Is Asilah Worth Visiting? Honest Travel Guide

Is Asilah worth visiting on your Morocco itinerary? From whitewashed streets to Atlantic sunsets, here’s what to expect and whether Asilah truly deserves your time.

Suggested Use Of The Itinerary

This meticulously crafted itinerary, from the adventures of the Traveling Taylors, serves as a blueprint for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes of Morocco. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or embarking on your first journey to the kingdom, this itinerary is designed to help you create unforgettable experiences in this enchanting destination.

Please note, all prices listed were accurate at the time of writing and are provided for guidance. Be sure to check with the appropriate agencies or attractions for the most current pricing and availability. Customize this itinerary to suit your needs, trip duration, budget, and interests. Happy travels!

Morocco

Morocco In A Nutshell

Morocco, North Africa’s kingdom of contrasts, packs imperial cities (Fez, Meknes, and Marrakech), the blue-washed lanes of Chefchaouen, Atlantic ports like Casablanca and Tangier, the High Atlas mountains, and the Sahara’s Erg Chebbi dunes into one unforgettable country. Our 12-day, roughly 1,300-mile road trip wound through ancient medinas, kasbahs, and souks — and ended with a night glamping under the stars with the Berbers.

The Moroccan Canvas

Morocco is renowned for its diverse landscapes and cultural heritage: think the labyrinthine medinas of Fez and Marrakech, the blue-washed alleys of Chefchaouen, and the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi rising from the Sahara. Whether you’re sipping mint tea on a riad rooftop or crossing the High Atlas toward a desert camp, Morocco’s spirit is as rich as its spice-stacked souks.

The Moroccan Currency

Moroccan Dirham banknotes and coins

The official currency of Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), a closed currency that must be exchanged inside the country, at roughly 10–11 dirhams to the US dollar. While cards are accepted in hotels and larger venues, cash rules the souks, taxis, and rural stops.

ATMs are common in cities and towns across Morocco — always withdraw in dirhams and decline dynamic currency conversion when prompted. Because the dirham is a closed currency, exchange what you need after arrival and spend or re-exchange leftover notes before departure. Keep small bills handy for tips, taxis, and market stalls.

Visa Requirements

Do You Need A Visa?

U.S., U.K., E.U., Canadian, and many other travelers can visit Morocco for up to 90 days without a visa. You’ll need a valid passport (good for at least 6 months beyond your stay) with at least one blank page for your entry stamp.

Entry is straightforward: fill in the arrival form, get your passport stamped, and keep any paperwork until departure. Officers may ask where you’re staying, so keep your riad or hotel confirmations easy to reach.

To stay longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply through Moroccan immigration before your time expires — and be warned, Morocco is strict on the 90-day rule and extensions are rarely granted. Overstaying can lead to fines and complications on future visits.

Passport Check: Moroccan entry requires a passport valid for at least 6 months with a blank page for the stamp, and travelers have been turned away without one. Double-check your passport before departure and renew early if you’re running low on pages or validity.

Quick entry checklist for Morocco:

• Passport (valid at least 6 months, with a blank page)

• Visa-free up to 90 days (for U.S., U.K., E.U., Canadian, and many other travelers)

Entry rules can change, so confirm requirements with the relevant consulates or official government sites before departure. When in doubt, consult a travel professional — border formalities are far easier when your paperwork is in order.

We added Asilah to our Morocco route almost on a whim. Between bigger cities and busy medinas, Asilah looked like a quiet coastal pause. But was Asilah actually worth the detour — or just pretty in photos? After spending time wandering its streets, here’s our honest take on whether Asilah deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Get To Know The Traveling Taylors!

Subscribe To Our Youtube Channel

What Makes Asilah Different?

The first thing you’ll notice about Asilah is how calm it feels. Because you’ll spend most of your time strolling those tidy lanes, many visitors show up in a comfy pair of supportive walking sneakers like these.

Unlike larger Moroccan cities, Asilah is compact, clean, and easy to navigate. The medina in Asilah is small enough to explore without getting lost for hours, yet charming enough to keep you wandering.

