Ceuta (Sebta) Overview

Travelers hoping to avoid Tangier altogether may opt to ferry to the Spanish enclave Ceuta (pop. 75,000; called Sebta within Morocco) and from there cross the Moroccan border, only 5km away. There isn’t much to keep you in Ceuta, and little to see besides some old walls and a monument to Franco. It is advisable to keep moving on immediately to Tetouan (35min.) or Chefchaouen (allow 4hr.), but if you’re stuck in Ceuta, try the helpful tourist booth (☎956 50 62 75) in the ferry terminal, which has a map. Ceuta doesn’t have much in the way of budget options, but if you’re here overnight, try Pensión la Bohemia , Paseo de la Revellín, 16. To get here, follow the water to Pl. de la Constitución and then head half a block down Po. de la Revellín. A dark hallway leads up to clean, small rooms. (Singles and doubles €35. Cash only.)

Border Crossing. To reach the Moroccan border from Ceuta, grab a taxi from the town center (€6-7) or take bus #7 (€0.70); to reach the bus stand from the ferry (5min.), exit the terminal and take a left onto the main street. At the end of the street, near a roundabout with a fountain in the middle (and near the water), take a right up the hill, and then another right to the stand. Taxis and buses stop short of the border; you must cross on foot and have your passport stamped. Expect to be accosted by guides wanting to escort you to their cousin’s rug emporium. Head straight to the parking lot, where grand taxis await . Cash exchange is available at the border; do it here rather than in Ceuta. From the border, full grand taxis to Tetouan are 15-20dh per person. From there you can connect to the more mellow Chefchaouen by catching a bus or taxi. If you are heading to Algeciras from Ceuta, you can use one of several ferry companies ( Balearia and Acciona Trasmediterranea among them) that offer fast service (35min., every hr. 7am-9pm, €40-45). Don’t forget about the time difference between Spain and Morocco—Spain is 1hr. ahead, and 2hr. during daylight savings time.

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