Ceuta is a Spanish enclave located on the north coast of Africa, known for its mix differnt cultures including Spanish, Moroccan and Portuguese cultures. Ceuta is a popular stop on Mediterranean and transatlantic cruise itineraries, and several major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Norwegian Cruise Line visit the port regularly. It’s a really easy port to visit and requires no taxis unless you want to go up the mountain. There are plenty of things you can do in Ceuta cruise port and you can walk around the city in just a few hours.
If your cruise itinerary is in the Mediterranean you will often go to Ceuta on itineraries which cover the ports of Spain such as Cartagena or Barcelona. You may also go to south of france and ports such as Lisbon Portugal and even Naples Italy. If you are doing a North Africa cruise or a Tangier Med cruise you will also often stop here. Meaning you will see a variety of different cultures.
Ceuta is often misspelt as Cueta and is pronounced “Soo Tah”
Everthing you need to know about your cruise docking in Ceuta Spain and the best things to do in Ceuta Cruise Port
Can you walk from the cruise port into Ceuta?
Yes you can walk in to the city centre from. The port of Ceuta it takes just 5 minutes. As you walk out of the port the city’s old Royal walls will be facing you. Ceuta is such a pretty city! It is also so easy to walk off the ship and be at the cities Royal walls in minutes.
As you step off of the ship there is a small booth giving people maps and a very handy guide! You can discover Ceuta in just a few hours or spend more time at your leisure. You can walk around and see all of the statues and churches really easily following the map. There are plenty of shops too!
Where do cruise ships dock in Ceuta cruise port ?
Cruise ships that visit Ceuta, Spain usually dock at the Port of Ceuta the port has two cruise terminals:
- España Dock – only 100 metres from the town centre.
- Poniente Dock
These are located in the heart of the city. The port is a busy commercial and passenger port, serving both ferry and cruise ship traffic.
Cruise ships will dock at one of the piers in the port, which are equipped with facilities such as mooring bollards, gangways, and loading equipment. From the port, passengers can easily access the city center and its many attractions, including the Royal Walls, the Cathedral of St Mary, and the Parque Marítimo del Mediterráneo.
Other ways of getting to Ceuta Spain
Here are a few ways of getting to Ceuta if you are not coming in my cruise ship. You can fly to a nearby airport and then get a ferry crossing
- By Air: The nearest airport to Ceuta is Gibraltar (GIB) which is a UK British Overseas Territory and headland, on Spain’s south coast. You can get a ferry from Gibraltar for around 38 euros and it takes around 1hr to get to Ceuta Spain. You can also fly in to the south of Spain such as Malaga airport and make your way to Algeciras port for a direct ferry to Ceuta port. You can also fly into Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG) in Morocco, which is approximately 40 kilometers away from Ceuta. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus Ceuta. There is no direct ferry from Tangier to Ceuta.
- By Sea: Ceuta has a port that is connected the Spanish port of Algeciras. So if you are in Seville, Malaga, or Almeria you can easily get to Ceuta. To get to Ceuta from Malaga you can take the bus to Marbella and then the bus to Algeciras. The ferry service is in the port of Algeciras is at Port of Algeciras. Port of Algeciras, Maritime Station, Premises F4 and F23, 11207 Algeciras, Cádiz, Spain. From here you take the car ferry route to Ceuta port in approximately 1h 15 minutes.
- By Land: It is possible to reach Ceuta by road from other parts of Morocco such as tangier port. The main border crossing is at Fnideq, about 30 kilometers east of Ceuta. However, please note that this border crossing can be busy and may involve long waiting times.
Places of interest to visit in Ceuta Spain cruise port
Things to do in Ceuta cruise port
Walk the Royal Walls of Ceuta
The Royal Walls of Ceuta, also known as Murallas Reales de Ceuta in Spanish, are a series of fortifications located in the Spanish city of Ceuta, which is an autonomous city on the north coast of Africa. The walls date to 962 in its oldest part and the most modern parts to the 18th century. They were built by the Spanish to defend the city against attacks from various enemies, including the Portuguese, the Moroccans, and the Ottomans.
