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Spain is renowned for its stunning coastlines, vibrant cities where modern architecture meets rich traditions, and of course, its captivating Southern European charm—think cobblestoned Old Towns paired with affordable tapas.
However, what many might not realize is that Spain extends beyond Europe: there are several Spanish territories situated outside the continent that are just as integral to Spain as Madrid and Barcelona.
One such territory is Ceuta, an autonomous city nestled on the north coast of Africa across the Mediterranean Sea!
You read that correctly: a Spanish-administered exclave exists on the north coast of Africa, and if you’re in search of serene beaches and unique adventures, this is worth knowing!
Where Is Ceuta?
Unless you closely examine a map of Morocco, you might overlook the small, 7-square-mile peninsula that hugs the Mediterranean, barely separated from the neighboring country by an inconspicuous border.
This is Ceuta, a fortified port city that belongs to Spain, despite sharing land borders with an African nation.
The history of the Mediterranean is lengthy and intricate, characterized by the rise and fall of empires and the constant reshaping of borders.
Ceuta was established in the 1st millennium BC during the height of Carthaginian and Roman civilizations. It has since passed through various layers of conquest, including the Moors, Portuguese, and finally, the Spanish.
Despite its geographical position, Spain has maintained control over Ceuta since 1668, long before the modern Moroccan state emerged, effectively tying it to Southern Europe for 356 years. It’s a quintessential slice of Spain in North Africa.
A Slice of Spain in North Africa?
Ceuta’s population is predominantly ethnically Spanish, with a mix of devout Christians, a significant Muslim community, and some Sephardic Jews. Residents hold Spanish passports, making it easy for an unobservant traveler to mistake it for any city in sun-soaked Andalusia.
From its landmark-filled Old Town to its beautiful coastline, Ceuta offers a wealth of experiences that might surprise you.
The port area is dominated by the Royal Walls, a series of fortifications with a water-filled moat that have protected the city since 962 AD, making it a top attraction today.
While wandering through the bustling center filled with cafes, you may encounter the House of Dragons—though it shares no connection to the HBO series, it is a Moorish Revival structure adorned with formidable bronze dragons that look like they’d fit right in in the fictional land of Dorne.
At the heart of Ceuta is the vibrant Plaza de Africa (Africa Square), surrounded by local shops and churches, including the 16th-century Renaissance-style Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption and the golden Shrine of Our Lady of Africa.
Just a short 3-minute stroll from the square is the Paseo de las Palmeras, a palm tree-lined promenade offering oceanfront amenities, numerous dining options, and the remarkably preserved 12th-century Arab Baths, which you can enter for free.
Delicious North African Cuisine
When it comes to dining in Ceuta, don’t miss the opportunity for a relaxed Moroccan dinner at OASIS, a casual restaurant overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar that serves delicious North African dishes like beef couscous, lamb tagine, and fresh pastillas—savory chicken pies dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon.
Being a Mediterranean exclave, seafood takes center stage in the local cuisine. For some tasty grilled octopus, freshly-caught fish, and beers for just $3, head over to El Muelle, while El Camarón is the go-to for the best seafood around.
Other noteworthy attractions include ‘Hercules and the Union of the World,’ a monumental sculpture symbolizing Ceuta’s unique bridging role between Europe and Africa, the picturesque Mediterranean Maritime Park filled with artificial saltwater lakes, and the scenic Monte Hacho:
Stunning Coastal Hikes
A popular hiking route takes you up to a fortress, providing awe-inspiring views of Ceuta, Morocco, and mainland Spain across the shoreline.
Ceuta is an excellent spot for putting on your walking shoes and immersing yourself in nature; though it is compact, it is rich in nature reserves.
The trail from ‘Puerto’ to the historic Desnarigado Castle showcases untouched Mediterranean landscapes, tranquil coves, and picturesque vistas, forming a circular 6.5-mile route that takes just over 3 hours to complete.
If you’re a mountain biking enthusiast, don’t miss the famous biking path that contours around Ceuta’s perimeter, covering 25.1 miles with an elevation gain of 3,631 feet.
Seeking beautiful beaches instead? No pasa nada!
Pristine Mediterranean Beaches
Ceuta showcases stunning swimming areas, particularly Playa de la Ribera—a sandy stretch beside turquoise waters, Playa del Chorrillo—next to the sea fortifications, and Playa de Calamocarro—a delightful find at the end of a scenic one-hour nature trail starting from the city.
Thanks to its African location, Ceuta enjoys warm temperatures year-round, averaging between 70°F to 73°F in the fall.
Despite its beauty and sunny weather in both fall and winter, as well as a few beachfront hotels, Ceuta remains largely uncrowded:
Among Spanish territories in Africa, including the trendy Canary Islands and the nearby exclave of Melilla, Ceuta ranks as the second least-visited destination, having welcomed roughly 65,000 visitors in 2023, according to Spain’s National Statistics Institute.
The majority of tourists will originate from Madrid or nearby Andalusia, meaning that those traveling internationally make up an even smaller proportion.
In simpler terms, this is a hidden gem along the Mediterranean coast, boasting untouched beaches, incredible nature trails, and historical attractions that millions of tourists flocking to Spain every year have yet to uncover.
This hidden charm makes Ceuta not only affordable but also significantly more welcoming to visitors than its over-touristed counterparts:
How Expensive Is It to Visit Ceuta?
A night at the Oh Nice Revellin Ceuta, a 3-star hotel conveniently located near key attractions, starts at just $67, while the renowned Parador de Ceuta, attached to the historic walls, begins at $91.
Budget-friendly dining options are abundant: a typical lunch menu (including a drink) averages $12.28 in casual restaurants, and for those strictly budgeting, combo meals at fast-food outlets start at $6.43.
Is Ceuta Safe to Visit?
You might wonder about safety since Ceuta is located in Africa. The answer is very safe: although it rests in a different continent, it remains a Spanish territory, regulated by Spanish laws and safeguarded by Spanish law enforcement.
There is a well-monitored border dividing Ceuta from Morocco, ensuring that anyone entering or leaving must go through thorough checks.
Getting to Ceuta
Now, onto the essential question: how can you travel from mainland Spain to Ceuta?
While a helicopter service is available, the most straightforward and convenient option is to take a ferry from Algeciras, on the Andalusian coast.
Adult tickets start at just $31.27, and the crossing takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the selected route and weather conditions. You can book tickets directly through Balearia’s official website.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
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