A 85-metre land border separates Spain and Morocco at Vélez de la Gomera

Spain and Morocco share an unusual land border of about 85 metres at the Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera, off Morocco’s northern coast.

The rocky site, known in Morocco as Badis, is about 50 kilometres west of Al Hoceima and is controlled by Spain.

Spain’s presence there dates to 1508, and an earthquake in 1930 joined the former island to the mainland.

The enclave is one of several Spanish-held territories in North Africa, but unlike Ceuta and Melilla, it has only military installations.

There is no official border crossing, and access to the Spanish-controlled area is restricted.

Morocco claims the enclave and other Spanish-held sites, which it views as remnants of colonial rule.

Their strategic location matters for monitoring activity in the western Mediterranean, including drug and people trafficking.

The small border is described as calm, while the dispute over sovereignty remains unresolved.