Strait of Gibraltar



The Strait of Gibraltar is a narrow strait that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea and separates Spain in Europe from Morocco in Africa. The name comes from the Rock of Gibraltar in Spain. It is also known as the Straits of Gibraltar, the Gut of Gibraltar (although this is mostly archaic),undefinedSTROG (Strait Of Gibraltar) in naval use, and as the "Pillars of Hercules".

Europe and Africa are separated by 7.7 nautical miles (14.3 km) of ocean at the strait's narrowest point. The Strait's depth ranges between 300 and 900 meters. Ferries cross between the two continents every day in as little as 35 minutes. The Spanish side of the Strait is protected as the El Estrecho Natural Park.