Ceuta

Ceuta is a Spanish autonomous city located on the northern coast of Africa, close to the Strait of Gibraltar. On Ferryhopper, you can discover what to see in Ceuta and find all the information you need about ferry routes between Ceuta and Algeciras, to plan your trip with cheap ferry tickets!

Have a look at our Ceuta guide for more information about ferry schedules from Ceuta and vacation in the city:

Stone watchtower in Ceuta

Holidays in Ceuta, Spain

Ceuta is a multicultural city with beautiful corners, perfectly combining Arab and Spanish influences. Situated at the meeting point of the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean, Ceuta is a cultural and geographical landmark; one of the most significant historic linking points between Europe and Africa. 

Travelers choose the Spanish exclave for its rich history, beautiful landscape and low-price shops! During your vacation in Ceuta, you can enjoy a short and sweet day trip to a different part of the world. From quiet beaches and rocky hills to quaint neighborhoods and cute local cafes, Ceuta offers visitors a plethora of true experiences in just 18.5 km²!

How to get to Ceuta

Ceuta is frequently connected by ferry from the port of Algeciras in southern Spain. The ferry route is available year-round and it is serviced with multiple daily crossings.

There is no airport in Ceuta, so the only way to get there is by ferry. Alternatively, you can fly with a helicopter or get there with a private yacht. If you’re getting to Ceuta from Morocco, there are buses taking travelers to land borders from major Moroccan cities.

Find useful info about Ceuta ferry schedules below to book your trip.

The impressive Punta Almina lighthouse in Ceuta

What to do in Ceuta

Ceuta is the perfect day-trip destination! A compact city you can explore within a few hours, Ceuta is great for couples or solo travelers who are after a quick getaway.

Don’t miss the impressive view from the Mirador de la Punta Almina, where you can see the point where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Also, we recommend that you visit the local market to try fresh vegetables and fish!

As for beach fun, La Ribera and El Chorrillo are the top beaches in Ceuta and both locals and visitors spend quite a few hours there, enjoying the sun.

If you want to spend more than a day in Ceuta, you can also go hiking, explore the 21-km coastline or continue your trip to Morocco.

See the best beaches and attractions on Ferryhopper’s Ceuta travel guide, and find useful tips to plan your Ceuta holidays!

Beaches in Ceuta

Ceuta may not be famous for its beaches, but there are ways to have fun during your visit! Most beaches in Ceuta are untouched with few visitor amenities. The beaches close to the city center are the prettiest and feature the most services and entertainment options.

Find some of the most popular beaches in Ceuta below:

• La Ribera: La Ribera is one of the most popular city beaches of Ceuta. The sandy beach is close to plenty of visitor amenities, it is great for kids and has easy access.
• San Amaro: the coast of San Amaro in Ceuta stretches across the avenue of the same name. It’s a rocky beach with easy access and clean waters.
• El Chorrillo: this Ceuta beach is the most beloved. It is covered with sand, it is close to the city center and it has calm waters. It’s family-friendly and you can find toilets as well as showers.
• Benítez: this dark-sand beach east of the city center of Ceuta is popular with water-sports enthusiasts and families. There is also an outdoor fitness area and a children’s playground above the beach.
• Tramaguera: Tramaguera is an urban beach with dark sand and easy access in the south of Ceuta. It is great for fishing by the rocks or swimming in calm waters.
• Benzú: the beach of the village of Benzú is covered with dark sand and it is ideal for relaxing moments by the sea. There are no visitor amenities, except for a small parking lot right beside the beach.
• El Tarajal: El Tarajal is a beach south of Ceuta close to the border with Morocco. It has dark sand and no visitor services. 
• Cala del Desnarigado: this is a cute, secluded cove on the eastern part of the peninsula. It has crystal-clear waters and it’s located among old tower ruins.
• Punta Blanca: Punta Blanca beach in Ceuta is covered with sand and seaweed, and it’s popular with seagulls! It is easy-going during the week and gets quite busy on the weekends. There are no visitor amenities, so make sure you come prepared.

Sunset at San Amaro beach in Ceuta

Sightseeing and activities in Ceuta

Ceuta has a rich past encompassing multiple peoples, cultures and religions. The multicultural character of the port city is evident in its architecture and monuments. We recommend that you explore the many tower ruins and ancient sites dating back to the 1st millennium BCE.

Here are some of our favorite attractions in Ceuta:

• Royal Walls of Ceuta: impressive seaside fortifications dating back to the 10th century CE
• House of Dragons: historic building with exquisite facade featuring bronze dragons
• Parque Marítimo del Mediterráneo: large waterpark with lakes and restaurant facilities
• Mount Hacho: low mountain with a fort and breathtaking views of the city and the Strait of Gibraltar
• San Amaro Park: public garden with fountains, sculptures and playgrounds
• Vigía de la Punta de los Atravesados: medieval fort ruins with impressive sea views
• Arab Baths: medieval public baths in the Medina quarter
• Mercado Central: local food market
• Plaza de África: green square with palm trees and amazing buildings in downtown Ceuta
• Mirador de la Punta Almina: viewing point next to a beautiful lighthouse

Tip: you can also go kayaking at the city center coast or the water reserves east of the port city.

The Royal Walls of Ceuta

Nightlife in Ceuta

Nights in Ceuta are mostly laid-back. There are some bars, pubs and restaurants in the city center, where young locals and travelers mingle. You can also grab a drink and enjoy the views from the promenade!

The most popular areas to have fun by night are the Parque Marítimo del Mediterráneo, where you can dine or try your luck at the casino and the Poblado Marinero by the harbor of Ceuta city center, where there’s a cinema, restaurants, bars, and shops.

