melilla tourism

Is Melilla Worth Visiting? 6 Reasons Why You MUST Visit!

By Author Paulina

Posted on Published: July 31, 2017  - Last updated: December 4, 2023

So despite all attempts of dissuasion from my Spanish peninsula friends, I finally made it to Melilla ! Rarely was I more curious, even nervous to discover a new destination…  

Was it true what they said that Melilla is a stronghold of organized crime ? Are dramas happening every day at the borders as suggested in the news?

After traveling with a somewhat queasy feeling, I finally needed to acknowledge that Melilla is one of Spain’s most colorful and intriguing cities! Read here 6 reasons why…

Shutterstock / Viliam.M

Who would expect to find hundreds of modernist buildings, the second-largest such collection outside Barcelona, in North Africa? Yet here they are, along with one perfectly preserved medieval fortress, several fascinating museums and a wealth of tapas bars. The result is Melilla, a great place to spend the weekend.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Melilla La Vieja

Perched over the Mediterranean, Melilla la Vieja is a prime example of the fortress strongholds that the Spaniards built along the Moroccan littoral…

Palacio de Asamblea

Nieto’s art-deco Palacio de Asamblea, whose floor plan depicts a ducal crown, is an operating town hall, although the staff at the entrance are willing to…

Casa Ibáñez Museum De Arte Contemporáneo

Melilla's best gallery can be found inside Torre de la Vela, an 18th-century building within the fortress walls. It's worth wandering the six showrooms…

Plaza de España

Plaza de España is the beating heart of Melilla, with arteries leading to the modernist new town and fortress. It's also where you can catch a bus to the…

Casino Militar

The magnificent two-storey building lining Plaza de España holds free temporary art exhibitions in rooms extending from its Enrique Nieto–designed hall…

Cuevas del Conventico

These extensive and well-restored caves were used for storage as well as a refuge during sieges, and pop out at a small beach below the cliffs. The…

Museo de Historia, Arqueología y Etnográfico

The fortress' warehouses are now home to two fascinating museums; one dedicated to the history of the Amazigh (Berber), Sephardic (Jewish) and Gitana …

Playa de la Ensanada de los Galápagos

Nestled below cliffs and the towering fortress walls is the secluded beach of Playa de la Ensanada de los Galápagos, open from June to September (with…

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Four reasons for a trip to Melilla

Visit a walled city

There is no better way to learn about its history than to walk around the Citadel , also known as Melilla la Vieja (old Melilla) or "El Pueblo” (the village). The city walls were initially built on rock in the 15 th century and different cultures have left their mark over time. It is a monumental complex made up of four enclosures separated by a moat or cut, three of them built on a rocky crag that juts out into the Mediterranean, and the fourth on the mainland, in an area known as the height of the old Cerro del Cubo, where the Parador de Turismo now stands. You will learn about the history of Melilla, enjoying small, charming neighbourhoods, incredible panoramic views, watchtowers and buildings of great beauty, such as the Baluarte de la Concepción or the Hospital del Rey , among other things.

Discover modernist buildings

Melilla is the city in Spain with the second highest number of modernist buildings after Barcelona, thanks in large part to Enrique Nieto, Gaudi's apprentice who lived in Melilla from 1909.  Melilla's modernism can be clearly seen in its curved buildings, full of movement and natural motifs or women's faces, which contrast with the geometric forms of its classical buildings. The so-called Golden Triangle , where some of the city's most renowned modernist works are located, such as the Palacio de la Asamblea, the Casa Melul, the Reconquista building and the Plaza de Menéndez Pelayo, is a must-see.

