2-day tour in Melilla
This article is an itinerary.
Melilla, a Spanish city full of history, unique architecture, and a fascinating culture, is the perfect destination for a 2-day trip. During this time, you can enjoy the best of this port city, from its walled old town to its charming beaches and vibrant modernist architecture. Here is an itinerary to make the most of your visit.
Introduction
[edit]Melilla is one of those destinations in Spain that doesn’t appear on the most common tourist routes, but once you dive into its history and culture, you realize it has a lot to offer. If you only have a weekend to explore this city, here’s a guide to help you make the most of your visit.
Pre-Trip Tips
[edit]Before you begin, it's important to mention the discount vouchers that the Melilla Tourism Board offers every year. These vouchers cover 75% of the flight price and €40 per night of accommodation, making the trip more affordable. To get them, you simply need to apply for the vouchers online, and in no time, you'll receive a code to use with authorized travel agencies. This is an excellent way to enjoy a trip to Melilla at a much lower price.
Flight: 1 Melilla Airport (MLN IATA). 
receives flights in propeller planes, operated by Air Nostrum due to the short runway. Although the landing might be a bit startling for some, it’s part of the adventure. Once at the airport, a taxi will take you to the city center in about 10 minutes for around €7.
Accommodation: The 1 Hotel Melilla Puerto., a 4-star hotel that has been recently renovated. Its location, near the port, is ideal for exploring the city on foot, as it is within walking distance of many major tourist attractions. Additionally, the hotel offers an excellent buffet breakfast, perfect for starting the day with energy before heading out to explore Melilla. The comfort and quality of service make it an excellent choice for your stay.
Day 1: History and Culture of Melilla La Vieja
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The first morning is dedicated to exploring 1 Melilla la Vieja. , the historic citadel that has centuries of history. Its origins date back to the 7th century BC, when the Phoenicians settled in the area due to its strategic position in Mediterranean trade. Over the centuries, the city was occupied by Romans, Byzantines, and Arabs until it was incorporated into the Crown of Castile in 1497.
We begin our visit at the 2 Puerta de la Marina., located in front of the port. Crossing it feels like traveling back in time. We continue to the 3 Aljibes de Las Peñuelas., ancient water reservoirs, and visit the 4 Museum of Archaeology and History and the Ethnographic Museum., located in the same square. Both museums provide an excellent way to learn about the city’s history and traditions.
From there, we head to the high wall and reach the 5 Melilla Lighthouse., offering stunning views of the cliffs surrounding the city. Then, we visit the 6 Military History Museum., which is interesting not only for its exhibits but also for the views of the 7 Ensenada de los Galápagos., a small beach with turquoise waters, accessible only in summer.
An essential spot in the citadel is the 8 Cuevas del Conventico., a set of underground galleries that served as refuge during attacks. The visit is free, but prior reservation is required. From here, we head to the 9 Fuerte de Victoria Grande. and finish the tour of Melilla La Vieja.
Puerta de la Marina
Aljibes de las Peñuelas
Archaeology, History and Ethnography Museum
Melilla Lighthouse
Military History Museum
Ensenada de los Galápagos
Cuevas del Conventico
Fuerte de Victoria Grande
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Day 2: Modernism, Beaches, and Gastronomy
[edit]The second day can be dedicated to exploring the 10 Modernist Expansion. of Melilla, one of the city’s architectural gems. Melilla is known for its impressive modernist architecture, with over 900 buildings in this style surviving in the Expansion, making it the second Spanish city with the most modernist buildings after Barcelona.
Stroll through the golden triangle, bordered by 11 Avenida Juan Carlos I., 12 Avenida Reyes Católicos., and 13 Calle General Marina.. Some of the most notable buildings you’ll find are:
La Reconquista Building
Assembly Palace
House of Crystals
Yamín Benarroch Synagogue
Central Mosque
Chamber of Commerce
David Melul House
Tortosa House
Each of these buildings has its own unique style and characteristics, making this tour a fascinating experience for architecture lovers.
Beaches and Seafront Promenade
[edit]After exploring the city, don’t miss the beaches of Melilla. While the citadel and historic center are the main attractions, the beaches are also one of the city’s main draws. In Melilla, you can relax at places like 14 Playa de San Lorenzo., 15 Playa de los Cárabos., or 16 Playa de la Hípica., which are along the 17 Seafront Promenade., nearly 2 km long.
In addition to these beaches, there are small coves like 18 Cala de Trápana. and 19 Ensenada de Los Galápagos., located within Melilla La Vieja. These are perfect for a peaceful swim or a sunset walk.
Gastronomy: Arab and Spanish Influences
[edit]The gastronomy of Melilla is a blend of Spanish and Arab influences, making the culinary offerings delicious and diverse. During our visit, we had the opportunity to try some of the city’s most typical dishes.
One of the recommended places is 1 El Rincón-Casa Sadia., where we tried delicious pinchos morunos and an exquisite couscous. If you prefer something more typical of Spanish cuisine, we recommend 2 La Cervecería., where you can enjoy a wide variety of tapas in its pleasant terrace.
In the afternoon, make sure to stop at one of the city's teahouses. One of the most popular is 3 Tetería Nazarí., where you can try traditional Moroccan tea or mint tea, accompanied by Arab sweets.
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