Which continent is located directly south of Europe?

The continent that is located directly south of Europe is Africa. This positioning can be understood by examining the geographic layout of both continents. Europe is bordered to the south by the Mediterranean Sea, which separates it from Africa. The proximity of these two continents is highlighted in regions such as the Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean and separates Europe from the northwestern tip of Africa.

Understanding the geography helps clarify why the other continents listed do not fit the criteria. North America is located to the west of Europe across the Atlantic Ocean; Asia lies to the east, separated by various countries and bodies of water; and Australia is situated in the southern hemisphere, far removed from the proximity of either Europe or Africa. Thus, Africa is the only continent that is directly south of Europe.