Port of Ceuta, the gateway to Morocco, is investing €2.2m in upgrading its cruise berth and terminal enhancing the passenger experience with new signposting, gardens, new security system and reorganising of traffic flows within the port area. Last year four cruise ships called at Ceuta but this figure is set to increase in 2016 with 15 ships booked to date.
Popular are shore excursions to the Moroccan cities of Tetouan and Tangier. The medina of Tetouan and its network of shaded alleyways is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its large Jewish quarter was called Little Jerusalem. Various souks sell clearly defined goods and in their midst are Hassan II Square and the Royal Palace, a fine example of Hispano-Moresque architecture.
The Tangier medina has always fascinated artists and writers – Eugena Delacroix, Henri Matisse, Paul Bowles, Tennessee Williams to name a few have all fallen for the charm of Petit Socco Square and its cafes, especially the famous Tingis when casinos and dance halls abounded. The old Mendoub Palace, built in 1929, situated in the north of the medina is now a mansion for foreign VIPs. Paintings are displayed and one room is dedicated to American writer Paul Bowles.
Those passengers wishing to stay in Ceuta itself can discover the town on foot passing several monuments, churches, palaces and the Royal Walls providing a rich history of the Spanish autonomous city. For relaxation the Mediterranean Maritime Park has two salt-water lakes, solarium, gardens and marina alongside.
