The Medina Riad

Between two tanneries on Rue Sekka in Tangier's old medina, The Medina Riad occupies a merchant house behind an unmarked cedar door — the only clue is a brass knocker shaped like a hand of Fatima. Ten rooms circle a tiled courtyard open to the sky.

Breakfast is taken on the rooftop, facing the Strait of Gibraltar toward Spain on clear mornings. The Petit Socco square lies four minutes south by foot, though the alley routing there changes with the fish market's morning stalls.

Staff will walk guests out after dark; the medina's lanes are unlit past 22:00.