Enjoy its gastronomy

Melilla is worth a visit not only for its architectural heritage but also for its varied gastronomy; a mixture of flavours and smells, inspired by Mediterranean, European and African cuisine, the result of the fusion of the four cultures that have coexisted in the city over the years: Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu.  Sample delicious tapas at an affordable price, made mainly with seafood, such as squid, fried fish or prawns. The lamb kebabs, which are usually accompanied by couscous, are another of the city's culinary delights. Some of its traditional dishes are pastela , a kind of meat pie made with chicken, icing sugar and cinnamon; fish pie with monkfish, marlin, prawns and langoustines; tortilla de colores , a mix of vegetables and egg, and sweet couscous . All this accompanied by a delicious green tea with mint , a traditional Berber beverage with an exquisite flavour.

Proximity to Malaga, with boats sailing daily

Finally, another reason to visit Melilla is its proximity to cities such as Malaga , which is only seven hours away by ferry, with boats sailing daily to the Andalusian city, offering a comfortable crossing of the Mediterranean. They are so close to each other that we recommend you reserve a few days to walk the streets of Picasso's hometown and enjoy its historic monuments, such as the Cathedral , the Alcazaba or the Roman Theatre .

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• Best Things To Do Melilla

The Best Things to Do in Melilla, Spain

With its spectacular location high on the cliffs overlooking the Alboran Sea, Melilla is well worth a trip. To help make the most of your visit, Culture Trip has assembled the must-visit sights of this Spanish city on the northwest coast of Africa.

From its impressive Catalan Modernist architecture to its fascinating museums, such as the Museo Histórico Militar and the Museo de Arqueologia e Historia, Melilla offers an excellent selection of things to do. Here are some of the best.

Palacio de la Asamblea

Architectural Landmark

Melilla is home to the second-highest concentration of Catalan Modernist buildings in Spain (first place goes to Barcelona, naturally) and many of them were designed by Enrique Nieto, a brilliant pupil of Antoni Gaudí. One of Nieto’s most notable Melilla works, which dates back to 1950, is the Palacio de Asamblea, a city hall with an Art Deco facade and twin watchtowers located in Melilla’s Plaza de España.

Banco de España

Plaza de España is where you’ll also find another of Melilla’s most notable buildings, Banco de España, which boasts an arresting Classical facade and Arabic-style arches either side of its entrance. This was long the Banco de España’s local branch, which was planned by architect Juan de Zavala Lafora in 1935 and opened in 1944. The Bank of Spain moved out in 2011, making way for the military clinic that still has its base there.

Cuevas del Conventico

Natural Feature

This vast labyrinth of caves and tunnels has been of vital importance to Melilla’s defences since Phoenician times. The Cuevas del Conventico really came into their own from the 15th century onwards, when the city’s Portuguese and Spanish occupants were repeatedly attacked by Moorish armies. Spread over three levels, the caves were beautifully restored between 1993 and 2000.

Melilla la Vieja

Historical Landmark

The muscular Melilla la Vieja has played an integral role in the Spanish territory’s defensive efforts. Built throughout the 16th and 17th centuries on a hilltop looking out to sea, it’s been lovingly restored in recent years and now houses several superb museums. To enjoy some impressive views, follow the path up from the Puerta de la Mariana to the fort’s highest point.

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Museo Histórico Militar de Melilla

Opened in 1997 to celebrate Melilla’s 500th year under Spanish control, the Museo Histórico Militar displays over 500 artefacts relating to the city’s rich military history. The collection ranges from weapons to flags and is spread over two halls occupying the site of a 16th-century ammunition warehouse. Its centrepiece is an amazingly detailed scale model of the city centre, which was made in the 19th century.

Museo de Arqueologia e Historia

To acquaint yourself with Melilla’s fascinating past, head to the Museum of Archaeology and History. Situated within the walls of the mighty fortress, its permanent collection is split over two levels and traces the city’s development from Prehistoric times, through its Roman and Medieval epochs, to the present day. A third floor is dedicated to temporary exhibitions.

Parque Hernández

Parque Hernández is a beautiful space in which to take some time out in Melilla. Join the evening paseo (stroll) on the central boulevard; enjoy a beer in the café; or check out the monuments that punctuate the greenery. There’s one remembering 17th-century playwright Lope de Vega and another in honour of Félix Rodriguez, the 20th-century pioneer of the nature TV documentary in Spain.

