Making the most of Ceuta
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Arriving in Ceuta is striking, with mountains flanking the city, ancient walls and fortresses, and far-reaching views.
Ceuta port has 2 cruise terminals: Espana Pier and Pier de Penitent, both with tourist information and taxis. The Espana Pier terminal stands 100 metres from the town centre.
Ceuta is a Spanish enclave on the Moroccan mainland, covering 19,7 km² and administered by Cádiz Province. It is one of two surviving fragments of Spain's long-established presence in North Africa.
Portuguese and other visitors once came to Ceuta for duty-free shopping, but its appeal has diminished since integration into the European Union. The combination of European people and organisation with Moroccan neighbours remains interesting. Evidence of colonisation creates an engaging tour, while those seeking a more intense experience can cross the border into Morocco.
Getting around
Beautifully whitewashed and tiled buildings fill the medina. Hiring an official guide from the tourist office may be sensible; the office is located at 30 Rue Mohammed V.
Nearby places
Tetouan lies 30 min (40 km) from Ceuta, while Tanger is 1 hour away.
From the 8th century onwards, Tétouan played an important Islamic-period role as the principal contact point between Morocco and Andalusia. After the Reconquest, Andalusian refugees expelled by Spain rebuilt the town, leaving an unmistakable influence on its architecture and art. Despite being among Morocco's smallest medinas, Tétouan is unquestionably the most complete and remains largely untouched by later external influences.
Food and shopping
Ceuta's duty-free status and role as an important commercial centre support modern shops selling products from many origins, including electronic equipment, photography, jewellery and local crafts...
Money
The local currency is the Euro.
Staying connected
Spanish is the language spoken.
Opening Hours and
Most shops and businesses normally open from 9am to 6pm, including an extended lunch break from around noon until 2pm.
Many museums do not open on Monday.