Melilla is a Spanish autonomous city on the northeastern coast of Africa, bordered by Morocco and the Mediterranean Sea. This compact enclave blends Spanish modernist architecture, Moorish heritage, Berber culture, and Jewish tradition into one of Spain's most distinctive and overlooked destinations.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Nador, Morocco
Highlights: Marchica Lagoon promenade: scenic 25 km coastal lake walkway within Nador city limits · Beni Enzar souk: busy cross-border market with spices, textiles, and Rif-region handicrafts · Nador medina: compact old-town quarter centred on Place du Marché · Grilled fish and harira: local restaurant staples at modest prices near the port area · Spanish-Moroccan cultural blend: architecture and commerce reflecting Nador's proximity to Melilla
Al Hoceima and Rif Coastline
Highlights: Plage Quemado: sheltered town beach with views to the Spanish island fortress of Peñón de Alhucemas · Al Hoceima National Park: sea cliffs, hidden coves, and Mediterranean bird habitat along the Rif coast · Cala Iris: remote rocky cove beach southwest of Al Hoceima, reachable by local taxi · Rif mountain scenery: dramatic gorges and terraced hillside villages visible on the bus route from Nador · Corniche seafood restaurants: fresh catch served at local Moroccan prices along the Al Hoceima waterfront
Cabo de Agua / Ras El Ma, Morocco
Highlights: Double-shoreline beach: open Mediterranean surf on one side and calm Marchica Lagoon on the other · Ras El Ma lighthouse: historic cape lighthouse at the northern tip of the Nador lagoon sand spit · Undeveloped Moroccan coastline: raw sandy beach without large hotel infrastructure or commercial beach clubs · Lagoon swimming: shallow, warm, and sheltered lagoon water ideal for families and calm-water swimmers · Beachside fish cafés: simple open-air restaurants serving grilled catch and tagines at low Moroccan prices
Oujda, Morocco
Highlights: Oujda Old Medina: intact city walls, historic gateways, and working souk with minimal tourist infrastructure · Place du 16 Août: main city square surrounded by traditional cafés, pastry shops, and local commerce · Sidi Yahia Oasis: palm-shaded spring on the western edge of Oujda, a tranquil local retreat · Algerian-Moroccan border cuisine: karantika, zlabia pastries, and distinctive Oriental Region couscous · ONCF rail journey: four-hour scenic train ride across the eastern Moroccan plains from Nador via Taourirt
Chefchaouen (Blue City)
Highlights: Blue medina: narrow alleyways and staircase streets painted in shades of indigo and sky blue · Plaza Uta el-Hammam: main town square with café terraces, the Grande Mosquée, and adjacent Kasbah ruins · Ras El Maa waterfall: small natural cascade at the medina's eastern edge, framed by lush Rif vegetation · Rif handicraft market: kaftans, woven blankets, leather goods, and pottery sold in medina stalls throughout the old town · Mountain elevation: town at 600 m offers cool temperatures and panoramic views across Rif hillside terracing
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.
Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.
Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.