Melilla
Discover Melilla
Melilla (Arabic: مليلية (Maliliyyah), Berber: ⵎⵔⵉⵜⵙ (Mřič)) is a charming Spanish exclave in North Africa, with a small surface area of just 14 km² and a population of around 85,000 inhabitants, 130 km from the Spanish mainland, in the heart of the Rif region, bordered to the east by the Alboran Sea and to the south by Morocco. The city is characterised by its cultural fusion, which is evident in its languages, cuisine, religious sites, and architecture. It is home to synagogues, mosques, and churches, alongside an exceptional variety of modernist architecture. In order to stimulate growth and promote tourism in the city, the tourism department has introduced the Tourist Packages to Melilla". This initiative offers a 75% discount per person on the net price of return flights or ferry tickets, with certain limits established, as well as accommodation in Melilla in tourist establishments or at the residence of a local resident.
What to Experience in Melilla
Taste of Melilla...
The city is filled with cafés and bars, but the liveliest area is around Puerto Noray, located opposite the large Melilla Puerto Hotel. This vibrant part of the city offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. All the bars overlook the marina, providing a picturesque setting to enjoy drinks while watching the boats and enjoying the lively atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a relaxed café or a night out, Puerto Noray offers the perfect blend of entertainment and scenic views. The hotels in Melilla reflect the unique combination of modernity and tradition that characterises the city. Due to its position as an enclave between Europe and Africa, the hotel offerings are diverse, ranging from luxurious and modern establishments to simpler and more charming accommodations. The crime rate in Melilla is relatively low compared to other Spanish cities of similar size. The most common crimes are petty thefts and small robberies, particularly in areas with high foot traffic, such as markets and tourist zones. Violent crimes, such as assaults or serious attacks, are rare. Police and security forces: The presence of the 35.289185-2.9397991 National Police. (updated Dec 2024), 35.288945-2.9467052 Local Police. (updated Dec 2024), and 35.289554-2.9487913 Civil Guard. (updated Dec 2024) is significant in the city.
Festivals & Events
Experience the vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations of Melilla.
Guided tours in Melilla offer a unique opportunity to discover its historical, architectural, and cultural heritage. The tours include Melilla la Vieja and its modernist architecture, as well as the City Museum. Visitors can also explore the various sites reflecting its multicultural diversity, such as mosques, churches, and synagogues. These tours are a great way to get to know the city in depth and are available year-round, with the option to customize the route according to the visitor's interests. Learning in Melilla offers a range of academic and professional opportunities. The city has a solid educational provision at all levels, from primary and secondary education to university studies, through the University of Melilla, which is part of the University of Granada. Additionally, there are vocational training centres that prepare students for the job market in key sectors such as commerce, tourism, and healthcare.
Climate
Melilla enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, slightly rainy winters and hot, humid summers. During the summer, August is a quieter month as many residents go on vacation. The weather is typically hot and humid, with daytime temperatures ranging from 29°C to 30°C, and nighttime temperatures between 22°C to 23°C. In autumn, September and October are more active months. The weather is still pleasant enough to allow beach outings in September, and important events take place during this season. November, however, sees less sunlight. During the winter, average temperatures hover around 17°C to 18°C, with the weather generally being cool and damp, typical of Mediterranean winters. Despite this, the city rarely experiences extreme cold, making the winter season relatively mild compared to other regions. 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).
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsFrom 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. 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. The tourist centre of Melilla is easy to explore on foot. Except for trips to peripheral areas such as the beaches or the shopping centre, there is no need to use taxis or public transport. Furthermore, almost all sidewalks have ramps at pedestrian crossings, making it accessible for people with disabilities and those with strollers. Parking in the city centre is quite challenging....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
The tourist centre of Melilla is easy to explore on foot. Except for trips to peripheral areas such as the beaches or the shopping centre, there is no need to use taxis or public transport. Furthermore, almost all sidewalks have ramps at pedestrian crossings, making it accessible for people with disabilities and those with strollers. Parking in the city centre is quite challenging. However, traffic congestion is minimal, except for the area at the end of Avenida Castelar, in La Avenida, and on the roads leading to the Beni-Enzar and Frahana border crossings. Driving through the city is not difficult. In Melilla, there are car rental services available. Several companies offer car, van, and other vehicle rentals for both residents and tourists. These services allow you to rent a vehicle by the hour, day, or week, and are useful for those who need mobility during their stay in the city or for traveling to nearby locations.
Where to Stay
The hotels in Melilla reflect the unique combination of modernity and tradition that characterises the city. Due to its position as an enclave between Europe and Africa, the hotel offerings are diverse, ranging from luxurious and modern establishments to simpler and more charming accommodations. The crime rate in Melilla is relatively low compared to other Spanish cities of similar size. The most common crimes are petty thefts and small robberies, particularly in areas with high foot traffic, such as markets and tourist zones. Violent crimes, such as assaults or serious attacks, are rare. Police and security forces: The presence of the 35.289185-2.9397991 National Police. (updated Dec 2024), 35.288945-2.9467052 Local Police. (updated Dec 2024), and 35.289554-2.9487913 Civil Guard. (updated Dec 2024) is significant in the city. These law enforcement agencies patrol both the center of Melilla and its peripheral areas, helping to maintain peace and order.
Money & Budget
Shopping in Melilla offers a unique experience, influenced by the fusion of cultures and diverse influences that characterise the city. As a key enclave between Europe and Africa, Melilla's stores and markets offer a wide variety of products, from typical Spanish items to goods from North Africa. Thanks to its status as a free port, jewellery, perfumes, and luxury goods are often more affordable than on the Spanish mainland, without compromising on quality. The city offers many options for shopping, including department stores, a shopping centre, and commercial streets with shops at street level. Markets in Melilla are an essential meeting point for visitors and residents.
Language & Talk
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. 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. Moroccan train operator ONCF has three trains daily between Taourirt and the Beni-Nsar Port train station (about five minutes' walk from the border).
Safety Information
Safety Overview
The crime rate in Melilla is relatively low compared to other Spanish cities of similar size. The most common crimes are petty thefts and small robberies, particularly in areas with high foot traffic, such as markets and tourist zones. Violent crimes, such as assaults or serious attacks, are rare. Police and security forces: The presence of the 35.289185-2.9397991 National Police. (updated Dec 2024), 35.288945-2.9467052 Local Police. (updated Dec 2024), and 35.289554-2.9487913 Civil Guard. (updated Dec 2024) is significant in the city. These law enforcement agencies patrol both the center of Melilla and its peripheral areas, helping to maintain peace and order. There are also border controls and surveillance to ensure safety and compliance with laws. Border area: The proximity of Melilla to Morocco means that security in the border areas and city access points may be stricter, both for immigration purposes and the management of human and goods trafficking.
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Melilla
people walking on brown concrete building near body of water during daytime
brown concrete building on rock formation near sea during daytime
people walking on gray concrete pathway during daytime
i saw this car on the Street and i couldn’t resist
people walking on brown concrete building near body of water during daytime
brown concrete building on rock formation near sea during daytime
people walking on gray concrete pathway during daytime
i saw this car on the Street and i couldn’t resist
people walking on brown concrete building near body of water during daytime
brown concrete building on rock formation near sea during daytime
people walking on gray concrete pathway during daytime
i saw this car on the Street and i couldn’t resist
people walking on brown concrete building near body of water during daytime