Playa de la Ensenada de los Galápagos

Melilla’s best beach also happens to be one of the city’s little-known secrets. A small cove accessed by a tunnel leading under the fortress walls, Playa de la Ensenada de los Galápagos is flanked by towering Medieval walls and sheer cliffs. Although the city centre is just a few minutes’ walk away, you’ll feel gloriously secluded as you bathe in its clear waters.

Mezquita Central

One of Nieto’s most important contributions to Melilla’s religious architecture is the Central Mosque, which is situated in the Modernism-dominated Ensanche barrio (neighbourhood). Conceived by the Catalan master in the late 1930s, this unmissable yellow and white building was opened in 1947 and received a facelift in 1994. Commercial premises, a prayer room and Turkish baths are found on its ground floor.

Casa de los Cristales

Straddling two streets in the city centre, the striking Casa de los Cristales is another Nieto masterpiece in Melilla. The “Glass House” opened as a luxurious hotel in 1927, thereafter being recreated, again by Nieto, as an office and apartment space in the mid-1930s. Distinctive green panes replaced original glass windows in the early 1980s and the building was most recently renovated in 2011.

The Best Bars in Melilla, Spain

The Best Restaurants in Melilla, Spain

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• 1 Understand
• 3.1 By car (or on foot)
• 3.2 By plane
• 3.3 By boat
• 3.4 By train
• 4 Get around
• 8.1.1 Around the Plaza de España
• 8.1.2 Playa de los Cárabos
• 8.2 Mid-range
• 8.3 Splurge
• 11 Stay safe
• 12.1 Walking into Morocco

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Melilla ( Arabic : مليلية (Maliliyyah), Berber: ⵎⵔⵉⵜⵙ (Mřič)) is a Spanish exclave in North Africa , on the Moroccan side of the Mediterranean. It serves as a transit point for people and goods between the two countries. Melilla and Ceuta , another Spanish exclave, are claimed by Morocco.

• Tourist information office , calle Fortuny 21 , ☏ +34 952-67-54-44 . Near the Plaza de Toros, but far from everything else. A better choice is to go to the Tourist Information kiosk outside the Casino Militar on the main plaza, Plaza Espana.  

Spain and Morocco are in different time zones . You will lose one hour during summer when Spain observes daylight saving time.

You are in Spain. People speak Spanish . But you are also in North Africa, and many people speak Tarifit (Spanish: rifeño , a variety of Berber). Arabic is also widely spoken amongst the Moroccans in Melilla.

By car (or on foot)

From Morocco. Melilla is completely surrounded by Moroccan territory (and the sea), and this is obviously a very sensitive border. Many try to cross illegally into Spain, with dire consequences. Crossing legally (in either direction) is also an eye-opening experience, but presents no particular difficulties if you are not transporting counterfeit goods or hashish.

There are ferry services run by Acciona Trasmediterránea and Balearia [ formerly dead link ] .

• from Malaga : 8 hours.
• from Almeria : 6.5 hours.
• from Motril : This is a new service from Motril near Granada.

Moroccan train operator ONCF has three trains daily between Taourirt and the Beni-Nsar Port train station ( about five minutes' walk from the border ). Connections are available at Taourirt with trains to Fès , Rabat , Casablanca and Oujda .  

• Melilla la Vieja . The fortified old town, on a hill overlooking the port. Its ramparts have Roman origins. There is an elevator built into the restored city wall.  
• Modernismo . Architecture, throughout the city, but especially on calle López Moreno and calle del Rey Juan Carlos  
• 35.294676 -2.940909 1 Or Zoruah Synagogue , Calle López Moreno Melilla, 8 . Arabesque architecture, designed by Enrique Nieto in 1924. Downstairs a tacky bargain store, but the façade is well-preserved. Visits can be arranged through the Tourist Information Kiosk on the Plaza Espana. ( updated Sep 2017 )
• Plaza de España . Surrounded by monumental buildings such as the local assembly building, the Casino Militar , and the Bank of Spain.  

