Guide of Ceuta

Ceuta is an autonomous Spanish city on the north coast of Africa, separated from the Spanish mainland by the Strait of Gibraltar and sharing a 6.4 km land border with Morocco. Belonging to Spain, Ceuta is also part of the European Union, and the Euro is the official currency, the city is also now part of a special low tax zone.  

A brief history of Ceuta

The city contains archaeological evidence of the Phoenicians, from the 7th Century BC near the cathedra. After the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians took over, followed by the Romans and Visigoths until the area came under Arab control. Then, in 1415, Portugal occupied the area before handing it over to Spain in 1668. Modern Ceuta is culturally considered part of the Spanish region of Andalusia. It is a cosmopolitan city, with a significant ethnic Arab Muslim minority as well as Sephardic Jewish and Hindu minorities.  In 2007, King Juan Carlos I visited the city, sparking great excitement in the town. Still, there were also protests from the Moroccan government as this was the first time a Spanish head of state had visited Ceuta for 80 years. The Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha was also controversially declared an official public holiday in 2010; the is the first time a non-Christian festival has been celebrated in Spain since the Reconquista. 

Things to do in Ceuta

There is plenty to see and do in this multicultural city thanks to its rich history. On the corner of Kings Square is Casa de los Dragones or House of the Dragons, an extraordinary example of eclectic architecture. Designed by Valencian architect José M. Cortina Pérez and commissioned by the Mayor of Ceuta, this distinctive building featuring four bronze dragons, completed in 1905. If you feel like going on a hike then nearby Monte Hacho is a low mountain that overlooks the city, the Mediterranean coast and the Strait of Gibraltar. Along with the Rock of Gibraltar, Monte Hacho is claimed to be one of the Pillars of Hercules. 

The Parque Marítimo del Mediterráneo is a lovely place to swim and relax. It is a purpose built leisure complex, composed of three artificial saltwater lakes filtered directly from the sea. A Lanzarote-born artist César Manrique designed the complex, which also contains gardens, ornamental waterfalls, sunbathing areas, a stage, bars, restaurants, pubs, a casino, and a nightclub. For history lovers, visit The Royal Walls of Ceuta, part of the city’s fort. The oldest parts of the wall date back to 962 and the modern sections are from the 18th century. They are listed as a Spanish Property of Cultural Interest. 

Beaches around Ceuta

There are some excellent beaches in Ceuta; they are situated right in the city. Two of the best are Playa de la Ribera and Playa del Chorillo, both lie to the south of the isthmus or land bridge, on the part where it joins the mainland. Playa de la Ribera is a vast sandy beach, at about 405 metres long, with an average width of 40 metres! In the summer it can get a little crowded though. Playa Benítez forms part of the Punta Blanca, about 900 metres long with an average width of about 200 metres. The beach is popular with sports enthusiasts; there are football matches going on, volleyball nets and paddle boarding available. For somewhere more remote, try Playa Calamocarro, located in the protected ZEPA zone.