Algeciras

Algeciras is a city in the Andalucia region of southwestern Spain. Most travellers come to Algeciras for its numerous ferry connections to Morocco and don't spend more than a few hours in the city. A shame, given the town's quiet charm.

Understand
The north-south coastal road, Avenida de la Marina, is Algeciras's main artery. The tourist information office (Calle Cervantes), is well signed from this road.

Orientation
Algeciras is on the Western side of Bahia de Algeciras (Algeciras Bay) virtually opposite Gibraltar. Roughly speaking, it is orientated north to south. The Avenida Virgen del Carmen is the main road that runs along the water front. The ferry port is about midway along the Abenida del Carmen: it can't really be missed as dozen of signs are pointing in its direction and there is constant ferry traffic in and out of the port. There is also an elevated heliport right in front of the ferry port.

The main shopping streets, together with the town square and central market, are set back behind the Avenida Virgen del Carmen and are mainly pedestrianised. There is a wide range of shops here, from local food shops and boutiques to the main brands.

The bus and railway stations are close together, about 300 m west (and slightly to the south) of the ferry port in the main town.

By train
From Algeciras there are daily train connections to Madrid. Three a day on the very picturesque route to Ronda and Granada.

The is 300 metres west of the port entrance. Just walk outside the station and straight down Calle Cervantes (the street in front of you) until you reach the Avenida de la Marina. You will see signs from here to the port.

By bus
Buses to main Spanish cities, 10 connections daily to Malaga (2-3 hours, ). There is a free shuttle bus between Algeciras and Tarifa for Tangier-Tarifa ferry ticket holders, 40 min ride.

The is just up the road from the tourist office, heading away from the port.

By boat
The is the heart of Algeciras and is well-signed from most roads in the city. Services from the following destinations arrive at the port:
 * Ceuta—daily services running about every hour from 08:00 - 22:15, 60-90 min trip,.
 * Tangier Med—daily services running about every 90 minutes from 07:00-22:00. Fast ferries (40 minutes+ 20 minute free bus, ) and normal ferries (2½ hours, ) are available. Note that Port of Tanger Med is the commercial port of Tangier, about 30 km from Tangier, and is different from Port of Tangier, which is served from Tarifa, Spain. (The French spelling is Tanger, the English is Tangier.)
 * Tangier - fast ferry (high speed craft by FRS or Inter Shipping) between Tangier and Tarifa (not directly to Algeciras) running hourly, ticket €35-40, duration 35 min. There is a free shuttle bus leaving for Tarifa terminal from the ticket offices at Algeciras' harbour one hour before the corresponding ferry's departure.

If you are headed for the bus station, you have to leave the port and walk about 7 minutes up the hill (opposite of the ocean).

By bus

 * Local bus information
 * Downloadable PDF of bus routes and frequency

See




Do
Places of natural interest include:

Eat
You'll find plenty of cheap bars, cafes and restaurants along the Avenida de la Marina, Calle Alfonso Once and around Plaza Alta. They stay open long into the night. Often not closing until the early hours.


 * LA CATA TAPAS algeciras, specialized on a wide variety of mini sandwiches. Very popular among locals, low prizes, tasty. Rudimentary knowledge of English but this is compensated by the super friendly staff. 3-5 canapés/montaditos make a good lunch.
 * LA CATA TAPAS algeciras, specialized on a wide variety of mini sandwiches. Very popular among locals, low prizes, tasty. Rudimentary knowledge of English but this is compensated by the super friendly staff. 3-5 canapés/montaditos make a good lunch.

Budget
If you're stuck in Algeciras after the last ferry or bus has left town, you'll find plenty of budget accommodation options in the neighbourhood around Avenida de la Marina. In the busy season, you can expect to get a double for a night.

There are a couple of basic hotels opposite the ferry port entrance:



Stay safe
Be careful with visiting neighbourhoods like Saladillo, Bajadilla or La Piñera.