46 kilometers south of Tangier and 110 from Ceuta lies a small Moroccan city that has become one of the last tourist discoveries of the north coast of morocco: Asilah, a spectacle of white houses that contrast with the blue of the Atlantic and whose streets invite you to lose yourself in a world of freshness, color and simply delicious shade.
Asilah: what the walls protect
Like many other enclaves on the Moroccan coast, Asilah was visited by Greeks and Phoenicians who recorded their presence in the form of different sites such as Zilil, which dates from the second century BC. Later, the place would be taken by the Carthaginians and in XNUMXst century BC it would be occupied by the Roman Empire, who would name it Colonia Augusti Iulia Constantia Zilil (Augusta Zilil).
For centuries, the Romans made the city their own until it was conquered again by the Arabs in 712, beginning a new golden age in which Asilah allowed itself to be enveloped by some of the charm for which it is famous today. In turn, its strategic position in northern Morocco made it a strategic point for Spanish and Arab merchants. . . and Portuguese.
The Saharan gold rush led Portugal to take the city in 1471 and abandon it almost a century later. During their rule, the Portuguese raised some walls with which they fortified Asilah and that today have become one of its great tourist attractions.
After various attempts to reconquer, Spain took over the area after its alliances with Portugal, being part of the Spanish Protectorate until 1956 despite the constant assaults of various Moroccan dynasties for years.
Today, Asilah unfolds all that historical potential as one of the most picturesque towns in Morocco.
Asilah: the world around a Medina
One of the great advantages that Asilah has when visiting it is the accessibility of its Medina, known as the old city of every Moroccan city that includes most of the important monuments.
In the case of Asilah, when crossing the walls of the Medina from the north, specifically through the section known as Bab El Kasbah, you will run into the great mosque, of a pristine white, or the El Kamra Tower, an icon of Asilah whose 50 meter structure lies attached to the walls that whisper old laments. In front of it, the Hassan II Center, with its international exhibitions and events, becomes the cultural epicenter of a city that oozes color and creativity, as you can well see through the urban art samples that dot some corners of the city. herself.
As we advance through the Medina, we will also come across the coquette class Ibn Khaldun, ideal to be seduced by small markets such as the Nashia or Les Amis bazaars, where they sell from lanterns to nuts and Moroccan sweets, or let yourself be carried away by the flavors served on the terraces, tea shops and restaurants in this square. After a cool Moorish tea, nothing better than climbing onto one of the most famous sections of the old Portuguese wall: Borj Al Kamra, which offers some of the best views of the city and the presence of ancient canyons in some sections that border the Atlantic.
Asilah, a blue and white world
Getting lost in the streets of the Medina of Asilah is a delight: arches protecting some sections, facades where blue and white merge with other colors or a peace that comes in the form of freshness, that of an Atlantic spying behind walls that protect old historical places.
The Cemetery and Mausoleum of Sidi Ahmed El Mansur It's a good example. A quiet place to the southwest of the Medina where the remains of this Saadian leader rest, who reconquered the city after fighting in the Battle of the Three Kings, in 1578. A solemn visit to complement with an ascent to the viewpoint of Caraquia, from where you can contemplate one of the best sunsets on the Moroccan coast caressing the remains of the walls.
And beaches? Do not worry, there are also in Asilah and they are also beautiful. To the north you will find a small beach next to the port and Cala de los Cañones, ideal for taking a relaxing walk and sitting down to watch the sunset. If you are looking for wider beaches, Asilah beach it extends to the town of Brief, located 10 kilometers away.
Cuevas Beach, south of Asilah.
Regarding the south, the Beach of the Caves, 6 kilometers south of the city, is the most famous, standing out among a more capricious relief of cliffs and rocks, while Sidi Mghait beach lies at the end of a network of unpaved roads rewarding those who come to look for the blue waters and golden sands in this part of Morocco.
Getting lost in Asilah and its charm will not take you more than a day, so it can become the perfect getaway place through a tour of the magical north coast of Morocco or as an extension to a visit to nearby Tangier.
Have you ever visited Asilah?