ALGECIRAS
Area: Spain


Location:
On the S tip of Spain at the extreme W edge of the Costa del Sol. 9 miles N of Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar. 90 miles SW of Malaga airport. 9 miles W of Gibraltar and its airport.

Telephone code from UK:
34

Website:
http://www.algeciras.com (Spanish)

Position:
On the W coast of Algeciras Bay opposite Gibraltar. Occupies sloping ground backed by the Sierra de Luna Mountains to the W.

Description:
Algeciras's claim to fame is that it is the major port for the S of Spain and second only to Barcelona in the whole country. It is a compact industrial town producing stainless steel and plastics as well as being an important oil refining centre. The port is the major departure point not only for cargo but also for ferries to N Africa, the Canary Islands and Barcelona. It developed quickly after the railway from Bobadilla was completed in 1890, becoming an important transportation hub for the region. It makes no concessions to foreign visitors and allows a rare glimpse of how the rest of coastal Spain used to be before the onset of charter flights and mass tourism. The more modern part is not pretty by any means, but the old town is quite picturesque: Plaza Alta is a typically attractive Andalusian square with colourful ceramic tiles, highly ornate fountain and obligatory benches for the town's senior citizens to rest on and watch the world go by; the church guards one side, and behind, a labyrinth of steep, narrow cobbled streets leads up to residential areas. The formality of Maria Cristina Park adds to these fine examples of Victorian civic pride and prosperity. The side view of Gibraltar, across the bay, constantly changes with the light, and the ease of access to the "Rock" is one of the town's major attractions.

Suitability:
Mature types wanting escape from typical holiday-resort atmosphere and preferring authentic Spanish town life. Also a much cheaper base from which to visit Gibraltar if staying on the "Rock" is too claustrophobic.

Accommodation:
Only one hotel is offered by British tour operators (see report) but other simple, typically old-fashioned accommodation _ mainly in the lower and middle categories _ available in town and nearby.

Shopping:
Plenty of shops in the centre, including attractive boutiques and department stores. Shoe shops aplenty. No outlets cater specifically for tourists, so souvenirs and tourist tat are thankfully absent. Moroccan "bazaars" offer a few Arab artefacts. Colourful market square offering fresh produce.

Beach:
Two sandy beaches lie at the W edge of the port but Getares Beach, 2» miles along the coast, is a more attractive proposition with a good stretch of fine sand. Bars and the usual beach facilities are available here in summer only.

Entertainments:
Daytime: strolling around the older parts of town such as Plaza Alta and the "Barrio San Isidro". A couple of historic 17th-century churches. Maria Cristina Park. Nightlife: limited to local bars, discos, bingo and cinemas (both in Spanish). The principal hotel provides a full entertainments programme day and night.

Eating:
A dozen or so restaurants offering local cuisine (mainly fish, game and typical Spanish dishes). Tapas bars for lighter meals. The ubiquitous McDonald's, Burger King and pizza joints. Most eateries cater for the local population rather than tourists. Also the main hotel here operates on an all-inclusive, full-board basis, which tends to keep most guests in at meal times.

Public-transport:
Extensive bus service to the border of Gibraltar at La Linea, Tarifa and along the coast in both directions to Cadiz or Malaga and all points en route. Inland areas are also served. Trains to Ronda with connections to all of Andalucia. Local taxis. Ferry boats to Tangier and Ceuta (N Africa).

Local-excursions:
Gibraltar (half-day). Tangier (full day). Jerez including sherry bodegas (full day). Ronda (full day).