Parador de Ceuta

NORTH AFRICAN TERRITORIES

There are two Spanish enclaves in North Africa, Ceuta and Melilla, which are bordered by Morocco. Each enclave has a population of between 75,000 – 85,000 with a mixture of cultures represented including Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Hinduism. The cities have experienced changing cultures for many centuries from Phoenicians and Greeks to Romans and Arabs before finally falling into the hands of the Kingdom of Castile, with each passing population leaving their mark.

The coastal nature of the enclaves means visitors can enjoy excellent sandy beaches, their coastal locations have also been strategic trading and defensive posts and as you explore both Ceuta and Melilla you will find remnants of their military pasts in the numerous fortresses and balustrades around the cities.

Ceuta overlooks the Strait of Gibraltar and, with frequent ferry lines to and from Algeciras, you can reach the enclave in just one hour from Spain. The port was one of the most important trading routes used by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans. The enclave fell under the Crown of Castile in the 17th century after Muslim rule and was a key military point in the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as in the more recent Spanish Civil War, you will find an Army Museum dedicated to the Spanish Legion detailing the unit’s efforts throughout the 20th century. Today the enclave is a popular thoroughfare for those travelling to Morocco who can admire the ancient Royal Walls and the Mediterranean Maritime Park, designed by artist Cesar Manrique, which blends natural features such as waterfalls, sea water and rock formations with the city’s buildings. The coastline is popular with water-sports enthusiasts with kayaking and turtle, dolphin and whale watching all possible from Ceuta’s beaches; it is particularly popular for scuba divers wishing to witness where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. Ceuta’s Parador is situated next to the ancient Royal Walls and overlooks the San Felipe Trench.

Melilla was founded by the Phoenicians in the 7th century and was an important trading port due to its proximity to the Spanish coast. It finally came under Spanish rule in the late 15th century after many years of Arab rule and became an important military establishment, as evidenced by the fortresses, citadels and balustrades that can be found around Melilla. The historic ‘El Pueblo’ is the oldest part of the fortified city made up of four fortresses connected by drawbridges, and surrounded by other historic treasures such as the Citadel, the Hornabeque ditch and a walled enclosure. Melilla’s Parador can be found close to the Victoria Fort which forms part of the ancient Citadel. Contrasting with these historic military monuments is Melilla’s modernist centre, home to Melilla’s Plaza de España and the city’s commercial centre; it is here you can find testament to the diverse cultures that occupy Melilla with buildings such as the Sagrado Corazon de Jesus church, the Central Mosque, the Hindu Oratory and the Or Zaruah Synagogue.

The nature of the location means Ceuta and Melilla’s cuisine is influenced by both Spanish (particularly Andalusian) and Moroccan styles. Fresh fish and seafood from the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, such as red mullet and sword fish, feature heavily in the local diet in stews and also marinated and fried dishes. Tapas often contain aromatic flavourings of North African dishes using typical spices and dried fruits. Meat dishes are often flavoured with Moroccan spices and local specialities include pinchos morunos (spiced meats served on skewers) and harira, a soup made with meat, chickpeas, lentils and plenty of Moroccan seasoning. Typical sweets include fritters, sweet couscous, filled pies and stuffed dates.