Why does Spain keep Ceuta and Melilla?

For centuries, Ceuta and Melilla were vital port cities, offering protection for Spanish ships and acting as trading posts between Europe and Africa. In the 1930s, Spanish troops garrisoned in the two cities played a major role in future dictator Francisco Franco’s uprising against their government.

Does Morocco claim Ceuta and Melilla?

“Under international law, Morocco doesn’t have strong claims to Ceuta and Melilla, which have been Spanish for hundreds of years. There are significant legal and political barriers to any change in status of those territories in favour of Morocco,” writes Dr Jamie Trinidad of Cambridge University in the UK.

Why does Spain keep Melilla?

Melilla was the first Spanish town to rise against the Popular Front government in July 1936, thus helping precipitate the Spanish Civil War. Melilla was retained by Spain as an exclave when Morocco attained independence in 1956.

Is Ceuta safe?

Be a smart, safe traveler. We felt perfectly safe while in Ceuta, but we heard there were some places in Ceuta you wouldn’t want to visit at night. Overall, Ceuta is poorer than the rest of Spain, so just be aware of your surroundings. Read more of our travel safety tips here.

Is Ceuta worth visiting?

Ceuta is the largest Spanish enclave in Morocco and is worth visiting for a few hours. If anything, the experience of going into Spain for a day is fun. I haven’t visited Spain for many years and I found it entertaining to eat the food and listen to the language for a few hours.

Why is Ceuta important?

Ceuta, Melilla (also an exclave), and other tiny islets along the coast of North Africa constitute the territories of Spanish North Africa. Because of Ceuta’s commercial importance in ivory, gold, and slaves, it was continually disputed until Portugal gained control (1415).

Is Ceuta Spain safe?

Are Ceuta and Melilla colonies?

Gibraltar, they point out, is a colony. Ceuta and Melilla, both military emplacements, are fully paid-up parts of Spain whose citizens elect their own representatives in the Madrid parliament and have exactly the same rights as any other Spaniard. “[Ceuta and Melilla] have never been colonies and are not now.”

Can I live in Ceuta?

Living in Ceuta can be challenging at first, but with the help of InterNations you can settle in as an expatriate in no time at all. Ceuta is sometimes referred to as the Spanish Exclave, because it’s an autonomous Spanish city on the northern tip of Africa.

Does Ceuta have an airport?

Ceuta Airport (IATA: JCU, ICAO: GECT), also known as Ceuta Heliport, is a small airport in Spain with domestic flights only. Ceuta Airport has non-stop passenger flights scheduled to only one destination.

Is Melilla Spain safe?

Melilla is a safe city to visit, though not unconditionally so. There are always lots of people enjoying the beach, etc. until late; though it is not advisable to travel alone at night, even in the city centre. Street robbery is not an uncommon occurrence for people walking alone at night in Melilla.

When did Spain take over Ceuta and Melilla?

1688 – Ceuta remains under Spanish control after the union between Portugal and Spain ends. 1936 – Melilla is the first Spanish town where the military garrison rose against the Popular Front Government at the start of the Spanish Civil War. 1956 – Spain retains Ceuta and Melilla after Morocco becomes independent.

What is the government like in Ceuta and Melilla?

Ceuta and Melilla enjoy local autonomy and have their own governments, led by city presidents. They return deputies and senators to the Spanish parliament. Until 1995 they were administered by provincial governments – Cadiz for Ceuta, and Malaga for Melilla.

What is the history of Ceuta?

8th century – Ceuta is ruled by various Berber and Arab dynasties. 1415 – Portugal seizes control of Ceuta. 1497 – Spain conquers Melilla, a long history of attacks and siege by Muslim forces follows. 1556 – Melilla comes under Spanish rule. 1688 – Ceuta remains under Spanish control after the union between Portugal and Spain ends.

Why are African migrants flocking to Ceuta and Melilla?

The cities are a magnet for thousands of traders and menial workers who cross the border from Morocco each day to earn a living. Increasingly Ceuta and Melilla’s heavily fortified borders have come under pressure from African migrants seeking a better life in Europe.