Melilla: Fortifications, Culture and Coast

In Melilla, fortified history, religious sites, modernist façades and coastal landscapes come together. Melilla la Vieja tells the story of a city whose historic character is closely tied to its seaside location. At the same time, architecture, beaches and green spaces offer different ways to shape your stay.

Melilla la Vieja and its fortifications

Construction of Melilla la Vieja began in the 15th century on the rock of the ancient city of Rusadir. The fortified complex consists of four sections, separated by a moat or cut: three extend into the sea, while the fourth lies on the mainland. As a Conjunto Histórico-Artístico, Melilla la Vieja encompasses significant monumental heritage. Its four fortified sections are therefore not just individual structures, but also a distinctive historical division of the town.

The Colección de Arte Sacro is also part of its history. It is housed in a renovated building adjoining the former Capuchin monastery, next to the Iglesia de la Purísima Concepción and the Cuevas del Conventico. The collection mainly displays objects from Melilla dating from the 18th to the 20th century. The Cuevas del Conventico contain underground galleries carved into the rock in the 18th century, which served as a refuge. They connect the citadel at sea level with Cala de Trápana. Check whether access is currently possible before visiting.

Sanctuaries and modernist architecture

The Ruta de los Templos leads to sanctuaries belonging to Melilla’s Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Jewish communities. This gives it a distinct focus alongside the historic fortifications: the emphasis is on the religious sites of different communities. Those interested in the city’s architecture will also find a different perspective on time in its modernist buildings. Melilla’s modernist architecture emerged at the beginning of the 20th century and reflects the interplay of different styles and influential figures.

The Triángulo de Oro can be explored as an open-air museum of modernist façades, including those designed by architects such as Enrique Nieto. This lets you experience the architecture through its street façades, rather than seeing it only as a historical style. The fortifications and modernism represent different eras: one story began in the 15th century, while the other has shaped the cityscape since the early 20th century.

Coast and green spaces

On the coast lies Ensenada de los Galápagos, a small natural cove sheltered by rock formations and low cliffs. Playa de Horcas Coloradas is known for its golden sand, reddish rock formations and usually clean, calm water. Conditions can vary seasonally. The cove and beach therefore offer different coastal scenery, each with its own distinct features: rocks and cliffs shape the sheltered little cove, while sand and reddish rock define the beach landscape.

For a stay that includes green spaces, Parque Forestal Rey Juan Carlos I offers walks around an artificial lake, as well as other recreational areas for children. The park also has a restored waterfall and various canals, and is suitable for walking, sports and a range of leisure activities. These facilities may change; check their status before your trip. For families, the lakeside walks and areas for children offer another specific excursion option alongside the old town, architecture and coast.

Getting around and planning your stay

Melilla’s modernist centre and Melilla la Vieja can be explored on foot. City buses, taxis and rental cars are available for longer journeys and the outlying neighbourhoods. When choosing a hotel, you can first consider whether your plans mainly cover areas that can be explored on foot, or also include longer journeys and outlying neighbourhoods. The accommodation that best suits your plans depends on the places and activities you want to focus on.

For Melilla Airport, Aena listed eight direct destinations on 23 August 2026: Almería, Barcelona-El Prat Josep Tarradellas, Gran Canaria, Granada-Jaén F.G.L., Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez, Málaga-Costa del Sol, Palma de Mallorca and Seville. Flight schedules can change; check connections before your trip. This information complements your orientation at the destination, but does not replace planning routes between your visits and activities.

Discover more destinations: Melilla, Ceuta, Andalusia, Murcia, Canary Islands, Castile-La Mancha, Galicia, Valencia.

See the main travel overview: Spain.