Pillars of Hercules & Views to Africa
Pillars of Hercules, Gibraltar
The Pillars of Hercules offer spectacular views across the Strait of Gibraltar towards North Africa. On a clear day, the mountains of Morocco and the Spanish city of Ceuta can be seen across the narrowest part of the strait, which is approximately 13km (8 miles) wide.

The Strait of Gibraltar is the natural meeting point of Europe and Africa and connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea. Its strategic importance throughout history has made Gibraltar one of the most significant locations controlling access between the two bodies of water.
Awe-inspiring Views to Africa
A visit to the Pillars of Hercules is an excellent addition to any Gibraltar Tour, combining impressive views with an important connection to Gibraltar's ancient history and mythology.

According to Greek mythology, Hercules was tasked with completing twelve labours, one of which was to bring the cattle of Geryon from the far west to Eurytheus.
As part of his journey, Hercules is said to have crossed the Atlas Mountains. Rather than climbing over them, legend tells that he used his immense strength to break through them, creating the passage between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
The two resulting landmarks became known as the Pillars of Hercules: the Rock of Gibraltar to the north and Jebel Musa in Morocco to the south.
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FAQ
From the Pillars of Hercules you can enjoy views from Europe across the Strait of Gibraltar towards North Africa. On a clear day, visitors can see the mountains of Morocco and the Spanish city of Ceuta. The strait is approximately 13 km (8 miles) wide at its narrowest point.
The Pillars of Hercules are the two landmarks traditionally associated with the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar: the Rock of Gibraltar in Europe and Jebel Musa in Morocco, Africa. In Greek mythology, Hercules is said to have created the passage between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea by breaking through the mountains.
Yes, Morocco can be visible from the Pillars of Hercules in Gibraltar on a clear day. The viewpoint looks across the Strait of Gibraltar towards North Africa, with views that can include the mountains of Morocco and the Spanish city of Ceuta. Visibility depends on the weather of course.
The Pillars of Hercules are important because they represent the historic and mythological entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, where Europe and Africa meet. The strait connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea and has played an important role in maritime history and access between the two bodies of water. The Pillars of Hercules were important for ancient Mediterranean sailors too, including the Phoenicians and Romans.
Yes, the Pillars of Hercules are included on a selection of Rock Tours Gibraltar sightseeing tours and are usually the first stop on our tours. Visit our Gibraltar Tours page to see the different tours available, including the Panoramic, Standard, Skywalk & Windsor Bridge, Tunnels, Intermediate and Ultimate Tours. The Pillars of Hercules offer spectacular views across the Strait of Gibraltar towards North Africa and provide an ideal introduction to Gibraltar's history and geography.