Asilah (Arabic: أصيلة،‎‎ Aṣīla; Berber: ⴰⵥⵉⵍⴰ Aẓila; "authentic", Portuguese: Arzila, Spanish: Arcila) is a fortified town on the northwest tip of the Atlantic coast of Morocco, about 31 km (19 mi) south of Tangier. Its ramparts and gateworks remain fully intact.

The town's history dates back to 1500 B.C., when the Phoenicians used it as a base for trade. The Portuguese conquered the city in 1471, but later it was decided to abandon it because of an economic debt crisis in 1549. Later in 1578, Sebastian of Portugal used Asilah as a base town for his troops during a planned crusade that resulted in Sebastian's death, which in turn caused the Portuguese succession crisis of 1580. The Moroccans in 1589 regained control of Asilah briefly, but then lost control of it to the Spanish.
In 1692, the town was again taken by the Moroccans under the leadership of Moulay Ismail. Asilah served then as a base for pirates in the 19th and 20th centuries, and in 1829, the Austrians punitively bombarded the city due to Moroccan piracy.

From 1912 to 1956, it was part of Spanish Morocco. A major plan to restore the town was undertaken in 1978 by its mayor, Mohamed Benaissa. The first edition of an art festival known as the International Cultural Moussem of Asilah was launched that year to help generate tourism. It was successful in generating revenue for the city and played a role in raising the average monthly income from $50 in 1978 to $140 in 2014. The festival features local artwork and music and continues to attract large amounts of tourists.

Asilah is now a popular seaside resort, with modern holiday apartment complexes on the coast road leading to the town from Tangier.

Search Luxury Hotels in Asilah

Change your mind
Book hotels with free cancellation
Treat yourself
Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
Sign in
Be picky
Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check availability on Asilah Luxury Hotels

Tonight

Tomorrow

This weekend

Next weekend

Our top choices for Asilah luxury hotels

Hotel Al Khaima

Asilah Beach

Mobarak

₹11,058 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Jan - 2 Jan 2026

Asilah 32

Asilah

Shareen

₹7,882 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Dec - 25 Dec

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

Asilah Beach

elmostafa

₹6,032 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Dec - 20 Dec

Classic Studio, Balcony, City View | Individually decorated, soundproofing, free WiFi

Dar Bouanani

Asilah

₹3,297 total

includes taxes & fees

23 Dec - 24 Dec

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, pool loungers

Hilton Tangier Al Houara Resort & Spa

Hjar Ennhal

Zaki

₹14,887 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Dec - 20 Dec

Ayry Owner's Villa with ocean view | Minibar, in-room safe, blackout curtains, free WiFi

LA FIERMONTINA OCEAN

Sahel

Anonymous traveller

₹30,965 total

includes taxes & fees

9 Jan - 10 Jan 2026

HAMZA SAHRAOUI

Bni Makada

₹28,473 total

includes taxes & fees

20 Dec - 21 Dec

RIMAS Apparthôtel

Branes

₹16,033 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Dec - 20 Dec

View all properties

Top Asilah Hotel Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Are you looking for a luxury hotel for your Asilah holiday?

Use Expedia to arrange your flight to Tangier (TNG-Ibn Batouta) airport, and then select from a variety of places to stay that will deliver the luxury you want. Amenities are an important consideration when you plan a holiday, so we make it easy to get what you want to make your stay relaxing and comfortable. If you want a posh hotel that has fine dining, a spa or several swimming pools, Expedia can help you find the best luxury hotel experience that Asilah offers. Asilah has some interesting things to see and do including Centre Hassan II and Asilah Port, so you might want to take in the local sights during your visit.

When can I expect good weather in Asilah?

Planning for the weather is a good way to make your trip to Asilah relaxing and enjoyable, especially when you're splurging. The hottest months are usually August and July, with an average temperature of 24°C, while the coldest months are February and January, with an average of 14°C. Average annual precipitation for Asilah is 701 mm.

What's there to see and do in Asilah?

Enjoy Asilah and visit Centre Hassan II, Asilah Port and Paradise Beach. If you have a little extra time during your trip, you might want to make a stop at Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales and El-Hamra Tower.

How can I get around Asilah?

It's easier to get around town in style when you know your options. If you want to explore the larger area, hop aboard a train at Asilah Station.

Search Luxury Hotels in Asilah

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check availability on Asilah Luxury Hotels

Our top choices for Asilah luxury hotels

Hotel Al Khaima

Asilah 32

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

Dar Bouanani

Hilton Tangier Al Houara Resort & Spa

LA FIERMONTINA OCEAN

HAMZA SAHRAOUI

RIMAS Apparthôtel

Elite Holiday Homes - Luxury & Centric Flat

Top Asilah Hotel Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Explore a world of travel with Expedia