Shopping in Ceuta
Because of our geographical situation outside the mainland Spain, the Autonomous city of Ceuta has always had a different fiscal system. For example Ceuta, by law has been declared free port and has a different treatment which makes easier the entrance and the exit of goods at a lower cost.
This is traduced in the exemption of the Added Value Tax (TVA), replaced by Impuesto Sobre la Producción, los Servicios y las Importaciones (IPSI), a municipal indirect tax, with different tax burden from 0,5% to 10% as maximum, which still maintains a difference with TVA 18%. That means better prices in all kind of articles as jewellery, liquors, tobacco and electrical items, between others.
Ceuta offers quality, variety and professionalism at very affordable prices, attractive to the visitor.
Four different cultures
The city´s rich history and culture has given rise to the presence of four religions, making Ceuta a melting pot where citizens of different faiths live together: Christians and Muslims (the most numerous communities) and Jews and Hindus. They are citizens with their own idiosyncrasies; Afro-Spanish between two Andalusias, living in a small city, but on with a cosmopolitan calling.
If you vist Ceuta during the summer and you see th streets decorated with lights like Christmas iluminations, then almost certainly one of the religious groups will be celetrating one of their festivals. The most important ones are:
“Yom Kippur”, part of the Jewish High Holy Days.
“Ramadan”, the sacred month of fasting in the Islamic caldendar.
“Diwali” the Hindu Festival of Light.
Mediterranean Maritime Park
The Mediterranean Maritime Park is the posthumous work of César Manrique. Work began on it in 1992 and it was completed two years later. It has similar characteristics to those of Martiánez Lake in Puerto de la Cruz. The park covers an area of some 56,000 m2 and is home to two salt-water lakes, solariums, gardens and services facilities. There is an outstanding castle in the middle, inspired in the city walls of Ceuta. It contains a casino, restaurant and nightclub. There is a marina located alongside the Maritime Park.
Mythology
The Hercules and the Union of the World.
The two immense Hercules of bronze, the work of the artis Ceutí Ginés Serrán Pagán, have 7 meters tall and weigh 4 tons each. Are, currently, the bronze sculptures of classical mythology of greater dimensions of the world.
The two pillars of Hercules: Abyla and Calpe and it shows Hercules separating with their hands the two continents, Abyla is the mythological name of Ceuta and Calpe to Gibraltar. By its size and grandeur these sculptures impress the visitor arriving at Ceuta in boat or when you walk through its streets.
One of the Hercules is located in the entrance to the port of Ceuta, in the spring of “La Puntilla” and the other in the Plaza of the Constitution, on the old bridge of almina, both overlooking the waters of the Strait.
The author, Serrán Pagán, chose the original scenario of the myth, the Strait of Gibraltar, as headquarters to deploy the work. By the strength of its construction the Hercules of bronze of Ceuta amazed the world for many centuries.
The gateway to Morocco
Ceuta’s perfect location makes it the ideal base to explore Morocco!
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Discover Morocco visiting two cities: Tetouan and Tangier.
Tetouan
The medina of Tetouan and its unique network of shaded alleyways, is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.
Its large mellah (Jewish quarter) was called Little Jerusalem. It is the most lively area after nightfall. Here, the souks are well separated, each trade occupying a precise perimeter. Tarafin street, which is lined with jewellery shops, leads to Hassan II square and the Royal Palace, a fine example of Hispano-Mauresque architecture.
To the west, on the modern side, the new town, El Ensanche, can be found. Its small buildings of five storeys maximum, with shops on the ground floor, were built under Spanish protectorate.
Tangier
The tangier medina has always fascinated artists. Eugène Delacroix, Henri Matisse, Paul Bowles, Tennessee Williams, Jean Genet… the list is endless. All have fallen for the charm of Petit Socco Square and its cafés, especially the famous Tingis, despite the nefarious reputation acquired during the period when casinos and dance halls abounded.
The old Mendoub Palace, built in 1929, situated to the North of the medina, is now a mansion for foreign VIPs. The museum of the old American Legation is in the Southern extremity. Paintings are on display and one room is dedicated to the American writer Paul Bowles. You should leave the medina by Grand Socco Square, a lively spot in the evening, and enter the new town.