Asilah stands out for:

Whitewashed walls with blue accents – Many travelers recommend the ultimate travel action camera like this for capturing stunning photos and videos of Asilah.
Wide, tidy alleyways
Minimal traffic inside the medina
A relaxed coastal atmosphere

After navigating busier destinations, arriving in Asilah felt like exhaling. The pace is slower, the streets quieter, and the energy noticeably softer.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by Morocco’s bigger cities, Asilah offers balance.

Things to Do in Asilah

While Asilah isn’t packed with major monuments, it offers simple pleasures that make it memorable.

1. Wander the Medina

The medina of Asilah is the highlight. White walls, colorful doors, and rotating murals from the annual arts festival give Asilah a creative edge. If you’d like a local to guide you through the lanes, you can book an Asilah guided day tour from Tangier.

2. Walk the Ramparts

The fortified walls of Asilah overlook the Atlantic Ocean. From here, you can watch waves crash against the rocks below. Sunset in Asilah from the ramparts is especially beautiful. Staring into that bright Atlantic glare, you’ll be grateful for a pair of UV-protective sunglasses like these. To reach the old town without the logistics, you can take a day trip from Tangier to Asilah.

3. Visit the Beaches

Paradise Beach, just outside Asilah, is a wide sandy stretch perfect for relaxing. Even closer to town, coastal paths in Asilah offer scenic viewpoints. Before you settle onto the sand, a reliable SPF 50 sunscreen spray like this is worth tucking into your bag. For a little extra coastal fun, you can join an Asilah and Tangier sightseeing tour with a camel ride.

4. Enjoy Café Culture

Small cafés tucked into corners of Asilah invite you to slow down with mint tea or coffee. After a leisurely afternoon of sweet Moroccan tea, a bottle of travel-size mouthwash like this is handy for freshening up on the go.

Asilah isn’t about checking off attractions. It’s about atmosphere.

How Long Should You Stay in Asilah?

This depends on your travel style.

If you’re short on time, Asilah works well as:

A half-day stop
A relaxed lunch break between cities

If your schedule allows, Asilah is even better as:

A one-night stay
A beach-and-medina combo day

We recommend at least one overnight in Asilah if possible. The town feels different once day-trippers leave and the evening calm settles in.

Asilah in the early morning is especially peaceful.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Asilah

Here’s a realistic breakdown of Asilah:

Pros

Easy to navigate
Visually beautiful and photogenic
Relaxed coastal vibe
Less aggressive selling than larger medinas

Cons

Limited major attractions
Smaller than other Moroccan cities
Can feel quiet in off-season

Asilah doesn’t overwhelm you with options — which can be either a benefit or a drawback, depending on your expectations.

Is Asilah Good for First-Time Visitors?

Yes — especially if you want a softer introduction to Morocco.

Asilah feels approachable. The medina isn’t chaotic, bargaining is more relaxed, and navigation is simple. For travelers nervous about diving straight into intense city energy, Asilah is a gentle starting point.

At the same time, Asilah still offers authentic Moroccan character — just without the pressure.

It’s also ideal for photographers. The white-and-blue palette of Asilah makes nearly every corner camera-ready. If you want to do those colors justice, a compact lightweight mirrorless camera like this travels easily through the narrow lanes.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Asilah?

Asilah shines in spring and early autumn when temperatures are mild.

Summer brings warmer weather and the annual arts festival, which adds colorful murals to Asilah’s walls. This period can be livelier and slightly busier. If you enjoy filming your travel experiences, a tiny wearable camera like this one is a great way to capture hands-free POV footage while walking through iconic locations in Asilah.

Winter in Asilah is quieter and cooler, but still pleasant for walking and coastal views.

No matter the season, Asilah feels most magical near sunset.

So, Is Asilah Worth Visiting?

If you’re looking for grand monuments and nonstop sightseeing, Asilah might feel too small.

But if you want:

A peaceful coastal break
Walkable, photogenic streets – Many travelers recommend supportive walking sneakers like these to help keep their feet comfortable while wandering Asilah city streets.
A creative and artistic atmosphere
Time to slow down

Then Asilah is absolutely worth visiting.

For us, Asilah was a reset. After days of navigating busy medinas, Asilah gave us space to breathe, wander aimlessly, and simply enjoy Morocco at a slower pace. It may not be the loudest or most dramatic stop on your trip — but Asilah has a quiet charm that lingers long after you leave and sometimes, that’s exactly what makes a place unforgettable.

