The autonomous city of Melilla is located on the Cape of Tres Forcas, a peninsula situated north of the Rif, declared a Site of Biological and Ecological Interest for its natural wealth. This enclave is home to more than 100 native species, both terrestrial and aquatic, making it a unique destination for cycling and nature lovers.
Explore Melilla by bike: a unique experience
Touring Melilla by road bike or mountain bike is an experience that allows you to discover its great biodiversity and spectacular landscapes. While you pedal, you may encounter migratory birds—it is the second most important crossing from Europe to Africa—and even the monkeys that inhabit the Sierra de Nador, south of the city.
Mountain bike routes through Melilla and Morocco
For mountain bike enthusiasts, Melilla and its surroundings offer fascinating routes, with paths that cross dirt roads, hills, and arid landscapes with impressive views of the Mediterranean. Most of these routes are not very technically difficult, but they do allow you to experience a true adventure in the heart of nature.
Some outstanding mountain bike routes include:
- Sierra de Nador Route: Ideal for observing native wildlife and enjoying varied terrain with moderate climbs.
- Farhana and Mari Guari Route: A route close to the border, with dirt roads and panoramic views of the coast.
- Gurugú Route: For cyclists looking for more of a challenge, with demanding ascents and trails between mountains.
⚠️ Important: Many of these routes cross the border between Melilla and Morocco, so it is mandatory to carry a valid passport .
Road bike routes: coastal landscapes and scenic roads
If you prefer to ride on asphalt, Melilla also offers ideal options for road biking, with routes that border the Mediterranean coast and allow you to enjoy breathtaking sea views.
Some recommended routes include:
- Melilla – Cabo Tres Forcas Route: A spectacular journey along the coast, perfect for enjoying the sunrise on the road.
- Melilla – Beni Enzar Route: An ideal option for endurance training, with well-paved roads and gentle slopes.
- Melilla – Alhucemas Route: A more demanding journey that leads towards Morocco, with mountainous landscapes and winding roads.
Discover Melilla on two wheels
Whether on a mountain bike exploring natural trails or on a road bike riding along the coast, Melilla offers endless possibilities for cycling enthusiasts. Its strategic location between Europe and Africa, along with its incredible biodiversity, makes it a unique destination for pedaling and discovering landscapes that combine history, nature, and adventure.
Uixan Mines Route
This mountain bike route starts from Melilla, skirting the Mar Chica up to the Uixan mines area, a former Spanish mining enclave past the town of Nador. It is a long route, but not excessively difficult to complete. The first part of the route, up to Nador, is completely flat, running parallel to the Mar Chica (also called Nador Lagoon), a wetland of great biological importance. The toughest part of this route is found between kilometers 40 and 50, when you climb the Gurugú from the south side. Once you crest this mountain, the return to Melilla is always downhill.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Type: XC Marathon
- Distance: 70.4 kilometers
- Elevation gain: 1,154 meters
- Route type: Circular
- Start/end: Melilla
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See the track of the route on Wikiloc
La Africana Route
La Africana is a 75-kilometer MTB race organized by the Melilla Legion. This route is part of the course for this event in its 2018 edition. The route goes around the perimeter of the autonomous city and features great attractions and contrasts, such as fortified barracks, sea views from cliffs, and a final stretch passing through the old walled city. The route has few technically difficult sections, except for some winding descents and a stepped climb that can only be overcome by getting off the bike.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Type: XC
- Distance: 75 kilometers
- Elevation gain: 1,160 meters
- Route type: Circular
- Start/finish: Melilla
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Track of the route
Castillo de la Tazuda Route
The Castillo de la Tazuda is an old military fortification on top of Mount Gurugú, south of Melilla, very close to the city of Nador. From the top of this peak, which was the scene of numerous skirmishes during the so-called Rif War at the beginning of the 20th century, you can see the city of Melilla, the Mar Chica, and depending on cloud cover, the view can reach Algeria, the Chafarinas Islands, and even Sierra Nevada on very clear days. This mountain in the Nador range is located in an area of great environmental value, on whose slopes you may come across Barbary macaques while doing the route. It is important to bring your passport, since to do this route you must cross the Beni-Enzar border checkpoint.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Type: XC / Trail
- Distance: 39 kilometers
- Elevation gain: 953 meters
- Route type: Out-and-back linear
- Start/finish: Melilla
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Track of the route