Asilah and Larache by car from Tangier: the northern Atlantic coast at your own pace

South of Tangier, the Atlantic coast runs past two small towns shaped by Andalusia and Spain: Asilah, white behind its ramparts, and Larache, more down-to-earth, with its port and the ancient site of Lixus just outside town. By car you can see both in a day, with a few wild beaches in between.

Photo: August Dominus — CC0 (Wikimedia Commons)

Published on 28 September 2026

How do you get from Tangier to Asilah and Larache?
Asilah city: park outside the medina and explore on foot
The beaches between Asilah and Larache
Larache and the ancient site of Lixus
Which car for the northern coast?

How do you get from Tangier to Asilah and Larache?

Asilah is about 45 kilometres south of Tangier. On the A1 toll motorway it takes around forty minutes; the free N1 national road is slower and goes through more villages. Larache is about forty kilometres further south, so a little over an hour's drive in total from Tangier.

Tangier Ibn Battouta airport is south of the city, on the Asilah side: if you collect your car when you land, you are already pointing the right way.

Asilah city: park outside the medina and explore on foot

Asilah's medina is explored on foot. Park along the ramparts or near the port, often watched by an attendant, then walk in through one of the gates. In summer, arrive in the morning: the spaces go fast.

The white lanes with painted doors, the murals and the terrace on the ramparts facing the ocean take an hour or two. Late in the day, stay for the sunset from the ramparts.

The beaches between Asilah and Larache

South of Asilah, a few wilder beaches can be reached by car, some along short dirt tracks. Ask locally what state the track is in before taking a low car down it, especially after rain.

The Atlantic hits this coast hard and the currents can be dangerous. In season, swim at lifeguarded beaches and follow the flags.

Larache and the ancient site of Lixus

Larache has a lively medina, a large round square from the Spanish period and a fishing port where you can eat fresh fish. Park outside the historic centre; it is easier.

On the north-east edge of town, on a hill above the mouth of the Loukkos river, the archaeological site of Lixus holds the ruins of a Phoenician and later Roman city. It is a few minutes' drive from Larache; check the opening hours before you go.

Which car for the northern coast?

A city car or a compact does the job well: motorway, national road and small towns with narrow streets. The smaller the car, the easier parking in Asilah will be in summer.

If you are heading for the most remote beaches on dirt tracks, an SUV gives you more ground clearance. For a longer loop, you can then drive inland from Larache to Chefchaouen and Tetouan.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Asilah and Larache in the same day?

Yes. It is a little over an hour's drive from Tangier to Larache: see Asilah's medina in the morning, Lixus and Larache in the afternoon, then head back on the motorway.

Where do you park in Asilah?

In the car parks along the ramparts or near the port. The medina is then explored on foot, as cars do not go in.

Is the motorway between Tangier and Asilah a toll road?

Yes, the A1 motorway has tolls. There is also the free N1 national road, but it is slower.

Can you pick up the car at Tangier airport?

Yes, and the airport is south of the city, on the Asilah side.

Sources

UNESCO — whc.unesco.org

Wikipedia — fr.wikipedia.org

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