There’s something magical about the Moroccan coast. The way the Atlantic kisses ancient walls. The splash of blue against whitewashed buildings. The scent of the sea mixing with spices in the air.
And the journey from Asilah to Tangier? It’s the perfect taste of northern Morocco’s coastal magic.
I’ve traveled this route more times than I can count. Each time, it feels different. Sometimes it’s a quick day trip. Other times, I stretch it into a leisurely exploration of two of Morocco’s most captivating cities. The best part? The trip itself takes less than an hour .
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Morocco or a returning traveler looking to dive deeper, this route delivers. Asilah charms you with its artistic soul and laid-back vibe. Tangier grabs you with its history, energy, and that unmistakable edge-of-two-continents feeling.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know. The best ways to travel. What to see. Where to eat. Where to sleep. And all the insider tips that’ll make your journey unforgettable.
Why Travel from Asilah to Tangier?
Here’s the thing about northern Morocco – it packs a punch. Two completely different vibes, just 45 minutes apart.
Asilah feels like a deep breath. It’s small, walkable, and wonderfully peaceful. The medina doesn’t assault your senses like Marrakech or Fes. Instead, it invites you to wander. To get lost. To sit in a cafe and watch the world drift by. The town has this incredible artistic energy, with murals covering almost every wall .
Tangier is the opposite. It’s electric. Chaotic in the best way. This city has been seducing writers, artists, and musicians for decades. The list reads like a who’s who of creative legends – William S. Burroughs, Paul Bowles, the Rolling Stones. Even Yves Saint Laurent called Tangier home .
Together, they create the perfect Moroccan duo. Start with calm, build up to excitement. Or do it in reverse. Either way, you’re in for something special.
Why this route works so well:
- Proximity – At just 40-50 kilometers apart, you can easily visit both in one day
- Contrast – Experience peaceful artistic vibes AND bustling port energy
- Efficiency – Multiple transport options make it incredibly convenient
- Scenery – The coastal views along the way are genuinely stunning
- Value – Affordable travel options suit every budget
Travel Options & Pricing
Let’s get practical. How do you actually get from Asilah to Tangier?
I’ve taken this trip more times than I can count, using just about every method available. Here’s the breakdown.
Private Transfer with Sinaitaxi (Recommended)
For my money, this is the way to go. Door-to-door service, no waiting, and you control the schedule.
Car Types Available:
- Economy Sedan – Perfect for 1-3 travelers. Comfortable, air-conditioned, and budget-friendly.
- Minibus – Ideal for groups of 4-7 people. Extra space for luggage.
- Luxury Vehicle – When you want to arrive in style. Think leather seats and premium comfort.
Pricing:
- Economy Sedan: Competitive rates starting from reasonable prices
- Minibus: Slightly higher, split between a group becomes very affordable
- Luxury: Premium pricing for premium experience
Travel Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes depending on traffic
Why book with Sinaitaxi?
You book online. They show up on time. The drivers are professional and speak multiple languages. Air-conditioned vehicles. Clean cars. Fixed prices – no haggling, no surprises. Plus, you can book round trips or one-way depending on your plans.
Train
Morocco’s train system is surprisingly good. ONCF runs regular service between Asilah and Tangier.
Schedule: Trains depart every 4 hours or so
Duration: 32-37 minutes
Cost: $2-5 USD (approximately 20-50 dirham)
Classes: First Class (more spacious) and Second Class (perfectly comfortable)
Amenities:
- Air conditioning
- Clean restrooms
- Charging outlets in newer trains
- English-speaking staff at major stations
The catch? You’ll need to get to the train station in Asilah and then find your way from Tangier’s train station to your final destination. With luggage? That gets old fast.
Taxi
Grand taxis are a Moroccan institution. These old Mercedes run fixed routes between cities.
Duration: 39-41 minutes
Cost: $45-55 USD for the whole taxi
Important tip: Grand taxis depart when full. The driver waits until they have 6 passengers. If you want to go immediately, you can buy the empty seats. Just negotiate first.
Day vs. Night rates:
Driving Yourself
Renting a car gives you freedom. The road between Asilah and Tangier is straightforward.
Distance: 50.6 kilometers
Duration: 39 minutes
Cost: $11-16 USD in fuel
Pros: You can stop anywhere. Explore the coastline. Take detours.
