Whether you’re in Gibraltar for one day or a few days, there are so many things to do. From peeling back the layers of history and spotting epic views to getting up close to nature (and Barbary macaques!).
Start by visiting the Rock of Gibraltar, a 426-metre limestone ridge that dominates the skyline. The summit is reached by a short cable car ride that offers panoramic views over the city and beyond.
1. The Rock of Gibraltar
The Rock of Gibraltar is the defining feature of this British Overseas Territory. It is a limestone and shale ridge that stretches 420 meters (over 1400 feet) above the Mediterranean Sea.
Its name comes from the Berber chieftain Tariq ibn-Ziyad, who crossed over from North Africa to Spain in 711. He landed on the peninsula and burned his ships at Great Europa Point, where the lighthouse now dominates.
He later went on to conquer Ceuta and eventually Spain with 20,000 soldiers. The rock is also known as one of the two pillars of Heracles, who broke through Atlas to link Africa and Europe.
The Rock is home to a nature reserve that has made it a popular tourist attraction. This area is full of amazing natural landscapes and plenty of wild creatures to see. You can even get a chance to see the Barbary Macaque monkeys that call this place home!
2. St. Michael’s Cave
The limestone in which Gibraltar’s caves are found was laid down on the seabed over 200 million years ago by trillions of tiny ocean creatures. The limestone is still in a natural state, so the formations within St Michael’s Cave are stunning.
This spectacular cave is also renowned as a music venue, and has been used for concerts, ballets, and dramas throughout history. It’s also one of the most popular attractions in Gibraltar, with thousands of visitors visiting every year.
St Michael’s Cave is a network of natural limestone caverns hollowed into the cliff. It’s crammed full of awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites, which glow in vibrant colours.
3. The Alameda Gardens
The Alameda Gardens are a luscious oasis of green, shaded paths and water features. The gardens are laid out with a network of interconnecting paths and terraced beds formed from the local Jurassic limestone.
The garden contains a wide range of Mediterranean and tropical species. These include a number of endemics that were introduced in the 19th century.
Gibraltar is a unique micro-climate that allows many different plant families to thrive. Pelargoniums (commonly known as geraniums), succulents, and aloes are particularly well-suited to the area.
Located on the lower slope of the Rock, The Alameda Gardens provide an enviable view over the Mediterranean. The gardens are also home to a number of plants and wildlife that is unique to Gibraltar.
In 1991 the botanic gardens were re-established and in 2001 a statue of Molly Bloom from James Joyce’s 'Ulysses' was installed. As a public garden it plays an important role in providing a recreational space for visitors and the education of local people.
4. The Beaches
If you’re a beach lover, you won’t want to miss out on The Beaches in Gibraltar. This beautiful city offers a huge choice of beaches with a wide range of options including sandy, rocky and even swimming pools.
- The biggest beach in Gibraltar is Eastern Beach, located right next to the airport runway and ideal for sunbathing and watching planes taking off. It also has a couple of beach bars serving tinto de verano (similar to sangria).
- There’s a great selection of family-friendly hotels here, including the luxury super-yacht hotel Sunborn Gibraltar, which is popular for its sleek decor, marble bathrooms and outdoor pool. There are also mid-range options, such as the Holiday Inn Express Gibraltar.
- If you’re interested in marine life, a dolphin-watching trip is a must-do activity. A number of boats depart from Marina Bay, and you can catch a glimpse of common dolphins, bottlenose and striped dolphins in the waters.
