Algeciras is a city in the Andalucia region of southwestern Spain.
Most travellers come to Algeciras for its numerous ferry connections to Morocco and don't spend more than a few hours in the city. A shame, given the town's quiet charm.
The north-south coastal road, Avenida de la Marina, is Algeciras's main artery. The tourist information office (Calle Cervantes), is well signed from this road.
Algeciras is on the Western side of Bahia de Algeciras (Algeciras Bay) virtually opposite Gibraltar. Roughly speaking, it is orientated north to south. The Avenida Virgen del Carmen is the main road that runs along the water front. The ferry port is about midway along the Abenida del Carmen - it can't really be missed as dozen of signs are pointing in its direction and there is constant ferry traffic in and out of the port. There is also an elevated heliport right in front of the ferry port.
The main shopping streets, together with the town square and central market, are set back behind the Avenida Virgen del Carmen and are mainly pedestrianised. There is a wide range of shops here, from local food shops and boutiques to the main brands.
The bus and railway stations are close together, about 300m west (and slightly to the south) of the fery port in the main town.
See the beautiful Plaza Alta and the nearby San Isidro district.
Getares beach and Rinconcillo beach.
- Pasteleria Alhambra, Calle Jose Santacana 2 (One block south of the central market, +34 956 65 34 57. Closes at 15:00. Specialist in 'Dulces Arabes' (Moorish sweets) and also sells excellent bread. Charges by the kilogram.
- Zara, Calle San Antonio, 4-6, +34 956 630 343. Popular Spanish chain for men, women and children. Also sells home decor.
Pasteleria Alhambra, Calle Jose Santacana 2 (One block south of the central market, +34 956 65 34 57. Closes at 15:00. Specialist in 'Dulces Arabes' (Moorish sweets) and also sells excellent bread. Charges by the kilogram.
Zara, Calle San Antonio, 4-6, +34 956 630 343. Popular Spanish chain for men, women and children. Also sells home decor.
You'll find plenty of cheap bars, cafes and restaurants along the Avenida de la Marina, Calle Alfonso Once and around Plaza Alta. They stay open long into the night. Often not closing until the early hours.
- Lizarran, Edificio Plaza Mayor (From the midpoint of the central park (Parque Maria Cristina) cross the road to its East and walk into the pedestrianised Plaza Mayor, +34 956 7208434. Part of a chain, but very popular with the locals. The plaza itself is a soulless modern development, but this place is often very busy - after you've found a table waiters bring you a constant and varied choice of tapas. There is also a view (just) of Gibraltar. Tapas range from each.
Lizarran, Edificio Plaza Mayor (From the midpoint of the central park (Parque Maria Cristina) cross the road to its East and walk into the pedestrianised Plaza Mayor, +34 956 7208434. Part of a chain, but very popular with the locals. The plaza itself is a soulless modern development, but this place is often very busy - after you've found a table waiters bring you a constant and varied choice of tapas. There is also a view (just) of Gibraltar. Tapas range from each.
- Enea Club y Copas.
- Elite.
- Cairo, Calle Alfonso Once.
- Cafe Teatro, Calle Trafalgar.
Enea Club y Copas.
Elite.
Cairo, Calle Alfonso Once.
Cafe Teatro, Calle Trafalgar.
Avoid going to neighbourhoods like Saladillo, Bajadilla or La Piñera. Even though it's full of friendly gypsy people, you might get in trouble if you look foreign.