Melilla: when your ship stops here
A fortress on a mound by the sea, more Modernist buildings than any Spanish city except Barcelona, and a Spanish city in Africa.
Facts checked Nov 6, 2026, each with its source. No prices on this page.
Melilla is an autonomous city of Spain on the North African coast, with 87,067 people in 2025. It lies on the border between Morocco and Spain, next to the Moroccan town of Beni Ansar. Spain occupied it on 17 September 1497. Our sources do not say how far the ship berth is from the center, so ask on board.
Source: Wikipedia: Melilla
Top 3 things to do
1. Melilla la Vieja
The original city, a fortress built on a mound about 30 m high that reaches out into the sea.
Tip: Our sources give no opening hours or walking time from the berth. Ask on board.
Source: Wikipedia: Melilla
2. The Modernist buildings
Most are by the Catalan architect Enrique Nieto, in the new town area called the ensanche. Wikipedia says Melilla has the second most Modernist works in Spain, after Barcelona.
Tip: Our sources do not name one building to start with, so ask a local near the port.
Source: Wikipedia: Melilla
3. A small city on foot
The city covers only 14.24 square km (5.50 square miles), so it is small to explore.
Tip: Keep your all aboard time in view.
Source: Wikipedia: Melilla
What to skip
Crossing into Morocco
Melilla lies on the border with Morocco. Our sources give no rules for crossing from a cruise call, so check with the ship before you plan anything beyond the city.
Source: Wikipedia: Melilla
Before you go ashore
You do not have to book a tour: you are free to go ashore on your own. Royal Caribbean sets the all aboard time about 30 minutes before the ship sails, posts it near the gangway, and says the ship does not wait for guests touring on their own.
Source: Royal Caribbean FAQ: Do I need to book a shore excursion?
Back-to-backs that stop in Melilla
Back-to-back cruises from these home ports have a stop in Melilla, from the Royal Caribbean sailings we track:
- Back-to-back cruises from Athens 2 back-to-backs with a stop in Melilla
- Back-to-back cruises from Barcelona 2 back-to-backs with a stop in Melilla
Sources
Find back-to-backs that stop in Melilla
Two or more Royal Caribbean cruises in a row, with a day in Melilla on the way.
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