OVERVIEW

Explore the walled Old Town of Melilla, an area wedged between the port and a newer quarter filled with Modernist architecture. As you walk along the narrow streets of Old Town, which is known locally as El Pueblo, you will notice its easy-to-negotiate grid layout. It was designed centuries ago to enable the city’s defenders to quickly respond to invaders by racing down straight, rather than winding streets. At the time, four fortresses linked by drawbridges guarded Old Town. Some of the most well-preserved highlights include the 16th-century Chapel of Santiago, a rare example of Gothic architecture on the African continent, and the 17th-century church La Purísima Concepción. The imposing Torre de la Vela Tower that was part of Old Town’s original fortifications now houses the Archaeology and History Museum. As you meander about, you may notice Melilla’s ethnically diverse population. Christians, Muslims, Jews and Hindus all live harmoniously in Melilla.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gain insight into the history of Melilla by walking through its heavily fortified Old Town.
• See well-preserved architectural treasures behind the thick defensive walls.
• Recognize the cultural diversity of Melilla and how the different ethnicities live in harmony.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a panoramic drive through Melilla, during which you will see key landmarks and discover the history of this Spanish territory in northern Morocco. From the Rostrogordo viewpoint, you will gaze out over the boundary that separates this Spanish exclave from Morocco. How Spain has retained Melilla for more than 500 years is a fascinating story and quite controversial. At the heart of the city, you will find the Plaza de Espana and the beautiful ornamental fountain at its center. The main arteries off the plaza are lined with an abundance of Modernistic architecture. In fact, Barcelona is the only Spanish city with more. While driving through the neighborhood Barrio Real, notice its grid layout, which was designed centuries ago to ensure a faster, more direct response to invasion. A stop at the 17th-century church La Purísima Concepción will offer a close-up look at religious artifacts, some dating to long before the church was constructed.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See the highlights in and around Melilla in air-conditioned comfort.
• Gain a historical perspective of how Spain has retained this territory in northern Morocco.
• Gaze out over the boundary that separates Melilla from Morocco.
• Pass through historical neighborhoods known for their Modernist architecture.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Walk through Melilla at a leisurely pace that will allow time to thoroughly explore the city’s abundant Modernisme architecture. Next to Barcelona, Melilla has Spain’s greatest concentration of this highly popular 20th-century style that includes an eclectic mix of Art Nouveau influences. Many of the buildings were designed by Enrique Nieto, a student of the revered Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, who created so many of Barcelona’s architectural gems. Melilla’s so-called golden triangle contains the best-preserved Modernisme buildings, especially ones from the 1930s. Floral decorations, stylized geometric forms, and friezes with silhouettes of animals and women are but a few of the features that adorn the exteriors. Nieto eventually became Melilla’s city architect and his last major work was the Art Deco-style city hall. Following this immersion into Modernistic architecture, you will stop for tapas and a beverage at the landmark Four Cultures Square.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an enlightening walk through neighborhoods full of Modernisme buildings.
• Learn how architect Enrique Nieto reshaped the face of Melilla in the early 20th century.
• Behold countless Modernisme features on the façades of the best-preserved buildings..
• Discuss the extraordinary architecture you’ve seen over tapas in a popular square.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Immerse yourself in Spain’s rich culinary traditions during this interactive cooking workshop, where a professional chef will guide you through the preparation of one of the country’s most iconic dishes: paella. Held in the town’s historic center, this hands-on experience offers an engaging introduction to the history, cultural influences and ingredients that have made paella a beloved staple of Spanish cuisine. Working alongside the chef, you will take an active role in the entire cooking process, from selecting traditional ingredients to preparing and cooking the rice. Along the way, you will learn about different varieties of rice, regional seasonings, seafood and cooking techniques that can be recreated at home. Guests are encouraged to participate in chopping, stirring and assembling the dish while gaining insight into the traditions behind its preparation. To complement the meal, the chef will also demonstrate how to prepare Tinto de Verano, a refreshing wine-based drink that pairs perfectly with paella. At the conclusion of the class, relax and enjoy the meal you helped create with your fellow participants.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Learn to prepare authentic Spanish paella in a hands-on cooking workshop.
• Receive instruction from a professional local chef.
• Discover the history, ingredients and culinary traditions behind Spain’s most famous rice dish.
• Prepare and enjoy a traditional Tinto de Verano beverage.
• Savor the freshly made paella you helped create.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear comfortable clothing suitable for a cooking class. Notify the operator in advance of any food allergies or dietary restrictions.
• Vegetarian ingredients are available upon prior request.

