unveilingmorocco

If Larache is the soulful, historic heart of the Spanish trail, Asilah is its elegant, artistic daughter.

Just a short drive south of Tangier, this radiant seaside town is a symphony of whitewashed walls, turquoise shutters, and sun-drenched stones. Known as the “City of Artists,” Asilah manages to feel like a Mediterranean dream while maintaining a deeply Moroccan spirit. It is a place where every alleyway is a canvas and every sunset over the Atlantic is an event.

Asilah’s history is a rich tapestry woven by Phoenicians, Romans, and most notably, the Portuguese and Spanish. Today, however, it is best known for its International Cultural Moussem (Festival), which has transformed the medina into one of the world’s most beautiful open-air art galleries.

🏛️ The Pristine Medina: A Walk-Through Gallery

Unlike the frenetic energy of other Moroccan medinas, Asilah is exceptionally clean, quiet, and breezy.

• The Murals: Every year, international artists are invited to paint murals on the medina walls. These vibrant, larger-than-life pieces of street art change annually, meaning no two visits to Asilah are ever the same.
• Portuguese Ramparts: The massive stone walls that encircle the town were built by the Portuguese in the 15th century. Walking along the ramparts provides a stunning view of the Atlantic waves crashing against the stone.
• The Palais de Raissouni: A beautiful example of Hispano-Moorish architecture, this palace once belonged to a famous pirate and pasha. It now serves as a cultural center during the arts festival.

📍 What to Explore in Asilah

1. Bab al-Bahar (The Sea Gate)

Enter the medina through this historic gate to immediately feel the ocean breeze. From here, follow the path to the Krikia Viewpoint, a protruding bastion that offers the most famous sunset view in Northern Morocco.

2. The Art Workshops

Asilah is home to countless small galleries and printmaking workshops. You can watch local artisans at work, creating everything from intricate etchings to modern abstract paintings inspired by the coastal light.

3. Paradise Beach (Rmilat)

A few kilometers south of the town lies Rmilat, popularly known as Paradise Beach. It is a wide, golden stretch of sand accessible by a fun horse-drawn carriage ride from the town center. It’s the perfect spot for a traditional grilled sardine lunch by the sea.

4. The Spanish Church (San Bartolome)

Located just outside the medina walls, this Moorish-style Catholic church is a reminder of the Spanish Protectorate era and still rings its bells for the small local Christian community—a true symbol of Asilah’s peaceful coexistence.

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