Asilah: Top 10 Things to See and Do

Asilah is a small fortified city on the Atlantic coast of northwest Morocco, about 31 kilometers south of Tangier. Its walls and gates are still completely intact.
Many armies and regions passed through this city, starting with the Phoenicians and then the Portuguese, and even pirates passed through it before the Moroccans took it. The first edition of an arts festival known as the Asilah International Cultural Moussem was launched in 1978 to help generate tourism. The festival features local art and music and continues to attract large numbers of tourists.

Today, Asilah is a leading seaside resort, with contemporary holiday apartment buildings on the coast road that connects Tangier to the city.

Asilian culture:

Many artistic and musical events are held in Asilah, such as the famous mural painting festival, and one of the wonderful customs of this charming city is that every Thursday is market day, when all the markets and shops open early. and people go to buy that day to cover their needs.

Many wooden buildings painted green and blue can be seen along Asilah's tiny alleyways, and the main cultural center is the Center Hassan II des Rencontres Internationals, which hosts summer festivals, including the International Cultural Festival.

Top 10 things to see and do in Asilah.

There are many things to see and do in Asilah, it is one of the best destinations for locals during the summer. Here are the main things to consider while traveling there.

1. The old part of the Medina.

An hour's drive from Tangier you will reach this ancient city, which is one of the most beautiful, clean and well-kept in northern Morocco, and with its residential houses that have become more popular among Moroccans.

It is preferable to visit the Medina of Al Asilah in spring than in summer, since it is more crowded at this time. Every year, in August, the International Cultural Festival is held, intended for all kinds of art.

2. The beach of Cuevas.

It is a must visit when you spend your holidays in Asilah; it is an amazing beach, famous for its beautiful resorts and shops; From this beach, you can access the bravest walk that flanks the mountain by a tortuous path; you must pay a visit to this incredible beach and take a walk along its shore; It will be unforgettable.

3. Asilah seafront.

It is a really charming rocky beach located next to the historic Portuguese wall, where you can see its architectural legacy reflected on the floor of the promenade.

4. Asilah sweets.

If you like sweets and are constantly looking to try new varieties of candies, you cannot miss visiting Asilah, which is one of the Moroccan cities best known for selling sweets on its streets. You can take a walk through the streets of the city and try almost all kinds of sweets for less than one euro.

In the streets of Asilah you will generally find Arabic sweets; they are usually in the shape of a cart with trays full of these cakes on top. The 'hem' (puff pastry with dried fruit) desserts are the most popular here, with toasted almonds, cinnamon, cream, pistachios, honey and a raisin and walnut cake. Other vendors sell tuna meatballs and a type of wheat cracker.

5. The stone circle of Mzora.

The journey becomes more exciting in this city, Chouahed, which will transport you to ancient times and times.

It is one of the most important megalithic structures in Morocco and Africa. It is a ring built by 176 hired men that rises 5.4 meters above the ground and is oval in shape, surrounding a 55 by 59 meter mound that rises 6 meters above the ground.

You're not excited enough! Well, keep reading.

According to mythology, a giant, son of Neptune and the Earth, lived in this tomb. It is an exceptional monument of great value, dating from the fourth millennium BC.

If you still don't understand how exciting this place is, you should go as soon as you get to Asilah, and then come back here and tell us what it felt like to be in the huge mansion; believe me, it is more wonderful than you can think!

Also read: Is Morocco open to tourism?

6. The Nashia Bazaar.

The largest market (souk) on Nashia street, the smallest in the city of Asilah, where you can discover many products that cannot be accessed anywhere else, Moroccan furniture imported from all over the country, In this store they pile up tables, mirrors, chests and chairs. They also have a large collection of rugs in various shapes, sizes, and colors.

However, the tables are the most intriguing of all the items on display in this bazaar, and I urge you to pay attention to them as you might find something there that you never dreamed of.

7. Zellaka.

Zellaka is the main square of Asilah. It is large and solid, and it also gives you an idea of ​​what multiculturalism has always been like in this great area of ​​Morocco, thanks to its strategic location and its magnificent port, which has attracted various communities to its streets throughout history. Beaches. Carthaginians, Romans, Spanish and Portuguese have passed through Asilah, enriching their cultures. In this square there is a Christian church, a mosque, Andalusian-style structures and Portuguese walls.

This square is surrounded by the typical Moroccan palm trees. There's a really interesting mix of genres.

8. Try the Henna Tattoo.

First of all, let us introduce you to henna, which is a plant whose leaves are extracted and mixed with various chemicals before being used to create tattoos on the skin.

Henna tattoos are quite popular in Morocco, particularly in Asilah, and if you decide to visit this city, you won't leave without enjoying this cool and fun experience.

Also, you won't regret it.

9. Explore Mahmoud Darwish's garden.

Three minutes from the old medina is a large green space known as the Mahmoud Darwish Garden, a very large, pleasant and attractive park, especially if you prefer crowded areas; the garden is usually closed at night for security.

10. Street murals in Asilah.

Asilah is an imaginative city, which attracts artists from other cities, and in its streets and walls you can find a lot of stories, and paintings that take you on a journey through the years and culture. Some of these murals indicate the presence of an on-site art gallery, other houses, or a local artist's workshop, and others are simply a way to decorate the wall of a house.

We are still too far away to finish talking about what to see or do in Asilah; if you want to discover everything, you must visit this small town; there are many more sites and things to explore in this magnificent city, and the generosity of its inhabitants is another story.
We leave it up to you to discover and discuss it in the comments.

Hotels in Asilah.

In Asilah there are all kinds of accommodations and prices; You can select what suits you best from a wide range of well-served hotels, and you will have a pleasant stay in your room near the beach. Here are the hotels you can book on Booking.

Restaurants.

If you're a foodie who is constantly looking for clean, tasty, new and exotic meals, you'll love visiting Asilah's restaurants, which are widely recognized for their wonderful new cuisine, as well as certain foods you wouldn't expect to discover.

Don't pass up the opportunity to enjoy some of the best food in Asilah at its restaurants, where the rates are lower than elsewhere while offering the same or even better service.

Have you ever visited Asilah?

Have you seen its beautiful places and locations, or have you spent time in the huge house?

Write us in the comments and tell us how was your visit to this city if you went, and also tell us if you change your travel plans after reading this post, would you like to visit Al Asilah?

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