Melilla is a territorio franco , which means no VAT or other taxes.

Around the Plaza de España

• 35.292639 -2.939101 1 Café Restaurante La Selecta , Pl. Héroes de España, 1 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 35.293754 -2.938649 2 La Flamenquita , C. Pablo Vallescá, #13 . Tapas bar. ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 35.29369 -2.942338 3 Mar de Alborán , C. Gral. Prim, 24 . ( updated Aug 2022 )

Playa de los Cárabos

• 35.282512 -2.939434 4 Bar Aragón , C. Marqués de Montemar, 32 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 35.277098 -2.936749 5 Cafe Pizzeria Camelia , C. Cabo Antonio Mesa Cañón, 15 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 35.292802 -2.93311 6 La Muralla , Cta. de la Florentina, 1 . Spanish ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 35.292971 -2.93474 7 La Pérgola , Av. General Macías . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 35.283259 -2.938061 8 Soul Beach Café , Paseo Francisco Mir Berlanga, Marítimo, 13 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 35.282087 -2.938471 9 Los Vélez , C. de los Vélez, Marqués, 23 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 35.281642 -2.939139 10 Restaurante Casa Juanito la Barca , C. Marqués de Montemar, 46 . Seafood ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 35.279397 -2.936436 11 Restaurante Miguel Benitez , P.º Marítimo Francisco Mir Berlanga, 25 . At the beach ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 35.285737 -2.947745 12 Cafetería El Galan , calle Remonta ( Straight in front of Melilla Comarcal hospital. ). Temporatily closed as of Sept 2022 . Andalusian Toast with fresh tomato and olive oil, and typical sandwiches.  
• 35.2908 -2.941651 13 El Rincon de Alicia , C. Benlliure, 1 . ( updated Aug 2022 )

The city is full of café/bars but the liveliest part is the Puerto Noray, opposite the big Hotel Puerto Melilla, which has many restaurants, bars and nightclubs. And all of the bars look over the marina.

• 35.289061 -2.937785 1 TRYP Melilla Puerto Hotel , Explanada de San Lorenzo, s/n , ☏ +34 912 76 47 47 . ( updated Sep 2017 )

Melilla is a safe city to visit, though not unconditionally so. There are always lots of people enjoying the beach, etc. until late; though it is not advisable to travel alone at night, even in the city centre. Street robbery is not an uncommon occurrence for people walking alone at night in Melilla.

Pickpocketing is relatively common here, especially in public toilets where a common tactic is for a group of large men to crowd round the victim and basically empty every available pocket. It is a better idea to leave valuables with other friends before going to the toilet, or failing that, to surreptitiously tuck your phone/wallet into your socks.

Walking into Morocco

Catch a bus from the Plaza de España to the Moroccan border, 2 km to the south. Cross the border into the Moroccan customs and security area and queue up at the police kiosk to get your passport stamped: this can take a while. Be sure to go up to the window and ask for an entry form to fill out (in French, Spanish or English) while you wait. Be careful as scammers trying to sell you these forms or trying to "help" you complete them will run off with your passport.

When you get out you will be in the village of Beni Enzar which has the port of Nador with sailings to Almeria or France, where you can find banks (just next to the port) or a collective taxi to the city of Nador. Remember to turn your watch back one hour during summer when Spain observes DST.

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15 Best Things to do in Melilla (Spain)

By: Author Swedish Nomad

Posted on Last updated: May 29, 2022

Categories Spain

Home / Europe / Spain / 15 Best Things to do in Melilla (Spain)

Melilla is a Spanish enclave in Africa and one of the two autonomous cities of Spain bordering Morocco . The city has over 86 000 residents and has been under Spanish rule since 1497.

Almost half of the city’s population are Muslims (followers of Islam ) and despite being part of the Kingdom of Spain, it differs a lot from the Spanish mainland in Europe. 

