Discover Ceuta: Is It Worth Exploring This Gem at the Gateway to Africa?

What to See in Ceuta?

Across the Strait of Gibraltar lies a unique city worth visiting: Ceuta. Located on the Tingitan Peninsula, this city offers tourists countless things to do. A true crossroads of cultures, seas, and oceans, it's a place to discover fascinating and mythological stories, the beauty of its beaches, and the grandeur of its natural surroundings. Take note of the top spots you shouldn't miss—these are what make Ceuta worth exploring.

1. The Royal Walls

The first must-see in Ceuta is the Royal Walls complex. Declared a Site of Cultural Interest, this monument holds great significance for the city.

The walls date back to Byzantine times but were transformed during the Portuguese conquest. Each section will surprise you, especially the San Felipe Moat—one of the few navigable moats in the world. Inside, you can also visit the Caliphal Gate, a historic entrance to the city.

Why visit them? From the Royal Walls, you’ll enjoy the best views and sunsets you’ll never forget.

2. Plaza de África

Plaza de África is a must-visit square in Ceuta and the main hub of city life. It’s home to the Church of Santa María de África, patron saint of the city.

3. Mediterranean Maritime Park

The Mediterranean Park spans 56,000 square meters of lagoons, waterfalls, and palm trees—right in the city center. Designed by César Manrique, it's a modern symbol of Ceuta’s evolution.

4. Ceuta Museum

Known as the Revellín Museum, it is located in the former Revellín barracks, built by military engineers in the early 20th century. It houses a permanent Archaeology Section and regular temporary exhibitions. This neoclassical building is also a Site of Cultural Interest.

5. Monte Hacho and Desnarigado Fortress

Another must-visit is Monte Hacho and the Desnarigado Fortress. This excursion takes you to one of Ceuta’s strategic high points and offers incredible views and nature-filled surroundings.

The Desnarigado Fortress was once a hideout for a runaway Berber slave turned pirate. Today, it’s a military architecture museum and a recognized Site of Cultural Interest.

How to Get to Ceuta

As you've seen, Ceuta is full of surprises—its history shaped by many civilizations, and its present infused with modern life. Now, let’s explore how to get to this fascinating city and enjoy all its culture and leisure activities.

Here are the most common ways to reach Ceuta:

• By air: via helicopter to the heliport.
• By sea: via ferry to its port.

You can also reach Ceuta by road from Morocco. From Tangier or Tetouan, a modern highway takes you directly to the city.

1. Getting to Ceuta by Helicopter

Flying to Ceuta is a fast and scenic option. There are daily routes from Málaga and Algeciras. You'll enjoy spectacular views of the Strait of Gibraltar and both continents.

2. Getting to Ceuta by Ferry

Another popular option is the ferry from Algeciras to Ceuta. The distance between the cities is less than 30 kilometers—about 15 nautical miles—making it one of the most used routes across the Mediterranean.

This ferry route is well known for its frequent departures and short travel time. In favorable weather conditions, the journey takes just over an hour, and there are many daily departures to choose from.

It’s also an affordable option, and there are often discounts available. You can also bring your vehicle on board, giving you the freedom to explore Ceuta on your own. Be sure to select that option when booking, as the ticket price will be different from that of a passenger without a vehicle.

The easiest and most convenient way to book is through Kikoto, which provides updated schedules and the best deals.

Getting Around Ceuta

Once in Ceuta, the best way to explore is on foot. The historic center is compact and walkable, allowing you to experience its monuments and iconic landmarks up close.

If you need to go farther, there are public transportation options or you can drive your own car (if you brought one on the ferry) or rent one locally.

Day Trips to Ceuta from Algeciras

You can absolutely spend a day in Ceuta. The ferry from Algeciras to Ceuta runs daily with multiple departure times, making it easy to head out in the morning and return in the evening.

This is possible thanks to the various ferry operators and their frequent schedules. The short journey time of around one hour also means more flexibility in planning your trip.

With Kikoto, you can book your ferry tickets quickly and easily, always knowing the final price. So now that you know how easy it is—why wouldn’t Ceuta be worth visiting?

Beaches in Ceuta

Ceuta’s beaches are one of its main attractions. What makes them special is that they are bathed by both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. After exploring the city, relaxing by the sea is a perfect way to end the day. Here are the three most popular beaches:

• La Ribera Beach, located in the city center.
• El Chorrillo Beach, in the southern bay—also very central.
• Benzú Beach, known for its green hills and being the last beach before the Moroccan border.

Weather in Ceuta

Wondering what the weather is like in Ceuta? The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot, sunny summers thanks to its coastal location.

Use this quick guide to plan your trip to Ceuta—a city that will surprise you with how easy it is to reach and how much it offers, from historic landmarks to relaxing beaches. Book your ferry tickets with Kikoto and experience for yourself why Ceuta is definitely worth the visit.