Private Excursion to Ceuta from Andalusia

A unique enclave between Europe and Africa with history, culture, and a singular landscape

Tours and circuits to Ceuta from Andalusia: information and travel proposals

There are many reasons to take one of our excursions to Ceuta from Andalusia: its historical-artistic heritage, its nature, its beaches, its marked multiculturalism… In all cases, our agency will take care of organizing every last detail so that you can discover this surprising city, a melting pot of cultures located in a privileged corner where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet. In fact, according to classical mythology, its Mount Hacho was one of the two Pillars that Hercules erected to mark the limit of the known world!

Several millennia later, travelers who are less legendary but increasingly numerous arrive here every year, departing mainly from southern Spain, as may be your case. In these lines, we explain everything you need to know about excursions to Ceuta from Andalusia, as well as general and practical information so that you can enjoy your experience to the fullest.

Where Ceuta is and what it is like

Ceuta is one of those cities blessed by its privileged geographical location, which gives it a special personality. It is located in the north of the African continent, like Melilla (although 375 km away from it), the result of a fateful history that we review in the following section. Specifically, it is located in the so-called Tingitana Peninsula, the land projection that forms the southern part of the Strait of Gibraltar, aligning face-to-face with the Bay of Algeciras and Gibraltar. This peninsula is also composed of several Moroccan provinces: Tangier-Asilah, M’diq-Fnideq, Fahs-Anjra, and Tetouan.

However, the territory of the city of Ceuta partly occupies another peninsula, Almina, as well as the isthmus that joins it to the surrounding countryside, already on the African continent. In the center of this peninsula lies the most important geographical feature of its physiognomy: Mount Hacho, 204 meters high. At the other end, the Ceutan terrain also rises several hundred meters, reaching an even greater height: Mount Anyera (349 m above sea level) is its summit, which forms part of the final foothills of the Rif Mountains, near Mount Musa (Jebel Musa) or the Dead Woman.

In total, it has about 18.5 km2 of surface area, with two faces or fronts: the north looks toward the Iberian Peninsula and the south toward Morocco. Although that size may seem relatively small compared to other Spanish cities, the truth is that it concentrates many tourist attractions, which is why the number of excursions to Ceuta from other places, especially Andalusia, is growing.

Its climate is also a genuine invitation to travel: classified as subtropical Mediterranean, it is mild in any season. In summer, maximum temperatures do not usually exceed 30°C, while in winter minimums do not usually drop below 10°C. Rains are concentrated in winter, as a result of the humid winds arriving from the west, that is, from the Atlantic Ocean. In any case, excursions to Ceuta can be carried out practically at any time of the year.

A brief history of Ceuta

A review of Ceutan history shows us that these territories have always been a melting pot of cultures, something that is partly maintained today in its society, as is clearly visible to all those who take excursions to Ceuta. In the following lines, we tell you about the most important periods of its past, which is fundamental to understanding why this city is as we see it today.

Ceuta in Antiquity: Foundation and Names

Different archaeological finds highlight the occupation of this territory as far back as the Paleolithic, approximately 250,000 years ago. However, the origins of the current city began to be written with the Phoenicians in the 7th century BC, who made excursions to Ceuta for commercial purposes and settled where the Cathedral of the Assumption is located today. They called this settlement Abyla.

Several centuries later, these lands were known by the Greeks, who used the name Hepta Adelphoi to refer to the settlement. However, the great contribution of the ancient Greeks was to place on Mount Hacho the site of one of the Pillars of Heracles (Hercules to the Romans; the other would be in Gibraltar), the mythological hero who established the limit of the world known to this civilization here. Other interpretations place the southern pillar of Hercules on Mount Musa or the Dead Woman which, in any case, is clearly visible from here. Excursions to Ceuta can include a route through one mountain or the other.

However, the cultural baton of the Phoenicians was taken up by the Punics or Carthaginians in the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. After the fall of the Carthaginian Empire, it remained under Numidian and Mauretanian rule (kingdoms of Berber tribes from North Africa), until it was annexed to the Roman Empire in the 1st century AD. It was precisely the Romans who gave the city its definitive name, from which the current one derives: Septem Fratres, as a reference to the seven elevations or mountains of this territory. The main material vestige of that period is the Late Roman Basilica, which can be visited during excursions to Ceuta as it is located right on the Gran Vía.

