Difference between revisions of "Algeciras"

Revision as of 13:34, 4 December 2009

Algeciras is a city in the Andalucia region of southwestern Spain.

Understand

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.

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.

Get in

By train

The Algeciras train station is located 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. From Algeciras there are daily train connections to Madrid. Three a day on the picturesque route to Ronda and Granada.

By bus

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

By boat

The ferry terminal 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 8 am - 10:15 pm. Fast ferries (40 minutes, €18) and normal ferries (90 minutes, €11) are available.
• Tangier -- daily services running about every 90 minutes from 7 am - 10:00 pm. Fast ferries (70 minutes, €28) and normal ferries (2.5 hours, €23.50) are available.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of entry into Morocco.

Concerning wlothes: Wear something that's comfortable.

Get around

See

Do

See the beautiful Plaza Alta and the neaarby San Isidro district.

Buy

Eat

You'll also find plenty of cheap cafes and restaurants along the Avenida de la Marina. They stay open long into the night. Often not closing until past 11pm.

Drink

• Enea Club y Copas.
• Elite.

Sleep

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 neigbourhood around Avenida de la Marina. In the busy season, you can expect to get a double for 18 Euros a night.

The Hotel AC on the eastern edge of the city centre is a fantastic brand new (still being built when I stayed there) hotel with very friendly staff. Rates can be as low as 65 Euros per night.

There are a couple of basic hotels opposite the ferry port entrance - I'd suggest the Hotel Al Mar (35 Euros per night single, 65 Euros twin)

Get out

By bus

• Comes buses service cities west of Algeciras such as Tarifa, Cadiz and Seville. Portillo runs services to eastern destinations such as Granada, Malaga, the Costa del Sol and hourly to La Línea (right next to Gibraltar).
• Bacoma handles international connections to Germany, France and the Netherlands, as well as domestic destinations like Valencia and Barcelona.

By boat

To leave Algeciras by ferry, you can buy tickets from agents in town or at the ferry terminal, the prices are the same. Don't forget to allow time before your ferry departure for the usual immigration rigmarole. Services to the following destinations:

• Ceuta -- daily services running about every hour from 6.30 am - 21.15 pm. (See Get In for pricing).
• Tangier -- daily services running about every 90 minutes from 7 am - 10:00 pm. (See Get In for pricing).