Our Tips for a Day Trip to the Rock of Gibraltar
Updated: 1 day ago
If you're in Andalusia, especially on the Costa del Sol or the Costa de la Luz, a trip to neighbouring Gibraltar is well worth considering. The Rock of Gibraltar is not part of Spain. Instead, Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory with its own government and around 30,000 inhabitants. There are plenty of attractions to discover here, and we'd like to introduce you to some of the best.
Our Top 10 Rock of Gibraltar Attractions
Gibraltar Nature Reserve and its Barbary macaques
Main Street
Gibraltar National Museum
Alameda Gardens and Wildlife Park
Garrison Library
Europa Point
Ocean Village
Mediterranean Steps
King's Bastion
Queensway Quay
Things to See in Gibraltar's Old Town
Gibraltar is a destination that many people associate with two things: monkeys and duty-free shopping. You'll certainly find plenty of shops along Main Street, many of which sell tobacco, alcohol and luxury goods such as jewellery, thanks to the absence of VAT. You can even book a full-day shopping tour from the Costa del Sol.
We also recommend taking a detour to Irish Town and Engineer's Lane to discover more local shops. Parts of the main shopping street are very tourist-oriented, so Irish Town offers a welcome change of pace. Gibraltar's Upper Town doesn't have many shops, but if you're up for the climb via Castle Steps, you'll reach the historic heart of Gibraltar.
You'll also be rewarded with wonderful views over the city. Devil's Gap Road offers a reminder of the first referendum, held in 1967. In that year, voters overwhelmingly decided that Gibraltar should remain British. The Union Jack Steps live up to their name and are another highlight of Gibraltar.
The Landport Tunnel, which leads to Casemates Square, was once the only entrance to Gibraltar. A great deal has changed over the years, including the creation of new land to allow the territory to expand. In old photographs, the city is almost unrecognisable.
As the name suggests, King's Bastion was once a defensive bastion. It has since been transformed into an entertainment centre, with a cinema, bowling alleys and plenty of other leisure activities.
City Tours and Activities at the Rock of Gibraltar
Historic Buildings in Gibraltar
Gibraltar has a turbulent history. Its location makes the Rock a strategically important place. However, long before Britain, the Moors and Spain took turns controlling the territory, some of the earliest cave dwellers had already made their home here.
A skeleton older than the Neanderthal remains was discovered in Gorham's Cave. If you'd like to learn more about Gibraltar's past, a visit to the Gibraltar National Museum is well worth your time. For such a small territory, Gibraltar has certainly experienced a great deal. For more in-depth research, we also recommend the Garrison Library.
The many wars fought over Gibraltar are reflected in its surviving military structures, including the 100-ton gun at Napier of Magdala Battery.
The Moorish Castle is another remnant of the former Moorish fortifications. Parts of Gibraltar's town walls still survive, including sections along Line Wall Road and near Trafalgar Cemetery. The walls once helped protect the city against pirates.
In 1531, Franciscan monks established The Convent, which is now the official residence of Gibraltar's Governor. While we're on the subject of religion, Gibraltar is home to synagogues, a Hindu temple, two mosques and numerous churches. The Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned is probably one of the most photographed buildings, thanks to its central location.
The town hall stands on John Mackintosh Square, also known as La Piazza, while the government is based opposite The Convent. Don't be alarmed by the Governor's security detail. If you arrive at the right time, you may even get to witness the changing of the guard up close.
Given Gibraltar's importance in European history, almost every building in the Old Town and on the Upper Rock has historical significance. We could spend hours telling you about every detail, but it's much better to visit and discover these fascinating places for yourself.
Accommodation in Gibraltar
Museums and Galleries in Gibraltar
Gibraltar National Museum
Military Heritage Centre
City Under Siege Exhibition
Gibraltar Fine Arts Gallery
GEMA Art Gallery
The Gibraltar Art Gallery
The Cavilla Fine Art Gallery Gibraltar
Mario Finlayson National Gallery
John Mackintosh Hall
More Things to See in Gibraltar: Barbary Macaques and Beyond
If you're travelling to Gibraltar from Andalusia, you'll first need to cross the border. Make sure you bring your passport, as you'll need to present it to the Spanish border officials and again on the Gibraltar side. For many visitors, crossing the border is an attraction in itself. Borders like this are unusual in Europe, and many of us rarely experience one. (Update: For the land border between Spain and Gibraltar no document is required. The border has been opened.)
