Overview
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. With an area of approximately 6.7 square kilometers, it is one of the world’s smallest territories. Strategically positioned at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea, Gibraltar has a rich history influenced by various cultures due to its strategic importance. This rocky promontory is characterized by its iconic limestone ridge, the Rock of Gibraltar, which rises prominently from the surrounding landscape. Gibraltar is known for its unique blend of British and Spanish influences, as well as its stunning views and natural attractions, making it a destination with a distinctive character.
Itinerary
In 1 day | Arrive, park your car just outside the border – walk over the border and see the main road/ airplane crossing (and see a plane landing if you’re lucky) – walk to Grand Casemates Square in about 15 minutes, check it out and get a feel of the city – walk another 20 minutes to the cable car station and go up – now you are on the rock, and in the Nature Reserve. While here, explore The skywalk, the Upper Apes Den, O’Hara Battery and St Michael’s cave – head back to the Cable Car station and check out the suspension bridge on the way – take the cable car back to town – From Casemates square take Bus 2 to Europa Point (Google Maps only features Citibus routes 5 and 10) – go back to the city and eat (and drink) something in Irish Town
What to see
- ON THE ROCK
- 1 Cable car
- 2 The skywalk
- 3 Ape den
- 4 O’Hara battery + top of rock
- 5 St Michael’s cave
- 6 Siege tunnels
- 7 Jewish cemetery
- .
- NOT ON THE ROCK
- 8 Airplane crossing
- 9 Casemates square and main street
- 10 Europa Point
- 11 Beaches
1 Cable car
The cable car will probably be the first thing to see on your day trip. It takes you up over 400 meters in just 6 minutes (of course you can also opt to walk, which is what I did, but it’s a pretty steep walk). From the top station and during the ascent, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Gibraltar and its surroundings. It’s a hassle-free way to enter the Upper Nature Reserve and start your walk around to discover all the sights on the rock. The return ticket is quite pricey at 19 GBP (37 with entry to the Nature Reserve).
2 The skywalk
A former military lookout point that is now a glass walkway with breathtaking views. From here you can look across to the continent of Africa and the expanse of Spain, all while taking in the surrounding area.
Now, if you’re not a fan of heights, the glass floor might seem a little intimidating – it’s reassuring to know that the glass has been rigorously tested and can safely support the weight of over 300 people.
3 Ape den
The Upper Ape Den is situated high up on the Rock of Gibraltar, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area. The den is the territory of a troop of Barbary macaques, the only wild monkeys in Europe. These monkeys are an integral part of Gibraltar’s culture and history, and they are considered a symbol of the region. The Upper Ape Den features an observation deck that allows visitors to view the macaques in their natural habitat without disturbing them. Educational signs and information boards provide insights into the macaques’ behavior, habitat, and the conservation efforts in place to protect them.
While observing the macaques, it’s important to remember that they are wild animals. Maintain a safe distance and not attempt to touch or feed them. Feeding the macaques is not only discouraged but also illegal, and the fine for it can be as much as 4000€. Avoid carrying a plastic bag around them, and don’t show your teeth or pull faces because they interpret this as a sign of aggression.
Gibraltar’s Mischievous Residents: The Barbary Macaques
When you visit Gibraltar, you’ll quickly discover that its most famous residents are not human but rather a troop of mischievous Barbary macaques, also known as Barbary apes. These tailless monkeys have been living in Gibraltar for centuries and hold a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Gibraltar is the only place in Europe where you can find a population of wild monkeys. The macaques roam freely on the Rock of Gibraltar and the surrounding areas. They are not native to Gibraltar but hail from the Atlas Mountains of North Africa. It’s believed that they were brought to Gibraltar by the Moors around 711 AD. These monkeys are known for their playful and curious nature. You might see them climbing trees, exploring garbage cans, or even interacting with visitors. Just remember that while they may seem cute, they are wild animals and should not be approached.
