Melilla is a Spanish exclave in North Africa, located on the northern tip of Maghreb, on the Mediterranean coast. Traditionally considered part of Andalusia for historical reasons, it was administered as part of Malaga province prior to the March 14, 1995 Statute of Autonomy, and was a free port before Spain joined the European Union. It was a Phoenician and later Punic establishment under the name of Rusadir. Later it became a part of the Roman province of Hispania Nova Ulterior Tingitana in Hispania. As centuries passed, it went through Vandal, Byzantine and Hispano-Visigothic hands. Melilla was on the frontier of the Kingdom of Tlemcen and the Kingdom of Fes when the Juan Alfonso Perez de Guzman El Bueno 3rd Duke of Medina Sidonia reconquered it in 1497, a few years after Castille had taken control of the last Nasrid kingdom of Granada. General Francisco Franco used the city as one of his staging grounds for his rebellion in 1936, and a statue of him is still prominently featured.

	Country:	Spain
	Location:	North Africa
	Country Code:	+34
	Population:	65,488
	Language:	Spanish
	Currency:	Euro (€)
	Time Zone:	GMT+1
	Train Station:	None
	Tourism:	Melilla Toursim

By Car Melilla is 15km from Nador,190km from Al Hoceima is 190km and 150 km from Oujda.

By Air There are around twelve flights a day to Malaga, as well as two a day to Almeria, Barcelona and Madrid, and one to Granada.

By Ferry Trasmediterranea offers 2 crossings daily to Malaga with a sailing duration from 4 hours and 1 crossing daily to Almeria with a sailing duration from 5 hours.

• Iglesia del Segrada Corazon
• Plaza de España
• Statue of Pedro Estopiñan
• Parque Hernandez
• Melilla Beach

Iglesia del Segrada Corazon is the main church of Melilla is squeezed in between the centre buildings. Just a little square in front of the church gives it room, and allows celebrations to start or continue outdoors. Formed as a perfect circle with a park in the centre, Plaza de España is the real centre of Melilla. It can be found next to the harbour. The statue of Pedro Estopiñan is a monument to one of the towns historic heros. During times of festivals, Parque Hernandez is turned into a fairground where all people gather late into the night. The rest of the time, it is a tranquil spot to escape the claustrophobia that the inhabitants of Melilla sometimes feel. The beach at Melilla is clean, wide and seldom crowded.