Melilla, a Spanish autonomous city located on the northern coast of Africa, brings together several ingredients that make it an appealing cruise destination: a strategic and unique location, a port right in the city center, and a compact urban core that treasures an impressive modernist quarter, beautiful beaches, culinary delights, and much more.
The Port of Melilla and ITM Group are currently working on a project to build a new cruise terminal and refurbish ten commercial units. The plan is to receive cruise ships at the Cargadero quay and, exceptionally, at the Northeast-2 and Northeast-3 quays in the case of vessels longer than those that can be accommodated at the Mineral Loader dock.
This means that cruise ships dock right in the heart of the city, just a few hundred meters from Melilla La Vieja, a 16th–17th century fortress overlooking the sea and the port.
Melilla La Vieja
Also known as El Pueblo, this is the historical and cultural heart of the city. Perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, this walled citadel invites visitors on a journey through time with its remarkable architectural heritage and unique atmosphere.
Its Renaissance-style ramparts, built between the 15th and 18th centuries, are among the best-preserved defensive complexes in the Mediterranean. Inside, visitors can wander along narrow cobblestone streets, charming squares, and viewpoints that offer spectacular views of the port and the African coastline.
Highlights include the Church of the Conception, the oldest religious building in the city; the Governor’s House, now home to the Museum of Archaeology and History; and the Military Museum, which illustrates Melilla’s strategic importance through the centuries. Equally remarkable are the Cuevas del Conventico, a maze of natural caves once used as shelters and storage spaces.
The beach in the historic Ensenada de los Galápagos, surrounded by the towering fortress walls, is a place of rare beauty and photogenic charm — though perhaps even more stunning is the Cala de Trápana, accessible only through the Conventico Caves.
Modernism in Melilla
Melilla boasts one of the most important collections of modernist architecture in Spain, second only to Barcelona. Walking through its streets is like exploring an open-air museum where architecture becomes art. The modernist influence — particularly that of architect Enrique Nieto, a disciple of Gaudí — gives the city a unique personality that fascinates visitors.
Colorful façades, wrought-iron balconies, floral motifs, and flowing shapes characterize iconic buildings such as Casa de los Cristales, Casa Tortosa, Edificio La Reconquista, and the Palacio de la Asamblea, a true symbol of modernist Melilla. These buildings reflect the city’s early 20th-century prosperity and its cultural openness.
A stroll through the Modernist District (Barrio del Ensanche Modernista) is a must for those seeking architectural beauty and historic charm. With specialized guides, themed tours, and a carefully maintained urban setting, Melilla’s modernism stands out as one of its main tourist attractions — capable of surprising even the most experienced travelers.
Beaches, Shopping and Gastronomy in Melilla
San Lorenzo Beach, located next to the port, offers a vast area for sunbathing and relaxing by the sea. For shopping, head to Plaza de España and then stroll along Juan Carlos I and Ejército Español streets, home to the city’s most exclusive shops and a vibrant, multicultural urban atmosphere that makes Melilla so distinctive.
When it comes to gastronomy, Melilla offers a delightful fusion of Mediterranean cuisine with North African and Andalusian influences: dishes such as couscous, harira soup, pinchos morunos (spiced skewers), and fried fish are among its most popular flavors.
Luxury Cruises in Melilla
In 2023, Melilla welcomed nine cruise calls with a total of 4,232 passengers. By 2024, this figure rose to 12 calls and around 9,000 passengers.
Luxury cruise lines are increasingly attracted by Melilla’s multicultural spirit and unique character. From Seabourn Sojourn to Seven Seas Splendor and Oceania Marina, 2025 is expected to be a record-breaking year. In the medium term, the goal is to surpass 80,000 annual visitors.
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