Asilah is a characterful Moroccan town that showcases its Spanish roots with its medina, seafood paella and Rioja wine. Venture out of town and you'll find some of Morocco's best surf beaches.

Things to do

Encircled by stone fortifications, Asilah Medina was built by the Portuguese in the 15th century. Inside you'll find a labyrinth of winding streets lined with whitewashed houses adorned in colourful shutters, brightly-painted doors and flower-filled baskets. The south-west bastion ramparts offer sweeping Atlantic Ocean views.

Head to Paradise Beach, also known as Playa de las Cuevas. It's an easy 10-minute drive from Asilah and lures sunseekers in with its golden sand and crystal-clear water. In summer, the beach is lined with open-air cafes serving cold drinks, grilled sardines and fish tagines.

The Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales is housed in a handsome historic building just inside the medina walls. The dynamic exhibition space showcases a line-up of artwork, including paintings, sculptures and photography.

Restaurant Dar Al Maghrebia serves up some of the town's best tagines, as well as meat kebabs, cheese-filled puff pastries and couscous seasoned with spices, nuts and raisins. For a taste of authentic Morocco, head to the central market, where stalls sell exotic fruit, rainbow-coloured spices and fresh fish.

Getting around

Asilah is easy to navigate on foot, especially around the medina. The town is also serviced by local buses and taxis. Renting a car is the easiest way to explore nearby beaches, while regular trains run from Tangier to Asilah in roughly 45 minutes.