Cape Spartel

This was the un-tarred road that we pulled over at, as the area was pretty quiet and not many people were here. The parking area in the upper slope was literally empty.

Cape Spartel lies very close to the northern-most part of the continent of Africa but it really is Ras ben Sakka in Tunisia that is the most north-western point in Africa.

We drove along the National Road S701 to get to the Cape.

The wind was pretty strong and the waves were crashing against the rocks vehemently. I am amazed by the angler’s resolution to catch something even in these rather choppy waters.

I am not into fishing, but it is possible to catch fish in these turbulent and treacherous waters?

We walked along the coastline until we saw this huge boulder of a rock at the end.

It had been drizzling a bit and the sky was overcast and gloomier than usual.

There is a little cave and a park bench there, where you can catch a rest but I could not find the entrance to the Cave of Hercules which is in this vicinity. I later realised that it was 5km away from here.

Climbed up these stairs that were not steep but very many and it’s not good if you have a knee problem or mobility issues.

Getting a fantastic panoramic view of the coastline up at the top of the stairs where the road is.

Formerly known as Cape Ampelusia, the view here is spectacular as you get to see the deep blue sea and exactly where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean.

Cape Spartel Nature Reserve is located on the coastal area of Tangier, with rugged cliffs, beaches and forests with autochthonous vegetation which form part of Cape Spartel. Here is a wonderful view of the whole stretch of coastal walk where parking and toilet facilities are also available.

You can also drive up to the Cape Spartel Lighthouse that overlooks the Strait of Gibraltar to see the deep blue sea and also see the site of the Battle of Cape Spartel which was a naval battle during the Spanish Civil War that took place on Sept 1936.

The good thing is you do not have to do the whole coastal walk if time does not permit it and yet be able to enjoy this beautiful vista just from the top of the road where the imaginary line between the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea is marked by a signage.

It however was totally enjoyable to get closer to nature, to feel the breeze and smell the ocean!