The Ceutan Middle Ages: From Count Julian to Pedro de Meneses

After the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, Septem fell under Vandal rule (5th century), later Byzantine (6th century), then Visigothic (7th century), and was finally conquered in 709 by the emerging Umayyad Islamic power on its path to conquering Al-Andalus. A conquest about which much has been written, for example by Cervantes Prize winner Juan Goytisolo: Count Julian, governor of Septem and father of the girl Florinda la Cava, is said to have changed alliances to join the Islamic side, led by the leader Musa and General Tariq, after learning that the Visigothic king Rodrigo had outraged his daughter. As a result, he would have helped the Muslim troops cross the Strait and win the Battle of Guadalete (711).

The new Muslim rulers, who called it Septa, succeeded each other in its government, as the city was part of the Idrisid emirate (8th and 9th centuries) and the Umayyad Caliphate of Córdoba (10th century). After the decomposition of said caliphate, it was part of the Taifa of Málaga and later became its own (11th century), before being conquered by the Almoravid (11th-12th centuries) and Almohad (12th century) empires. From the mid-13th century and throughout the 14th century, it was the object of numerous conquests and reconquests by the Marinids, Hafsids (13th century), and Azafids (13th century) of North Africa, as well as by the Nasrids of the Kingdom of Granada (14th century).

But in the 15th century, the Portuguese under John I broke through, obtaining their first overseas victory with its conquest in 1415, encouraging the Iberian country to undertake its project of discovery and conquest during the 15th and 16th centuries, leading them along the African Atlantic coast and through America. Its first Portuguese governor was Pedro de Meneses. From this period comes one of the city’s great symbols: the Áleo. Legend has it that De Meneses assured the king that with a simple Áleo (a stick used as a toy at the time) he would be able to defend the city. Today, the General Commander of Ceuta receives this object as a staff of command, and it hangs from the left hand of the statue of Our Lady of Africa, patron saint of the city, as can be seen by those who take excursions to Ceuta and visit this religious temple.

Ceuta under Spanish Rule

Ceuta was Portuguese until the end of the 16th century. At that time, following the succession crisis upon the death of Sebastian I, the kingdoms of Portugal and Spain were unified under the same crown, that of the Spanish monarch Philip II, for several decades, so the Ceutan enclave also came under his rule. In 1640, Portugal and Spain separated again, but Ceuta decided to remain under the rule of the Spanish king Philip IV, which was ratified in the Treaty of Lisbon in 1668. However, the city decided to keep its old coat of arms, with its traditional five blue escutcheons and its seven castles. Without a doubt, this is a curiosity that can still be appreciated today during excursions to Ceuta, as it is the municipal emblem and is therefore displayed everywhere.

However, it was not going to be easy for the Spanish Crown to maintain the stronghold of Ceuta under its rule, as its strategic position led other powers to attempt to conquer it on numerous occasions. For example, by the British in 1704, as part of the attack that led to the capture of Gibraltar. But above all, by the Moroccans, especially in the time of Moulay Ismail with the Siege of Ceuta at the end of the 17th and beginning of the 18th centuries. The same occurred in many other subsequent attempts during the 18th century.

19th and 20th Centuries: A Period of Decisive Wars

The following two centuries were no more peaceful. On the contrary: different wars took place, with transcendental results. The First African War, in 1859-1860, resulted in a Spanish victory and the expansion of the city’s territories to the west. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Second African War or Rif War broke out, and the Spanish Protectorate of Morocco was established. Both events affected the city due to its proximity.

In 1936, Ceuta was one of the first places to rise up against the Second Republic, remaining faithful to the Nationalist side from then on. In the mid-20th century, during Franco’s dictatorship, the aforementioned Spanish Protectorate was dissolved, and the city served as a withdrawal base for the Spanish troops that had been established in those territories. The newly independent Kingdom of Morocco, for its part, took the opportunity to claim sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla.

However, the city has always remained a Spanish territory in its own right, actively participating in the Transition process opened after the death of the dictator. In the 1978 Constitution referendum vote, support for the Magna Carta was overwhelming (88.7%), similar to the Spanish average (88.5%).