Cons: Moroccan driving takes getting used to. Parking in Tangier is genuinely difficult. And you’re navigating while trying to enjoy the view.
My Recommendation
Book a private transfer with Sinaitaxi. Here’s why.
You step out of your riad in Asilah. The car’s already there. Air conditioning running. Driver holding a sign with your name. He loads your bags. You relax.
Forty-five minutes later, you’re pulled up exactly at your Tangier hotel. dragging suitcases through medina streets. figuring out which bus goes where. haggling with taxi drivers after a long journey.
Time is precious on vacation. Why spend it navigating logistics?
Best Attractions in Asilah
Asilah isn’t big. That’s part of its charm. You can see the highlights in a day, but you’ll want to linger longer.
The Medina (Old Town)
This is why you came. Whitewashed walls. Blue accents. Narrow winding streets that open onto unexpected squares .
But here’s what makes Asilah special – the murals.
Since 1978, artists from around the world have gathered here for an annual arts festival. They paint over old murals with new ones. Every summer, the town transforms .
Walk slowly. Look around every corner. murals are abstract. are photorealistic. are playful. Others make you stop and think. It’s like wandering through an open-air gallery where the exhibition changes every year.
Ramparts and Walls
The Portuguese built these fortifications in the 15th century . They’ve lasted remarkably well.
Walk along the top for ocean views. Time it for late afternoon. The light turns golden. The Atlantic stretches endlessly. Fishing boats bob in the harbor.
There are five historic gates into the medina . Each has its own character. My favorite? Bab Homar, the main entrance. It sets the tone for everything inside.
Asilah Beach
The town sits right on the Atlantic. The beach stretches wide and golden.
Summer brings crowds. Families. Couples. Kids playing in the surf. But come in spring or fall, and you might have stretches of sand to yourself.
The water’s cooler here than on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast. Refreshing on a hot day. Maybe too brisk for swimming in winter, but perfect for walks.
Center Hassan II
This is the main square just outside the medina walls. Cafes line the edges. Locals gather in the evenings.
Grab a seat. Order mint tea. Watch life happen. It’s the Moroccan way.
Fishing Port
Down near the beach, the small port buzzes with activity in the morning. Fishermen unload their catch. Gulls squabble over scraps.
Come for the authentic atmosphere. Come even more for the seafood restaurants nearby – but we’ll get to those later.
Raissouni Palace
Just outside the medina walls, this palace tells a darker story. Built by a notorious 20th-century warlord who terrorized the region.
You can’t go inside (it’s privately owned). But the exterior and gardens are worth a look. A reminder that this peaceful town has a complicated history.
Best Restaurants & Hotels in Asilah
Where to Eat in Asilah
Restaurant Oceano Casa Pepe
This place comes recommended again and again . Right on the water. Seafood so fresh it practically swam onto your plate. Their seafood tagine is something special. Sit outside when the weather’s good.
Restaurant Port XIV
Another seafood spot with serious local cred . Try the lamb couscous if you need a break from fish. The setting near the port adds to the experience.
Local Bakeries
Don’t overlook the simple stuff. Asilah’s bakeries turn out excellent pastries. Grab something sweet with your morning coffee. Sample traditional Moroccan treats. Cheap and delicious.
Beachfront Cafes
For casual eating, the cafes along the beach do sandwiches, fries, and simple Moroccan dishes. Nothing fancy. But the view makes everything taste better.
Where to Stay in Asilah
Budget Options ($30-50 USD/night)
Asilah has plenty of affordable guesthouses . Small family-run places inside the medina. Basic but clean. You’re paying for location more than luxury.
Mid-Range Riads
Several converted traditional houses offer comfortable rooms with character. Think mosaic tiles, interior courtyards, rooftop terraces. Prices stay reasonable compared to bigger cities.
Hotel Al Khaima
Right on the beach road. Pool. Direct beach access. Comfortable rooms. A solid choice if you want modern amenities.
My Pick: A Medina Riad
Stay inside the walls. Wake up to the sound of the sea. Step out your door into those artistic streets. Even a basic riad gives you that authentic Asilah experience.
Best Attractions in Tangier
Tangier is bigger. More complex. You could spend days here and barely scratch the surface.
