Melilla

Sitting at Spain's forgotten doorstep on the North African coast, Melilla la Vieja is the sort of fortress city that feels as though it's permanently stuck in an identity crisis-part Andalusian charm, part Moroccan intrigue, and entirely unapologetic about it. Wandering its winding lanes, you'll marvel at the architectural mash-up of Moorish arches, robust Spanish battlements, and the occasional pigeon strutting with imperial disdain atop ancient cannons. Come early in the morning just after sunrise, when the crowds (and merciless summer heat) haven't yet arrived, giving you full clearance to snap envy-inducing photos without tourists clogging your feed. Planning ahead? Unless it's peak August holiday, a couple of weeks is more than enough lead time. Budget around 20 euros for street snacks and strong Spanish coffee, and don't forget sunscreen-or you'll leave looking like a lobster cooked a la North African sun. Ultimately, visiting Melilla la Vieja is less about checking off sites and more about bragging rights of having wandered through this little geopolitical anomaly-proof that history, culture, and political absurdity blend deliciously wherever empires have competed and collided.

If sailing out onto disputed Mediterranean waters toward a tiny Spanish archipelago that Morocco eyes with suspicion sounds like your idea of fun-and frankly, why wouldn't it be?-then the boat trip to the Chafarinas Islands will tickle your sense of adventure. These rocky outcrops, barely a stone's throw from the African mainland yet staunchly waving Spain's flag, are paradise for bird-watchers and explorers who prefer their scenery rugged and their geopolitics quirky. Aim to set off early in the morning, not just for the best bird sightings-think Audubon meets Bond villain island-but also because the sea remains comfortably calm, keeping breakfast comfortably inside you. Book your nautical escapade at least a week ahead, stash sunscreen, snacks, binoculars, and about €60-€80 per person in your backpack, because marine adventures aren't free, my friend. Sure, it's unconventional and a touch politically absurd, but let's face it, good stories typically arise from adventures that make border officials raise an eyebrow. If nothing else, do it just to casually drop at your next dinner party that you've sailed to Spain, in Africa, for birds and bragging rights.

If your idea of leisure involves scrambling up a mountain once used as a strategic lookout by everyone from ancient Romans to rif-wielding Rifian warriors-well, strap on your boots-Mount Gurugu has your eccentricity covered. Looming dramatically over Melilla, this rugged chunk of North African limestone offers views so breathtaking, you'll momentarily forget about your screaming quads and sweaty brow. Aim to hit the trails early in the morning, not simply because the Mediterranean sun transforms hikers into half-melted wax sculptures by midday, but also because dawn's crisp air brings the landscape into razor-sharp focus. Pack plenty of water, sunscreen, sturdy footwear, and snacks-this isn't the Ritz, after all, and there's no artisanal avocado toast waiting at the summit. Budget-wise, the good news is that nature tends to be free (last I checked), but plan ahead by at least a day to organize transportation or a local guide if your Arabic or Spanish is limited. Ultimately, scaling Mount Gurugu isn't merely about the exhilarating views of the Mediterranean or snapping jealousy-inducing selfies overlooking Melilla; it's about earning your beer at the end of the day, reveling in your minor rebellions against comfort zones, and shamelessly exaggerating every misstep into heroic feats back at home.

Descending into the Grotte de Friouato, North Africa's most labyrinthine cavern adventure lurking quietly outside the sleepy Moroccan town of Taza, feels a bit like being swallowed by a geological Godzilla-dark, mysterious, and vaguely terrifying. Don't expect sanitized handrails or tourist-friendly escalators-this is a rugged, slippery descent into a sprawling underground universe dripping with limestone grandeur and quirky formations that could double as props in an alien sci-fi flick. Early morning is your best bet; you'll beat both the heat and the handful of overenthusiastic spelunkers who show up around noon. Be sure to bring sturdy boots, a decent flashlight (unless stumbling around in damp darkness is your retro idea of fun), and some loose dirhams-around 150 to 300 MAD covers your guide and gear rental. Book at least a day in advance, though if spontaneity is your brand, show up early enough and charm might let you slip by. Sure, it's damp, dark, and maybe there's a bat or two eyeing you suspiciously, but poking around in the belly of Morocco's largest cave system is the kind of questionable heroism that'll earn you instant street cred back home-plus, it's hard to pass up a chance to brag you've wandered under Africa itself.