Parque de San Amaro

Parque de San Amaro is one of Ceuta's most popular city parks, set at the foot of Monte Hacho and facing the beach that shares its name. Covering roughly 20,000 square meters, it combines a green retreat with attractions built for family visits.

What will you see in the park?

The park is laid out in distinct zones. The lower section features paved paths lined with fountains and a small waterfall, sculptures by local artists, and a botanical trail showcasing around 120 native plant species, from shade trees to flowering beds. Along the way, stone deer sculptures hint at the park's living attractions: a fenced enclosure housing real deer and another home to Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus), the tailless monkeys native to the region.

Families will find two separate children's playgrounds, public restrooms, drinking fountains, and benches made of white artificial stone with a distinctly modern, avant-garde design. The grounds are wheelchair accessible, and nighttime lighting keeps the park pleasant for evening walks as well.

How do you reach the upper section?

A wooden bridge links the lower park to a series of ramps and stairs climbing the mountainside. At the top sits the Hermitage of San Antonio, a small chapel overlooking the surroundings. The path continues along the slope, opening onto panoramic views of the Strait of Gibraltar — one of the most rewarding viewpoints in the area for both locals and visitors.

Who is this park for?

Parque de San Amaro is a firmly family-oriented spot: playgrounds, easy access, and proximity to the beach draw parents with children, while nature lovers will appreciate the botanical trail, the animal enclosures, and the scenic route higher up the hillside. It also makes a natural stop after swimming at the neighboring San Amaro beach.

When should you visit?

The park is open year-round, and its shaded paths and evening lighting keep it comfortable even during Ceuta's hot summer months. Mornings and late afternoons tend to be the quietest times for a relaxed walk before the playgrounds fill up.

Frequently asked questions

Can you see real animals in the park? Yes — the park has fenced enclosures with deer and with Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus), the tailless monkey species typical of Gibraltar and the surrounding area.

Is the park suitable for children? Yes, it offers two separate playgrounds, and the grounds are flat and easy to navigate, making it stroller-friendly.

What is in the upper part of the park? Crossing the wooden bridge and climbing the ramps or stairs leads to the Hermitage of San Antonio and a scenic path with panoramic views of the Strait of Gibraltar.

Is there an entrance fee? The park is a public municipal space, open to residents and visitors alike, without the entry charges typical of ticketed attractions.