The walls consist of several bastions, towers, and gates, and they stretch for approximately 7 kilometers around the city. Parts of the walls are open to the public and walking along the walls provides panoramic views of the city and the surrounding coastline. Some of the notable landmarks that can be seen from the walls include the Mediterranean Sea, the Strait of Gibraltar, and the Jebel Musa mountain in Morocco.
Walk along the harbour
The harbor is a great place to take a walk and enjoy the sea views. You can also visit the lighthouse and the naval museum. It is just a few minutes walk from the cruise port on the other side.
Visit the Cathedral of St Mary
This cathedral of St Mary was built in the 16th century and is the largest church in Ceuta. It features a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Visit the Museo de la Ciudad
This museum tells the history of Ceuta and showcases its cultural heritage. It also features exhibits on the city’s wildlife and marine life.
Visit the Food Market in Ceuta Mercado Central
Mercado Central Is a large indoor shopping market selling fresh fish and other food produce. Great for any foodie lovers or if you are staying in an Air bno close by.
Take a day trip to Mount Hacho
Mount Hacho is a mountain overlooking Ceuta, and offers great views of the city and the surrounding area. You can hike to the summit or take a cable car.
Wander through the center of Ceuta (from Plaza de Africa to Plaza de los Reyes)
Visit the Plaza de Africa, this is the main square in Ceuta and features a statue of General Franco. This is all part of the old town you’ll find narrow streets, shops, and cafes. It’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping. You can then walk up to Plaza de los Reyes whilst perusing the various shops and statues on the way
Take a photo of the house of Dragons
The Casa de los Dragones (House of Dragons) is a beautiful building in central Ceuta. The building is located in the plaza. It is a Striking building built in 1905 by renowned architect José María Pérez. The top of the roof is adorned with huge bronze dragons.
Explore the Parque Marítimo del Mediterráneo
This park is located on the coast and is a great place to relax and enjoy the beach. It also features a large swimming pool, a wave pool, and water slides.
Visit the Municipal Museum Of the Ravelin
This Museum of Ceuta also known as Museum of the Ravelin and is set in a beautiful neo-Classical building dating from 1900. The museum showcases the history and culture of Ceuta, including exhibits on the city’s Roman and Phoenician past.
Remains of the 11th century Arab baths
The Arab baths are on the Main Street in Ceuta. They were discovered during building work on the street and they have since been subject to excavations in 2000 and 2004. You can see the remains easily on your walk around town and they are open to the public.
Enjoy the local cuisine
Ceuta is known for its blend of Spanish and Moroccan cuisine, so make sure to try some local dishes like paella, couscous, and tagine.
Statues in Ceuta Spain
There are several statues located in Ceuta, Spain. If you grab a handy map there is an easy walking tour around the city where you can spot them all. Here are a few notable ones:
The little almond seller
Perhaps my favourite statue is the little almond seller. This sculpture represents Manuel Sánchez Ordóñez, popularly known in Ceuta as “The little almond seller” This characteristic man for many years made and sold sugared almonds on the Paseo de Las Palmeras, in front of the statue of González Tablas, in the same place where his sculpture is now.
The Hercules Statue in Ceuta cruise port
The Hercules statue in Ceuta is an impressive large bronze statue that represents the mythical hero Hercules. It is located on the Punta Almina peninsula, which is the northernmost point of the city of Ceuta, an autonomous city located on the north coast of Africa and belonging to Spain.
The statue is approximately 7 meters tall and weighs around 4 tons. This is ‘Hercules and the Union of the World‘ by Ginés Serrán built In 2007. The statue is one of the largest representations of Hercules in the world and it is a symbol of the city of Ceuta.
According to legend, Hercules set up two pillars, one on each side of the Strait of Gibraltar, to mark the edge of the known world. Great statue which is very symbolic and represents the Strait of Gibraltar and Hercules dividing the 2 Continents. The Hercules statue in Ceuta is said to represent one of these pillars, with the other one located in Gibraltar.
Map of Ceuta spain and its Statues and monuments
This is a Map of Ceuta spain and its Statues and monuments;