Ceuta Today

At an administrative level, Ceuta has been an Autonomous City since 1995, the year it separated from the province of Cádiz, of which it was part as a municipality. However, it still maintains certain ties with Andalusia, such as at the judicial level (High Court of Justice), religious level (Diocese of Cádiz), and university level (its university campus is affiliated with the University of Granada).

At a social level, its most important feature is multiculturalism, as is evident in the excursions to Ceuta. If we focus on religion as an identity trait, of the city’s more than 80,000 inhabitants, slightly more than half are Christians, including Catholics and Evangelicals, regardless of their level of practice. On the other hand, between 40% and 45% of the population is Muslim, and a constant quantitative increase is observed in this group. To a large extent, this percentage is due to the immigration the city has traditionally received from its neighbor, Morocco. But a relevant fact is that around 60% of the current Ceutan Muslim population is already native.

Judeo-Sephardic and Hindu Ceutans represent a smaller proportion. The former have their roots in the expulsion from the peninsula at the end of the 15th century, finding refuge here and in Morocco, although since the mid-20th century they have experienced a significant decline due to the aliyah to Israel. The latter began to settle at the beginning of the 20th century, attracted by commercial activities. Contemplating and visiting the religious temples of all these faiths is an incentive for many of those who take excursions to Ceuta.

Regarding its economy, there is practically no primary sector activity in Ceuta, except for fishing. Industry and construction are also not significant, but it does have a very dynamic service sector, especially in terms of trade: its port is in a strategic location for the transit of goods and passengers between Europe and Africa and between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and it also has free port status. Its tax regime is special, as it lacks VAT and replaces it with an equivalent local tax (IPSI), which is a major source of funding for the Ceutan administration.

Ceuta’s GDP per capita slightly exceeds €20,000, placing it below the Spanish average, in 18th place nationally. However, a significant percentage of the active population exceeds that threshold, as many are public employees: nearly 10,000 workers in total, including civil servants, labor personnel, and other categories. The vast majority are dependent on the central State.

Unlike what happens in Andalusia and the rest of Spain, tourism does not have a predominant weight in the Ceutan economy: it is estimated that the number of national and foreign tourists visiting the city each year is around 50,000. However, a constant upward trend has been observed in recent years, marking a growth record in 2019 with an increase of more than 150% in foreigners who take excursions to Ceuta at some point during the year. This undoubtedly means that there is growing interest in getting to know this multicultural city, as well as the places and attractions we show you below.

What to see in Ceuta

During excursions to Ceuta, the tourist attractions presented to the visitor are numerous and of very different types. Of course, there are cultural ones, related to the history and art that have forged the city since Phoenician times. But there are also natural ones, thanks to the geographical and environmental particularities of this unique enclave. All of them are distributed across the three large areas into which the city can be divided: the Isthmus, the Almina Peninsula, and the Outer Field. Below we show them to you in detail.

Isthmus of Ceuta: The Urban and Historical Center

The Isthmus of Ceuta is where the historical center of the city is located, the population nucleus where the Phoenicians settled and which was used, expanded, and/or remodeled by all the civilizations that came after, as we have related above: Punics, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Visigoths, Muslims (Idrisids, Umayyads of Córdoba, Almoravids, Almohads, Marinids, Hafsids, Azafids, Nasrids), Portuguese, and finally, Spanish. For this reason, it is one of the areas that attracts the most attention in excursions to Ceuta, mainly among those interested in cultural visits.

Interestingly, it can be said that the Isthmus of Ceuta is no longer an isthmus as such. That is, it can no longer be said to be an “elongated and narrow strip that joins a peninsula with its continent,” in this case the Almina Peninsula with the African continent. And it hasn’t been since the Portuguese, in the 16th century, built the Royal Moat, an element that is part of the Royal Walls: this moat is a 350-meter-long saltwater canal that joins the two bays (the one facing the Strait of Gibraltar to the north and the one facing the Alboran Sea to the south). Therefore, to be more precise, we would be talking about an island because it is a portion of land surrounded by water on all sides. In this way, the defense of the old Ceutan city, located to the east of said Royal Moat, improved substantially.