The Moroccan Scoop

When In Morocco

The best time to explore Morocco is spring (March–May) or fall (September–November), when the days are warm and the medinas are comfortable to wander. Summers are scorching inland — Marrakech and the desert bake — while desert nights turn genuinely cold, so pack layers for the dunes.

Entry Essentials

For most travelers, including U.S. citizens, a valid passport with at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date — and a blank page for the entry stamp — is required to enter Morocco. No visa is needed for stays under 90 days, but always double-check your country’s entry requirements before you fly.

Morocco Style Guide

Morocco calls for lightweight, breathable layers that keep you covered: modest dress is appreciated, especially in medinas and rural areas, so pack loose trousers, longer hemlines, and a scarf. Add sturdy shoes for cobbled lanes, a warm layer for cold desert nights — and always ask before photographing people.

The Moroccan Travel Creed

Travel through Morocco with curiosity, courtesy, and cultural appreciation. Stay in a riad at least once, haggle with a smile — it’s expected — and savor tagine, couscous, and endless glasses of mint tea. Embrace the traditions, support local artisans, and let the kingdom’s warmth inspire every moment of your journey.

Budgeting In Morocco

The Moroccan Dirham

The Moroccan Dirham, which uses the code MAD, is the official monetary currency of Morocco, trading at roughly 10–11 dirhams to the US dollar. It’s a closed currency, meaning you exchange money inside Morocco — at the airport, banks, or exchange bureaus — rather than before you leave home. ATM withdrawals on arrival generally offer the best rates; just let your bank know you’re traveling.

Banknotes and Coins

Banknotes: 20, 50, 100, and 200 dirhams

• Coins: 10, 20, and 50 santimat; 1, 2, 5, and 10 dirhams

Carrying small denominations is ideal for taxis, tips, and the souks.

Using Dirhams in Morocco

While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, riads, and larger restaurants across Morocco, cash still rules the souks, taxis, and rural stops — so always carry some dirhams in cash. Vendors rarely take cards in the medina, and small notes make agreed prices easy to settle.

ATMS

ATMs are common in cities and towns, compatible with Visa/Mastercard. Always withdraw in dirhams to avoid dynamic currency conversion, and favor machines attached to banks such as Attijariwafa, BMCE, and Banque Populaire.

ATMs in Morocco generally accept Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards, so you should be able to use your card abroad without any issues. However, it’s wise to check with your home bank about international transaction fees, and note that rural stretches — especially around the desert — can be thin on machines, so withdraw before you leave the cities.

TIP

When using an ATM in Morocco you’ll often be asked if you want the transaction to be processed in U.S. Dollars or Dirhams. While it may seem convenient to choose USD, it’s better to withdraw in the local currency without conversion. If you choose USD, the ATM applies its own exchange rate through dynamic currency conversion, which usually offers a poor rate and results in higher costs. By declining conversion and choosing dirhams, your own bank sets the rate — almost always the better deal.

Tipping and Bargaining

Tipping is part of daily life in Morocco — keep small bills for guides, porters, drivers, and café staff, and round up or leave 10% in restaurants. Bargaining is expected in the souks; approach with good humor and a smile!

Budgeting in Dirhams

Morocco rewards every budget, but plan for the big pieces: international flights, riads and hotels (we averaged $100–$200 per night on our trip), and either a private driver or a rental car for the multi-city road trip. A private driver makes the long desert legs effortless — and is worth every dirham.

Beyond transport and lodging, budget for guides and entrance fees in the imperial cities, souk shopping (leave room in your suitcase), and the Sahara desert camp — glamping at Erg Chebbi is a splurge you won’t regret. Meals are great value, from a few dollars of street food to memorable riad dinners.

Morocco Travel Tips

Time Your Trip For Spring Or Fall

Morocco is at its best in spring (March–May) and fall (September–November), when days are warm and evenings pleasant. Summers are scorching inland — Marrakech regularly tops 100°F — while desert nights turn genuinely cold year-round, so pack layers for Erg Chebbi whatever the season.

