Asilah

About

Founded in the 8th or 9th century, Asilah was conquered by the Portuguese in the late 15th century, and the Spanish 100 years later, which has has left a distinctive Iberian influence on the town. While the Portuguese coastal fort is the most glaring example, step into one of the town’s traditional restaurants and you’ll see paella and tapas, with a heavy focus on fresh seafood. Wandering the streets, you’ll be treated to intricate mashrabiya (oriel) windows and vibrantly painted walls, doors, and window frames. Those in the know know that this fishing village is actually one of Morocco’s cultural meccas thanks to two local friends inviting artists to repaint the medina walls in 1978. This has since turned into the International Cultural Moussem of Asilah, a summer festival that attracts 100,000 people and transforms the town into an open-air museum.