Which countries can you see from Africa?

Key points

• Spain is just 13 kilometres from Morocco at the Strait of Gibraltar.
• Parts of Italy and Gibraltar can be visible from North Africa.
• Saudi Arabia, Israel and Jordan can be seen from parts of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.

Africa is separated from Europe and the Middle East by stretches of water so narrow that several countries on other continents can be seen with the naked eye on a clear day.

A geographical map highlights countries outside Africa that may be visible from parts of the continent, including Spain, Portugal, Italy, the United Kingdom, Israel, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

One of the clearest examples is the Strait of Gibraltar, where just 13 kilometres separate Morocco from mainland Spain at the narrowest point, according to NASA. From parts of northern Morocco, the Spanish coastline can be seen across the water.

The British territory of Gibraltar is also visible from Morocco under suitable weather conditions. Although Gibraltar is not an independent country, it forms part of the United Kingdom's overseas territories.

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Italy offers another example. Its Mediterranean island of Pantelleria lies roughly 70 kilometres from Tunisia, close enough for elevated viewpoints to provide views across the sea when visibility is particularly good.

In northeastern Africa, Egypt's Sinai Peninsula overlooks the Gulf of Aqaba, where the coastlines of Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel can be seen from certain locations. NASA identifies the gulf as a narrow waterway separating Sinai from the Arabian Peninsula.

These views depend on distance, elevation and atmospheric conditions. Mountains and elevated coastlines can remain visible even when lower-lying land is hidden beyond the horizon.