4 O’Hara Battery + Top of the rock
At one of the rock’s elevated peaks, the O’Hara Battery offers some of Gibraltar’s most stunning vistas. Rising to approximately 425 meters in height, the experience feels even more elevated when you reach the top. Take my word for it, this destination is truly worth the effort, even if it involves a bit of trekking. Originally a military base, O’Hara’s Battery is now open to visitors, though it may have seasonal closures. It’s a must-visit location for those seeking remarkable views.
5 St Michael’s cave
St. Michael’s Cave in Gibraltar is a natural limestone cave located within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. It has a rich history and is known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations. The cave has attracted visitors since Roman times, and it was once believed that a tunnel from the cave extended underground to Africa.
During World War II, St. Michael’s Cave served as a hospital. Today, it is used for various purposes, including hosting concerts and events in its Cathedral Cave, which has a seating capacity of 400 people.
The cave’s interior is characterized by its unique formations created by millions of years of rainwater erosion, giving it a cathedral-like appearance. Visitors can explore the cave and witness the natural beauty of its formations.
6 Siege tunnels
A 30-minute walk from the Apes Den will lead you to the fascinating Great Siege Tunnels. This network of tunnels was meticulously carved out by a team of 13 men using sledgehammers and gunpowder blasts, creating openings for cannons on the northern face of the Rock. These tunnels played a crucial role during the Great Siege of Gibraltar, which occurred from 1779 to 1783 when the British defended against Spanish and French forces attempting to recapture Gibraltar.
Extending throughout the Rock, there are miles of underground tunnels, with over 50 miles in total. While most of them are not accessible to the public, you have the option to hire a guide to explore the ones used during World War Two when the British Army prepared for a potential invasion by Germany.
7 Jewish cemetery
Jews’ Gate Cemetery, alternatively known as Windmill Hill Cemetery, is a historic Jewish burial ground situated atop Windmill Hill within a natural reserve in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. It holds significance as the location of Gibraltar’s earliest documented Jewish burials. This cemetery, established around 1746, served as a final resting place for the Jewish community until its closure in 1848.
8 Airplane crossing
As you arrive in Gibraltar, you’ll immediately notice something unique – the main road into the city actually crosses the airport’s runway! Similar to a railway crossing, this road frequently closes to allow planes to take off or land. When the barriers are up, you’ll need to cross quickly, but if you find yourself waiting at the crossing lights, it’s an exciting spot to observe planes taking off from an incredibly close vantage point.
The runway itself was constructed during World War II and remains under the ownership of the Ministry of Defence, much to Spain’s chagrin. In fact, it has earned a reputation as one of the world’s most challenging airports for pilots due to the steep bank they must execute and the exceptionally short runway.
9 Casemates square and main street
One of the highlights is Casemates Square, a bustling public space perfect for a relaxed day of food, drinks, and leisurely strolls. Just a stone’s throw from Casemates is Main Street, the heart of cafe culture and a pedestrianized shopping haven. This lively street boasts a mix of pubs, electronics stores, and British high street favorites like Debenhams and Marks & Spencer. It’s a paradise for tax-free shopping, making it a popular destination for people looking to score affordable booze and tobacco before heading back to the nearby Costa Del Sol.
10 Europa point
Situated in the South District, exploring Europa Point is a top-notch activity when you’re in Gibraltar’s vicinity. This area is absolutely stunning, and you shouldn’t miss visiting the Europa Point Lighthouse and stopping by Harding’s Battery.
Europa Point boasts a 19th-century lighthouse with a chapel and a mosque, making it an excellent destination for history enthusiasts seeking to delve into Gibraltar’s past. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re looking to escape the bustling streets for a while. Afterward, consider making a reservation at Bistro Point Restaurant for a delightful sunset dinner with lovely views.
11 Gibraltar’s Beaches: Sun, Sand, and Serenity
Gibraltar may be famous for its stunning rock formations and rich history, but it’s also home to several beaches that offer a different kind of charm. Forget the clichéd crowded beaches; Gibraltar’s coastline boasts six beaches, most of which are man-made and offer unique experiences.
