evidence: Las plazas de soberanía española en el Mediterráneo [...] However, apart from the typical cities of Ceuta and Melilla, what other enclaves in the Mediterranean are under Spanish control? These enclaves, known as ''plazas de soberanía'' or "sovereign strongholds", are the islands and rocks off the coast of North Africa, which continue to be maintained due to their enormous geostrategic importance. These are: The Chafarinas Islands, the Alborán Island, the Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera, the Alhucemas Islands and the Perejil Island. But since when, how and why do they belong to the Spanish state? [...] This article will briefly review why these strongholds of sovereignty belong to the Kingdom of Spain. Although the Hispanic presence in the Maghreb is very prolonged, this article will only cover events from the Catholic Kings (15th century).