Melilla

Melilla is a Spanish autonomous city located on the northwest coast of Africa. It lies on the Cape Tres Forcas, close to the Sahara Desert, and shares a border with Morocco. On Ferryhopper, you can find all the information you need about ferry routes and ferry schedules from/to the port of Melilla, and book your ferry tickets with ease!

Find useful information about the ferry port of Melilla and read about holidays in the city:

• Melilla ferry port
• Vacation in Melilla

Melilla Fortress, a traditional architectural landmark in Melilla

Melilla ferry port

Steeped in history, the port of Melilla serves as a vital gateway between Spain and Africa, as it is connected by ferry to major ports in Andalusia.

Conveniently situated in close proximity to the town center, the port boasts easy access to essential services. Specifically, there are shops, banks, attractions, and restaurants nearby. 

In addition, the port of Melilla is newly renovated and despite its small size, you can find parking facilities and information kiosks in the area.

Ferries from Melilla port: schedules and tickets

From the city of Melilla, you can take the ferry to the ports of Málaga, Motril and Almería in southern Spain. The ferry companies that usually operate at the small port of Melilla are Baleària, Trasmediterránea and Naviera Armas.

Ferry from Melilla to Málaga

The Melilla - Málaga ferry route is operated by Baleària and Trasmediterránea. The ferry trip ranges from 6.5 hours to 8 hours 15 minutes and the service is available with up to 4 daily crossings. Standard tickets for the ferry crossing to Málaga start at €56.

Ferry from Melilla to Motril

The ferry crossing between Melilla and Motril is serviced by Baleària and the duration of the trip is around 6:30-7:30 hours. From the port of Melilla, there are 2-3 weekly crossings to the Andalusian port. You can get a ferry ticket for around €55.

Ferry from Melilla to Almería

Melilla is also connected with the port of Almería. The Melilla - Almería ferry crossing is normally available by Naviera Armas and Baleària. It takes 5.5 to 6.5 hours to reach the port of Almería from Melilla and tickets start at around €58. The itinerary is available 4 days a week with 1-2 daily crossings.

Where is the ferry port in Melilla?

Situated next to its city center, the port of Melilla also shares its borders with the port of Nador. The ferry terminal serving passengers traveling to Andalusia is located on the northern part of the port by General Macías Avenue, which starts at Plaza de España.

How to get to Melilla port

The port is located in the city center of Melilla, just a 10-minute drive from Melilla Airport. You can access the port on foot from the city center or drive there. 

Palm trees and fountains in the majestic Plaza de España in Melilla

Vacation in Melilla

Melilla is a captivating Spanish enclave nestled on the coast of North Africa. The name Melilla means “honey” according to some historians, hinting at the sweet essence that awaits visitors to this enchanting city.

Due to its location right next to Morocco, it is distinguished for its multicultural and multiethnic character. It has an impressive collection of historical landmarks, including churches, mosques and museums, as well as cafés and restaurants serving delicious tapas! 

Melilla is well connected with the ports of Andalusia and, due to its size, it is the perfect destination for a short getaway to explore the other side of Spain!

How to get to Melilla

There are several ways of reaching Melilla, either by traveling from Morocco or Spain. First, if you are traveling by car to Melilla from other cities of Morocco, you can follow the national road network. Rabat, Casablanca and Fes are connected to Melilla via the national road N6, while cities on the north coast like Tangier are connected to Melilla via N2.

Alternatively, you can catch a plane from major Spanish cities to Melilla Airport, located 3 km from the city center. More specifically, there are direct flights from Málaga, Barcelona, Madrid, Almería, Granada, and Seville.

What to do in Melilla

Melilla is a great choice for a brief getaway, offering a compact yet vibrant city center teeming with activities and attractions.

Begin your exploration with a visit to the iconic Melilla la Vieja, an old fortress that stands as an imposing symbol of the town. Delve into its rich history and tapestry for a captivating glimpse into the past.

The coastline of Melilla boasts sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters that invite visitors to soak up the sun and the soothing rhythm of the Mediterranean Sea. As you relax amidst the idyllic coastal setting, indulge in the lively atmosphere of the nearby bars and restaurants, where you can enjoy a meal or a drink.

For a refreshing escape from the sun-kissed beaches, venture into the city's charming parks and plazas, such as Plaza de España, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Finally, as you embark on your culinary adventure, prepare to be captivated by Melilla's rich gastronomy, featuring an array of local products and recipes that seamlessly blend cultural influences.

Beaches in Melilla

Melilla's coastline stretches for approximately 9 km and is characterized by beautiful, sandy beaches, where you can relax and swim. Most of them are fully equipped with amenities, as they are pretty close to the urban area. However, there are also smaller and wilder coves, where you can enjoy swimming in peace.