When to go
The optimal time for a visit to Gibraltar is from May to October when Mediterranean temperatures typically range from the mid-to-high 20s, and rainfall is minimal. August is the hottest month with temperatures consistently above 28°C. For those considering a winter escape, Gibraltar remains a viable option as temperatures seldom dip below 10°C between November and February.
How to get there
With a tour
You can also visit Gibraltar on a day tour from Malaga. In all honesty, this is probably enough time to see it all, and you won’t have to worry about parking and navigating dense traffic.
By car
No entry tax or other fees are payable to enter Gibraltar by car. Driving is on the right and roads can be narrow: drive slowly and watch out for pedestrians. The speed limit is 50 kph except where otherwise indicated by traffic signs. It is not possible to drive a non-resident vehicle within the area of the Gibraltar Nature Reserve and Upper Rock. Be prepared to spend some time queuing in border customs when trying to leave Gibraltar in the high season. In off-season this is not a problem at all, but with increased traffic it can get long. There are no caravan facilities on the Rock itself and caravans are not recommended to enter Gibraltar as the streets are very narrow and there are no parking places for large vehicles. There are two excellent caravan sites in the immediate vicinity of the border on the Spanish side. The hardest part of arriving by car is parking, since Gibraltar can understandably get very crowded. See your options below.
Parking
Outside of Gibraltar
You can either opt for the time-limited blue zone parking in La Línea de la Concepción or choose to park in one of the monitored parking lots near Gibraltar’s border. The latter is a convenient and secure option, located just a short walk from the border. For ease and peace of mind, I recommend opting for these parking lots over the blue zone street parking. The nearest ones to Gibraltar are as follows:
Gibraltar Sta Bárbara Car Park: The closest and cheapest option (2 minutes walking from the border). It costs 2€ per hour and 16€ per day.
IC Plaza Constitución Car Park: Indoor parking 4 minutes away walking from the border. It costs 8€ per day and 55€ per week.
IC Centro Car Park: indoor parking 10 minutes walking from the border. It costs 3€ per day and 29€ per week.
Inside of Gibraltar
Once you’ve entered Gibraltar, you have 3 options for parking this time: street parking, municipal parking areas or car parks.
1 Street parking – forget it. Rare as diamonds and mostly reserved for residents anyway.
2 Municipal parking – This is not a bad idea, although these places are usually pretty full. The confusing thing is that there are both free spots (white spots) and paid spots (blue spots) in the same car park, although all of them are outdoor and unmonitored, so not the safest. The blue spots have a time limit and cost 1 GBP per hour, while the white spots don’t have a limit and are free. Yellow lines are for resident permit holders only. The parking meters accept pound coins as well as euros.
3 Car parks – Here are a few options to park in town. All the prices listed are for non-residents.
MidTown Car Park – Reclamation Road: Between 07:45 and 19:00 it costs £1.80 per hour, between 19:00 and 07:45 it costs £0.80 per hour.
ICC, International Commercial Centre – Line Wall Road: Between 08:00 and 20:00 it costs £2 per hour, between 20:00 and 08:00 it costs £1 per hour. Daily maximum £23.00 per day for the first 3 days, then £7 per day. GBP and EUR notes accepted, coins and credit cards are not.
Ocean Spa Plaza Car Park – Entrance by Bayside Road: Between 07:00 and 19:00 it costs £1.50 per hour, between 19:00 and 07:00 it costs £0.70 per hour.
Devil’s Tower Road Car Park – Devil’s Tower Road : It costs £0.50 per hour (24h)
By bus
Gibraltar has a well-organized bus network with several routes covering different parts of the territory. Check here for bus routes and timetables. A single ticket is 2.40€ while a one day pass costs 9€. The nearest stop to the Nature Reserve, Upper Rock entrance by public bus is the last stop on Route no.1, which stops near the Moorish Castle entrance.