love those kind of places due to the alternative vibe that you get with them.

I’ve discovered in many countries similar kinds of places. From beautiful locations such as Asilah Morocco, to others in old industrial areas in big cities.

The settings for each of these groups tends to reflect the art that they do.  The murals of Asilah naturally giving a more chilled out ambience.

So if you ever end up travelling in Morocco then try to spend at least a few hours soaking up the atmosphere in Asilah, if you happen to be passing through the region.

Indeed you could end up loving it there!

Practical advice for Asilah Medina

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay there I got a room in someones house inside the Asilah Medina, which is the best area to stay in.

There are not really many hotels inside the medina but you will be approached by people on the streets offering places.

I normally avoid those people, but due to the lack of hotels in the medina I took the chance and it worked out ok. Check out the place they are offering first and make sure to bargain hard with the price that they want. 

Of course you can just book ahead and can find places to stay in Asilah here.

Otherwise you can find cheap rooms in the hotels in the new town, but they are rather dull in character.

I recommend using SafetyWing Travel Insurance for your trip, just in case, it’s best to be prepared.

Eat at Ali Babas in the new town outside of the medina. Good food at decent prices and many local people. It was recommended by a friend there.

If doing the Tangier Asilah day trip (Tangier also known as Tanger) then it takes around 45 minutes in a share taxi, which is the best way.

Although trains and buses do pass through there as well just make sure to get the time table for the trains so you don’t end up waiting around at the station for hours.

If heading south to Rabat then take the train which is good value in 2nd class. From Rabat you can continue by train to Meknes, Fes, or Casablanca.

Enjoy Asilah!

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