You can enjoy a pleasant walk in the “Mendoubia Park” situated north of Grand Socco Square. A giant banyan tree and a dragon tree, alleged to be 800 years old, highlight the visit. Take rue de la Liberté, a shopping thoroughfare, to the Place de France which is the heart of the modern town. There you will find the celebrated Grand Café de Paris and the El Minzah Hotel which both were haunts of the famous names of arts and literature of the 19th and early 20th centuries. This spot is still very fashionable. You will have an amazing view of the medina and the port and bay of Tangier from Faro Square with its canons. The mythical Hafa café overlooks the Strait of Gibraltar
Tour Name: Ceuta City Tour
Panoramic Drive to “Mirador Isabel II”
Drive to Plaza de Africa
Visito of Plaza de Africa an Church
Panoramic Drive to Monte Hacho/Mirador San Antonio
Outside visto of Chappel
Drive to Parque Maritimo
Walk through the Parque Maritimo
Transfer back to the Port the end.
Duration of the tour 3,30 Hrs.
Additional Comments: Very interesting and historical tour of the city.
Tour Name: Best of Ceuta
Departure from the port to the Embarek Mosque for a photo stop
Passing by the Royal walls and continue to Isabel II viewpoint
Proceed to Morrocco-Ceuta Border
Drive along the Benitez Beach road towards the city visiting Ntra. Sra. Africa
Drive to Monte Hacho, passing by the Desnarigado Castle towards San Antonnio Chapel
Continue to Parque Mediterráneo and free time
Arrival to the ship.
Duration of the tour 3 Hrs.
Additional Comments: Discover Ceuta and Moroccan Spain on a narrated drive. Visit Parque Maritimo del Mediterraneo, the dazzling network of gardens, lakes and solarium designed by legendary architect Cesar Manrique. View the city´s Spanish adn Morrocan monuments, from the Sidi Embarek Mosque to the Hermitage of San Antonio. There´s even free time to shop.
Tour Name: Tetouan Jewel of the Rif
Departure from Ceuta Port to the frontier
Continue to Tetouan and panoramic driver
Arrival to Tetouan and start walking tour
Free time in the Bazar for shopping
Lunch in local restaurant
Panoramic drive throught the frontier
Arrival at Ceuta Port.
Duration of the tour 5,30 Hrs.
Additional Comments: Once residence of the Spanish High Commisioner, Tetouan lies at the foot of the majestic Rif Mountains. Experience the city on a narrated drive that visit Primo Square and the Palace Hassan II. A guided walking tour explore the Medina, the old Jewish quarter and bazar. Lunch features Moroccan cuisine accompanied by folk music.
Tour Name: Tetouan City Tour
Departure from Ceuta Port
Arrival al Tetouan and short panoramic driver
Walking visit throught Tetouan
Refreshment stop with folkloric group
Free time for shopping
Departure to Ceuta
Arrival at Ceuta Port.
Duration of the tour 4 Hrs.
Additional Comments: Exotic tour in Morocco. Very nice city in the north of Africa “Tetouan” the
Jewel of the Rif.
Tourist Information
| Local Population: |
84000 |
| Time (GMT+/-): |
+1 |
|
First language:
|
Spanish |
| Second language: |
|
|
Currency:
|
Euro |
| Banking hours (morning): |
From 08,30 to 14,00 |
| Banking hours (afternoon): |
From to |
| Credit cards: |
VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS |
| Accepts Travellers Cheques: |
No |
| Shopping hours (morning): |
From 10,00 to 13,30 |
| Shopping hours (afternoon): |
From 17,00 to 21,00 |
| Public holidays: |
January: 1,6, March/April: Easter, May: 1, June: 13, August: 5, 15, October; 12. November; 1,December: 6,8,25 |
| Shops are open on Saturdays: |
Yes |
| Shops are open on Sundays: |
No |
Tourist Office Baluarte de los Mallorquines
| Contact Name: |
Javier Lesmes Cabillas |
| Address: |
Calle Edrissis s/n 51001 CEUTA |
| Tel. No.: |
+(34) 856200560 |
| Fax No.: |
+(34)856200565 |
| Email: |
turismo@ceuta.es |
| Website: |
www.destinoceuta.com |