Food in Ceuta

The cuisine of Ceuta is a mix of Iberian gastronomy and Moroccan dishes. The maritime tradition of the port city means there are plenty of fresh fish and seafood dishes you need to try during your stay.

Herbs from North Africa, cooking techniques from Andalusia and Portuguese influences create one-of-a-kind flavors for every taste.

Here’s what to try in Ceuta:

• sardines and other fresh and cured fish
• estofado de melva (mackerel stew)
• bonito de almadraba (fresh fish with peppers and tomato sauce)
• pastel de bonito (mayo and fish paste)
• sopa de picadillo (chicken soup)
• bastila marroquí de pollo (Moroccan chicken pie)
• trenzas de Agustina (aromatic fried biscuits with honey, orange and anise)
• fruit from Morocco (such as pears, apricots, grapes, and watermelons)
• spices, herbs and teas

Ceuta tips

Here are more useful tips you need to know before visiting Ceuta:

• Ceuta enjoys reduced taxation and it is considered a duty-free zone due to its location. Going on a shopping spree is yet another reason to visit!
• Ceuta is part of the EU territory, so payments are in euros.
• You can normally continue your trip to North Africa by crossing the border with Morocco, just 3 km from downtown Ceuta. The Ceuta - Morocco border is closed at the moment.
• Ceuta is safe for visitors, but it is recommended that you follow local guidelines and refrain from walking in remote areas at night.
• The official language of Ceuta is Spanish. Due to its proximity to Morocco, the Arabic and Berber languages are also common.
• EU nationals do not need a visa to enter Ceuta.
• You don’t need more than 2-3 days to see all the top attractions and beaches in Ceuta. Many travelers just visit Ceuta from Algeciras for a day trip.
• If you’re thinking of getting a taxi in Ceuta, we recommend that you choose a metered taxi and agree on any fees in advance.

Beach in Ceuta with access ramp for travelers with reduced mobility

Useful information for Ceuta

Ceuta is a small city with basic traveler amenities, which makes it great for a short trip. Most visitors get to Ceuta for the day, but if you prefer to stay during a bank holiday or longer, you can find long-term and short-term accommodation options in the city center.

Most travelers choose to stay in the city center during their holidays in Ceuta, as most major facilities and attractions are located there.

Tip: make sure you book a room well in advance, as there are not many hotels in Ceuta.

As for medical services, there are 2 medical centers and 1 hospital. The hospital of the autonomous city of Ceuta is located south of the city center.

You will also find plenty of shops, pharmacies, banks, and supermarkets.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Ceuta

Here are some useful contacts for your trip to Ceuta:

• Ceuta tourism services: +34856200560
• Ceuta Port Authority: +34956527000
• University Hospital of Ceuta: +34856907000
• Ceuta Police: +34956526900
• Ceuta taxi services: +34856925225
• Ceuta buses (Hadu Almadraba S.L): +34956508857
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Ceuta

Getting around Ceuta is easy, since the port city is small and most major beaches, attractions and services are downtown. Most locals and visitors get around on foot, but you can also catch a taxi or get on a bus.

Taxis are available in designated spots in the city center, but you can also hail one. As for buses, routes are operated by the bus company Autobuses Hadu Almadraba S.L and there are plenty of bus stops.

Both taxis and buses in Ceuta are quite affordable and are the best way to go inland and find the most remote beaches and highest viewing points.

Goat at a colorful neighborhood in Ceuta

Ceuta port

Ceuta Port is one of the most historic ports in the Mediterranean Sea due to its privileged location at the Strait of Gibraltar. It was inaugurated in 1942 and has since been used both by cargo ships as well as passenger ferries.

The port has 2 terminals: Muelle España and Poniente. Ferries to Ceuta from mainland Spain normally arrive at the España Terminal.

All Ceuta ferry routes are operated by FRS Iberia DFDS, Baleària and Trasmediterránea.

At the small port you can find information kiosks, gas stations, cafes, and restaurants, as well as a car park for short or long stays. 

Tip: parking at the port of Ceuta is free for the first 30 minutes.

Ceuta ferries

The port of Ceuta serves ferry routes to Algeciras in mainland Spain year-round. This ferry connection is particularly popular due to Ceuta’s proximity to Andalusia.

The route is serviced by 3 ferry companies on a daily basis. Getting a ferry to Algeciras is the only way to get from Ceuta to Gibraltar, which is just 20-km away from the Andalusian port city.

See more details about the Ceuta - Algeciras ferry connection:

Ferry from Ceuta to Algeciras

The ferry route from Ceuta to Algeciras is one of the most frequent ferry crossings from North Africa to mainland Spain. Ferries from Ceuta to the port of Algeciras are daily all year long. 

Normally, there are at least 10 daily crossings and the trip is only 1-1.5 hours long. Tickets to Algeciras start at around €34 - €40.

Ferry from Algeciras to Ceuta

Getting by ferry from Algeciras to Ceuta is possible throughout the year. The route is serviced with up to 15 daily crossings by 3 ferry companies.

The ferry to Ceuta from Algeciras makes the trip in 1-1.5 hours and tickets start at €34.

Where is the port of Ceuta?

The port of Ceuta is in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on the northern coast of North Africa. The port is located west of the city center, on Juan de Borbón Avenue.

How to get to Ceuta Port

You can easily walk to Ceuta Port by following a beautiful 10-minute coastal route from the city center.

There is no public transport service directly connecting the city with the port, so you can only get there on foot, by car or taxi. 

View to the port of Ceuta

Book ferry tickets online to Ceuta

On Ferryhopper, you can easily book tickets from and to Ceuta. Find info about ferry schedules from the port of Ceuta, as well as the ferry to Ceuta from mainland Spain, check Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries for available ferry crossings, and book tickets with no hidden fees!