Europa Point
The edge of Europe, facing Africa.
This is the southern tip of Gibraltar and, in a sense, of continental Europe. The lighthouse has guided ships through the strait since 1841.
Look south on a clear day and you will see Morocco, fourteen kilometres away across the water. The two pillars of Hercules face each other: the Rock of Gibraltar and Jebel Musa.
Behind you a mosque, a shrine and a chapel stand within a few steps of each other. They speak of a place where the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and three religions meet without a frontier.
Listen to the wind. It has carried merchants, soldiers, pilgrims and travellers here for thousands of years. Today it carries you.
Where to listen
- Listen standing at the seafront railing, with the lighthouse behind you and the strait in front.
- Late afternoon light is kinder here, and the wind is usually calmer than at midday.
What to look for
- The Rif mountains of Morocco, only about 24 km away across the water.
- The mosque and the chapel standing within sight of each other.
- Shipping traffic: this is one of the busiest sea passages in the world.