Many people visit Algeciras en route to another destination, but the city is also a great place to spend a day or two. You also have the freedom to explore other destinations nearby, including Gibraltar and Cádiz.
Understated charm
Algeciras may not compete with Spain’s big hitters in terms of touristic chops, but it does have many charming areas. You can stroll around its traditional Moroccan quarter, visit the quiet parks and stop off in the old town’s Plaza Alta, a pretty square that’s great for people watching. As a working port city, it has an authentic feel you might not find elsewhere on this coast. If you’re visiting in the summer, you may see crowds of workers travelling home to Morocco from countries such as France and Belgium.
You’ll also find a number of traditional restaurants, several of which offer great views of the Rock of Gibraltar. Aside from being an important port, Algericas’s other claim to fame is that it’s the birthplace of renowned flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía. The legendary musician was born here in 1947 and today there’s a self-guided tour where you can explore local landmarks associated with his life and work.
Cultural Cádiz
Just over an hour away from Algeciras lies the port city of Cádiz on the Atlantic coast. Perhaps the city’s most famous attraction is its cathedral, crowned with a golden dome which glints in the almost constant sun. The admission price allows access to the east tower and you can also admire the high altar and choir stalls inside this impressive building, which combines a mix of Baroque and neoclassical styles.
For food fans, the local dish of Cádiz is deep-fried fish that you can order at several cafés – or freidurías - throughout the city. Head to the central market, where you’ll find a vast array of seafood stalls on offer, many serving the rich rice dish called arroz marineros.
Sunshine chic
Around an hour’s drive from Algeciras, you’ll find a very different type of city. Lying on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol is glamorous Marbella, a great resort for sightseeing or sunbathing. With its genteel old town and glorious weather, it’s a buzzing destination.
One of the main tourist areas is the ‘Golden Mile’, lined with bars, hotels and restaurants that stretch all the way down to the marina at Puerto Banus, a scenic area filled with luxury yachts. This part of the city also has many designer stores selling clothes and jewelry, along with some smaller boutique stores.
Away from the seafront, one of the most interesting places in Marbella is its old town. It has two historical quarters - Barrio Alto and Barrio Nuevo – where you can still see the original layout dating back to the 16th century.
Today, there are many boutiques and cafes here, with the Plaza de los Naranjos right at its heart. In the evening you can watch flamenco performers as they entertain the crowds. Marbella is easily accessible by car, and renting a vehicle in Algeciras for your visit makes it possible to visit this and many other superb Spanish attractions along the coast.