OVERVIEW

Step into the captivating world of flamenco during this interactive workshop that introduces the rhythms, movements and traditions of one of Spain’s most celebrated cultural expressions. Designed for beginners, this hands-on experience allows you to actively participate while learning the basic techniques that bring flamenco to life. Led by a professional flamenco instructor, the workshop introduces the essential elements of the dance, including footwork patterns, rhythmic hand-clapping and expressive arm and body movements. Along the way, you will gain insight into the multicultural origins of flamenco, an art form shaped by centuries of cultural exchange among Andalusian, Arab, Jewish, Romani and North African communities. Melilla provides a particularly meaningful setting for this experience. As a city where European and African influences continue to converge, it reflects many of the traditions that helped shape flamenco and its enduring spirit. Through both instruction and participation, you will gain a deeper appreciation of the history, emotion and storytelling that make flamenco such an iconic part of Spanish culture.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Learn the basic steps, rhythms and movements of traditional flamenco.
• Participate in an interactive workshop led by a professional instructor.
• Discover the multicultural origins and cultural significance of flamenco.
• Practice footwork, hand-clapping techniques and expressive body movements.
• Experience one of Spain’s most iconic traditions in the unique setting of Melilla.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement.
• Comfortable closed-toe shoes are recommended.

OVERVIEW

Discover Melilla in an active and engaging way on a guided bicycle tour that showcases the city’s unique blend of coastal scenery, Mediterranean charm and vibrant urban life. Riding allows you to cover more ground than a walking tour while still enjoying opportunities to stop, take photos and learn about the city’s history and culture. Your cycling adventure begins along Melilla’s picturesque seafront promenade and nearby beaches, where panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea create a beautiful backdrop. As you follow the coastline, your guide will point out notable landmarks and share fascinating local stories that bring the city to life. The route continues through central avenues and lively public squares, revealing the contrast between Melilla’s modern urban character and its historic architecture. Carefully selected stops along the way provide opportunities to capture photographs of the city’s most scenic locations while enjoying the fresh sea air and relaxed atmosphere of the Mediterranean coast.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Melilla on a guided bicycle tour..
• Ride along the scenic seafront promenade and nearby beaches.
• Enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea..
• Discover central squares, avenues and historic landmarks.
• Stop at scenic viewpoints for photographs and commentary from your guide.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear comfortable clothing suitable for cycling. Closed-toe athletic or cycling shoes are required.
• Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated.

OVERVIEW

Behold the huge collection of Modernist architecture in the heart of Melilla and enjoy a tasting of unique local delicacies. While walking through the so-called Modernista Triangle around the Plaza de España, you will see Spain’s largest concentration of this popular 20th-century architectural style. Enrique Nieto, a student of the legendary Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, designed many of the buildings. The guide will point and describe their characteristic elements, which include floral motifs, stylized geometric forms and decorative friezes. Nieto’s last major work as the city architect was designing the Art Deco-style city hall. The focus will turn to food as you first savor locally sourced cheese, breadsticks, and wine. Afterwards, you will head to the store next door to watch a master ham carver slice paper-thin servings of premium jamón, a staple of Spanish cuisine. You will soon understand its appeal after sampling the regional marbled ham, which is sweet and savory.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See an extraordinary collection of Modernist architecture in downtown Melilla.
• Learn about the Modernist features on the façades of the best-preserved buildings.
• Discover how architect Enrique Nieto influenced Melilla in the early 20th century.
• Watch jamón being carved and sample this traditional Spanish ham.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Discover the inspiring religious diversity in Melilla, where Christians, Muslims, Jews and Hindus all live harmoniously side by side. This Spanish exclave on the northern coast of Morocco encourages and supports different faiths such as Christianity at the Church of the Sacred Heart, a Romanesque-style building that has been a fixture since the early 1900s. Not far away, you will find the Or Zaruah Synagogue, which was founded around the same time. It is one of six synagogues in the city. Elsewhere on the Route of the Temples, you will stop at Templo Hindú , yet another example of Melilla’s religious freedom. Although Hindus are a minority, they have played an important role in the city’s history. Islam in the major religion as you will see while visiting the Central Mosque. The exterior features a Moorish Revival design with geometric patterns, curved archways and ornamental tiles. Similar architectural elements grace the interior.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gain insight into Melilla’s religious diversity by following the Route of the Temples.
• Visit a Catholic church, synagogue, Hindu temple and mosque.
• Discover fascinating facts about the sacred sites and their architectural styles.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Paddle a sea kayak off the coast of Melilla for a unique perspective of the city with a focus on its natural beauty and environmental consciousness. After a briefing to ensure that you maximize the experience, you will ease into a kayak and follow the guide across the typically calm waters. The starting point will be the sheltered beach at Ensenada de los Galápagos, behind which stands an 18th-century fortification. You will paddle past several other gorgeous beaches, including the idyllic stretch of sand at Cala de Trápana, where you will stop briefly. Lined with shops and cafés, the promenade that runs along the Paseo Marítimo breakwater will look particularly attractive from the sea. The guide will describe the most revealing points of interest such as the rugged Boca del León shoreline to enhance your understanding of their histories. If you wish, you can extend the adventure by visiting an eco-friendly desalination plant.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See Melilla from a unique perspective while paddling a sea kayak along the coast.
• Paddle past hidden beaches and historical fortifications, which the guide will describe.
• Pause briefly to rest on Cala de Trápana, one of the most naturally beautiful beaches.
• Extend your paddling adventure with the option to explore a desalination plant.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.