Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 10am-1.30pm & 5-7.30pm Mon-Sat, 10am-1.30pm Sun)
This superbly executed underground
museum is integrated into the architectural remains of an ancient basilica discovered dur-
ing street work in the 1980s, including a bridge over open tombs, skeletons included. The
artefacts become a means of branching out into various elements of local history. In Span-
ish, but definitely worth a lap through. Enter via Calle Queipo de Llano.
Parque Marítimo del Mediterráneo
(adult/child peak season €4.80/3.70; 11am-8pm Jun-Aug, casino from 10pm)
This creative mari-
time park is one of several versions developed by the brilliant artist and architect César
Manrique of the Canary Islands. He borrowed the city-walls theme to construct a huge
pool deck on the sea, including a grand lagoon and two other saltwater pools, surrounded
by 10 bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes and a disco. A central island holds a fortress
casino
. A
pictorial display of Manrique's work lies just inside the entrance, 50m to the right. This is
a real hit in the summer, and perfect for families.
PARK
HISTORIC BUILDING
Baños Arabes
(Calle Arrabal 16; 11.30am-1.30pm & 6.30-8.30pm)
Accidentally discovered during street
work, these ancient Arab baths sit on a main road, an incongruous sight. There are two of
them, with barrel-vaulted roofs originally covered with marble - the high-tech spa of its
time.
Monte Hacho
A walk around Monte Hacho is an option on a nice day; maps are available at the tourist
office or you can wing it and follow the coast. Since it's an uphill slog from town, a good
option is to start by taking a cab (€15) to the
Mirador de San Antonio
two-thirds of the way
up, which offers magnificent views over Ceuta and north to Gibraltar. The summit of the
peninsula is crowned by the massive
Fortaleza de Hacho
, a fort first built by the Byzanti-
nes, and still an active military installation. No visitors are allowed.
Back down at the main road, you keep going clockwise until you reach the
Castillo del
Desnarigado
( 0956 51 17 70; 11am-2pm Sat & Sun)
, a small fort on the southeast-
ern tip of the peninsula that houses a small military museum. There is a lighthouse above,
and a secluded beach,
Playa Torrecilla
, below.
OUTDOORS
