Parador de Melilla Don Pedro de Estopinan

Spain - Melilla - North Africa

Three star Parador hotel overlooking the town, bay and beaches of this Spanish possession in North Africa

From the terraces of this Parador you will have the best views to the Ciudadela or Pueblo (walled city) and the long stretches of beaches surrounding it.

Rising up over a small valley in the upper part of the Lobera park, this building bathes in the North African sun while enjoying its quiet location. This Parador has a private garden as well as a refreshing swimming pool.

Comfortable facilities share the elegance and simplicity in the decoration of the bedrooms which boast panoramic views from their terraces.

The cooking in Melilla has strong Andalusian influences combined with the Arabic culture. Being a coastal area, fish and shellfish feature strongly on the menu. The "rape Estopinan" (anglerfish) and fried vegetable salad with Melilla salted fish must be tasted.

In Melilla you should not miss visiting the Ciudadela which was first erected in the fifteenth century, the Mosque and the Synagogue, the Purisima Concepcion Church, the City Museum, and the Rostrogordo pine forests.

You may also visit two nice parks. Hernandez , located inside the city possessing exotic plants, palms and centennary trees and Lobera which is located by the old fourth wall.

The Museum Amazigh exposes neolithic ceramics and a variety of jewellery.

In Melilla there are two big commemorations during the year: The Virgin of Victoria, on September 8th, and Pedro Estopinan who founded the city, on September 17th.

As this is a free port, the city has to offer an extensive range of goods coming from Africa and the Middle East. You will find them in the small markets of the city, such as the Poligono (Arab neighbourhood), the Mercadillo del Real, and the Mercadillo barrio Bateria Jota.

The activities that you may carry out in Melilla are mainly sea-oriented such as swimming, scuba diving, and sailing. You should also discover the salty marshes area of Ras el Ma (the path will lead you in front of the Chafarinas Islands), the grandiose bay of Alhucemas, or go shopping to the markets of Oujda, Uled Mimon.

These visits include entering Morocco territory, and thus you will need your passport and green card.

This Parador has thirty three twin bedded rooms, three rooms with double beds and four single rooms.

All the rooms have a telephone, satellite television, safe and a mini bar.

The building has air conditioning and there is a restaurant and bar. Business meetings can be held in the hotel.

Pets are not allowed.

Directions

The Parador is located in the upper part of the town, in the Ataque Seco district, next to the Parque Lobera and the Fuerte de la Victoria, the former prison of Melilla. From the peninsula it can be reached by plane or boat.