Nevertheless, the connection between the Isthmus and the African continent is easily made via three bridges: two for road traffic (Juan Pablo II Avenue and Martínez Catena Avenue or Ceuta-Tetouan road) and another more pedestrian in nature (Christ Bridge on Edrisis Street), so this artificial canal does not pose any inconvenience for mobility during excursions to Ceuta. On the contrary: it provides one of the most iconic images of the city, as the Royal Walls are one of its most important historical-artistic monuments, acting as a tourist draw.

Royal Walls

The Royal Walls constitute one of the most emblematic historical enclaves of Ceuta and a key point for understanding its strategic role as a bridge between Europe and Africa. Their origin dates back to defensive structures from ancient times, expanded during the Islamic period and profoundly transformed during the Portuguese stage and subsequent Spanish administration, giving rise to the monumental complex that defines the city’s historical profile today.

This fortified system combines military engineering, maritime architecture, and urban landscape in a unique integration. The navigable moat that separates its bastions, unique in its typology in the Spanish context, underscores the defensive function that the enclave performed for centuries as a control point for commercial and military routes in the Strait. Walking in its vicinity allows one to appreciate the direct relationship between the city, the sea, and its strategic vocation.

Today, the Royal Walls also offer a cultural and heritage space of great interest. Cultural activities, exhibitions, and interpretive tours are held in their surroundings, helping to contextualize the historical evolution of the enclave. The panoramic views over the coastline and the urban layout make the visit an experience that combines landscape contemplation and historical reading of the territory.

Integrating this site into a broader excursion from Andalusia allows for a better understanding of the unique Ceutan identity, where Mediterranean, Atlantic, and North African influences converge. A visit to the Royal Walls is not just an architectural tour, but a gateway to the city’s cultural narrative and its status as a border enclave full of memory and meaning.

Other Places of Interest on the Isthmus

The Isthmus is home to many other sites of interest, spread throughout the urban center and easily accessible during excursions to Ceuta. The most important and representative square is the Plaza de África, where some of the most symbolic monuments for Ceutans are located. They are:

The Cathedral of Ceuta: the current building began construction in the 17th century over a previous temple that suffered great damage during the Siege of Ceuta, which in turn stood on the site of an old mosque. Its current appearance is largely due to the major renovation in the mid-20th century. Externally, the black marble portal is striking for its rarity.
Sanctuary and Church of Santa María de África: built in the 15th century, with significant renovations in the 18th. Its importance lies in the fact that it houses the statue of Our Lady of Africa, patron saint of the autonomous city and highly revered by locals. The image is a Pietà, gifted to the city by the Portuguese Prince Henry the Navigator in the 15th century. Richly dressed and crowned, the ‘Áleo’ of Pedro de Meneses hangs from her left hand.
Assembly Palace of Ceuta: this is the seat of the city’s main political building. Dating from the early 20th century, it features an elegant Throne Room.
Monument to the Fallen of the African War: located in the center of the square.

On excursions to Ceuta, it is common to continue from this square eastward along the Gran Vía de Ceuta (Paseo Alcalde Sánchez Prados), one of the liveliest in the city, and discover buildings, sculptures, and other constructions of historical interest. For example, the Late Roman Basilica, from the 4th century AD, with its annexed museum that allows you to see the best archaeological remains of Ceutan Antiquity. At the end of this avenue is the sculpture of the Pillars of Hercules, in tribute to the mythical mission performed here by the Greco-Roman hero.

The walking tour on excursions to Ceuta can proceed even further east along the Paseo del Revellín, reaching the much-photographed House of the Dragons, the best example of eclectic architecture in the city. Other interesting constructions will have been left behind, such as the Trujillo Building, with its stately air and Neo-Baroque style, or the Delgado House. The Neoclassical Revellín Museum also stands out for its elegance, housing the best archaeological pieces from the Ancient and Medieval Ages, primarily, as well as temporary exhibitions. The area has also been revitalized with the Revellín Theater Auditorium, a work by the great Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza.

But the construction of greatest historical interest in the area is the Arab Baths of the Plaza de la Paz, which transports the traveler to medieval times when this space was used for bathing and social gathering during the Islamic period. They date from the 11th century and preserve their brick and masonry structure, with magnificent horseshoe arches and suggestive star-shaped skylights in the ceiling. It preserves its vestibule, its cold room, its warm room, and its hot room, making its visit a classic of excursions to Ceuta among those interested in cultural tourism.