The architecture and gastronomy are very special in Melilla as it mixes the Mediterranean, European and African styles and cooking traditions. There are daily flights and ferries departing from Málaga to Melilla and Ceuta. 

Ciudad Vieja

Old Melilla is made up of the fortification that sits north of the port, which was built around the 15 th  century. It is made up of four different areas, three of which are over the sea and the fourth on land.

It holds Melilla’s most important historical pieces, including museums and a series of ancient tunnels and gates.

Photo: ManuelML / Shutterstock.com

Palacio de la Asamblea

The sweeping Palacio de la Asamblea in Melilla was designed by architect Enrique Nieto y Nieto and built between 1940 and 1949.

This Modernist building is currently the town hall of Melilla, and within its walls, there are various beautiful rooms with art deco influence that can be viewed by visitors.

The Salón Dorado, which holds a gigantic painting depicting the Spanish arrival to Melilla, and the Sala de Plenos, which is used for meetings. Be sure to see it at night, when the façade lights up a brilliant pink.

Cuevas del Conventico

These caves sit between El Convento and the Conventico, two important religious buildings. The caves have three floors, the lower floor being the largest, taking the shape of a papal cross.

The niches were dug out by Phoenicians but later utilized by soldiers to allow them a place to hide and rest during the war, as well as a place for necessities like attending mass and baking bread.

Museo Histórico Militar de Melilla

The Historic Military Museum of Melilla is located in the old part of Melilla, in the fortified area of the Baluarte. The museum holds a permanent exhibition in the old gunpowder warehouse.

Visitors can see uniforms, weapons, saddles, and other various relics of warfare. The building in which the museum is located dates back to the 16 th  century, and in 1953 it was outfitted to be the city museum, before being converted into a military museum in 1997. The museum is 1100 square meters in total.

Playa de la Ensenada de los Galápagos

The Ensanada de los Galápagos beach sits in the middle of the old town of Melilla. Recently renovated, the beach has been filled with sand and brought up to date with services like lifeguards and easy access.

Surrounded by the city’s fortress, it’s one of the most picturesque beaches that is also interesting to visit for history buffs.

Mezquita Central

The Central Mosque of Melilla is the most important religious site in the whole city. Located in the Modernist Ensanche neighborhood, the cement building was built between 1945 and 1947, by the renowned architect Enrique Nieto y Nieto.

A remodeling in 1994 helped to rebuild the prayer rooms and other parts of the Mosque. The building is still used as a mosque, and also holds shops on the lower floor as well as a Turkish bath.

Casa de los Cristales

The House of Glass is a neo-Arabic building in Melilla, located in the Modernist Ensanche neighborhood. Originally built between 1920 and 1926, it was the Gran Hotel Reina Victoria before going out of business.

It was then transformed into an office building, and it acquired its nickname thanks to the hundreds of panes of glass that cover its exterior.  The façade is almost all glass, a striking feat for the time and something that is still eye-catching today.

Playa de la Hipica

Hípica Beach is located in the center of Melilla. Stretching 580 meters long, with an average width of 80 meters, it is quite a large urban beach. Its golden sand is lapped by tranquil waters, without much variation with the tides.

It’s a busy beach, thanks to its easy urban access, and it has all the facilities you need for a day at the beach: umbrella rental, showers, toilets, trash cans, and play areas.

Hernandez Park

Hernández Park is Melilla’s most important green space, located in the Modernist Ensanche neighborhood. It was built in 1902 and inaugurated in 1906, the park holds a famous lamppost, built to honor the head of Melilla’s military High Command, Venancio Hernandez Fernandez.

He was the initiator of the project and started to transform the esplanade that resulted from a change in the Oro river’s course. Populated with Canary palm trees and other vegetation, it is a popular place for locals to stroll.

Faro de Melilla La Vieja

Melilla’s lighthouse is one of the city’s historic and cultural monuments. Built in 1918, it is one of only four Spanish lighthouses on Africa’s coast.

