Old Town Tapas Route

The Old Town Tapas Route is a self-guided evening crawl through Ceuta's historic bar district, linking four distinct establishments across the compact city centre. Beginning near the tourist office on Calle Camoens, the route moves through a network of narrow streets that contain some of the longest-established bars in the autonomous city, each offering a variation on the Spanish tapas tradition with a distinctly Ceutí character. The route opens at Taberna El Moro on Calle Camoens 12, a small, traditionally decorated bar known for boquerones en vinagre — white anchovies cured in vinegar and dressed with olive oil and garlic — paired with house wine from southern Spain. The atmosphere is informal and the crowd predominantly local, giving early arrivals a chance to settle before the bar fills later in the evening. A short walk brings visitors to Bar Kiko on Calle Dato 9, which positions itself as a pintxos bar in the Basque style but with Ceutí produce. The revuelto de gambas — a soft scramble of eggs and local prawns — is among the kitchen's most requested dishes, and the counter is refreshed with pintxos plates throughout service. La Bodeguita de en Medio on Calle Jaudenes 4 offers a more formal setting, with dark wood fittings and a wine list extending to Rioja and Rueda selections. The jamón ibérico served here is Pata Negra grade, and the Manchego is aged for a minimum of six months. This stop suits visitors who prefer a slower pace after the first two venues. The route closes at Taberna El Refectorio on Calle Real 45, where the kitchen specialises in braised dishes. The croquetas de bacalao (salt cod croquettes) and rabo de toro (braised oxtail) represent the kind of labour-intensive tapa rarely prepared in bars outside Andalusia and its cultural territories. Rabo de toro requires slow cooking and is not always available; visitors should confirm with the bar before planning the evening around it. The full route covers approximately 800 metres and is suitable for most mobility levels, though some bars have a small step at the entrance.