Find and book ferry tickets to and from Melilla
An iconic view of Melilla
Unlock your adventure to Spain at the incredible port of Melilla! It's your essential gateway to the stunning nearby islands. Imagine seamless connections and breath-taking scenic journeys – that's what awaits you.
As a bustling hub for both passengers and freight, Melilla boasts an impressive 7 ferry routes operated by 2 top-tier ferry companies. Get ready for a convenient sailing experience from Melilla, with schedules perfectly tailored to the seasons, ensuring you always find your ideal departure, no matter the demand, weather, or tourism buzz. Your unforgettable escape begins here!
Melilla offers wonderful connections to popular routes like Malaga - Melilla, Motril - Melilla, Almeria - Melilla. You can customize your trip by choosing between a swift high-speed ferry to get there in a flash or a classic vessel for a more scenic, relaxing journey. From quick local hops to leisurely overnight voyages, your island adventure starts here.
Getting to your destination is a breeze with several excellent ferry operators departing regularly from Melilla. You'll find companies like Balearia, Naviera Armas ready to whisk you away.
Each offers a variety of onboard amenities to make your journey pleasant, from comfortable seating and delicious food and drink options to private cabins and even vehicle transport.
With a range of ticket options available depending on the company and vessel, there's something to suit everyone, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a business trip.
Whether you're dreaming of an exhilarating island-hopping escape, making your way back to the comfort of home, or embarking on a brand-new journey, your perfect voyage begins right here with Melilla.
Route Overview
Date Updated: 2025
Reaching Melilla by Land, Sea and Air
Melilla is accessible via multiple transportation options, with regular ferry connections from mainland Spain being among the most popular choices. Ferries operate from Málaga, Almería, and Motril, with journey times ranging from 4 to 8 hours depending on the departure port and vessel type. The city is also served by Melilla Airport, with direct flights from major Spanish cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Málaga. If traveling by car from Morocco, border crossings are available, though be prepared for potential queues. Public buses connect the ferry terminal to the city center, running approximately every 30 minutes throughout the day.
Popular Routes
Melilla: Spain's North African Enclave
Nestled on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa, Melilla offers travelers a fascinating blend of European and Moroccan influences. This autonomous Spanish city boasts stunning modernist architecture, pristine beaches, and a rich multicultural heritage that reflects its unique position at the crossroads of continents. As a ferry destination, Melilla serves as an intriguing gateway between Europe and Africa, where visitors can experience the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality alongside distinctive North African flavors.
When to Experience Melilla's Mediterranean Magic
Melilla enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers, making it a year-round destination. The most pleasant months to visit are April to June and September to October, when temperatures hover between 20-25°C (68-77°F) and tourist crowds are thinner. Summer (July-August) brings warmer temperatures around 30°C (86°F) and livelier beach scenes, though ferry services can be busier and require advance booking. Winter remains mild with temperatures rarely dropping below 12°C (54°F), offering a pleasant escape from colder European climates. The city's Fiestas Patronales in September honors the patron saint with parades and celebrations, adding cultural richness to an autumn visit.
Ferries to Melilla
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Ferry Connections from Melilla's Strategic Harbor
Melilla's port serves as a vital connection point to several appealing destinations. Regular ferry services link the city to mainland Spanish ports including Málaga (7-8 hours), with its vibrant cultural scene and historic center; Almería (6-7 hours), known for its impressive Alcazaba fortress and beautiful beaches; and Motril (4-5 hours), offering access to the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains. From Melilla, travelers can also explore nearby Moroccan coastal towns like Nador, just 15km away, where authentic North African markets and cuisine await. The ferry routes across the Alboran Sea offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean, especially during sunrise and sunset sailings.
Exploring Melilla's Cultural Mosaic
Melilla's compact size belies its wealth of attractions, beginning with the remarkable Modernist architecture designed by Enrique Nieto, a disciple of Gaudí, visible throughout the city center. The historic fortress of Melilla la Vieja offers four distinct levels of exploration, with museums, tunnels, and panoramic views across the Mediterranean. Culinary adventurers should sample the unique fusion of Spanish and Moroccan flavors at restaurants like La Muralla or Casa Juanito, where fresh seafood meets aromatic North African spices. The bustling Barrio del Real neighborhood invites visitors to experience local life, with its markets and authentic tapas bars. For relaxation, Playa de San Lorenzo offers golden sands just minutes from the ferry terminal, perfect for unwinding after arrival.
Melilla's Hidden Stories and Surprising Heritage
Melilla holds the distinction of having the largest concentration of Modernist buildings outside Barcelona, with over 500 structures in this distinctive architectural style. The city has been under Spanish control since 1497, making it one of Spain's oldest territories outside the Iberian Peninsula. Melilla is one of only two Spanish territories located on the African mainland (the other being Ceuta), creating a unique cultural environment where four religions, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism, have historically coexisted peacefully. The underground water cisterns beneath Melilla la Vieja, known as 'Los Aljibes,' represent an engineering marvel from the 16th century that continued functioning until the 1960s.
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