Covering an area of 23km2 and with a perimetre of 26 kilometres, the Rota Naval Base has become another one of those peculiar areas of land situated within andalucian terrain, as is the case with Gibraltar! A different culture and language to be found within spanish territory.

After an agreement that was reached between Spain and the United States, the base began to be constructed in 1953, upon land that had immense strategic value, with it being found middle-distance between Asia and America, and very close to the Strait of Gibraltar, which itself offers a route into Africa.

The Naval Base is a Naval Military Port and a Military airport, with both facilities being shared between the armed forces of both Spain and the US, with both flags flying proud around the base. But the americans are those that have truely made it home, with many american families living within the base, and many american services at their disposal. In reality it is like a mini american population located on the atlantic coast of Spain.

This complex, that is used as a logical base for military operations in Europe, the north of Africa and the Middle East, is a passing point for cargo planes and large military ships, not just from America but also from many other countries who belong to NATO, who use the base to refuel and stock up. Whereas the spanish have permanently stationed boats and planes on the base, the americans do not.

Access to the Naval Base is not permitted, with normal civilians only being able to do so when accompanied by military personell, or if you have obtained special permission, with a written request sent to the Chief Admiral of the base, detailing what you're going to visit and what activities you intend to carry out on the base. It is never certain if this permission will be granted.

In order to enter the base by car you need a special permit, therefore it ios advisable to enter by taxi. Always adhere to the warning signs, remembering at all times that you are within an armed military base. After midnight the access to the base is even more tightly regulated.

The base has been developed into one the most modern and sophisticated naval instalations around, with expansion work planned to accomodate the extra logistical requirements placed upon the base.

As well as a wide range of military boats, submarines, air squadrons and operational support on the base, youn will also find a meteorological and oceanographic centre for Europe, that provides important information for the european armed forces and NATO forces.

The base has a holding capacity for 24 boats and a military aerodrome that to date has registered an annual increase in air traffic.