Melilla: History, Museums and the Mediterranean

Melilla brings together historic architecture, museums with a range of themes, and Mediterranean beaches. If you’re looking for a hotel in Melilla, these themes can help you shape your trip around your interests: would you mainly like to explore the fortified Old Town, learn about the city’s history and cultures, or spend time on the coast?

Melilla la Vieja and its architecture

Melilla la Vieja, also known as “El Pueblo” or “La Ciudadela,” is a fortified complex. Construction began in the 15th century on the rock of ancient Rusadir. The site is divided into four sections, separated by a moat. The name Melilla la Vieja thus refers both to the historic district and to a clearly laid-out fortress complex. The Puerta y Capilla de Santiago is considered the only religious building in the Gothic style on the African continent. It is a distinctive architectural landmark for the city. Melilla’s streets also catch the eye for their architecture: hundreds of buildings there draw the attention of passersby.

Museums showcasing the city’s history and culture

Melilla’s Historical and Archaeological Museum traces the city’s history from prehistoric times to the present. This covers a period of more than 10,000 years. Archaeological finds, historical objects, models and plans illustrate the different themes. The Ethnographic Museum focuses on other subjects: it presents the Sephardic Jewish community and its rituals, as well as Amazigh culture, including its material culture, festivals, settlement patterns and traditional crafts. A visit to the museums can therefore introduce you both to the city’s long history and to specific cultural traditions.

Both museums are located within the 16th-century walled enclosure. Melilla’s museums occupy different sections of the former Peñuelas warehouses. These were built in 1781 during the reign of Charles III and the governorship of Antonio Manso, then extensively renovated for museum use in 2007. The building’s history and its later use can be distinguished chronologically: the warehouses were built first and later converted into museums.

Getting around, festivals and travel

The modernist centre and Melilla la Vieja can be explored on foot. For longer journeys and trips to the outer districts, city buses, taxis and rental cars are available. This distinction is useful when planning your routes: you can explore the areas mentioned on foot, while the other forms of transport are options for longer journeys or trips to the outer districts.

The festival calendar includes Semana Santa, the end of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr), the Jewish Passover festival (Pésaj) and the Hindu festival of Diwali. The dates vary from year to year. If you’d like to plan your trip around one of these festivals, check the dates before making your plans.

Flight options include direct flights from Madrid and Málaga, as well as connections from Almería, Granada, Seville and Barcelona. In summer, the range of flights expands to include additional cities on the Iberian Peninsula and the Canary Islands. Ferries to Melilla depart from Málaga, Almería and Motril. Check flight and ferry connections for your travel dates before deciding how to get there.

The Mediterranean, water sports and gardens

Melilla has two kilometres of Mediterranean beaches with very fine sand. Water skiing is available in the coves and on the beaches; check in advance whether the activity and providers are available during your visit. Diving in Melilla and the surrounding area is supported by clear waters that remain pleasantly temperate all year round, as well as rocky, species-rich seabeds. Check the conditions and providers before taking part. The water sports described also differ in location: water skiing is available in coves and on beaches, while diving covers Melilla and the surrounding area.

For a different feature of the cityscape, visit Parque Hernández, a historic garden with an exotic character. Parque Forestal offers family walks, an artificial lake and other leisure areas for children. Together with the Old Town, museums and coast, these places offer different ways to decide which sides of Melilla you’d like to explore during your stay.

For the broader travel overview: City of Melilla.