The Almina Peninsula

Another highly recommended option on excursions to Ceuta is to travel to the Almina Peninsula, either on foot or by another means of transport. The great interest of this sector is natural in character, thanks to the imposing Mount Hacho rising here and the San Amaro Park, one of the favorite green spaces among Ceutans, located on its slope.

From a cultural point of view, the highlights are the military constructions distributed throughout the area. The most important is the Hacho Fortress, an element that all Ceutans are very aware of, as its walls can be seen from numerous points in the city thanks to its location at nearly 200 meters high. Hexagonal in shape, it dates from the 18th century, although there was previously another defensive construction here in the Islamic period. It has dozens of towers and five bastions, as well as other spaces for troops, such as cisterns and barracks. Today, it maintains this function, as it is used as an Anti-Aircraft Artillery barracks.

In addition to this fortress, the Almina Defenses were built in the coastal areas of the peninsula, a network of batteries and bastions whose remains are still visible in many places. The best-preserved construction of all is the Desnarigado Fort, a small castle with a single northwest front. It houses a small military museum with interesting pieces of engineering, artillery, and communications, mainly from the African Wars and the Civil War.

Some tourists, during their excursions to Ceuta, head to the northern tip of the city, formed by the Santa Catalina peninsula, a projection of land within the Almina peninsula, artificially reclaimed from the sea for defensive purposes. An unfinished old military battery is located here, and recently, a park with magnificent views of the Strait has been established. It also houses the main Ceutan cemetery.

On the other hand, there are several religious temples in this area, all of them small and humble, inviting prayer and contemplation. Of Catholic faith are the Hermitage of San Antonio and the Church of Nuestra Señora del Valle, both of which can be considered Portuguese heritage, awakening great devotion among Ceutans. The first has been located next to San Amaro Park, to the north, since the 15th century, being the object of a popular pilgrimage during the feast of this Portuguese saint. The second is located at the gates of the peninsula, where an old mosque once stood, today housing a famous sculpture: the Captain Virgin, made of stone which, according to legend, King John I of Portugal carried with him. Of Islamic worship is the Sidi Bel Abbas marabout, next to the old Paseo de Ronda, on the south coast. And of Hindu worship is the pagoda located next to the San Sebastián Cemetery.

Outer Field

To the east of the Isthmus lies the Outer Field, an area of the city less visited during excursions to Ceuta, but with some interesting places for tourists of different profiles. It should be remembered that, originally, the city was limited only to the Isthmus and the Almina Peninsula, but Spanish rule progressively expanded westward. This was especially true following the First African War (1859-1860), which marked today’s definitive limits.

In line with the rest of Ceuta’s areas, much of its interest lies in defensive architecture. In fact, a large stretch of wall from the Marinid period (14th century) still stands: it is 500 meters long with quadrangular towers and a construction style very different from that of the Royal Walls, as they represent different architectural traditions. In this case, rammed earth (kneaded earth) is used, with heights reaching 13 meters in some points and walls approximately 1.5 meters thick.

Also in the Outer Field is the most interesting mosque in Ceuta, that of Muley El-Mehdi. It was built in the 1930s. In fact, its construction is linked to the end of the Civil War, as a gesture of gratitude from the Nationalist side to the Muslim troops for their support in the conflict. This can be read on a plaque, although beyond this political context, it is a very well-preserved temple with a beautiful minaret and lovely green-and-white decoration.

On the other hand, when excursions to Ceuta last more than a day, it is interesting to take a route outside the city, especially through Sierra Bullones and the mountains surrounding the Ceutan urban layout. This is not only for its natural interest, which we address below, but also because some interesting military constructions are preserved.

For example, the Aranguren Tower, the Ányera Tower, the Francisco de Asís Tower, or the Piniers Tower. All of them are small Neo-Medieval circular fortifications built at the end of the 19th century with the aim of monitoring the new border with Morocco. Today, their interest also lies in the spectacular panoramic views they offer.

Beaches of Ceuta

On excursions to Ceuta, the beaches of this autonomous city are, for many visitors, one of the best surprises. The natural conditions of the area favor this: the Ceutan territory consists of 21 km of coastline, with a very varied profile that includes two bays. The first opens to Atlantic currents, so its waters are colder and more vigorous, while the second remains more sheltered in Mediterranean waters (Alboran Sea), therefore calmer and warmer.

