All About Melilla
Covering just over 12 square kilometers and housing roughly 90,000 residents, Melilla is an autonomous territory of Spain situated in northwest Africa. Sharing its borders with Morocco on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other, the city was under the rule of the Carthaginians, the Romans, and the Arabs before Spain finally took control over it in 1497.
As a port town playing a significant role in cross-continental trade, Melilla received its autonomy in 1995 and has grown as an industrial and tourist hub since then. Positioned in the southeast corner of Cape Tres Forcas peninsula, Melilla is now a pleasant summer holiday destination where visitors get to encounter the perfect amalgamation of Andalusian and Moroccan cultures.
Routes and Ferries to Melilla
Tourists visiting mainland Spain, looking for a quick and relaxing holiday, typically buy ferry tickets to Melilla. Several boats from Málaga, Motril, and Almería cross over the Alboran Sea, bringing enthusiastic travelers for the weekend or a week of sun, sand, and adventure. Operated by Baleària and Trasmediterránea, you can book ferry tickets to Melilla via Ferryscanner. Sailings from all three destinations take roughly six hours and cost between €35 to €40 one way.
If arriving by air, Melilla Airport is only 4km outside the town. Operational since 1969, regular Iberia Regional flights arrive here from Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga, and Almería. Furthermore, a helicopter service exists between Melilla Airport and Ceuta. If you don’t mind crossing the border, more flight options are available to Nador Airport, roughly an hour away from Melilla. Vacationers wishing to visit the city for a day trip from Morocco can drive or take the train to Beni Nsar Port (Nador Port) and then cross over to the Spanish side.
Port of Melilla
An important port since the city’s origin, known for gold, silk, and iron ore trade, Melilla has become an esteemed cargo, container, passenger, and fishing harbor in the 21st century. Many companies prefer Melilla Port because it lies outside the EU tax zone. With no VAT, traders only have to pay local taxes resulting in tremendous cost savings.
The marina at Melilla Port has 400 berths, whereas its modern cruise terminal has three ferry docks. The port caters to over 900,000 passengers every year, including those arriving with ferry tickets to Melilla. The ferry terminal is close to the center and consists of shopping and commercial spaces to make every arrival comfortable and special.
Best Beaches of Melilla
Melilla might not have the longest coastline along the Mediterranean, but it does have enough beaches that you can visit a new shore every day of the week. In addition to the inviting sandy strips, the warm summers and breathtaking vistas make a day on the beach an enjoyable affair for the whole family.
Playa de la Hípica
Playa de la Hípica is a broad and long sandy beach near the Moroccan border that receives bountiful sunshine throughout the day. You can take a taxi or a lovely 30-minute stroll to reach the waterfront, which is 2.4km away from the center. There are food stalls, toilets, showers, straw umbrellas, and free parking along the beach. A variety of restaurants and bars create a lively ambiance nearby. Families particularly come to Playa de la Hípica for its cool breeze and shallow waters.
Playa de los Cárabos
The main beach of Melilla is a gorgeous sandy stretch that offers a range of activities for all ages during the tourist season. Close to the port, you can watch passengers with ferry tickets to Melilla come and go in the distance while taking in the sun or lounging under the free-to-use umbrellas that are placed at regular intervals. An ideal spot for families, there are toilets and changing areas here, a playground for kids, and parking close by. The water stays calm and shallow, allowing the little ones to run free without worry.
Playa de San Lorenzo
Beaches in Melilla don’t get any better than Playa de San Lorenzo, a favorite with both locals and tourists. The residents come here to walk or run on the promenade or play football and volleyball on the beach. For sunbathers, the 250 meters long shoreline with golden sand offers ample space to unwind for hours. Beach amenities at San Lorenzo include toilets, lifeguards, parking, water sports rentals, free straw umbrellas, cheap sunbed hires, cafes, and bars.
