CeutaSpanish Territories · Spain

All About Ceuta

Ceuta and Melilla are the two autonomous Spanish regions situated on the north African coast. Both cities are essential ports where trade seamlessly merges with cross-culturalism. Ceuta has forever been a more desired city due to its location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Initially controlled by the Phoenicians and the Romans, Ceuta fell into the hands of the Portuguese in 1415.  The city was ceded to Spain in 1668 and has remained with them since.

Originally a part of the Province of Cadiz, Ceuta’s Statute of Autonomy was approved in 1995. Covering most of the Almina Peninsula with its area of 18.5 square kilometers, this coastal town is now busy rebranding itself as an international holiday destination with an array of excursions to attract tourists with distinct tastes and preferences.
 

Routes and Ferries to Ceuta

A quick and relaxing transport possibility is reaching Ceuta by boat from Algeciras. You can easily reserve ferry tickets to Ceuta through Ferryscanner. There are multiple sailings from mainland Spain to Ceuta, with the journey across the Strait of Gibraltar taking only an hour. Baleària, Trasmediterránea, and FRS are the three ferry companies sailing on this route, offering tickets starting at €25.

When arriving by air, there are two possible airports you can land at to reach Ceuta. However, keep in mind that both are located in Morocco. Sania Ramel Airport is 36km away and has regular flights from Malaga and Casablanca. Tangier Airport is a little over an hour from Ceuta but has several flights from Europe on a permanent and seasonal basis. Once in Morocco, you can take a bus or taxi to the border. The only other option is to book a helicopter. Ceuta has three helipads and choppers fly in from Melilla, Málaga and Algeciras frequently.
 

Port of Ceuta

The Freeport of Ceuta is a tax-free zone that operates outside EU VAT regulations. As a result, it is a favorite harbor with trading companies and cruise ships passing through the Strait of Gibraltar. Having high ferry traffic, the port primarily caters to cargo vessels and the tourism industry.

The ferry terminal in Ceuta is a gentle 15-minute walk from the center. If traveling with excess luggage, you can always take a taxi or hire a car. Simple yet efficient, the terminal has a café, an information booth, and short and long paid parking.
 

Best Beaches

An abundance of sun, sand, and the sea is why this Spanish enclave in Africa is an attractive beach destination. During summer the curious travelers, as well as returning sunseekers, arrive holding ferry tickets to Ceuta, ready to savor what is undoubtedly an African holiday with a European twist.

Playa del Chorillo

Playa del Chorillo is a small beach on the southern side of the isthmus. Its Blue Flag status, clean water, and conveniences such as toilets and showers make it an ideal location for beachgoers of all ages. The sand at the beach is dark with pebbles and stones but comfortable enough to walk barefoot. From June to August, you can find free straw umbrellas on the beach, which also has several bars and restaurants in its neighborhood.

Playa de la Ribera

Playa de la Ribera is the most famous beach in Ceuta and expectedly the busiest during tourist season. Its inviting soft sand with a few pebbles attracts people from all walks of life whenever a day is warm. While not strictly a topless beach, you may come across people baring it all even though families too very much love Ribera. This 405-meter-long stretch is close to the port and offers watersports rentals, WCs, showers, free umbrellas, and has bars in its vicinity. Lifeguards are on duty at the beach only during the summer months.

Playa Benítez

Playa Benítez is the jack of all trades. As one of the best beaches in Ceuta, it has everything from a great location to sunbathe and swim to a playground for children and romantic spots for couples to watch memorable sunsets. The water at this family-friendly shore tends to be a little cold, but the beach is clean and well-maintained. While Playa Benítez isn’t too wide, its 900-meter length provides plentiful space for sun-seekers and watersports lovers to enjoy a fun day at the beach.

Playa de Benzú

Hugging the Mediterranean along the western coastline of Ceuta, Playa de Benzú promises magnificent views of the Strait of Gibraltar. Even though the water here can sometimes be filled with algae, making it difficult to swim, the panoramas are reason enough to take the 15-minute drive to Benzú. Close to the Moroccan border, this beach is usually uncrowded, with a few locals typically coming here to fish.

Playa El Tarajal

A small beach in the southern part of the city, Playa El Tarajal, is a quick seven-minute drive from the main town. Due to its location near the border, don’t be alarmed to see a heavy military presence nearby. The 250-meter-long gravel strand remains particularly busy on the weekends but is a lovely place for a quiet walk during the rest of the week. Amenities are limited here, and the water can be hit or miss when it comes to swimming. Tarajal is nevertheless perfect for a change, away from the famous beaches of Ceuta.
 

Places to Visit

A sense of serenity takes over as you go about sightseeing in Ceuta. History, architecture, vibrant colors, and diverse flavors of two distinct cultures help give the city a unique identity that is a delight to discover through its people, museums, markets, and buildings.

Mercado Central

The Central Market of Ceuta might not be grand, but it provides excellent insight into the city’s daily routine. Locals come here to purchase fresh produce ranging from fruits, vegetables, and spices to fish and meats. This covered bazaar with numerous small food stalls and restaurants is in Plaza de la Constitución, a short hop away from the marina.

Casa de los Dragones

Ceuta’s architectural must-see is a building with four bronzed dragons perched upon its roof. The original dragons were, however, destroyed in 1920, replaced by fiberglass ones in 2006. Built between 1900 and 1905 by the then-mayor of Ceuta and his brother, Casa de los Dragones is an unmissable corner house in Kings Square designed by Spanish architect José María Manuel Cortina Pérez.

Murallas Reales

The Royal Walls of Ceuta are a historical fortification that consists of bastions, tunnels, and a 300-meter-long saltwater moat. Initially constructed in 957 AD, the Portuguese and the Spanish continued to expand upon the ramparts over centuries, creating what is now the old part of the town. To go past the walls, you have to cross over either one of the two bridges. Once inside, make sure to visit the Museo de las Murallas Reales in Plaza de Armas. The museum has an outstanding fine arts collection and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions.

Plaza de África

Plaza de África is the first place everyone arriving with ferry tickets to Ceuta should visit. A short walk from the port, its bustling nature is the perfect introduction to the city and its infectious transcultural aura. Lining alongside this grand courtyard is a mix of buildings in traditional Moroccan and Spanish architectural styles. The yellow-colored Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Africa stands out among them all, as does the Catedral Santa María de la Asunción. Sky-high palm trees in the plaza with benches underneath offer idyllic spots to rest in shade and people-watch. In the center of the square is a memorial commemorating the soldiers who lost their lives during the 1860 Spanish-Moroccan War.    

Monte Hacho

After a day of leisure on the beach, give your muscles a workout by hiking up Monte Hacho, considered one of the Pillars of Hercules. The 6.4km trail to the top loops around this low mountain that promises astounding panoramas of the Mediterranean along the way. In fact, on a clear and sunny day, you can even catch a glimpse of the Rock of Gibraltar. However, if you’re suffering from a holiday slumber, simply take a taxi to the peak, where you’ll also find a fort used by the Spanish Army and the Chapel of San Antonio de Padua.

Transportation Around Ceuta

For passengers arriving with ferry tickets to Ceuta, walking the city’s streets is the best way to explore its many hidden treasures and oddities. The town center is relatively small, with all sightseeing locations a short distance from each other. Both metered and unmetered taxis are otherwise available. If choosing the latter, agree upon a price before getting in. Ceuta also has a bus network that is suitable and cheap for a trip to the border.