Making the most of Melilla
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The port is 1.5km from the town centre and Morocco's border is 10 minutes away by road.
Bring a printable map with you.
Surrounded by Morocco on all sides, Melilla is a compelling blend of Moorish and Iberian culture. Spanish traces are everywhere, most prominently in Plaza de Espaa, a circular, park-like public space at the town centre. As you walk, look upward for fragments of Modernist architecture beside fresco-style murals above Islamic tiled archways: the spirit of Spain with a North African accent.
The modern city spreads south and west on the mainland, while the old walled city lies between port and new quarter. The port exports iron ore brought by rail from Rif mines in the adjoining Moroccan hinterland. A razor-wire-lined double fence surrounds the exclave to prevent immigrants, mainly African refugees, entering.
Getting around
Visit Moorish Castle, an impressive fortress looking out across city and sea and reflecting Melilla's historical importance.
Melilla La Vieja is the historic walled quarter, full of history and charming streets to explore.
Food and shopping
Triángulo de Oro is the best area for city shopping because of its tremendous variety. Countless Muslim, Jewish and Hindu shops specialise in leather goods, tapestries, local ceramics and accessories. There are also jewellers, watch and gift shops and textile specialists, along with famous fashion brands, boutiques, accessories and shoes. The surrounding Modernist architecture makes a shopping outing a cultural visit too.
Money
The currency is the euro.
The euro has 100 cents. Its eight coins are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent, plus 1 and 2 Euro; its seven banknotes are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euro.
Staying connected
Spanish is the official language across the entire country. In certain Spanish regions it coexists with Catalan in Catalonia, Galician in Galicia, Euskera/Basque in the Basque Country, Valencian in the Valencia Region and a particular variety of Catalan on the Balearic Islands.
Dial 112 free of charge for emergencies across Spain. Service is Spanish and, in some tourist areas, English, French and German.