Playa de Horcas Coloradas
A quiet beach five minutes away from the center of the city, Horcas Coloradas is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a change of pace. The shore is a mix of sand and stones, because of which the beach remains uncrowded on most days. The seawater has a beautiful transparentness to it, and while slightly unkempt and secluded, the beach is ideal for a romantic walk.
Ensenada de los Galápagos
Accessible through a tunnel from Melilla la Vieja, Ensenada de los Galápagos is a cozy bay surrounded by dramatic cliffs on three sides. Situated near the city center, it’s good to reach the beach early in the morning to avoid the afternoon rush. Ensenada de los Galápagos isn’t open 24-hours but is monitored by security and lifeguards. This well-maintained strand has toilets, showers, and a few places from where you can jump into the water. There is, however, little sun during the day. Furthermore, the water is the cleanest and ideal for swimming when the wind blows from the west.
Things to Do Around Melilla
With family-friendly excursions, museums (most of which are free), architectural marvels, and the opportunity to immerse into a unique blend of contrasting customs and beliefs, Melilla is a whole lot more than just a beach destination.
Follow the Modernist Trail
Architecture enthusiasts from across the globe visit Melilla every year for its 900 plus Modernist and Art Deco buildings. A collection only second to Barcelona, Gaudí’s disciple Enrique Nieto gets the credit for designing the most striking structures in the city. To admire some of his creations, start your trip from his bronze statue near Plaza de España and make way to Palacio de Asamblea, the City Hall done in Art Deco style. Another noteworthy stop is Casa de los Cristales, a 1927 neo-Arab construction. Originally a hotel, it is now a commercial building with a beautiful facade.
Visit Plaza de Toros
Carrying forth the Spanish tradition of bullfighting, Plaza de Toros is the local bullring of Melilla, one of the last remaining ones in Africa. Built in 1947, it can seat 8000 spectators. However, the only time a bullfighting event occurs here is during Virgen de la Victoria in September. For the rest of the year, visitors can take a 30-minute guided tour to learn more about the Plaza and the history of bullfighting.
Step Inside Melilla la Vieja
The imposing fortress of Melilla is also its top attraction. Built during the 16th and 17th centuries, the fort has undergone massive restoration over the years. Consisting of four enclosures separated by moats, visitors can roam around, walk alongside the walls, or climb up the highpoints for panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the city. Within the walls of what is ‘Old Melilla’, you’ll also find several museums and churches.
Eat and Drink at Casa Marta
When it comes to Spanish gastronomic indulgences, a meal at a tapas bar is a must. In Melilla, Casa Marta is among the best places to savor these bite-sized delicacies bursting with unique flavors that celebrate local ingredients. Although the restaurant serves main courses, one reason for its popularity is that it offers free tapas with drinks. Located on a side street next to Parque Hernández, Casa Marta has both inside and outside seating. While the service can be slow sometimes, the staff is friendly, the food is delicious, and drink prices don’t pinch the pocket.
Explore Cuevas des Coventico
The Coventico Caves are natural caverns in the old part of the town. Initially used by the Phoenicians, they were extended over centuries and now cover three levels. The caves mainly provided much-needed refuge to residents and soldiers during attacks. Once a place for religious ceremonies, you can now take a free guided tour in Spanish of Cuevas des Coventico to learn about the city’s history. Remarkably well-preserved, visiting the caves is a good idea even if you do not know the language. Moreover, a small path from here leads to a quaint little beach that not many tourists know about.
Transportation Around Melilla
Melilla is a small city that is safe and fun to walk around. Exploring the streets and the older sections of the town further allows you to admire and observe the local lifestyle of the region unhurriedly. Taxis are available and recommended for tourists arriving at the airport or with ferry tickets to Melilla. Car hire opportunities are limited and best avoided unless you plan on visiting Morocco. Melilla also has buses, all of which start from Plaza de España. They are cheap and practical when wishing to travel in the direction of the border.
Map of Melilla
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