Asilah lies on the Atlantic coast south of Tangier in Morocco. Within the Medina are all kinds of shops selling a wide range of things from shoes to jewellery and even artworks.
Walking pass Al Qamra Tower which was built by the Portuguese in Place Ibn Khaldoun in the Medina of Asilah during the reconstruction and fortification of the city walls around 1509.
The Medina of Asilah is an art hub and is known for its numerous murals that are scattered all over the place and you can have absolute fun just hunting for them.
They also host the annual art fest “Moussem Cultural International d’Asilah the first two weeks of August. Venues include the exhibition space ‘Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales and the early 20th century ‘Palais Raissouni’.
The festival features local artwork and music and it started in 1978 under the auspices of the then Mayor, Mohamed Benaissa and painter Mohamed Melehi. It not only promoted urban renewal in Asilah but also generated tourism income.
Asilah spreads over an area of 6km² with a population of over 30,000 and is a peaceful, small town. It is a good place to come to if you want to escape the bustling cities of Tangier and Tetouan up north.
The beaches in Asilah are deserted and quiet and the vibes chillax. Even within the Medina here, it is not crowded and full of people or tourists. Something abstract and colourful to tease the senses.
The town has a Mediterranean feel and the white-washed houses sport blue or green accents on their walls and doors.
Some of the houses are built along the ramparts and offer a fantastic view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Even the cats are basking and having a late morning snooze, unperturbed by my presence.
The Medina of Asilah is well preserved and dates mostly from the Portuguese occupation 15th to 16th century and afterwards. We can see part of the beautiful fortress wall here as we approach the Krikia – a historical landmark where you get a panoramic view of the old city walls along the coast line.
The Tortilla, Paella & Rioja served in most of Asilah’s restaurants are reminders that this tiny town was once part of Spanish Morocco from 1912 to 1956.
Most of the buildings here have been restored and typically painted white in this maze like town with its labyrinth of alleyways. It is not difficult to get lost in them.
Most of the Moroccans I have met during my 21day drive trip across the country have been wonderful people. They would readily give you a helping hand when approached, though some merchants veer towards hard selling. Just basically be firm and say “No” when you are not interested and they would respect that but please do not bargain, if you are not prepared to make a purchase.
This artistic town has many murals that are pretty, interesting, unusual and definitely worth a second or even third look. This one here is reminiscent of the famous blue stairway in Chefchaouen.
The “Swan Lake” mural if I may name it.
Another pretty mural where the colours just come alive and seem synonymous to Asilah and it makes it justly rewarding to wander around the Medina, to find more of them.
There are literally dozens of murals scattered all over Asilah and these are just some of the ones I spotted. Each one of them is Instagram worthy.
Asilah is worth a visit, though slightly off the tourist track. It’s cooler and the temperatures more comfortable in winter hovering between 10 to 18 deg Celsius.
Asilah’s Medina is a whole lot less touristy, peaceful and smaller in scale compared to the ones in Marrakesh or Fes which are bustling and over-crowded. Well, they each have their own charm but for now, this relaxing and breezy experience is second to none!
travelikeme 
It is a lovely, place though there weren’t as many murals when I was there several years ago.