Melika
مليكة / At Mlichet
A hilltop old town across from Ghardaïa with views over the whole M'zab Valley. Outside the walls are the Sidi Aïssa tomb and a white cemetery.
Melika was founded around 1124 and sits on a solitary hill in the middle of the valley. It is the best place to look down on the old town of Ghardaïa and the M'zab river valley, and at sunset the whole valley glows gold. The old town is small, with an old mosque and narrow lanes. Outside, on the south side, the Sidi Aïssa tomb and the white cemetery have a distinctive form and are a favourite of photographers. As in the other old towns, you must visit the residential areas with a guide, and stay quiet in the cemetery area. It is a 10-minute walk or taxi ride from central Ghardaïa.
Opening hours
Daytime visits with a guide
Nearby sights
- Beni Isguen
- Ksar of Ghardaïa & Market Square
- M'zab Palm Groves
- Bounoura
- Ksar Tafilelt
- Sidi Brahim Mosque (El Atteuf)
- El Atteuf
- Metlili