The Kasbah
The oldest part of Tangier sits at the city’s highest point. A fortress within a fortress.
Wander the narrow streets. Admire the views down over the city and sea. Stop at tiny shops selling antiques and crafts .
The Kasbah’s architecture tells Tangier’s story – Portuguese, Spanish, French, and Moroccan influences all layered together .
Dar el Makhzen (Sultan’s Palace)
Inside the Kasbah, this former sultan’s palace now houses museums. The building itself is the attraction – beautiful rooms, intricate tilework, peaceful gardens.
Museum content covers Moroccan art and archaeology. Worth an hour.
Medina and Petit Socco
Tangier’s medina sprawls down the hill from the Kasbah. chaotic than Asilah’s. intense. alive.
Petit Socco sits at its heart. A small square that’s seen centuries of travelers. Cafes here have hosted Beat poets and rock stars. Sit at Café Tingis with mint tea. Watch the human parade .
Grand Socco
The border between old and new Tangier. A large square with a central fountain. Gardens. Palm trees. The entrance to the medina on one side, modern city on the other.
Market days bring color and chaos. Other days, it’s just a place to pause and orient yourself.
American Legation Museum
Odd but fascinating. The first American public property outside the United States. A gift from the sultan in 1821.
Now a museum and cultural center. Exhibits cover US-Morocco relations, plus paintings by Marguerite McBey. A unique slice of history.
Café Hafa
You can’t miss this place. Perched on cliffs above the Strait of Gibraltar. Stepped terraces tumbling toward the sea .
Opened in 1921. Customers have included the Beatles, Tennessee Williams, and countless others.
Order mint tea. Find a spot on the terraces. Watch ships pass between Africa and Europe. Hours disappear here. That’s the point.
Hercules Caves
Just west of the city, these sea caves mix natural wonder with legend. Supposedly Hercules rested here during his labors.
The cave’s opening, shaped like Africa when viewed from inside, draws photographers. Sunsets here are spectacular.
Cape Spartel
Where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. Officially. Stand at the lighthouse and watch two seas collide.
The beach below stretches for miles. On clear days, you can see Spain.
Tangier Beach
The city beach runs along the bay. Long. Wide. Popular with locals.
Summer weekends get packed. Come early or come for sunset strolls when the crowds thin.
Ibn Batouta Stadium
Football fans? IR Tanger plays here in Morocco’s top division . The stadium, completed in 2011, holds 45,000. Catch a match if timing works.
Mendoubia Gardens
Just outside the medina gates. Peaceful green space with ancient dragon trees. A quiet escape from the city’s energy.
Best Restaurants & Hotels in Tangier
Where to Eat in Tangier
La Saveur de Poisson (Popeye’s)
Jasper Conran calls this his favorite . I agree. No menu. Just a set meal of whatever’s fresh. Grilled fish. Squid tagine with harissa. Roasted nuts. Fresh bread. Seasonal fruit.
No reservations. First come, first served. Worth the wait. The address is a secret – ask locally.
Casa Pepe
Not to be confused with Asilah’s Oceano Casa Pepe. This one’s a Tangier institution. Spanish-Moroccan food. Good bar. Mixed local and expat crowd.
El Reducto
In nearby Tetouan (an hour away), but worth mentioning for day-trippers. Three-course meals take time here – Moroccans don’t rush eating . The rooftop balcony offers amazing views.
Hotel Bars
Ramada. El Minzah. The fancy hotels do good drinks and decent food . Good options when you want a break from street food.
Street Food
Tangier’s streets offer endless grazing. Grilled sardines. Lamb skewers. Fried fish sandwiches. Fresh-squeezed orange juice. Follow your nose.
Where to Stay in Tangier
Budget
Hotel Royal – Up the hill from the port entrance. Clean. Basic. Good value .
Muniria Hotel – Beat Hotel fame. Burroughs and Ginsberg stayed here. Rooms haven’t changed much. For literary pilgrims only.
Mid-Range
Hotel Continental – Grand old hotel from the 1870s. Faded glory. Incredible location. Ask for a sea-view room .
Hotel Tanjah – Solid choice. Good location. Reliable.
