Things To Do in Gibraltar On Your Next Vacation Experience
A Gibraltar vacation has always been an iconic European getaway, with the British overseas territory’s coastline overlooking the turbulent waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Whether you are looking for a luxury escape or are looking to explore more affordable options for your trip, there is something for everyone in Gibraltar. The capital city offers everything from cliffside trails to historical sites.
Planning A Trip To Gibraltar?
Many people are interested in visiting Gibraltar for the weekend, because of the many different things to do there. Planning a trip to Gibraltar can be done by making sure to have enough money for food and transportation, as well as having the correct paperwork to travel internationally.
Best Time To Visit Gibraltar?
If you’re headed to Gibraltar, do you know when would be the best time to go? There is no such thing as a bad time to visit Gibraltar. Gibraltar has a Mediterranean climate, so it’s never too hot or too cold. The best times to visit Gibraltar are in the spring and autumn when temperatures are moderate and there is little rainfall. Summer in Gibraltar is very warm and you should take precautions such as drinking lots of water and putting on sunscreen if you plan to spend much time outdoors.
How Many Days Do You Need In Gibraltar?
The territory of Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory and it’s protected by the United Kingdom. You need at least four days to explore everything Gibraltar has to offer. If you are planning a trip to Gibraltar, Find the best things to do in Gibraltar with this list.
| 1: Rock of Gibraltar | 11: The Moorish Castle, Gibraltar |
| 2: Europa Point Lighthouse | 12: Mediterranean Steps |
| 3: Grand Casemates Square Gibraltar | 13: Casino Admiral Gibraltar |
| 4: Gibraltar Cable Car Ride | 14: Gibraltar: A City Under Siege Exhibition |
| 5: St. Michael’s Cave | 15: Harding’s Battery, Gibraltar |
| 6: Gibraltar Dolphin Watching Tour | 16: General Sikorski Memorial |
| 7: World War II Tunnels | 17: Catalan Bay, Gibraltar |
| 8: Apes Den, Gibraltar | 18: Marina Bay, Gibraltar |
| 9: Windsor Suspension Bridge | 19: O’Hara’s Battery, Gibraltar |
| 10: Gibraltar Inside Out Skywalk |
Experience the Best Things To Do in Gibraltar
1: Rock of Gibraltar
The Rock of Gibraltar stands 426 meters tall and is the only English-speaking country in the European Union Gibraltar is a small territory on the southern coast of Spain with a mix of English and Spanish cultures. Gibraltar is located off the southern coast of Spain between Morocco and Spain Gibraltar’s population is under 30,000 people. The territory is only 2.7 square miles in size. Spain has tried to claim sovereignty over Gibraltar for years A battle took place over Gibraltar when Spain began invading the area in 1704. It is famous for its natural beauty and for being one of the most important places in world history. If you’re looking to plan a trip to Gibraltar, you’ll need to check into your flight details and start making reservations for accommodations in advance.
2: Europa Point Lighthouse
Europa Point Lighthouse is a magnificent landmark of Gibraltar, constructed in 1841. Located on the extreme southern end of the rock of Gibraltar. Europa Point is at the southernmost end of the Rock of Gibraltar, on the northern coast of the Strait of Gibraltar. The lighthouse has been providing an important service since 1841. The last lighthouse keeper here was Edward Forster who retired in 1987.
It is the only lighthouse in Gibraltar that is not automated and needs a keeper to operate it. Lately, this duty has been taken on by the town’s fishermen.
3: Grand Casemates Square
Grand Casemates Square is a central plaza in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. Surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cafes, this busy intersection offers a chance to enjoy something from a Gibraltarian’s perspective. The Grand Casemates Square has always been a popular spot with locals and tourists alike and is now becoming a vital meeting point for all the diverse cultures that make up Gibraltar.
The square is home to some of the top Gibraltarian food stalls including, “Salmontini”. Founded in 1972, Salmontini was one of the first restaurants on Grand Casemates Square. The oldest part of the town is at the western end of the main street, which is a wide road known as Main Street.
4: Gibraltar Cable Car Ride
Enjoy a ride across the Straits of Gibraltar and over to Tarifa, Spain with the Gibraltar Cable Car Ride. This exhilarating and breath-taking experience features multiple panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Strait of Gibraltar and is perfect for all ages and abilities.
The ride takes about ten minutes and is quite the experience. You’ll be able to spot the coast of Morocco and the Spanish coast. The view from here is breathtaking and you won’t be disappointed.
