Book hostels in Asilah
Whitewashed walls, murals and Atlantic air. Tangier's quiet cousin.
Asilah is a small Portuguese-walled coastal town 45 minutes south of Tangier. Whitewashed walls, year-round mural art festival (the walls are repainted by artists each August), and a slow beach-and-medina rhythm that makes it the best 2-night escape from Tangier's intensity.
Highlights
- Walking the whitewashed medina
- Watching sunset from the Portuguese ramparts
- Paradise Beach 3 km south
- August arts festival (murals)
- Fresh-grilled sardines at the port
Best for
- Slow travellers
- Art lovers
- Couples on a quiet weekend
- Escape from Tangier's bustle
When to visit
May–June and September for sunny-but-not-baking days. August has the mural festival but also peak crowds. Winter is mild and very quiet — perfect if you want the town to yourself.
Budget
Dorm beds €8–14. Fish tajine: €5–7. Beach umbrella rental: €2. Full day here: €15–20. A weekend from Tangier incl. transport: around €50 for a backpacker.
Getting there
Train from Tangier: 50 min, €2–4. CTM bus: 45 min. Direct trains from Rabat (3h) and Casablanca (4h). Tangier airport is the closest.
Safety
Very safe, gentle vibe. A favourite for solo women travellers who find Tangier too intense.
Where to stay — neighborhoods
Not all hostels are in the same part of town. Here’s how each area compares.
Medina (inside the walls)
Best for: Art walks, whitewashed alleys, cafés
Small walled old town, entirely walkable in 20 minutes. Most hostels and all the murals are inside.
Port & beachfront
Best for: Grilled fish, sunset walks
The working fishing port and a pedestrian promenade along the Atlantic. Best spot for fresh sardines and sunset photos.
Paradise Beach area
Best for: Quiet beach days, nature base
3 km south, with a long empty sandy beach. A few guesthouses if you want zero town noise.
Tips from us
- Walk the top of the ramparts at sunset — no tickets, just climb up.
- Don't eat at the first restaurant inside Bab el-Kasba — walk two streets in for better food and half the price.
- Paradise Beach is nicer than the town beach; taxi there is €3.
- Murals get repainted each year — check the festival calendar for August dates.
- It's a weekend destination for Rabat/Casablanca locals; mid-week is dead quiet.