Tangier to Asilah by Car: The Perfect Atlantic Day Trip
Whitewashed walls, colourful murals and a long Atlantic coastline wait about 45 km south of the city. This guide explains how to go from Tangier to Asilah by car and how to spend a perfect day there.
Why Do Tangier to Asilah by Car
Asilah is a small coastal town on Morocco’s Atlantic shore. Its medina is surrounded by ramparts built by the Portuguese after they took the town in 1471, and the walls and gateways are still intact. Since 1978 an annual cultural festival has brought artists and musicians to the town, and mural paintings now brighten the white-washed houses of the old town.
Learn more about the town on Wikipedia. With a car rental in Tangier, a day in Asilah is one of the easiest and most rewarding trips you can make, and Tangier to Asilah by car takes less than an hour.
Tangier to Asilah by Car: The Drive
The distance is about 45 km by road and takes around 40 minutes. You can use the motorway south of Tangier for speed or the coastal road for scenery. Leave after breakfast to reach the medina when the light is soft and the streets are quiet.
What to Do in Asilah
- Walk the ramparts at sunset and look out over the ocean.
- Wander the medina to see the murals and small galleries.
- Eat fresh fish at a seaside restaurant.
- Swim or walk on the Atlantic beaches north and south of town. Always check the sea conditions and swim only where it is safe.
Parking and Practical Tips for Asilah
Park outside the walls and explore on foot. In July and August the town is busy, so arrive early. Carry some cash for small shops and parking attendants, and keep your documents and the rental papers with you.
Make It a Longer Trip
Combine Asilah with Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules on the way, or continue to the interior with our guide to Tangier to Chefchaouen by car.
Best Time for Tangier to Asilah by Car
The trip is pleasant all year. Late spring and early autumn combine warm sea air with quieter streets, while July and August bring crowds and the best swimming. If you plan Tangier to Asilah by car on a weekend, leave early and expect traffic on the way back in the late afternoon. Winter days are mild and ideal for walking the ramparts, though the Atlantic can be rough, so check the sea before you swim.
Eat Well in Asilah
Fresh fish and seafood are the local specialities, usually served in small restaurants near the port and the medina gates. Ask for the price before ordering fish by weight, and finish with mint tea on the ramparts. That is why an Asilah day trip from Tangier works so well.
Which Car to Take
Any of our economy cars and SUVs is a comfortable choice for the coast road.
Questions About This Trip
How long does Tangier to Asilah by car take?
About 40 minutes for roughly 45 km, depending on traffic and the road you choose.
Is Asilah worth a full day?
Yes. Tangier to Asilah by car fits easily in one day: many visitors spend a morning in the medina and an afternoon on the beach, then drive back for dinner in Tangier.
Is parking easy in Asilah?
Parking outside the walls is usually fine outside the busiest summer weekends. Arrive early in July and August.
Rent a Car in Tangier for Your Day Trip
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