Where the Atlantic and the Mediterranean embrace!
Cape Spartel or Ras Spartel is located on the Atlantic coast of northern Morocco, located about 12 km from Tangier. The promontory rises to a height of about 326 meters where you will find in the upper part of the Jebel Quebir mountain, a watchtower and the famous lighthouse that began operating on October 15, 1864. Its construction was ordered by Sultan Mohammed IV ben Abderrahman, at the request of the consular representatives of the European powers alarmed by the many shipwrecks that occurred off the promontory.

From what I understand, the lighthouse is still in operation but closed to the public, no doubt to preserve it. However, it is possible to take some beautiful photos in its vicinity. Cape Spartel it is a wonderful place for bird watching activities. In fact, you will be able to observe flocks of birds (mostly brown kites, lesser eagles, white storks) which, between the end of March and the beginning of April, migrate to Europe and then return to Africa in October.
Below the cape are the caves of Hercules, a natural formation open to the public and accessible from the Robinson beach. According to the myth, these caves were the abode of Hercules, when with the immeasurable strength of his arms, he separated Europe from Africa. Beginning in the 1920s, the caves were first used as stone millstones quarries to later host private parties of Tangier’s wealthy celebrities.
Near Cape Spartel is Spartel Bank, a submerged island that some identify as the location of the legendary island of Atlantis. As for the historical aspect, we can say that the Cape was affected by rather violent historical events. During the American War of Independence on October 20, 1782 there was a battle between the Spanish and the English fleet about 18 miles from the coast. The battle of Cape Spartel between ships commanded by Admiral Luis de Córdova and a British fleet under the orders of Admiral Richard Howe was fought in order to maintain British supplies to the besieged enclave of Gibraltar. In December 1911, the British transatlantic P&O, SS Delhi ran aground near Cape Spartel, all passengers were rescued by British and French warships, only three French rescuers died. Chief Spartel saw another battle on September 29, 1936, during the Spanish Civil War. This battle was to secure the naval supply route to the Spanish city of Ceuta, located in Spanish Morocco, by Francisco Franco’s nationalists.