Melilla, Spain

[toseaornottosea]

We will be on a cruise that stops for a day in Melilla, Spain in June.  It looks like a port we can tour on our own.  Am I correct?

Any suggestions for a place to stop for lunch will be appreciated.

[ChathamCat]

If you find out, let us know. We'll be there on June 9th. Have fun - Jill

[toseaornottosea]

Hi Jill, as you can see other than your reply it's been crickets.  But perhaps you can help me since we don't get there until the 14th so if you get any good intel before you get there or while there don't hesitate to share. 

I see you stop in Alicante.  We were there for a day on a cruise 5 years ago.  Easy to do on your own. You can walk up to Santa Barbara Castle - or check out http://eurotaxi-alicante.es/?lang=en - Phone: 965-240-707 / 699 780 601 - they offer tours.  Lots of great small places for lunch between the castle and the cruise terminal if you're looking to have lunch in town.  Enjoy your cruise and stay safe and healthy.

[Harters]

I presume  you're aware that, whilst Melilla is politically and constitutionally part of Spain, it is actually in Morocco. It's a smallish town, of some 80k population and the territory is claimed by Morocco. I've no idea what tourism opportunities there are, or how easy it is to cross from Melilla into Morocco.

[edinburgher]

You can walk up to Santa Barbara Castle

 

 

There is also an elevator which has a small charge, but much easier than walking uphill especially if it is hot.  Entrance at steeet level along the waterfront.

Edited May 18, 2022 by edinburgher

[marazul]

There is a fortress, art deco buildings in the town, an amusement park, some caves.

I don't know about getting into Morocco when half of Africa is trying to get into Melilla to get into the EU.  Melilla is surrounded by a frontier wall.  

[Harters]

22 hours ago, marazul said:

half of Africa is trying to get into Melilla to get into the EU.

Yes. It's very much a hotspot for asylum seekers and people traffikers.

 

By the by, the late father of my Spanish brother in law did his conscripted military service in Melilla. Of course, that was in much less troubled times.