Free walking tours in Melilla and what to see

Must-sees

Melilla's great historic ensemble is Melilla la Vieja, which locals call El Pueblo. It consists of four fortified enclosures on a headland facing the sea, with walls, bastions, towers and gates. Inside you can see the church of the Purísima Concepción, the Cuevas del Conventico, carved into the rock, and several museums, including the Museum of History, Archaeology and Ethnography.

Outside the walls is the Ensanche, one of the most important modernista ensembles in Spain after Barcelona. Many of the buildings are by Enrique Nieto, a Catalan architect who worked in the city for decades. Stroll around the Plaza de España, with the Assembly Palace, the Parque Hernández and the nearby avenues. The city has places of worship of several faiths, such as the Central Mosque and the Or Zaruah synagogue.

Free tours and guided visits

Melilla has the occasional pay-what-you-like free walking tour, mainly around the modernista centre and the old city. They usually explain the city's founding in 1497, how the fortifications developed and the coexistence of cultures. They last around two hours and are a good way to get your bearings on the first day, before exploring the enclosures at a slower pace.

The most common guided visits are of Melilla la Vieja, with access to the Cuevas del Conventico and the cisterns, and the modernista route through the Ensanche, following the work of Enrique Nieto. There are also tours of the places of worship of different faiths and coastal walks. For interiors such as the caves, going with a guide helps you understand what you're seeing.

How long to spend

Two days give you plenty of time. Spend one entirely on Melilla la Vieja: the morning on the enclosures and caves, and the afternoon on the museums and the viewpoints over the harbour. On the second day, explore the modernista Ensanche, the Plaza de España and the Parque Hernández, and leave time for the beach or the promenade. You can see the main sights in a single day, though in a rush.

Where to stay

The best area is the centre, in the Ensanche, between the Plaza de España, Avenida Juan Carlos I and the Parque Hernández. You'll be surrounded by modernista buildings, with shops and restaurants nearby, and a short walk from Melilla la Vieja. The harbour and seafront area is also practical if you're arriving by boat or want the beach close at hand.