Cape Marroqui is the most extreme point of mainland Europe, which attracts all sorts of tourists. This area has a deep history, some attractions and an interesting location. All this, as well as a description of geographical parameters, is written in this article.
Geographic location
Cape Marroquis is the southernmost point of the continent of Europe, although this has not always been the case. Once the island of Las Palomas was not considered part of the mainland, because it was separated from it by a body of water. Building a dam and connecting with part of Spain has changed the situation.
After the completion of the construction, the cape became the extreme point of Europe, because it is located in the very south of Las Palomas. This is another confirmation that people can influence nature through their own work. The coordinates of Cape Marroki in latitude are exactly 36 degrees, and in longitude 5 and 35 minutes. Anyone with the time and a certain amount of money can go to this area in order to appreciate the local beauty, feel the warmth of the mild climate.
History and access to the extreme point
The first mention of Cape Marroki dates back to the year 710. Exactly thenthe African commander Tarif, with his detachment of 500 people, landed on this territory in order to plunder the local population, which he successfully did. After he sailed home with captured women and other booty, other African warriors also learned about this territory.
It was this event that marked the beginning of the conquest of all Andalusia. A year later, Tarik ibn Ziyad arrived here, who had already managed to become famous for the destruction of the kingdom of the Visigoths. In honor of Tarifa in this region of Spain, one of the cities is named. Unfortunately, tourists will not be able to get to Cape Marroqui in Europe. The military unit of the Spanish army is stationed there, and the passage of civilians is strictly prohibited. The entire island of Las Palomas was given over to the needs of the soldiers, which greatly upset everyone who wanted to visit the extreme point of Europe. In 1826, even before the deployment of military personnel, a lighthouse was built here. Many sea vessels in Gibr altar were guided by it, the structure has survived to this time.
Interesting facts
The deployment of a military unit at Cape Marroki is due to the fact that here is the narrowest point in the Strait of Gibr altar. If you look towards Africa from here, you can quite well distinguish the coast of the neighboring mainland. The distance to it is only fourteen kilometers.
This is the main problem of the Spanish migration service, which is constantly on guard here. It was through Cape Marroki that for a long time they liked to penetrate illegally into Europeimmigrants from poor African countries. The lighthouse is the only building worth seeing, otherwise the area is guarded by soldiers on a military basis. The dam attracts by the fact that it separates the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. For lovers of the exotic, this place deserves to be ticked off the list of travel destinations. The photos taken near this territory show vivid landscapes with vast expanses of water. The climate here is such that it attracts tourists from colder countries, it is always warm, cozy, and therefore the necessary atmosphere for further trips around the country is provided.
Reviews and an alternative for the observation deck
Even if a tourist knows where Cape Marroqui is, it will not help to enjoy the view of Gibr altar from its territory. However, there is a worthy alternative for travelers near Tarifa. If you drive in the direction of Algeciras for about six kilometers, you can get to another observation deck.
It is located at an altitude of three hundred meters from sea level and will provide an excellent view of the surrounding landscapes. All travelers in this region are advised not to pass by this place, but to stay at least for a few minutes. Otherwise, apart from beautiful views of the ocean, the cape cannot provide anything. The lighthouse can only be seen from afar, and Gibr altar will not be pulled into its arms for a long time. According to tourists, the sunset right into the water is especially beautiful, it is recommended to watch from the dam.
This is all the relevant information aboutthis place for tourists. The cape should definitely be included in the route in Spain, but only those who are attracted by landscapes with water objects will want to stay here for a long time.