Border crossing
Walking across Gibraltar's airport runway
Immediately afterwards, you'll encounter another unusual highlight: you'll cross the airport runway, which is still in active use. You may have to wait briefly for an aircraft to land or take off. This is one reason why we recommend walking into Gibraltar. Cars now use a tunnel, so drivers miss out on this unusual experience.
We've already covered the Old Town. Now it's time to head up to the famous Rock of Gibraltar, home to the Barbary macaques. You can reach the top by cable car or on foot, for example via the Mediterranean Steps. However, the latter route is best left to those who are genuinely fit. Another option is to book a Rock Tour by taxi.
Cable car, taxi or hiking (the Mediterranean Steps are for fit hikers)
Barbary macaques
The Rock of Gibraltar is a limestone promontory offering spectacular views of Spain's southern coastline, the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and, on a clear day, North Africa. The Bay of Gibraltar and the Rock itself are surrounded by legends. One claims that Gibraltar will remain British for as long as the monkeys continue to live on the Rock. However, it's important to treat these animals with respect and keep your distance.
From the Upper Rock cable car station, you can explore the other Gibraltar attractions on foot. These include:
Skywalk, a glass-floored viewing platform
St Michael's Cave
O'Hara's Battery
Pillars of Hercules
Queen's Balcony
Apes' Den
Great Siege Tunnels
Moorish Castle
Nature can sometimes take a back seat in the densely populated city, but from up here you'll have views of local wildlife, Mediterranean vegetation and the remarkable landscapes surrounding Gibraltar. Beneath St Michael's Cave, there are further caves that can be explored on a pre-booked guided tour. The Lower St Michael's Caves are one of our insider tips for Gibraltar.
There's plenty to discover in the main cave, too, which regularly hosts events. If you're visiting Gibraltar around 10 September, the Gibraltar National Day, it's worth looking into tickets for the National Day Concert.
On Gibraltar's National Day itself, the city comes alive with celebrations. Festivities take place everywhere, and don't forget to dress in red and white to join in!
National Day
Europa Point
East Side
Let's leave the limestone Rock behind and head to Gibraltar's southern tip. Here you'll find Europa Point, which offers more wonderful views towards Morocco. There's also a lighthouse, a large mosque and the University of Gibraltar. From here, tunnels provide access to the East Side.
This area was once home to a fishing village that provided a place to live for people from Genoa. As well as English and Spanish, Gibraltar has its own distinctive language, known as Llanito. It combines words from several languages, including Italian, reflecting the influence of those early settlers.
Beaches
Ocean Village
Queensway Quay
There are several beaches in Gibraltar to choose from. Sandy Bay, Eastern Beach and Camp Bay are among the best-known.
If you're looking for nightlife, we recommend Ocean Village. For a more exclusive atmosphere, head to Queensway Quay instead.
Botanical gardens
Wildlife park
Whale watching
This small corner of the world has plenty more to offer. You can enjoy nature at Alameda Gardens, a botanical garden that also includes a small zoo-like attraction. The Alameda Wildlife Park was established to provide a home for animals that had been brought into the territory illegally. Both are just a short walk from the cable car.
Whale-watching trips are also available and can be booked in Ocean Village. Visitors can also arrange private boat trips to explore the peninsula from the water. Whichever activity you choose, you'll have plenty of opportunities to take photos.
If you'd like to combine your trip with a Gibraltar wedding, the territory is also an excellent choice. It is often possible to get married within just 24 hours, which is why Gibraltar is popular with visitors as well as local residents looking to tie the knot.
Cheap Flights to Gibraltar
Gibraltar has an airport, and it's quite famous. If you want to fly directly to the Rock of Gibraltar, you'll need to travel via the UK. Direct international flights from other countries are currently limited, although routes can change over time.
Food and Drink in Gibraltar
Places to Visit Nearby
FAQ
What makes Gibraltar special?
Where do we begin? The Rock of Gibraltar occupies a strategically important position and is visually impressive, too. This small territory is a British Overseas Territory, even though it is geographically part of the Iberian Peninsula. Its fascinating history, shaped by Mediterranean influences and numerous conflicts, makes Gibraltar a truly unique destination.
Are euros accepted in Gibraltar?
Yes, most shops in Gibraltar accept euros. However, the exchange rate may be less favourable than if you exchange your money into pounds beforehand or use a banking app such as Revolut or Wise, which offers convenient options for spending in foreign currencies.
What language is spoken in Gibraltar?
English is the official language of Gibraltar. However, because of its proximity to Spain, most residents also speak Spanish. Gibraltar also has its own distinctive local language, known as Llanito.
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