A whitewashed, walled Atlantic town known for its 15th-century Portuguese ramparts, mural-covered medina lanes and sandy beach.
Asilah is a small walled Atlantic town about 46 km south of Tangier, in Morocco's Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, and it is the easiest day trip from the city. Trains from Tangier Ville take around 30 to 40 minutes and cost about MAD 17-35, and shared grand taxis and buses also run. The station is a few kilometres from the old town, so a petit taxi completes the journey. The medina is enclosed by 15th-century ramparts built by the Portuguese, and its whitewashed lanes carry colourful murals painted each year, while the Borj el Kamra tower and the seafront promenade overlook the surf. Art galleries and craft shops fill the lanes, and the Raissouni palace area is a short walk away. Seafood restaurants near the port serve grilled fish and calamari at moderate prices, and the town beach is a short walk from the medina. A relaxed day covers the ramparts, medina, lunch and a beach stroll in four to six hours. Asilah is calm even in high season, but weekends in July and August are busy with Moroccan visitors. Visitors should confirm the return train time before leaving the station, as services thin out in the evening.
| Distance | About 46 km / 40 minutes |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 30-40 minutes by train |
| Getting there | ONCF train from Tangier Ville to Asilah station, about MAD 17-35 (~$2-4), then a petit taxi (MAD 10-15) into the old town |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Medina of Asilah, Bab Homar, Asilah 90000 |
How to get there
- Mode
- ONCF train from Tangier Ville
- Cost
- MAD 17-35 (~$2-4)
- Frequency
- Several daily; check oncf-voyages.ma
- Mode
- Grand taxi from Tangier
- Cost
- MAD 25-40 per seat (~$3-4)
- Frequency
- Leaves when full
- Mode
- Bus
- Cost
- MAD 20-30 (~$2-3)
- Frequency
- Several daily
Location
Medina of Asilah, Bab Homar, Asilah 90000
35.4651, -6.0345 View on map
Highlights
- Portuguese ramparts and Borj el Kamra tower
- Mural-painted medina lanes and blue-trimmed houses
- Seafront promenade and sandy beach
- Seafood lunch near the port
Tips for visiting
- Take the morning train and confirm the last return departure before leaving the station.
- Budget for a petit taxi between the station and the medina.
- Walk the ramparts at sunset for the best light over the ocean.
- Agree prices for fish at the port before ordering.
- Wear sunscreen; the ramparts and beach are exposed.
When to visit
April to June and September to October for mild weather. July and August weekends are busiest.
Accessibility
The ramparts and medina have uneven cobbles and some steps; the seafront promenade and beach road are flatter.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the train from Tangier to Asilah take?
About 30 to 40 minutes from Tangier Ville, with fares around MAD 17-35 (~$2-4).
Is Asilah doable in a day?
Yes. Most visitors spend four to six hours walking the ramparts and medina, eating and visiting the beach.
Is Asilah good for swimming?
There is a sandy beach, but Atlantic surf and currents can be strong; swim in supervised areas.