Penon de Velez de la Gomera (Badis)

The Penon de Velez de la Gomera is a small rocky island fortress just off the Mediterranean coast at Badis, in Al Hoceima Province, northern Morocco. The islet was once a true island but became attached to the mainland by a sandbar after an earthquake and tsunami in 1930, and it is now linked to the shore by a narrow strip of sand and shingle. Spain has held it since 1564, and it is one of its plazas de soberania, staffed by a small military garrison. The fortress has no public access, so visitors view it from Badis beach, where the rock stands close offshore with walls, a chapel and a lighthouse clearly visible. The beach is a long sweep of pebbles and sand backed by mountains of the Rif and the small village of Badis, and a local fishing boats are pulled up on the shore. Visitors can walk along the shoreline, photograph the fortress from several angles and swim in calm weather. A visit takes about one hour, though many combine it with time in the village or a meal of grilled fish. The clearest light is in the morning, and the rock looks best against a blue sea. Crowds are small outside summer, when Moroccan families come to the beach. Getting here involves a grand taxi from Al Hoceima, about 70 km and roughly one hour 20 minutes, with a private taxi costing about 250 to 400 MAD. Photographers should note that photography near the border and military area can attract attention, so visitors should stay on the public side.