Ceuta – Monte Hacho Wall

Ceuta – Wreck of the Adeje

Melilla – Cueva del Coral

Melilla – Los Cárabos Reef

The enclaves mix Andalusian and North African influences, with grilled sardines, calamares and local pastries on the waterfront. Local ingredients and simple coastal preparation let the pure Mediterranean flavours shine through in every seafood meal. Local ingredients and simple coastal preparation let the pure Spanish flavours shine through in every seafood meal, best enjoyed with regional wine after a day in the water.

Parador de Ceuta

Hotel Tryp Ceuta

Hotel Rusadir

Hotel Melilla Puerto

Spain’s two North African enclaves offer Mediterranean diving on the Strait’s doorstep, blending African light with Spanish infrastructure. Ceuta’s Monte Hacho wall is a dramatic drop-off full of groupers, barracuda and morays, plus the penetrable Adeje wreck in clear water. Melilla adds the Cueva del Coral, a sea cave glowing with orange coral-like algae and glassfish, and the shallow Los Cárabos reef for training. Warm, clear water and short crossings from the peninsula make these enclaves a convenient, underrated alternative to the crowded Mediterranean mainstays. This region rewards careful planning and respects Spain’s marine-protection rules, offering rewarding diving across a wide range of experience levels through a long and varied season.

North Africa – Ceuta & Melilla

Reach Ceuta by ferry from Algeciras or the Balearia fast ferry from Málaga; Melilla is reached by ferry from Málaga or flights from the peninsula. Both have local dive centres.

Where to Stay in North Africa – Ceuta & Melilla

Accommodation Overview

Recommended Areas

Ceuta

Melilla

Ceuta harbour

Melilla la Vieja

Featured Hotels & Resorts

Parador de Ceuta

Hotel Tryp Ceuta

Hotel Rusadir

Hotel Melilla Puerto