Housed in a square building, it also holds the Fundación Melilla Ciudad Monumental, in charge of repairing Melilla’s historic building with the goal of gaining recognition for the city.

Triangulo de Oro del Modernismo

The Modernist architecture movement left an indelible mark on Melilla, so much so that there is even a designated “Modernist route” of must-see buildings, including the Casa de Cristales, the mosque, and more.

These buildings are centered in the Golden Triangle, or the Triangulo de Oro, whose great quantity of Modernist buildings are worth taking a closer look at.

This area comprises the streets Ejército Español y López Moreno from the Plaza de España, and the surrounding areas. Many buildings are built by Enrique Nieto y Nieto, a famous Catalán architect.

Almacenes de las Penuelas

The Peñuelas Warehouse is an old warehouse, one of the oldest constructions in Melilla, located in the old town. Built in 1781 as a food warehouse, they were restored in the 2000s and then opened as the Museum of Melilla.

The building is made of local stones and bricks, and its 1756 square meters hold artifacts and information about the city and its history.

Museo de Arqueologia e Historia

The Archeological and History Museum is located in the walled part of the city that dates back to the 16 th  century.  Located in the Torre de Vela, it is organized into different parts.

The upper floor holds the archaeological museum, which starts in prehistoric times and moves to contemporary times to tell the story of Melilla through found objects, drawings, and other historical pieces, covering over 10,000 years.

The bottom floor holds an area dedicated to the Jewish community of Melilla, and another to the Amazigh community.

Sinagoga de Or Zaruah o Yamín Benarroch

This synagogue is one of Melilla’s most famous buildings and the heart of Judaism in the city. Built by Enrique Nieto y Nieto between 1925 and 1927, it holds the synagogue, as well as some homes.

The façade features iron arches, mixing Nazarene influences with Arabic ones, though the layout is the traditional one for Sephardic synagogues. It was built by Yamín Benarroch, in memory of his father.

Paseo Maritimo

This stretch along the sea in Melilla is over 500 meters long. Located in the East district of the city, it runs parallel to Malagueta beach, from the Paseo de la Farola and the Paseo Marítimo Pablo Ruiz Picasso.

At the end of it are two of the city’s most important establishments, the Real Club Mediterráneo and the Antonio Martín Restaurant. It’s a favorite area for strolling for locals.

Want more recommendations on places to visit in Melilla? Leave a comment below! 

Melilla , un trocito de España en África, bañada por el Mediterráneo

Enclave entre dos continentes, Melilla. Nuestra ciudad, llena de vida, se caracteriza por la fusión cultural ; sus lenguas, gastronomía, templos y arquitectura son fiel reflejo de ello. Melilla es tu sitio si quieres pasar unos días de vacaciones o si quieres invertir. ¿Sabías que en Melilla tienes una deducción mínima del 50% en todos los impuestos? ¡Ah!, y estamos exentos de IVA. En definitiva, Melilla es un lugar donde invertir, disfrutar, descansar o realizar tus compras . Y ahora es más accesible que nunca.

Dando un paseo por sus 12 kilómetros cuadrados, Melilla cuenta con sinagogas, mezquitas e iglesias , además de una extraordinaria variedad de arquitectura modernista . Pero su atractivo no se acaba en sus fronteras, ya que nuestro horizonte se amplía a través del mar y la tierra de Marruecos . Explorando sus costas o aventurándonos tierra adentro, el encanto de Melilla no tiene límites.

La ciudad nos invita a disfrutar de su centro histórico, conocido como ‘Melilla La Vieja’ , la joya de nuestra corona, una ciudad medieval perfectamente conservada.

Sin embargo, el rasgo más importante de Melilla es, sin lugar a duda, su gente. Los melillenses te acogen y te hacen sentir como si estuvieras en tu propia casa.

Además, nuestras ganas de poder enseñarte Melilla nos llevan a querer bonificar tu viaje y tu estancia. Puedes venir a vernos por mar o aire desde Málaga, Sevilla, Almería, Granada, Motril, Palma de Mallorca, Gran Canarias, Barcelona o Madrid.