5: St. Michael’s Cave
St. Michael’s Cave is a very popular tourist attraction in Gibraltar that attracts people from all over the world. It’s famous for its many stalactites and stalagmites inside that are formed by minerals dripping from the ceiling. The cave was discovered in 1808 by Lieutenant-Governor Charles Elphinstone Day and has been used for various purposes such as a water reservoir, a meat safe, and a prison. The National Trust, which owns and manages the cave, also operates a café and shop near the entrance.
6: Dolphin Watching Tour
Every visitor to Gibraltar has the opportunity to experience the Dolphin watching tour. The tour is easy to book online and it includes a 3-hour trip with refreshments, snacks, and beverages. This dolphin tour will take you all around the coast of Gibraltar, making it one of the best opportunities for photo ops!
Join a guided tour to learn about these magnificent creatures. You’ll see them from the boat, listen to their clicks and whistles, and learn how they hunt, mate, and raise their calves. The best time for sightings is usually during the winter months when they swim close to shore and sometimes breach and play in the waves. “Dolphin Watching Tour ” is a wonderful experience for anyone who is interested in learning more about dolphins and how they behave in their natural habitat.
7: World War II Tunnels
The World War II Tunnels is a series of tunnels that were built by the British to defend Gibraltar from being invaded during World War II. The tunnels have been turned into an attraction that gives visitors a walk through the tunnel system with guides that talk about the history of the site and its role in World War II. The tunnels were built in 1941 and used for storage by the British military during the war.
The tunnels on the site were hand-dug by soldiers, some of whom were captured and forced to work in the tunnels under terrible conditions. They are located about 1 mile from the Rock of Gibraltar, just outside the town.
8: Apes Den, Gibraltar Monkeys
This is a Gibraltar experience not to be missed! Whether you are travelling to Gibraltar for the first time or are a frequent visitor, this attraction will make your trip to Gibraltar even more memorable. The Apes Den is one of Gibraltar’s oldest attractions. It was originally built as a research facility for apes back in the 1920s. It housed many different apes at various times during its history but eventually closed due to conflicts with animal rights activists. Now it is open again to the public.
9: Windsor Suspension Bridge
The suspension bridge is open to the public, and that is why it is one of the most popular attractions in Gibraltar. It is a breathtaking view from one side, you can see the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea and the area where the Strait of Gibraltar is deepest. From the other side, you have a view of the cliffs facing Africa. To get here, follow Queen Victoria Street towards Grand Casemates Square. The Suspension Bridge will be visible from there.
10: Gibraltar Inside Out Skywalk
Gibraltar Inside Out Skywalk is an unforgettable attraction for all types of travelers. The 360-degree glass viewing platform offers a breathtaking view of the world-famous Rock of Gibraltar. You can look out over the Strait of Gibraltar, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors will also get to see the amazing caves where the apes live. If you love heights, then this is the tour for you. The Skywalk experience lasts for 30 minutes. It takes you through the biggest tunnels in the rock.
11: The Moorish Castle Complex
The Moorish Castle is located at the very tip of the Iberian Peninsula. One of the most frequented destinations in Europe, Gibraltar’s rich history dates back to its use as a Phoenician trading post in the 9th century BCE. This historic landmark has been used for military purposes since its capture by an Anglo-Dutch fleet in 1704.
The Castle is a stone fortification in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar, overlooking the city from the west. The castle has been in use since the Middle Ages and was originally known as Jebel al-Fath. Today it is the only Muslim fortification in what is now Western Europe, and one of the few surviving examples of Moorish architecture in Europe.
King Alfonso VI captured the castle after Christian forces invaded Toledo in 1085. He claimed the castle for himself but left many Muslim practices intact.
12: Mediterranean Steps
Mediterranean Steps is a massive stone staircase that leads from The Rock to the Bay of Gibraltar, and was built in 1830 by Thomas O’Daly. It starts at the Upper Rock Nature Reserve and reaches a viewing point just below the Upper Battery. The first part of the stairs comprises 219 steps, while the last part comprises 311 steps. The stones have been said to be from an ancient Roman quarry.
13: Casino Admiral
Casino Admiral is located on the sea-front of The Rock. This is a very popular tourist destination for many people around the world. It has been operating for more than 40 years and is famous for its gaming machines and casino games. The property does not have a physical address, as it is located in a complex of buildings owned by the Ministry of Defence. Casino Admiral Gibraltar has a total of 600 slot machines and 50 table games. Moreover, there are poker tables and a VIP room where high rollers can play.