If we add up all the bathing areas, including the small coves located outside the urban center, there are about a dozen. Some stand out for their quality, as suggested by their Blue Flag certification: in 2020, Chorrillo and La Ribera, two of the most popular and located on the city’s Mediterranean coast, received this distinction. Below we show the main beaches, perfect for a dip as part of excursions to Ceuta:

Nature in Ceuta

One of the major commitments of the Department of Tourism Services of this autonomous city is to promote nature tourism. This is not by chance, as is evident on excursions to Ceuta: it is a green territory that invites the practice of sports such as hiking or scuba diving.

For example, on the Almina Peninsula, dominated by Mount Hacho. There are different trails through this geographical feature, as well as sidewalks equipped for walking with unbeatable views. You can ascend on foot to the summit, walking alongside the Hacho Fortress, but you can also take a circular route along the so-called Paseo de Ronda. A mandatory stop for botany lovers is San Amaro Park, which is not only embellished with modern and suggestive statues, but also with large trees, most of them native. The San Antonio Viewpoint offers a privileged panoramic view of the Port of Ceuta and the North Bay.

And on the opposite side of the city, the variety of routes is even greater. In this sense, nature lovers take advantage of their excursions to Ceuta to explore García Aldave, in the surroundings of the Sierra de Bullones, located at the northwestern tip of Ceuta. From here, it is easy to understand why the Romans called the city Septem Fratres (seven elevations), as different mountains can be seen offering wonderful views of the surroundings. For this reason, viewpoints are numerous here, in the area bordering Morocco: in addition to watchtowers like Aranguren or Ányera, there are viewpoints like Isabel II on Mount García Aldave.

But many are those who fix their gaze toward the other side of the Moroccan border, for there rises the famous Mount Musa, also known as Jebel Musa or the Dead Woman. The rock formations of its craggy summit suggest, when viewed from Benzú, that we are looking at a woman resting eternally on her back. In fact, legend has it that a man, seeing his daughter bathing naked every night in these waters, punished her by turning her into rock. Some also see Hercules resting after his tenth labor. Or even Atlas, supporting the weight of the sky upon himself.

And if, in addition to contemplating the Dead Woman from Benzú, you wish for us to take you to the mountain itself, we remind you that Andalucía Exclusiva does not only organize excursions to Ceuta, but also to Moroccan soil. We have extensive experience in trips to the neighbouring country, so we will be responsible for offering you a proposal in this regard, informing you of the bureaucratic procedures you may encounter when crossing the border.

What to do during excursions in Ceuta

The excursions to Ceuta will allow you not only to enjoy the city from a cultural and natural perspective, but also from a more leisure-focused one. This autonomous city offers a wide range of leisure options for all types of travellers. One of the most attractive places in this respect is its marina, known as Marina Hércules. For example, for nautical activities: it has 325 berths and accommodates boats up to 25 metres in length, in a sheltered area of more than 30,000 m 2. Therefore, many companies offer boat hire, with or without a skipper, to take excursions around Ceuta and its surrounding waters, or to head into the Strait.

Jet-ski activities also stand out—watercraft you can learn to use here through tailored courses and lessons. And if you wish to try sailing, the Royal Nautical Club is one of the leading institutions and has its headquarters in this port. In addition, many other options are organised, such as diving trips or fishing expeditions.

However, Marina Hércules is a major attraction on excursions to Ceuta for other reasons as well. In particular, because its surroundings are the preferred area for nightlife, especially the Poblado Marinero: going out for a drink in the evening—especially at weekends—is a perfect plan in this complex of pleasant two-storey buildings with courtyards and landscaped areas. The casino, for its part, is the go-to place for lovers of games of chance. It is also a popular spot for family entertainment, as it has the city’s main cinemas.

But one of the best plans for those taking excursions to Ceuta as a family is undoubtedly the Parque Marítimo del Mediterráneo. It is a large leisure complex of more than 50,000 m 2, designed by the Canary Islands artist César Manrique. It is located next to the port and is organised around several artificial saltwater lakes, filtered directly from the sea. Waterfalls and ornamental fountains form within them, and nearby there are solarium areas for sunbathing. Swimming is permitted in these lakes during the spring–summer season, which increases their appeal for those travelling with children. At night, the venue becomes a chill-out area, with concerts and music sessions. Of course, it has bars and dining venues. It also has paddle tennis courts for enthusiasts of this sport.

