Its location, on the eastern end of the Algeciras Bay, across from Gibraltar, has made it one of the most important ports in Europe, for both passengers and merchandise.

The oldest area of the city, with narrow, steep streets, is the district of San Isidro. Among the most interesting monuments we have the church of Nuestra Señora de la Palma, from the 18th century, and the chapel of Nuestra Señora de Europa, from the 17th century. It also has excellent beaches, like Rinconcillo, San García, and Getares, although a good section of its 23-kilometre-long coastline is devoted to industrial development, due to its long seafaring tradition. .