Ceuta is an exotic city on North Africa’s Mediterranean coast. The city snuggles on the gateway between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It stands as a link between the continents of Europe and Africa, and it is the meeting point of four cultures and religions.
The fortified port city stands watch over the Gibraltar Strait.
Ceuta has an excellent seaport built around a natural harbor and it is always filled with pleasure craft.
Ceuta has an excellent seaport built around a natural harbor and it is always filled with pleasure craft.
The City of Ceuta
This is a fascinating city with a lot to offer its visitors, from beautiful sandy beaches and interesting museums to fiestas and cultural events.
A Little Bit of History
Archaeological discoveries have shown that people have lived in this area since the Paleolithic era.
The View of Ceuta
Over the centuries it has been occupied by various groups, such as the Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Visigoths and Arabs.
During the Middle Ages, the European merchants made this port city an important trading center.
John I of Portugal took control of Ceuta in 1415 and during this time the Pope conferred this place with the title of “City”.
Cathedral of St Mary of the Assumption, Ceuta
In 1580, the King of Spain captured the Portuguese throne and held it for nearly 60 years.
During this time, Ceuta was occupied by many residents of Spanish origin. A treaty signed in 1668 brought the city back under the Spanish control and the city was given a Statute of Autonomy.
Many South American exiles came to to this bustling port in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and they helped in the development of the city.
Carnival is an important festival of Ceuta and it is celebrated with parades and the still traditional ‘Entierro de la Caballa’.
Other religious festivities are: All Saints Day, St John’s Day, Our Lady of Carmen, Holly Week and St Antonio Procession.
As Ceuta is a duty-free port, the city has numerous shops selling countless items.
Where is Ceuta?
- 48.7 miles/ 78.4 km from Tangier, Morocco
- 43.1 miles/69.5 km from Gibraltar, UK
- 111.2 miles/ 179 km from Malaga, Spain
- 91.9 miles/ 148 km from Cadiz, Spain
- 39 miles/ 62.9 km from Gibraltar Airport, UK
- 56.5 miles/ 91 km from Tangier Airport, Morocco
Things to See
- Monte Hacho Fortress
- Cathedral
- Ceuta Museum
- Murallas Reales
- Legion Museum
- Maritime Park
- Diving
Beaches
- El Chorrillo Beach
- Ribera Beach
- Benzu Beach
- El Sarchal Beach
Excursions
- Gibraltar
- Malaga
- Marbella
Ceuta with its pleasant climate, modern facilities, strong economy and duty-free ports is a potential retirement haven. Its location at the busy strait gives it an advantage most other cities envy.
The city is constantly renewing itself by constructing new tourist facilities and promoting its beaches. Its size, its wonderful climate and its beaches make it a fantastic place to visit and enjoy.
We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!
