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The scalloped rock walls inside the Caves of Hercules

Caves

Caves of Hercules

On the Atlantic coast near Cap Spartel, the Caves of Hercules are famous for an opening to the sea that frames a silhouette said to look like a map of Africa.

The legend

According to legend, Hercules rested in these caves before one of his labours. The caves are part natural and part shaped by people: for centuries, stone was cut from the walls to make millstones, leaving the scalloped patterns you see today.

The view of Africa

From inside, the opening to the sea forms a silhouette often said to look like a map of Africa. It is the most photographed view in the caves, best seen with the afternoon light shining through.

Tips

  • The caves can be crowded in the middle of the day, when tour groups arrive.
  • The floor can be uneven and slippery. Watch your step.
  • Combine your visit with Cap Spartel and a walk on the nearby beaches.
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