Find information on Algeciras in our Travel Guide covering sights, foods and nightlife plus more...
Algeciras lies to the west of Gibraltar on the far side of the bay. It is the last Spanish town on the south coast and as well as being an industrial area, it is a very busy port. Apart from an oil refinery and a container port, it is the gateway to North Africa with frequent crossings to Morocco and Tangier. Although much of the town is modern, the old town around the Plaza Alta is very attractive. There are a number of excellent beaches around the bay offering a variety of water sports. Algeciras has accommodation to suit all budgets and restaurants catering for all tastes.
Many people choose an Algeciras holiday as it is a good base from which to explore the Andalucían interior as well as taking trips to Gibraltar, Morocco and Tangiers. The sandy beaches may offer excellent bathing but in truth, families looking for a seaside holiday would generally choose a less urban venue.
An Algeciras holiday appeals to couples of all ages. Although there are good beaches, families tend to choose other resorts on the Costa del Sol. Young couples enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Algeciras’s bars and clubs.
Although Algeciras is a year round holiday venue, the summer holiday period is probably the most popular time to go, with guaranteed sunshine and warm seas. However, it is also a good place to go to escape from the damp British winter.
Algeciras is a fairly large town having a population of over one hundred thousand inhabitants. Although it is an industrial area with a busy port, it also has some excellent beaches and many interesting sightseeing opportunities. While much of the town’s architecture has little to recommend it, the old town around Plaza Alta is, however, a different story. Here you can find many attractive old buildings and churches as well as charming squares tucked away amongst the narrow streets.
Algeciras has a range of accommodation that caters for all budgets and restaurants to satisfy even the most pernickety of palates. Numerous shops and a weekly outdoor market provide excellent shopping. If more choice of goods is needed, take a trip to Gibraltar or go further afield to the markets of Morocco or the Tangiers Kasbah.
The beaches of Algeciras Bay are long and sandy and offer safe bathing for less confident swimmers. A range of water sports are available from the beach and there is also a diving school. The promenades behind the beach are lined with bars, restaurants and tourist shops.
Popular excursions include whale watching cruises in the Bay of Gibraltar, trips to Tarifa to watch the bird migrations, and ferries to Gibraltar, Morocco and Tangiers.
Algeciras nightlife has something for everyone from lively bars and clubs to romantic restaurants on the sea front looking out onto the Rock of Gibraltar.
There are many shopping opportunities in Algeciras. You will find everything from high fashion in elegant boutiques, to bargains in the Tuesday morning market. Popular purchases include leather goods, ceramics, lace, embroidered linens and jewellery. If this is insufficient, there are shopping trips to Gibraltar and even to the markets of Morocco and Tangiers.
Algeciras has a wide variety of bars and restaurants catering for all tastes. Menus include traditional local dishes such as paella, tortillas, tapas and chorizo, as well as a choice of international cuisine. Close links with Morocco have resulted in the growth of Arabic cuisine. A good way to try Spanish food is to order a plate of tapas which consists of a medley of bite-sized dishes. Tapas are also ideal for filling the sometimes long gap between lunch and dinner, which is served later in Spain than at home. Spanish wines are pleasant and inexpensive.
