Ceuta is an African piece of Spain

Many European countries have so-called overseas territories that lie outside the Old Continent. Most of them are located on the other side of the globe, but there are also some that are located just across the sea.

We will talk here, first of all, about the exclave of Ceuta, one of the last two possessions of Spain (along with Melilla) in Morocco. This territory is a unique place in its own way - a fortress city on the border between Africa and Europe, between two different worlds, well guarded and separated by barbed wire, and which thousands of people seek to cross illegally.

The city of Ceuta is located opposite Gibraltar, less than 20 km from the coast of Spain. It is located on a small and bizarrely shaped peninsula and is the closest African port to Europe. Ceuta has been the subject of fierce diplomatic disputes between the Governments of Morocco and Spain for years.

Ceuta is unique not only because of its geographical location, but also because for more than 2,500 years it has been home to a vibrant mix of cultures and a vibrant trading port that has been the scene of bloody battles more than once. Until the seventeenth century, the city belonged to Portugal, after which it became part of the Spanish Kingdom. In 1956, despite the fact that Spain recognized the independence of Morocco, Ceuta remained an integral part of the European country.

Ceuta is worth going there on an excursion, and it's better to explore the city on your own feet. It is better to start a walk around the city from the Royal City Walls. These walls towering over the city have repelled all attacks for centuries. The fortress, like the whole city, is surrounded by numerous moats created in the Middle Ages.

The historical center of Ceuta is very interesting. Be sure to visit the Plazade Africa and Santuario de Nuestra Senora de Africa, where the statue of the "Black Madonna" and the Cathedral of Santa Mariadela Asuncion are located. Another interesting place is the Plazade Los Reye square with Casadelos Dragones ("House of Dragons"), a stunning building with Moorish arches, quaint balconies and giant statues of dragons looking at passers–by from the roof.

This fabulous, exotic city also has its dark side. Ceuta is separated from Morocco by a huge barbed wire fence, more than 8 meters high. Every year dozens of people try to cross it to apply for asylum in Spain or go to live illegally in one of the EU countries.

You can get to Ceuta by ferry from Algeciras. The trip takes from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, and its cost ranges from 11 to 20 euros. You can get to Algeciras by train from any major city in Spain, for example, from Malaga (about 3.5 hours journey). Getting started with online betting becomes much more rewarding when you take advantage of the available promotions. On Melbet, the registration process is quick and offers several options: one-click, phone, email, or social network sign-up. During this step, remember to use melbet promo code for registration to unlock a 130% match bonus up to $130 on your first deposit for sports betting. This bonus applies to a wide range of markets, including football, basketball, tennis, and even e-sports. The wagering requirements are clear: a 5x playthrough on accumulator bets with at least three selections, to be fulfilled within 30 days.