About
Melilla is a Spanish autonomous city on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa, on the Moroccan side of the sea. It is one of two Spanish enclaves on the continent, the other being Ceuta, and visitors come to it as a place where a European city sits on an African shore.
What a visit feels like
The city offers a mix that is hard to find elsewhere. Spanish is the everyday language of the streets, the pace of life follows Spanish custom, and the setting is shaped by the Mediterranean and by its position next to Morocco. Those who enjoy comparing two worlds in a short distance will find it rewarding.
- A coastal setting on the Mediterranean, suited to a slow walk along the sea.
- A chance to see a Spanish city framed by North African surroundings.
- A compact place, easy to explore on foot during a short stay.
Planning your trip
Melilla is a good choice for travellers who want something off the usual route. Because it is an enclave, it is worth checking the current travel requirements before you set out, since they can differ from those for the rest of Spain and for Morocco. Those interested in the wider region may find it a useful base for seeing both the Spanish and Moroccan coasts.