Finally, we cannot overlook this autonomous city’s gastronomic appeal, one of the reasons why many visitors take excursions to Ceuta. For many, this is the “Mecca” of the pincho moruno, a dish widely found throughout Spain but popularised from here. In fact, this skewer is closely linked to Islamic cuisine, as it is derived from kebab: although in much of North Africa lamb is used for religious reasons, here it is common to use beef and chicken. But the real secret is the marinade, which, in addition to paprika, may include other spices such as ginger, saffron, or turmeric, among others. The cooking method also makes a difference, with barbecuing being the best option. Also related to these skewers are chicken hearts, which can be eaten on skewers, as portions, or in bread—the so-called bocadillos or “camperos”—an offal speciality that is very popular in local bars.

However, the influence of Andalusian cuisine is also very evident. For example, in its fish and seafood specialities, such as its salted cured products. In fact, its drying houses have a millennia-old tradition, dating back to the ancient Romans. And today it is still maintained, especially with the city’s most iconic fish: the flying fish, or “volaor”, a unique species with pectoral fins so large that it can glide for distances of up to 50 metres. Those looking to try it on their excursions to Ceuta, choose the period from May (when it approaches the Strait to lay its eggs) through to September. It is also a sight to behold: on Playa del Chorrillo, the popular “volaeras” are set up—small huts where the caught specimens are hung to dry, after being beheaded, descaled, gutted, and rinsed in salt water. The “volao” can be accompanied by bonito, also abundant in the area. In fact, its flavour is very similar to mojama.

In addition to this typical Ceutan delicacy, many other fish and seafood are abundant and usually sold at the market hall: Atlantic mackerel, red mullet, turbot, anchovies, clams, wedge clams, squid, langoustines… and a very long etcetera that lovers of these foods will appreciate. It is also worth mentioning prickly pears as the most representative fruit, as they grow wild here.

Information about your arrival and stay

Depending on the time available, excursions to Ceuta can last a single day or longer. And whichever option you choose, our agency will arrange all the services you will use in the city. This includes, of course, transport and accommodation, should an overnight stay be required. But even if you leave these aspects in our hands, below we explain the options you can consider for travelling to Ceuta and getting around within its territory.

How to get to Ceuta

By land: this autonomous city has a major land entry point in the south, via the El Tarajal border crossing. You can get there by road from Tangier (to the east) and from Tetouan (to the south). From Tangier, the journey is about 70 km and takes approximately one hour, along a route that also passes through Ksar es-Seghir. From Tetouan, the route is 45 km and takes around 45 minutes, also passing through the town of Castillejos (Fnideq, in Arabic). Therefore, this is an interesting solution for those booking a combined trip through northern Morocco. If you choose this option, it is essential to complete the necessary bureaucratic procedures to travel through this country, something about which our agency will advise you.

By ferry: taking the ferry is the most common option for excursions to Ceuta from Andalusia. The departure port is Algeciras, and the crossing takes around 45 minutes. In fact, the journey itself is a tourist experience, as it allows you to take in the beautiful sea-and-land scenery of the Strait of Gibraltar on vessels offering Tourist Class or Club Class seating. These ferries can also transport cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles. Connections between Algeciras and Ceuta operate daily, with between 15 and 20 crossings each day

How to get around Ceuta

Getting around the city is another service that can also be included in our excursions to Ceuta We offer private taxis and chauffeur-driven minivans for any journeys needed within Ceuta, whether in the urban area, on the Almina Peninsula, or in the Campo Exterior. However, if you prefer to travel independently, you should know there are nine bus lines, most of them departing from Plaza de la Constitución, connecting the centre with other points of interest for visitors, such as the port, El Tarajal, the heliport, or Monte Hacho. The city also has a fleet of taxis operating every day of the week, 24 hours a day.

And to resolve any questions that may arise during excursions to Ceuta, or to obtain further practical and cultural information, you can visit the Tourist Office, located at Calle Edrissis, s/n, in the Baluarte de los Mallorquines.

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