The most affordable holiday destination in Spain for March is a lesser-known location that enjoys plentiful hours of sunshine daily. The fortified city of Ceuta, nestled on the North African coast and bordered by Morocco, was the cheapest destination in March 2024, according to the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE). The average hotel costs €81.94 (£68.50) per night.
Known as the ‘pearl of the Mediterranean’, this small Spanish enclave houses around 85,000 residents and is a melting pot of Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu cultures. Thanks to its microclimate, temperatures never exceed 32C, with the average high in July and August being 23C. The city boasts the Parador de Ceuta, a state-owned luxury hotel situated next to the Royal Walls of Ceuta and surrounded by a stunning garden complete with palm trees, a swimming pool and the sea just a stone’s throw away.
The Royal Walls were constructed primarily to safeguard the city. Nearby lies the San Felipe moat, which extends over 300 metres of salt water and divides the walled complex and the city of Ceuta into two sections.
Tucked away next to the port of Ceuta is the leisure oasis, Mediterranean Maritime Park, a creation by famed architect César Manrique. It boasts saltwater pools, lush gardens, top-notch dining facilities, and captivating artwork.
Visitors are treated to a simulacrum of Ceuta’s Royal Walls, encompassing an exclusive nightclub, casino, and dining experience.
Delighted tourists have shared their experiences online, with one visitor remarking on Google: “There are three huge water areas with lots of poolside seating that are numbered.
“I recommend getting an umbrella and mat at [the] ticket counter first, before heading to your assigned area. There are two pizza places, that are both on the outside and inside of park, as well as a restaurant,” reports the Mirror.
Daytime entry costs a modest €5.50 (£4.60) for adults, while an evening visit is a steal at just €1 (£0.84).
Not far from this retreat, Plaza de África pulses with history, housing revered landmarks such as the Cathedral and the Palace of Assembly.
The city’s heritage is also enriched by Arab baths dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, once hubs for cleanliness and spiritual rites.
The city boasts a wealth of hiking trails, complete with ancient fortresses with stunning ocean views.
For those keen on seaside relaxation, Playa de Chorillo and other beaches beckon.
A thrilled visitor penned in their review: “Easily accessible, with an extension of 850 meters long by 30 wide, it extends divided by breakwaters on the southern slope of the city and borders the monumental area, with the moat and one of its walls.”
Travellers should note that ferries depart from Algeciras to Ceuta, with a journey time of approximately one hour.