Best of Asilah

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Asilah
Set on Morocco’s north Atlantic coast, Asilah dates back to 1500 BCE when the Phoenicians founded a stronghold here. The small coastal city is a popular day trip from nearby Tangier, with its picturesque medina, easy-going atmosphere and lovely sandy beaches. You could easily spend a few days here, however, simply taking in its historic architecture and enjoying the quiet rhythms of daily life, which culminates with some fine sunsets over the medieval walls on the seaside.  

Spend some time wandering the narrow lanes of the Medina, which is dotted with shops and galleries. You’ll also see some colorful murals, with new works added each year during the vibrant Asilah Arts Festival held during the summer. When you need a break from Asilah’s shadow-filled old quarter, head out for an excursion by bicycle. You can enjoy pleasant breezes and fine views along the seaside promenade. Southeast of the city, you can explore the monoliths of Msoura, a mysterious configuration of stones that dates to the 4th century BCE.
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Essaouira, Morocco
Unique Cultural Experiences in Morocco

Morocco's distinct and authentic culture (unchanged in many ways) is perhaps the primary reason to explore the country. You'll find traditional villages that still live today as they have throughout history. Cities like Casablanca and Chefchaouen lift the veil and let you see the way locals live day-to-day. Visit small towns and Berber villages in the mountains, peruse artisan collectives, and get off the beaten path to discover Morocco's incredible countryside.

See the highlights of coastal Morocco, like Asilah
Map of Spain & Morocco Coastal Getaway - 10 Days
Spain & Morocco Coastal Getaway - 10 Days

Experience the beauty and shared history of Spain and Morocco on this 10-day adventure. It begins in Spain's famous Andalusia region, which is a cultural bridge between North Africa and Europe. After enjoying the cuisine and marveling at historical landmarks in Málaga and Cádiz, you'll hop over to Morocco to learn about Moorish history in stunning coastal cities like Tangier, Rabat, and Casablanca.

Colorful boats beached in Essaouira, on Morocco's Atlantic coast
Map of Coasts of Spain & Morocco: Mediterranean & Atlantic Getaway - 21 Days
Coasts of Spain & Morocco: Mediterranean & Atlantic Getaway - 21 Days

Go beyond a simple vacation as you uncover Spain and Morocco's culture, history, and coastlines. This three-week sojourn kicks off in Barcelona, a global destination for foodies and holidaymakers, and continues with beach time and off-road adventures in Menorca. After hitting the highlights in Seville and Valencia, you'll travel next door to Morocco for epic outings along the coast and in the bazaars of Marrakesh.

Gaze across the Atlantic from the historic ramparts of Rabat
Map of Spain & Morocco Coastal Getaway - 14 Days
Spain & Morocco Coastal Getaway - 14 Days

Escape to two different coasts as you travel between Spain and North Africa on this scenic two-week adventure. Start things off in Spain's southern Andalusia region with tapas tours in Málaga, deep-sea fishing in Cádiz, and a sojourn to the romantic clifftop town of Ronda. Then cross the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco and follow both the Mediterranean and Atlantic as you tour Tangier, Asilah, Rabat, and Casablanca.

Streets of Chefchaouen
Map of Highlights of Morocco from Beach to Desert: Fes, Marrakech, Sahara & More - 7 Days
Highlights of Morocco from Beach to Desert: Fes, Marrakech, Sahara & More - 7 Days

Take a seven-day spin across the sand with this itinerary that will take you from beach to city to desert to back. Visit the arts scene in Asilah, then put your newfound artist's eye to practice photographing the Blue City of Chefchaouen. Follow a guide through the medina of Fes, then trek into the Sahara on camelback before you make it back to the city amid the brightness of Marrakech.

In port at Essaouira
Map of Highlights of Morocco: Fes, Atlas Mountains, Dades Valley, Marrakech & Essaouira - 14 Days
Highlights of Morocco: Fes, Atlas Mountains, Dades Valley, Marrakech & Essaouira - 14 Days

See some of Morocco's best sights on this two-week itinerary. You'll wander the streets of artsy seaside Asilah, then head to the sandier seas of the Atlas Mountains and Erg Chebi with a camel trek and desert camping. Follow expert guides through the bustling markets of Fes and Marrakech, and wrap up your trip in the bohemian enclave of Essaouira before you depart.

