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.

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Top Asilah Pet-friendly Hotels

Bel Appartement Neuf

Medina

￥23,979 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 8 - Dec 9

Cozy apartment with pools for daily rental

Asilah

￥19,391 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 12 - Dec 13

Don't miss this unique blue planet.

Medina

￥11,561 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 12 - Dec 13

The Maison Bleu room

TANGER

￥12,569 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 7 - Dec 8

Brise d’Océan Tanger

Branes

￥13,186 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 14 - Dec 15

LaFinca | Seaside Villa with Private Pool + BBQ

Achakkar

sandy A.

￥41,414 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 29 - Dec 30

Charming House Between the Forest and the sea

Tanger

￥10,477 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 14 - Dec 15

Spacious Apartment in beautiful Tangier

Tanger

￥21,910 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 8 - Dec 9

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Top Asilah Hotel Reviews

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

10/10 Excellent

"We loved our mom with the terrace. The onsite restaurant served a wonderful 3 course Moroccan meal. And the Spa is not to be missed. My wife and I had the Couples Hammam and Spa and we talked about it for the rest of the trip. Outstanding value for guests, and an unforgettable experience."

Hotel Al Khaima

10/10 Excellent

"Great host , convenient location "

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Frequently asked questions

What's the best pet-friendly place to stay in Asilah?

Dar Bouanani is a top guesthouse for people traveling with their pets, and offers concierge services for its human guests. Two other good options to stay with your pet include Assilah's Charm & Comfort at "Riad Mama Aicha" few steps away from beach. and Dar Yemma is a haven of peace and tranquillity..

What's the best time of year to travel to Asilah with my pet?

When you're traveling with pets, keeping tabs on the weather can help you make the trip more safe and fun for everyone. The hottest months are usually August and July with an average temp of 75°F, while the coldest months are February and January with an average of 57°F. Average annual precipitation for Asilah is 28 inches.

What is there to see and do with your pet in Asilah?

Known for its festivals, Asilah has lots to offer visitors including its monuments, waterfront, and museums. See the local sights and visit Centre Hassan II and Asilah Port. While you're there, make sure you don't miss Paradise Beach and Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales.

Find Pet-friendly Hotels in Asilah

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check availability on Asilah Pet-friendly Hotels

Top Asilah Pet-friendly Hotels

Bel Appartement Neuf

Cozy apartment with pools for daily rental

Don't miss this unique blue planet.

The Maison Bleu room

Brise d’Océan Tanger

LaFinca | Seaside Villa with Private Pool + BBQ

Charming House Between the Forest and the sea

Spacious Apartment in beautiful Tangier

Appartement corniche Tanger

Appartement en résidence Tanger

Top Asilah Hotel Reviews

Hôtel Al Alba Hammam & Restaurant

Hotel Al Khaima

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Top neighborhoods for Pet-friendly Hotels

More Accommodation Types in Asilah

Hotels near popular Asilah Attractions

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Frequently asked questions