Tetouan Walking Tour: Medina, Mellah & Local Tastes

Summary

Discover Tetouan’s Old Medina & Spanish Quarter on Foot

You’ll walk Tetouan’s real streets, taste local cheese, sip mint tea near the royal palace, and meet the people who make this city unique. This isn’t just sightseeing—it’s a chance to feel Tetouan’s rhythm with someone who truly knows it.

What’s the experience like?

Morning in Tetouan always feels a bit cool, even in summer. We started our walk in the Spanish neighborhood—whitewashed walls, iron balconies, and that faint scent of baking bread from a corner bakery called Panadería El Andaluz. Our guide, Abir, pointed out the Andalusi details I’d have missed: the tilework around doorways, the way some windows are shaped like arches from old Granada photos.

Feddan Square was busy with locals heading to work, kids darting between pigeons. The Jewish Mellah felt quieter, almost hidden. There’s a tiny shop there selling old brass candlesticks and, if you look up, laundry strung between windows. We stopped for a quick snack—fresh white cow cheese (so creamy it almost melts), a handful of dates, and hot mint tea poured high into glasses. The view of the royal palace from here is something you just have to see for yourself.

Inside the old Medina, the walls are thick and cool to the touch—built back in the 1500s, Abir explained. We wandered through one of the seven gates and into souk elhout, where countryside women in striped shawls sell baskets, herbs, and handmade soaps. Abir had us try on a traditional scarf; I couldn’t help but laugh at my reflection. The tannery house was our last stop—a jumble of colors and a sharp smell that sticks to your clothes, but the rooftop view over Tetouan is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Tetouan's Historic Sites

• Visit Spanish neighborhood and Feddan square
• Explore Jewish neighborhood Mellah
• Taste white cow cheese and dry fruits with mint tea
• Walk to old Medina and city walls
• Visit souk elhout and see countryside handmade products
• View qasabah from outside
• Visit tannery house with scenic view

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or older adults?

Yes, the walk is gentle and we take breaks for snacks and tea. Most ages do fine.

Can I join if I don’t speak Arabic?

No worries—our guide speaks English fluently and can teach you a few Darija words if you like.

What should I wear?

Comfortable shoes are best since we walk on cobblestones. A light jacket if it’s early or windy.

Are food tastings included?

Yes! You’ll try local white cheese, dates, dry fruits, and mint tea—all included in the tour.

What’s included

You’ll get fresh cow’s milk cheese, seasonal dry fruits and dates from the souk, plus a glass of hot mint tea enjoyed right in front of the royal palace. All snacks are included—just bring your curiosity.