Spanish Territories

To be in mainland Africa and still technically be in Europe is absolutely possible when you visit the Spanish Territories. Melilla and Ceuta are two semi-autonomous cities along the Mediterranean Sea that border Morocco. Melilla is in the northeast, near the town of Nador. Having an area of 12.3 square kilometers, it is an important port and center for cross-border trade. Ceuta is much closer to Mainland Spain, with Tarifa being only 29km away, across the Strait of Gibraltar. Demand for ferry tickets to Spanish Territories typically goes up during the summer months. Melilla and Ceuta both offer beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and the unmissable opportunity to shop for less, owing to their duty-free tax status.

The seven-hour boat ride from Malaga or Almeria to Melilla is worth it when you consider that the city has some of the most prominent Modernist architecture outside Barcelona. Palacio de la Asamblea and the Glass House are two such buildings, built by Enrique Nieto, a student of Antoni Gaudí. Not short on museums either, the Museo Histórico Militar, with its military artifacts, and the Museum of Archaeology and History, displaying Roman and Medieval relics, are excellent excursions for rainy days. Evenings are best spent by the waterfront at any of the cozy tapas bars.

When searching for shorter travel duration, book ferry tickets to Spanish Territories, especially Ceuta, through Ferryscanner. The sailing time from Algeciras to Ceuta is only one hour, making the city a possible day trip or weekend option. Among the things to do in Ceuta is a visit to Casa de Los Dragones. The House of Dragons is located in the center and features four dragon sculptures on its roof. The Port Authority is another architectural masterpiece. The building, done up in Art Deco style, resembles a boat. Lastly, before you head off to any of the Blue Flag-accredited beaches in Ceuta, like La Ribera and Playa del Chorrillo, stop by the Central Market to indulge in the local cuisine.