Here are the top beaches of Melilla: 

• Alcazaba: it is a long, sandy beach, a few kilometers from the town center. The waters here are clear and calm, making it a hotspot with families and children.
• San Lorenzo: the San Lorenzo beach is located right next to the port of Melilla. It is ideal for swimming and relaxing, as it is close to many facilities. It has a huge, sandy coast and the waters are very clear.
• Los Cárabos: right next to San Lorenzo, you will find the beach of Los Cárabos. They share the same coast and sea, and the beach is pretty close to restaurants and bars.
• Hipódromo: following Los Cárabos beach, you’ll find Hipódromo. The beach is quite narrow, but it has showers and toilets nearby. 
• La Hípica: around 2.5 km away from the center, this is a long golden sand beach with calm waters and several amenities, including showers, a sports area and a children’s play area. It is near the border of Nador.
• Cortados de Aguadú: this is the northernmost beach of Melilla, with rocks and amazing deep blue waters.
• Ensenada de los Galápagos: it is a charming, secluded bay with turquoise waters, right below the old town of Melilla. Keep in mind that it can get crowded during the summer.
• Horcas Coloradas: a little outside of the town center, this is a wide beach with fine sand and shallow waters. The area has toilets and umbrella rentals.
• Trápana: it is an isolated small beach near Melilla la Vieja. It has rocks and natural shade, and it’s ideal for relaxing moments by the sea.

The tranquil Ensenada de los Galápagos bay below Melilla la Vieja

Activities and sightseeing in Melilla

Melilla exudes a vibrant multicultural spirit, evident in the diverse populace, distinctive architecture and an array of cultural landmarks. 

Right above the port of Melilla stands the imposing fortress of Melilla la Vieja which, nowadays, houses numerous historical treasures including churches and museums. Beyond the confines of the fortress, especially around the Plaza de España, you can see modernist buildings of great significance.

Ferryhopper recommends visiting the following attractions in Melilla:

• Melilla la Vieja, a large fortress built during the 16th and 17th centuries
• Plaza de España, the beating heart of Melilla with a central fountain and an art-deco military monument
• Palacio de Asamblea, an art deco building known as the Town Hall
• Museo Casa Ibáñez, Melilla’s best gallery located in the heart of Melilla la Vieja, in the historic Torre de la Vela
• Parque Hernandez, Melilla’s most important park perfect for a family picnic
• Cuevas del Conventico, caves dating back to the 18th century, they are divided into 3 levels
• Casino Militar, a magnificent building housing art exhibitions
• Plaza de Toros, Africa's only active bullfighting ring

Nightlife in Melilla

Melilla is a vivid town, full of café/bars and places to eat traditional tapas. The Puerto Noray area by the marina stands out as one of the liveliest hubs in the city, perfect to enjoy a night-out during your holidays!

A standard gathering point in Melilla is Plaza de España, which is full of people all day long. For a moment of tranquility, consider grabbing a drink and strolling through the scenic Hernández Park or along the picturesque beach.

Food in Melilla

Indulge in Melilla's distinctive and flavorful local cuisine, where the fusion of Iberian and Moroccan elements promises a delightful surprise. Most dishes are mainly based on meat, seafood and spices. 

We recommend that you try: 

• harira (meat and vegetable soup with spices)
• pastela (sweet meat pie)
• meat kebabs
• fish pie with monkfish and seafood
• tortilla de colores (omelet with vegetables)
• couscous
• traditional green tea with mint

The port of Melilla near its center

Useful information about Melilla

Melilla stands out as a popular holiday destination in the Spanish region. From supermarkets and gas stations to restaurants and shops, Melilla caters to all your needs, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay. As for medical services, the town has one general hospital, some medical centers and pharmacies.

Regarding accommodation, Melilla has a limited number of hotels, which are actually budget-friendly. For this reason, we recommend booking accommodation well in advance to ensure availability.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Melilla

Here are some useful contacts for your trip to Melilla:

• Hospital Comarcal de Melilla: +34952670000
• Melilla Port Authority: +34952673600
• Melilla Airport: +34913211000
• Melilla Police: +34952698117
• Melilla taxi services: +34952673624
• Tourist Office of Melilla: +34952976190
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Melilla

The town of Melilla is quite compact and you can easily get around on foot. However, the town also has buses, all of which start from Plaza de España. COA is the public transportation provider in Melilla, with 8 bus routes.

In addition, you can also use your own vehicle or get a taxi and freely move around the town.

Book ferry tickets online from Melilla

Find all the information you need about ferry schedules from/to the port of Melilla. Check Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries for available ferry crossings, compare ferry companies and book tickets with no hidden fees!