¡Te invitamos a visitarnos!

#bonosmelilla, ven a melilla en barco o avión con nuestros bonos disponibles para «no residentes», últimas noticias.

Melilla la Vieja en «Ahora o Nunca» de TVE

El presidente de la Ciudad asegura que Fitur ha sido «un éxito» para Melilla

Marín asegura que «las alianzas estratégicas» tejidas en FITUR afianzarán a Melilla como destino turístico

Turismo y Deportes firman un acuerdo con Trasmediterránea para garantizar el traslado de deportistas y clubes melillenses a la península

Melilla «La vieja»

melillaturismo

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How to get to Melilla without dying trying (and how to get around the city)

If you are here, it is because you are probably thinking: “hey, I want to visit Melilla, but… How to get to Melilla? What options are there to get to Melilla from the mainland and the islands?

This is normal because, as you know, Melilla, despite being a Spanish city, is outside the Iberian Peninsula.

It has a peculiar situation. It is not on an island like the Canaries or the Balearic Islands, no. Exactly, it is located in the north of the African continent. Bordering the closest African country to the peninsula: Morocco.

So, as the mainland and North Africa are separated by sea, the only two options for reaching Melilla are by air and by sea.

Remember that Melilla is bathed by the Mediterranean Sea. To help you locate Melilla a little better, I will tell you that it is a few kilometres southeast of the Strait of Gibraltar, opposite Granada and Almería.

In this article, I will explain how to get to Melilla without dying trying. I’ll tell you about the two options (remember, plane and ferry) and in addition I’ll tell you (briefly) how to get around the city once you’re there and the different options that exist.

That said, let’s get on with it.

How to get to Melilla: air and sea options

Option 1: flights to melilla.

To reach the city of Melilla by plane, you have several airport options. Direct flights from several points of the Peninsula and others with stopovers from different points of the Spanish territory.

As direct flights, you have two options:

• Madrid (flights every day) – 1 hour 50 minutes
• Málaga (flights every day and most economical option) – 45 minutes / 1 hour
• Sevilla (direct flights but NOT every day) – 1hour 10 minutes
• Almería (direct flights but NOT every day) – 45 minutes
• Granada (direct flights but NOT every day) – 50 minutes

Although all of the above is variable, for example:

Every year they add direct connections in summer with Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca; in addition to some flights to the Canary Islands (usually from August to December).

With minimum scale:

• Barcelona (normally with a stopover at Malaga airport on the outward journey and with the possibility of a direct flight on the return).
• Bilbao (with a stopover in Madrid)
• Valencia (with a stopover in Madrid)
• Vigo (with a stopover in Madrid)
• Palma de Mallorca (with a stopover in Granada or Malaga on the outward journey and Malaga on the return).
• Gran Canaria (with a stopover in Madrid or Malaga)

Before moving on to the next option (by sea), let me tell you about options for getting from the airport to the city. It is 3km from the airport to the city centre and the only way to get there is by taxi:

• Taxi: at the airport you will find a large number of taxis waiting for you. They work with a taximeter to calculate the fare. The price is non-negotiable and is calculated per vehicle, not per number of passengers. Maximum of 4 passengers normally and the average fare to the centre is usually between 6 and 9 euros.

Having covered almost the entire Spanish territory in terms of flights and how to get to the centre from the airport, let’s move on to option number 2: the ferry .

Option 2: Ferry to Melilla

The second option for reaching Melilla is by sea via ferry. You should bear in mind that it only departs from three points in the south of the peninsula:

And only 3 shipping companies operate (at the moment) to the port of Melilla, and they are Balearia and Trasmediterránea, which operate both Malaga/Almería/Motril – Melilla and vice versa (Motril is only operated by Balearia), and the shipping company FRS, which only operates to and from Motril.

Prices, both one way and return, are usually around €60 (the simplest ticket and this is an approximate price to give you an idea), i.e. €120 one way + return. This price is for NON residents.

