What is the name of the strait separating Europe from Africa at their closest point?

The Strait of Gibraltar separates Europe and Africa at their closest point, linking the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea.

The strait lies between southern Spain and northern Morocco. Its narrowest width is about 14 kilometres, making it one of the world’s most important natural gateways. The Rock of Gibraltar rises on the European side, while the Moroccan coast and the Jebel Musa area form prominent landmarks on the African side.

The waterway has great strategic importance because ships traveling between the Atlantic and Mediterranean must pass through it. Ancient sailors knew the entrance as the Pillars of Hercules, a name associated with the legendary limits of the known world. Modern maritime traffic includes commercial vessels, ferries, and naval ships.

Ocean water flows in both directions through the strait. Dense Mediterranean water moves outward at depth, while Atlantic surface water enters to replace evaporation losses. The strait is also significant for migrating birds and marine animals moving between the Mediterranean and Atlantic ecosystems.