Display omitted ► The adsorption capacity of ciprofloxacin was tested on carbon-based materials. ► Activated carbon, carbon xerogels and carbon nanotubes were compared. ► High adsorption capacities ranging from 112 to 231mgCPXgC−1 were obtained. ► Activated carbon showed the best result due to the higher surface area. ► Carbon nanotubes were better per unit of surface area due to their higher basicity. A comparison was made for the adsorption capacity of ciprofloxacin (CPX) on three types of carbon-based materials: activated carbon, carbon nanotubes and carbon xerogel. The obtained samples were characterised by adsorption of N2 at −196°C, determination of the point of zero charge and by temperature programmed desorption. The Langmuir and Freundlich models were used to describe the equilibrium isotherms obtained. Adsorption capacities ranging from approximately 112 to 231mgCPXgC−1 were obtained (for carbon xerogel and activated carbon, respectively). The influence of the textural and surface properties of the carbon materials on the CPX adsorption was discussed and it was shown that the carbon nanotubes sample presents the best performance per unit surface area.