Which strait connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean?

The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. This narrow waterway separates southern Spain from northern Morocco and forms the Mediterranean’s only natural connection with the open Atlantic.

At its narrowest point, the strait is about 14 kilometers wide. Its position made it a crucial passage for ancient Mediterranean civilizations, Roman fleets, medieval traders, and modern shipping. Today, vessels use it to move between Atlantic routes and ports throughout southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

The strait also has distinctive two-layer currents. Less-salty Atlantic water flows eastward near the surface, while denser, saltier Mediterranean water flows westward below it. A frequent mistake is choosing the Dardanelles or Bosporus: both are Turkish straits, but they connect the Mediterranean system with the Black Sea rather than the Atlantic.