Ceuta is a Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast, sitting on a narrow peninsula across the Strait of Gibraltar from mainland Spain. Along with Melilla, it is one of two Spanish territories in Africa — a geographic oddity that gives the city a distinctive character, mixing Spanish, Moroccan, and Mediterranean influences.
The old fortifications are the main attraction. The Royal Walls (Murallas Reales) and the moat system date from the Portuguese and Spanish periods and are among the best-preserved military architecture in North Africa. The Maritime Park, a saltwater swimming complex built into the rocks on the Mediterranean side, is popular in summer.
Most visitors arrive by ferry from Algeciras (about an hour) and use Ceuta as a gateway to Morocco — the border crossing at El Tarajal is just a few kilometres south of the city centre. The city itself is compact and walkable, with a pleasant central promenade and a handful of good seafood restaurants. It is worth at least a few hours if you are crossing between Spain and Morocco.