Luxury
Villa Mabrouka – Former home of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. Jasper Conran’s second Moroccan hotel. Reopened in 2023 after restoration. The ultimate Tangier splurge .
El Minzah Hotel – Historic luxury. Colonial charm. Central location.
Fairmont Tazi Palace – Newer luxury in a restored palace. Hilltop views.
Riads
Riad Tanja – Beautiful restoration. Central. Great rooftop.
Dar Jameel – Small and personal. Excellent service.
Albarnous – Elegant riad in the Kasbah. Hammam on site. From €90/100 per night .
Pro Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Late spring (May-June) – Perfect weather. Warm but not hot. Gardens in bloom.
Early autumn (September-October) – Summer crowds gone. Sea still warm. Golden light.
August – Asilah Arts Festival happens. The town comes alive with creativity. Book accommodation months ahead .
Winter (November-February) – Quieter. Cooler. Some rain. Lower prices. Still plenty of charm.
What to Wear
Morocco is a Muslim country. Dress modestly out of respect .
Women: Cover shoulders and knees. Loose-fitting clothes work best. Pack a light scarf – covers your head when needed, shoulders when it’s hot .
Men: No shirtless wandering. Shorts okay in tourist areas but longer pants show respect.
Beach: Swimwear fine on the sand. Cover up the moment you leave .
Local Customs
Right hand only – Eat with your right hand. Give money with your right hand. The left is considered unclean .
Mint tea – Say yes when offered. It’s hospitality. Even a few sips honor the gesture .
Photography – Always ask before photographing people. Many prefer not to be photographed .
Greetings – “Salam Alaikum” goes a long way. So does “Shukran” (thank you) .
Money Matters
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Carry cash for smaller purchases. Cards accepted in nicer restaurants and hotels .
Tipping: 10-15% in restaurants. Small change for restrooms (2 dirham). Taxi drivers appreciate rounding up .
Haggling: Expected in souks. Start at half the asking price. Stay friendly. Walk away if it doesn’t feel right .
Language
French helps. Arabic helps more. English works in tourist areas but less so elsewhere .
Learn these phrases:
- Salam Alaikum – Hello (peace be upon you)
- Shukran – Thank you
- La shukran – No thank you
- Bikam yakuluf? – How much?
- Bslama – Goodbye
Airport and Transport Tips
Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport – Served by Ryanair, Air Arabia, and others. Budget flights from across Europe .
Getting from the airport: Grand taxis wait outside. Fixed prices – Tangier center 100/150 dirham (day/night) .
Train station: Tangier’s station is modern. Connects to Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Marrakech.
Ramadan – If visiting during the holy month, expect slower days. Many restaurants closed until sunset. Avoid eating/drinking in public during daylight .
Friday prayers – Everything slows down midday. Plan around it.
Book Your Ride Today!
Ready for your Moroccan coastal adventure?
Whether you’re starting in artistic Asilah or diving straight into Tangier’s energy, getting there should be the easiest part of your journey.
Book your private transfer with Sinaitaxi. Professional drivers. Clean, air-conditioned vehicles. Fixed prices. Door-to-door service.
👉 [Book your Asilah to Tangier transfer here]
Skip the stress. Skip the waiting. Just sit back, watch the Moroccan coast roll by, and get ready for an unforgettable journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Asilah to Tangier?
About 45 minutes by car or taxi. The train takes 32-37 minutes .
How much does a taxi from Asilah to Tangier cost?
Around $45-55 USD for the whole vehicle . Grand taxis are cheaper if you share with other passengers.
Is there a train from Asilah to Tangier?
Yes. ONCF runs regular service, about every 4 hours. Tickets cost $2-5 USD .
Can I visit both cities in one day?
Absolutely. They’re close enough for day trips. Many people base themselves in one and visit the other.
Which city is better, Asilah or Tangier?
That’s like asking which is better, calm or exciting. They’re different. Do both if you can.
Is it safe to travel between Asilah and Tangier?
Yes. This is a well-traveled route. Standard precautions apply – watch your belongings, use licensed transport.
What’s the best way to travel with luggage?
Private transfer or taxi. Trains involve stairs and station-to-destination transport. Door-to-door service is worth the extra cost.
Do I need to book transport in advance?
For trains, no – just show up. For private transfers, yes – guarantees availability and fixed pricing.
