ASILAH

Asilah is a calm, beautifully kept fishing port lying on the Atlantic Coast 40 kilometres west of Tangier. After falling into disrepair for many years, Asilah has been gradually and meticulously restored, resulting in a commensurate interest in the town as a holiday location. Yet, despite this, and despite attracting world wide interest through its annual music and arts festival, it retains a sense of being relatively untouched and unhurried. The town is friendly, open, calm and relaxed.

The Medina, which has no cars, motor traffic, bars or hotels, holds just twelve hundred houses and these are linked by winding, whitewashed alleyways. Jasmine and bougainvillea tumble over walls and terraces and many houses display a profusion of plants and shrubs.

The drive to Asilah follows a coastal route alongside broad white beaches and through undulating farmland. Even in high summer these fine white beaches are largely unoccupied. Asilah´s broad promenade reaches out to greet the visitor and along this serene, palm lined waterfront are restaurants serving seafood, Tagines and Spanish/Moroccan cuisine. Islamic, Andalusian and Portuguese influences - legacies of a long, turbulent history - are present in the arched facades of the town´s architecture and in the stylised blue and green paintwork of the Medina buildings.

Asilah is easily accessed by taxi (around 30 euros). The drive takes a little about forty five minutes and a car can be sent if you prefer not to negotiate with the drivers in Tangier. You will be met at the town gate and shown to the house. Thereafter you are left to enjoy the peace and quiet of this idyllic and friendly Moroccan town.