Assilah
Assilah: Discover Morocco's Artistic Coastal Haven
Asilah is a quiet coastal town just a few miles south of Tangier. With a perfect natural harbour and delightful beaches, great weather and a thriving cultural scene, it’s sometimes surprising that more travellers don’t know about it. For those in the know, this just adds to the charm.
There is history here – the Phoenicians were the original builders back in 1500 B.C., and in the intervening years it has been controlled by Moroccans, Spanish and Portuguese. It has the same Mediterranean feel as many of the towns in this area with whitewashed buildings and meandering streets, while the large ramparts and fortifications are a gift from its Portuguese rulers.
But it’s the cultural offering that has really put Asilah on the map. There are several festivals throughout the year, and at times the whole town can seem like an art gallery with huge murals decorating the medina walls and painters displaying their work in the streets.
The easiest way to get to Asilah is via Tangier, less than 30 miles away. Flights arrive directly from London Gatwick or indirectly via Madrid or Casablanca from many other cities. Of course, Tangier is still the gateway from Europe to Africa and it's easy to arrive on the ferry from Spain - these sail every two hours between 9.00am and 10.00pm and it's then a short drive down the coast to Asilah. You can also let the train take the strain, Asilah is on the line that connects Tangier with Rabat, Casblanca, Fez and Marrakech.
ASILAH BEACHES
The main beach at Asilah is a short walk from the town centre. It’s a large expanse of golden sand that curves northwards towards Tangier. It’s very popular with families, especially during the summer months.
A couple of miles south of Asilah is the enticingly named Paradise Beach. It’s a gorgeous spot, accessed along a dirt track so it isn’t as busy as Asilah’s main beach. The bay is sheltered from the wind, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy freshly caught fish, and if you get bored of the sand and sea there are even caves to explore. This is somewhere not to be missed.
And a couple of miles to the north is Afriqua beach. Despite being easier to access than Paradise Beach, it is still a quiet and secluded location. The facilities here include toilets, a café and private sun loungers, perfect for enjoying the abundant Moroccan sunshine.
