Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera

This fortified peninsula extends 400 meters northwest to southeast, reaching widths of 100 meters and rising 87 meters above the Mediterranean Sea.

Spanish forces under Pedro Navarro captured this strategic point in 1508 to counter pirate activities, though it temporarily fell to Berber control in 1522.

The territory represents the complex historical relations between Spain and Morocco, operating as a Spanish military installation on the North African coast.

Access to this military installation occurs primarily through helicopter landings at designated helipads near the southern entrance of the territory.

The peninsula connects to mainland Morocco through an 85-meter sandy isthmus, forming one of the shortest international land borders in the world.

Location: Melilla

Elevation above the sea: 87 m

GPS coordinates: 35.17222,-4.29972

Latest update: May 26, 2025 20:54