Normally, there are numerous discounts for non-residents through the Tourist Board. All the info at bonosmelilla.es or by calling the Melilla Tourist Board.

Here are some facts about the ferry trip, so that you can get an idea and have some more information:

Málaga – Melilla:

• Average trip duration: 7 hours.
• Port of departure: Port of Malaga. Avenida Manuel Agustín Heredia, 1, 29001 Málaga.
• Distance: 213 km.

Almería – Melilla:

• Average trip duration: 6h 30 minutes.
• Port of departure: Puerto de Almería. Muelle de la Ribera, s/n, 04002 Almería.
• Distance: 175,9 km.

Motril (Granada) – Melilla:

• Average trip duration: 4h 30 minutes.
• Port of departure: Recinto Portuario, s/n, 18613 Motril, Granada
• Distance: 211,1 km.

Shipping companies’ web access:

• Balearia (Click on “South Strait” and choose Ferry Malaga – Melilla, Almeria – Melilla or Motril – Melilla).
• Trasmediterránea (Simply, under “Estrecho Sur”, choose Malaga – Melilla or Almeria – Melilla).
• FRS (Simply enter Origin, Destination, Date of Departure and Date of Return)

Once you arrive at the port of Melilla, it is very easy to travel from there to the city centre. Just think that only 1km separates them.

You have two options for getting from the port to the centre of town :

• By taxi: There are always taxis waiting there, so you won’t have any problems in that sense to catch one. Remember that they are metered and normally have a maximum occupancy of 4 persons.
• Walking: Remember that the city centre is only 1km away, so with any decent map app you can easily walk to your hotel.

When you need to buy your ferry ticket from Melilla to Malaga, Almeria or Motril, just go to the Melilla port offices and buy your ticket directly there. Or you can also do it through the websites of travel companies or travel agencies.

Perfect. This concludes the two options on how to get to Melilla from different parts of Spain.

Here’s how to get around the city of Melilla.

How to get around the city

To get around the city of Melilla, you have several options:

• Public transport: You can get around by public transport using the Melilla city buses. Here is the official website of COA Melilla (Cooperativa Omnibus de Autobuses), the city’s public buses: https://coamelilla.com/mapa-generico/ . Here you will find lines, map, timetables and prices with different plans. But if you don’t want to complicate your life I recommend the Moovit app, very intuitive for travel and in real time. I leave you the direct link to the most popular urban mobility app in Melilla (moovitapp.com) .
• Walking: of course, the healthiest and most environmentally friendly option. Think of Melilla as a city of just 12 km. For getting around the centre of Melilla, it is perhaps the best option. But beware of the heat depending on the season in which you visit the city of Melilla.
• By taxi: As mentioned above, taxis are common in Melilla, so you should have no problem catching a taxi. You have 3 taxi ranks in the city: Taxi Cándido Lobera, Taxi Castilla and Taxi Puerto.
• Renting a car: As a fifth option, you can rent a car in the city of Melilla itself. You can go directly to the city offices ( Rent a Car Melilla ).
• Bring your own car if you travel by ferry: The last option is to take your car on the ferry to Melilla and move around the city in your own car.
• By bike: Another option for getting around is to rent a bicycle. Melilla has some stretches of cycle lanes. Cycling the whole promenade can be a great idea, a nice experience. touring all the urban beaches of Melilla . The sunsets from the promenade are beautiful. You can find the bikes in Las Planadas, between Puerto Noray and Hotel Melilla Puerto. These work with a QR code. You can find more information at bicioh.com .

This is all from my side

I hope I have helped you clear up any doubts you may have about how to get to Melilla and how to get around the city. If you also want to know what to see in Melilla, I have this article for you.

If not, feel free to ask me in the comments and I’ll get back to you as soon as I see it. I do not promise speed, but I do promise a response.

Or simply comment what you think of this free content that I have created to make your visit to Melilla easier.

Greetings from your guide in Melilla!

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