In classical civilization it was known as Abila Mons (Mount Abila or Abyla).
Monte Hacho is located on a peninsula and topped by a fort, the Fortaleza de Hacho, which was first built by the Byzantines, before being added to by the Moroccans, Portuguese and Spanish. It is now occupied by the Spanish army. Monte Hacho also has a convent, Ermita de San Antonio, and a monument to Generalissimo Francisco Franco and the start of the Spanish Civil War in North Africa in 1936.