Ceuta (Arabic: سبتة (Sabtah), Berber: Sebta) is one of two Spanish exclaves in North Africa (the other one being Melilla). The territory had several rulers before the Portuguese in 1415 took control of this city east of Tangier. Since 1580 it has been under Spanish administration but has the status of an autonomous city despite being located on the African continent almost directly south of the autonomous city of Gibraltar.
This exclave was in the spotlight in 2005 together with Melilla because hundreds of people were trying to climb over the border fence. Ceuta being part of Spain and therefore a safe haven for Africans made it a prime target for migrants. Today the border is heavily protected by the Guardia Civil. The European Union invested a lot of money to make illegal immigration more difficult.
As Ceuta is part of Spain, Spanish is the official language and is spoken by the majority of the population. Arabic is spoken by the Moroccan minority.
The area hosts a few churches, and fortifications for those interested in Euro-African history and governmental relations. The downtown area and waterfront is remarkably clean and attractive with safe walking, and offers many stores and cafés serving the shoppers noted earlier. There is also a lighthouse to see.
Arab Baths.
There are lovely beaches and desert areas to explore.
- Mediterraneo Marine Park, Avenida Compañía de Mar, +34 956 51 77 42.
- Alfonso Murube Stadium, Avenida Otero, +34 956 50 39 45.
Mediterraneo Marine Park, Avenida Compañía de Mar, +34 956 51 77 42.
Alfonso Murube Stadium, Avenida Otero, +34 956 50 39 45.
Ceuta is no longer a free port. The city was a free port before Spain joined the European Union in 1986; now it has a low-tax system. You will see that the economy of this city focuses on people transiting to/from Morocco and one-day shopping tourists. Offerings range from footpath hawkers and kiosks, to modest stores (with goods you'd expect from the types of visitors noted above), to fine jewellers and an El Corte Ingles department store.
In the city, there are two main types of cuisine: Moroccan and seafood, both of which can be found in many restaurants.
Moroccan cuisine includes many spices, herbs and combines sweet with salty. Specialities include couscous, tajines with raisons and almonds, and small pastries
Offerings range from pavement cafés and a drive-in McDonalds to a few fine restaurants.
- El Secreto de Yuste, Av. San Francisco Javier 3, +34 956 50 89 59. Situated within the old medieval city walls. lunchtime menus at €8.
El Secreto de Yuste, Av. San Francisco Javier 3, +34 956 50 89 59. Situated within the old medieval city walls. lunchtime menus at €8.
Ceuta is a great city to go out. There are several pubs and clubs and a great tapas route.
- Tetouan in Morocco