Where?
Asilah, Morocco.
Why now?
Located just 40km south of Tangier, this small fishing village feels worlds away from what you’d imagine a lesser-trodden Moroccan village to look like. You won’t find donkey-drawn carts trundling down dusty streets. Instead, ocean blue-painted window ledges and turquoise door frames pop against whitewashed walls.
The reason? This fortified town was originally built as a base for pirates in the 19th-century – ramparts and gateways remain virtually untouched. But, Asilah was also Spanish territory from 1912-1956, which answers the question of its striking European flourishes. Today, you’ll find many of its restaurants paying homage to its Spanish past, with menus featuring everything from tortillas to paella.
While it may prove difficult not to spend the entire day curled up on the beach with a good novel, cocktail to hand, design-lovers should peel themselves out of that hammock and get exploring the village boutiques. Start at Bazar Atlas, where you’ll find vintage textiles, hand-crafted furniture and plenty of Tamegroute ceramics.
Don’t miss
In 1978 two friends, Mohammed Melehi and Mohammed Benaïssa, called upon local artists and encouraged them to paint Asilah’s village walls. Fast forward to 2022, and the International Cultural Moussem of Asilah has become one of the most anticipated arts and cultural festivals that Morocco has to offer. To watch the white houses slowly become repainted with colourful murals, or to add your own splash of colour, visit between July and August, when the festivities take place.
