Guide of Melilla

Melilla is a Spanish colony and autonomous city, located on the north coast of Africa. Surrounded by Morocco; it has an area of just 12.3 km squared. It is one of only two permanently inhabited Spanish cities in mainland Africa, the other being Ceuta. It was part of the Province of Málaga until being granted autonomy in 1995. 

A brief history of Melilla

The Phoenicians first colonised the city, then later the Carthaginians and Romans. It was formerly known as Rusaddir and fell to Spain as a Berber town in 1497 and remained part of Spain, despite repeated attacks and sieges. In around 1909, Spain modernised Melilla's port, and the city became a garrison post for Spanish Morocco. Still, tribes almost captured the city in 1921 during the Rif War. Melilla was the first Spanish town to rise against the Popular Front government in July 1936 before the Spanish Civil War. Spain retained Melilla as an exclave when Morocco gained independence in 1956. In 1995, the Spanish government Melilla, replacing the city council with an assembly similar to those of Spain's other autonomous communities.  Textiles, shoemaking, and metal manufacturing are the primary industries in Melilla today, and there is also a growing tourism industry. Melilla is an excellent example of multiculturalism with four religious groups represented, despite being a small city. Two-thirds of the exclave's population is Roman Catholic, while the rest are mostly Muslim, Jewish and Hindu. 

Things to do in Melilla 

Melilla la Vieja is a massive fortress located just north of the port, built during the 16th and 17th centuries and in recent years has been restored. Melilla's Capilla de Santiago is also worth a visit. It is also known as James's Chapel and located by the city walls; it is the only authentic Gothic structure in Africa. Another interesting thing to do is to take a tour through Las Cuevas del Conventico; an extensive set of caves used as a refuge during sieges. They pop out at small beaches below the cliffs first excavated by the Phoenicians. Later occupiers enlarged them, and they now extend over three levels. They are well lit, and there are a tour and video available to watch in Spanish. For the history lovers, there is a military museum called Museo Militar; its full of regimental flags, medals, old photos, a collection of weapons and a bust of Franco. 

Beaches around Melilla

There are a variety of excellent beaches in Melilla, both rocky and sandy. One of the most beautiful beaches is Ensenada de los Galapagos, situated in a rocky cove with crystal clear waters and steps down to the sandy area. Playa de la Hipica is near the promenade and is a vast expanse of golden sand, with plenty of kiosks for food and drink as well as sunbed for hire. Cala de Trapana is a cute little beach, that can be seen from the fortress above and only accessed through the caves that run from the city centre. Los Carabos beach is the longest of the city's urban beaches, it begins at the mouth of the Rio de Oro and is close to the Hippodrome. It is fully equipped with all services and has a blue flag.