Stay In A Riad At Least Once

Riads — traditional homes built around a courtyard, now boutique guesthouses — are one of Morocco’s great pleasures. Tucked inside the medinas of Fez and Marrakech, they trade street noise for fountains, tilework, and rooftop breakfasts. Book at least one night in a riad; it’s the memory that lingers.

Dress Modestly And Ask Before Photographing

Morocco is welcoming and relatively relaxed, but modest dress — covered shoulders and knees — earns respect, especially outside tourist zones. Always ask before photographing people, including market vendors and performers; a polite request (and sometimes a small tip) goes a long way.

Haggle With A Smile

Bargaining is expected in the souks — it’s part of the culture, not a confrontation. Start well below the asking price, keep it playful, and walk away if the number isn’t right (you’ll often be called back). Once you agree on a price, honor it; that’s the etiquette.

Eat And Drink Like A Local

Savor slow-cooked tagines, Friday couscous, and endless glasses of sweet mint tea — poured high, always. Street food in the medinas is delicious and cheap; follow the local lines. And if the multi-city road trip feels daunting, hire a private driver — it makes the whole route effortless.

Frequently Asked Travel Questions

1. When should I book my flight?

We recommend booking your flight at least 6-8 weeks in advance for domestic trips and 2-3 months ahead for international travel. If you’re planning to travel during peak seasons or holidays, it’s best to book even earlier to lock in better prices and secure your preferred dates.

2. How much cash should I bring?

We usually bring enough cash to cover small expenses like transportation, tips, and meals- usually around $300-500. We rely on our travel credit cards and don’t really withdraw money from ATMs- only if we run out of cash. We typically carry about $100-$200 in local currency depending on the length and place of stay and then exchange some of our cash at a local currency exchange, if necessary.

3. Where should I convert my money—at home or at my destination?

We like to convert a small amount of cash before leaving so we’re covered for any initial costs like local transportation or tips. However, we’ve found that exchanging money at our destination usually gives us a better exchange rate. We also make sure to check our credit cards beforehand about any international fees.

4. Do I need travel insurance?

We recommend getting travel insurance if you’re on the older side, if you have specific health issues that may cause you to need to change your trip, or if you have a schedule that changes often. Travel insurance is just one of those things that’s better to have and not need than the other way around.

5. Is it safe for me to drink the tap water?

That really depends on where your going. In some countries, tap water is perfectly safe to drink, but in others, we stick to bottled or filtered water just to be safe. We always do a little research before we travel, and when we’re unsure, we opt for bottled water to avoid any health issues.

6. What should I pack for my trip?

We like to pack light (though we never do) and focus on the essentials—comfortable clothes, walking shoes, travel-sized toiletries, chargers, and any necessary adapters. We also bring a basic first-aid kit, sunscreen, and paper copies of important documents like our passport and travel insurance details, just in case we can’t find the orginals.

7. How can I stay connected while traveling?

We usually start by checking if our mobile carrier offers international plans. If not, buying a local SIM card or using an eSIM app tends to be a cheaper and more convenient option. We also take advantage of Wi-Fi at hotels, cafés, and airports whenever possible to save on data.

8. What’s the best way for me to get around once I arrive?

That really depends on where we’re going. We like to research local transportation options ahead of time, whether it’s public transit, ride-sharing apps, renting a car, or walking. In some places, taxis or organized tours are the easiest choice, but in others, buses and trains are much more affordable and efficient.

9. How can I keep my valuables safe while traveling?

We try to keep valuables to a minimum when we’re out and about. Important items like passports, extra cash, and important documents usually stay in a hotel safe or a locked suitcase. We also stay aware of our surroundings and avoid flashing valuables in public spaces.

10. What should I do if there’s an emergency while I’m traveling?

Before we leave, we save key contact information like local emergency numbers, our country’s embassy, and our travel insurance hotline. If something happens, we stay calm, reach out to local authorities if needed, and contact our travel insurance provider for any assistance with medical or travel-related emergencies.

Farewell, with a Moroccan Bslama!

As your adventure through Morocco draws to a close, may your heart be full of medina colors, desert stars, and stories to last a lifetime. Bslama! – Until we meet again. Morocco will call you back.

Your cart (items: 0)

Products in cart
Product	Details	Total
	Available on backorder Previous price: Discounted price:	Save