Discover Arzeila Town and Beach
Beaches - The best beach near Asilah is Paradise Beach, just 3 km (1.5 miles) south of town. It is very wide and great for building sandcastles, taking a camel ride, or picking up a game of soccer. You can take a taxi or even a caleche to get there. There is also a good beach north of the medina, and the farther you walk, the better the beach becomes.
Medina - Asilah's medina is clean, well kept, and wonderful to stroll around. You enter through one of the two main gates, Bab el-Kasaba and Bab el-Homar. Just walk until you get lost - that is generally the best way to experience it. You can always ask a local shopkeeper for the way back to one of the gates.
Church of Saint Bartholome - Just outside the medina, on Ave de la Liberte, lies the Church of Saint Bartholome, a reminder of the Iberian influence, and it is still in use by local Christians. It is one of the few churches in Morocco that still rings its bells every Sunday. The church is open to visitors.
The Ramparts - The best place to watch the sunset is by taking a stroll along the ramparts in Asilah. It is also where you can take the classic photo of the town. The ramparts were built by the Portuguese more than 500 years ago and have been restored many times since then.
Wall Paintings - Asilah has attracted artists for many years, and they have left their colourful mark on walls in and around the medina. These wall paintings are sometimes commissioned and are always celebrated every July and August during the annual Asilah Cultural Festival. The walls close to schools in the medina are particularly lovely and whimsical.
Raissouli's Palace.
Shopping - The bazaars in Asilah offer good value.
El Kamara Tower - This is a renovated Portuguese fortification just near the cultural centre.
Fresh fish dishes are delicious in Asilah, and other Moroccan specialities over the grill are widely available. There are some fish restaurants along Paradise Beach and good places to eat along the ramparts.
