Melilla is an autonomous city of Spain that is located on Morocco’s northern Mediterranean shore, approximately 180km from the Algerian border to the east. Such an isolated location in northern Africa has seen this Spanish exclave adopt and adapt to a number of outside cultures and influences, making it a highly diverse and multicultural city, with distinct Christian, Muslim and Jewish areas and a unique juxtaposition of European and North African cultures.
Annexed as part of Spain since 1492 when the Reconquista reclaimed the Iberian Peninsula, Melilla has been part of Spain (and the province of Castille) since the country was first recognised as an independent entity, yet Morocco still disputes Spanish sovereignty and ‘occupation’. Hence, the divide between the two countries is enforced by three six-metre high steel and razor wire fences which stretch along the border, designed to stop the influx of illegal immigration from Africa into Spain and, by default, the European Union. However, some 36,000 Moroccans pass through the border legally each day to trade goods and work, creating a melting pot of cultures and an intriguing atmosphere.
Visitors to Melilla will be struck by its unique makeup and beauty. Throughout the past few centuries, Melilla has attracted a number of Bourgeoisie inhabitants from mainland Spain, who brought with them modernisme and art nouveau styles and artisans, resulting in an architectural splendour that boasts Spain’s largest concentration of Modernist buildings and works outside of Barcelona. The city’s landscape is hot and dry, boasting a fabulous climate for much of the year, with a couple of good beaches beckoning bathers throughout the summer months.
Melilla has its own airport, with good links to many of Spain’s major airports, making weekend breaks possible. As a result, there is a smattering of fine hotels in the city, which are featured here and offered at the lowest price guaranteed online. Choose from a hotel on the left, get in touch and make your reservation – our team of professional staff is on hand throughout the day to take your booking and advise on nearest-match alternatives should the dates you require be unavailable.
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