evidence: Featuring impressive Catalan Modernist buildings, a sheer medieval fortress, and a wealth of tapas bars, Melilla is one of two independent Spanish cities located in North Africa. The exclave sits nestled on the Mediterranean coast, sharing a border with Morocco. [...] Melilla is completely surrounded by either Moroccan territory and the Mediterranean sea. The city has been a port center since the Phoenician times and under Spanish control since 1496. Today, many outpost inhabitants are Spanish military troops. [...] Melilla, Spain is a Spanish enclave located in North Africa on the Mediterranean coast in Morocco. The city is located between Al-Hoceima and Oujda and is one of two permanently inhabited Spanish cities in Morocco, the other being Ceuta, Spain. So while visually it appears to be in Morocco, it is considered a part of Spain.