Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera
Melilla
Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera, also known as Hajar Badis, is a Spanish exclave located on the North African coast of the western Mediterranean Sea. Originally a rocky island, it became connected to the Moroccan mainland in 1930 by a sandy isthmus formed after a thunderstorm, turning it into a peninsula. Covering about 1.9 hectares, it is notable for having the world's shortest international land border with Morocco, measuring only 85 meters. Historically, it served as a strategic military outpost due to its proximity to the town of Badis and was occupied by various powers including Spain, Morocco, and the Ottoman Empire. Today, it is administered directly by Spain and hosts a small Spanish military garrison. The terrain is rugged and mostly barren, with minimal vegetation and no natural freshwater sources, relying on modern desalination for water supply. Access is primarily by helicopter, emphasizing its military and strategic nature rather than tourism.
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Astuce: Visitors should note that Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera is a military-controlled territory with restricted access. The best time to observe or approach the area is during clear weather conditions. There is no public border crossing, and prior permission is required for any visit. Helicopter access is the primary means of transport, and no tourist facilities are available. Planning ahead and checking official sources for access regulations is essential.
Faits intéressants
- •Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera has the shortest international land border in the world, measuring only 85 meters between Spain and Morocco.
- •Originally a tidal island, it became a peninsula in 1930 due to a thunderstorm that deposited sand, forming a natural isthmus.
- •The territory is inhabited solely by a small contingent of Spanish military personnel and has no civilian population.
- •The area lacks natural freshwater sources and significant vegetation, relying on a desalination plant for water supply.
- •It has historically been a strategic military outpost contested by Spain, Morocco, and the Ottoman Empire.
Histoire
The Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera was first occupied by Spain in 1508 under Pedro Navarro to counter pirate threats along the southern Spanish coast.
It was lost in 1522 after a Moroccan Berber attack but was later controlled by Ottoman forces before being returned to Spanish control in 1564 following Moroccan intervention.
The island's strategic importance was tied to its location near the town of Badis and as a base for corsairs in the Strait of Gibraltar region.
In 1930, a natural event transformed the island into a peninsula by creating a sandy isthmus linking it to the mainland.
The territory remains a Spanish overseas possession, administered directly from Madrid, and is still militarily occupied.