The coastal city of Al Hoceima, Morocco
Map of Mediterranean Morocco: Tangier, Al Hoceima & Imperial Cities - 15 Days
Mediterranean Morocco: Tangier, Al Hoceima & Imperial Cities - 15 Days

Explore Morocco's Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines with this 15-day itinerary. From Casablanca, head northward along the Atlantic coast, stopping at Spanish colonial sites and Roman ruins of Laracche and Lixus, and the quiet beaches of Asilah. Wander through brightly-painted towns, enjoy the views while hiking the Rif mountains, and relax by the sea in Al Hoceima and Marsdar Bay. Transfer to the imperial city of Fes, tour a winery, and see more of the region's delights before ending your adventure in bustling Marrakech.

Look for Spain in the distance from Morocco's Mediterranean coast
Map of Coastal Morocco Tour: From the Mediterranean to the Atlantic - 16 Days
Coastal Morocco Tour: From the Mediterranean to the Atlantic - 16 Days

Spend 16 days exploring the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of Morocco, with plenty of stops in between. Start in the famous city of Casablanca and the gorgeous whitewashed city of Asilah. Then, transfer to Tangier, stopping at the northernmost point in Africa at Cape Spartel. From here, wander the blue streets of Chefchaouen, soak up the beaches of Al Hoceima, and relax in a traditional hammam in Fes. You'll also tour the Medina of Marrakesh and end your trip on a high note in a hot-air balloon.

Bustling Marrakech by Night
Exploring Morocco's Imperial Cities and Natural Landscapes - 12 Days

Combining culture and outdoor adventure, this 12-day tour features the best of Morocco, starting with the markets and monuments of the imperial cities Casablanca, Fes, and the famous "Blue City", Chefchaouen. Next you'll explore the country's natural side in the Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains, sleeping in Bedouin-style tents and high alpine Berber Towns. Experience cultural delights like riding camels at sunset, meandering ancient Roman ruins, visiting old kasbahs, and enjoying traditional Hammam treatments in the bustling city of Marrakech.

Roof view of the beautiful architecture of Marrakesh, Morocco
Map of Exploring Morocco's Imperial Cities & Natural Landscapes - 13 Days
Exploring Morocco's Imperial Cities & Natural Landscapes - 13 Days

Match Morocco's unique culture with its stunning nature in this country-wide tour that explores the charms of its bustling imperial cities—Casablanca, Fes, Chefchaouen, and Marrakesh—and its rural landscape. Meander the old town medinas, meet local craftsmen, and barter at bazaars before heading out into the Sahara Desert and up into the High Atlas mountains to hike through dense forests and deep river canyons. Continue your adventure by summiting the highest mountain pass, visiting historic Berber towns and Roman ruins, riding camels into the sunset, and relaxing in a traditional Hammam.

Casablanca, Morocco
Exploring Morocco's Imperial Cities and Natural Landscapes - 11 Days

This all-encompassing tour highlights the best of Morocco, from cultural stops in imperial cities like Casablanca, Chefchaouen, and Fes, to natural exploration in desert landscapes. You'll discover Roman ruins, hike in the wild north of Morocco, ride a camel in the Sahara for sunset, visit old kasbahs, and experience a traditional Hammam treatment. End the trip by driving over the magnificent Tizi n'Tichka Pass over the High Atlas Mountains and explore the bustling city of Marrakech.

Other popular travel destinations in Morocco
Marrakesh · Fes · Moroccan Desert · Chefchaouen · Merzouga · Casablanca · Rabat · Essaouira · Ouarzazate · Aït Benhaddou · Atlas Mountains · Boumalne Dades · Tangier · Meknes · Todra Gorge · Imlil · Agafay · Zagora · Taroudant · Skoura · Agadir · Bin El Ouidane · Agdz · Kalaat M'Gouna · Draa Valley