Official UK partner to the Paradors, Pousadas, Pestana Hotels & Resorts,
Teritoria, and European Hotels Collection. Keytours International,
formerly Keytel International, your agent in the UK.
Modern hotel with Arabic influences (4*)
The Parador de Ceuta backs onto the ancient Royal Walls of Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the coast of North Africa, bordered by Morocco and looking out across the Strait of Gibraltar. Ceuta itself is an ancient port, and through its history has been occupied by Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Visigoths, Byzantines, Berbers, Arabs, Portuguese and Spaniards. This long history pervades the Parador: although the structure is contemporary, there are many Andalusian and Moorish touches, and some of the rooms are located in the vaults of what were once artillery stores.
The Parador is arranged around a palm tree-lined swimming pool, with views out to the Mediterranean Sea and across to the Spanish mainland. Public areas are open and air-conditioned, providing cool respite from the tropical North African climate, with palatial elements such as water features and statues dispersed amongst seating areas.
Bedrooms are stylishly decorated with Arabic touches. Many benefit from views over the palm-tree filled gardens, and balconies overlooking the relaxing pool area invite guests to soak up the sun whilst surrounded by a tropical environment. The Parador de Ceuta’s restaurant offers a mixture of Andalusian and Arabic cuisine featuring local ingredients.
This Parador’s North African location is ideal for a sunny escape during winter months.
This ancient city, dating back over 2,500 years, is one of Spain’s two North African enclaves (along with Melilla). Sharing borders with Morocco, it is an ideal location for those wanting a European base whilst exploring the colourful surrounding North African cities and towns. Ceuta itself is very much a typical Andalusian town, with very few North African remnants; however the Arabic influence can be seen in the area’s cuisine, blending Spanish and Moorish flavours to create a diverse range of dishes to please every palate. Ceuta’s proximity to Andalusia makes this an excellent alternative stop for those touring the region. An exciting way to reach the city is via helicopter as Ceuta is only a 10 minute helicopter ride from the town of Algeciras in Cádiz, or a 30 minute ride from Málaga. The city’s coastal location benefits from spectacular views across the Atlantic and over to mainland Spain. The Monte Hancho fortress, an ancient military fortress situated on a hill above the city and which today houses a museum dedicated to Ceuta’s military history, boasts some of the most impressive panoramic views over the harbour and Ceuta Bay.
Ceuta continues to celebrate this rich history as a defensive border town, and features such as the Murallas Reales, medieval fortified walls surrounding the city which were impenetrable for centuries, are still standing, serving as a reminder of the city’s important military history. One of Ceuta’s most spectacular attractions is the beautiful 18th century twin-towered cathedral built on the site of the old Great Mosque. The lemon-coloured structure is neo-classical in style and features a large door-frame made entirely of black marble. The interiors are decorated with imagery from the New Testament and a stunning Baroque altarpiece takes pride of place in the Santísimo chapel. It is situated at the heart of the city in the central Plaza de Nuestra Señora de África, which is also the site of the town hall, a memorial statue to those who died in the African War (1859-60), the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Africa, and the head office of Ceuta’s military personnel. All of this making for a very prestigious and fascinating part of the town to visit. The new Mediterranean Maritime Park is situated in the Ceuta Bay and is composed of a number of tropical gardens, waterfalls, and artificial lakes all surrounded by palm trees, providing a peaceful environment where guests can relax amidst an oasis of water and greenery. Ceuta has a strong bond with the sea, and water activities, such as kayaking and whale and dolphin watching are popular amongst visitors. However scuba diving is the most popular water sport in the area with exceptional marine depths providing fantastic diving opportunities.
For seasonal Parador pool opening times please visit our information on pools page.
Restaurant opening times:
Breakfast: 7.30 to 10.30 (Mon to Fri) and 8.00 to 11.00 (Sat & Sun)
Lunch: 13.30 to 16.00
Dinner: 21.00 to 23.15. It may be possible to arrive up to 22.45 and still enjoy a meal.
Cafe/bar is open from 11.00 to midnight
The Parador is located in the centre of the city in the Plaza de Nuestra Señora de África. This monumental space has the Santísima Cathedral Church to the right, the Municipal Palace opposite, and the Nuestra Señora de África sanctuary and the Commander's Headquarters to the left. Ferry services cross from Tarifa and Algeciras to Ceuta.
This Parador does not have parking.
Ceuta and Melilla make up Spain's North African Territories and are a perfect blend of Spanish and Moroccan architecture, history and cuisine. Easily reached via ferries from Algeciras, the Paradors here are an excellent, peaceful stopover for those wishing to explore Morocco.