It offers luxurious accommodations and a variety of entertainment options, including a spa, tennis court, nightclub, two restaurants, shops, and a beautiful outdoor terrace.
14: Gibraltar: A City Under Siege Exhibition
This is an excellent exhibition, that will give you all the information you could possibly want to know about the Great Siege of Gibraltar. This exhibit displays much of the British Empire’s military might during that era. A great deal of ammunition and artillery pieces are on display, a great many of which were used in the defense of Gibraltar.
This museum is dedicated to the Great Siege of 1779-1783 and all those involved in this amazing feat of endurance. The displays here include objects recovered from the tunnels, such as grenades and artillery shells; personal artifacts; and a plethora of paintings, sketches, and models. The highlight is a recreation of La Atalaya, the original gateway into Gibraltar, which was used during the siege
15: Harding’s Battery
If you’re exploring Gibraltar, Harding’s battery is definitely worth checking out. And if you feel like it, you can even stay there for the night. You’ll find bunk beds, lockers, and shower facilities, along with information about the place.
Although it was never used in battle, you can still get a pretty good idea of what life must have been like for soldiers and their families back in the day. This battery is located at Europa Point at the southern tip of Gibraltar.
16: General Sikorski Memorial
The General Sikorski Memorial commemorates the death of Polish Air Force Commander-in-Chief General Władysław Sikorski, who died when his plane crashed near Gibraltar on 4 July 1943. The original memorial was constructed of concrete and bronze with a triangular base, a tiered plinth topped by a globe, and a globe statue on top. The design of the memorial was by Louis Bouwers and it was constructed in 1944.
It is located at the city’s western end, close to the most southern edge of the Rock of Gibraltar. The monument was restored in 1996 and has subsequently been further improved by the addition of a second bronze statue on the base of the original memorial. The pilot, Eduard Prchal, was the only one to survive the fatal crash.
17: Catalan Bay
Catalan Bay, which is home to some of the older property in Gibraltar, has a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. It’s one of the few areas on the rock where you can still see people sitting outside at night, and is popular with locals and tourists alike.
The bay is a sandy beach that has been modified for swimming and sunbathing. The sand is soft and the water is very shallow at high tide, which makes it an ideal location for families with young children. There are no lifeguards or other forms of supervision in the bay and people should be aware of the potential dangers of swimming in a large body of water without supervision.
The British Army has a firing range in the area which is frequently used. The eastern side of the Bay has a small headland, on which there are the remains of the Catalan Viceroy’s summer palace, built in the early 17th century. The Queen’s Battery is located here.
It is the only place in Gibraltar where you can get to within a few meters of the Great Siege Tunnels and has more of a traditional seaside resort feel than Main Beach. The best thing about Catalan Bay is that it’s less busy than Main Beach and more relaxed.
18: Marina Bay
Marina Bay is an area in Gibraltar where people can relax and enjoy the views. It is also a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. The marina is located near the South Mole Lighthouse, Sandy Bay Beach, and the Gibraltar Maritime Museum. Marina Bay is a great place to enjoy a meal or a drink outside. It is a lively area with a fun atmosphere, especially during the summer months. There are many options here for various types of cuisine. The eastern part of Marina Bay is home to the Bay Plaza shopping center.
The new marina is located in the area of the former Dockyard. It is home to many boats belonging to Gibraltarians, as well as luxury yachts belonging to tourists. The surrounding areas are popular with locals and tourists, especially during weekends.
19: O’Hara’s Battery
O’Hara’s Battery is a British gun emplacement that was constructed in 1778 to defend Gibraltar against Franco-Spanish invasion. It is located on Windmill Hill, one of the highest points of Gibraltar. The battery was named after its commander, James O’Hara, who had previously been in charge of another artillery unit at North Front. It was the location of the first land fighting during the Great Siege of Gibraltar, when a Spanish attack force from Peñón de Vélez launched an assault against the battery on 2 April 1781.
The area around O’Hara’s Battery has been designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument. O’Hara’s Battery is close to the site of the later Grand Battery and can be seen from La Mola and Europa Point.
All travelers agree that Gibraltar is one of the best Mediterranean hotspots to visit for vacation, but with so many options to choose from, you might need some help deciding what to do! Check out our list of the top attractions above and use our guide to make your decision easier.
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