Cap Spartel-Tangier, Morocco

Cap Spartel is the North Western most point of the African coast.  The land juts out over the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea and is about 1000 feet above sea level.  The wonderful sweeping views are stunning.

Below Cap Spartel lies the Caves of Hercules which you can visit during the same trip.  It is only about 14 kilometers from Tangier.  There are some day trips available, or take a taxi to spend more time and less money.

This point played its place in history during the indecisive battle between the British and Franco-Spanish troops.  The battle was about bringing supplies into Gibraltar and occurred in October of 1782.  In 1911, the British P&O Liner, S.S. Delhi ran aground nearby.  All of the passengers were rescued, but three French rescuers died.  In 1936, during the Spanish Civil War, the Battle of Cap Espartel occurred at this point.

The drive from Tangier to Cap Spartel is stunning.  The National Road goes through La Montagne an exclusive suburban development of villas and palaces in a pinewood forest.

Some really nice beaches lie along the coast road nearby which I can’t wait to revisit once the weather is warmer.  The lighthouse at the outermost point is closed.  Onsite is a restaurant and some vendors outside selling drinks and juices.