The Ultimate Gibraltar Travel Guide : The Rock

Gibraltar the rock is unique: 6.5 square kilometers, two seas (Atlantic and Mediterranean), more than 30,000 Gibraltarians and citizens of other nationalities, a multitude of different religions (Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus…), its own dialect, the llanito, a mixture of English and Spanish with a Cadiz accent, an airport that defies the laws of physics and the only 200 monkeys in freedom in all of Europe. This is just the beginning. Read on. We will tell you what to see in Gibraltar the rock so you can discover the most secret side of The Rock.

How to get there and where to park

Let’s start at the beginning. To get to Gibraltar the rock, which is in the south of the Iberian Peninsula, next to La Línea de la Concepción (Cádiz), it is normal to arrive by car. The border can be crossed by car or on foot. If you want to avoid the queues, a good recommendation is to leave your car in the outside parking lot before passing the police checkpoint. Then walk through with your ID or passport in hand and you are ready to go. On the British side you will have buses (from just over 2 pounds a ticket for the whole day) or cabs that you will find without problem once you are already in Gibraltar.

If you go by car to Gibraltar, we also recommend that you park and move around on foot or by public transport. In that case you can leave your car in one of the two free parking lots: the one in the square where you take the funicular and the one located in Catalan Bay (be careful not to park in yellow painted area, for residents, or park in the blue zone without paying the ticket. You will get a wheel clamp and a fine of 50 pounds). If you stay in a hotel, ask if they have parking arranged.

 

The other way to get there is by ferry from Algeciras or Morocco, or by plane. And you will do it in one of the most peculiar airports in the world. This runway crosses an avenue and, therefore, you will be able to see airplanes, cars or pedestrians, depending on the time of day. 

 

Where to stay in Gibraltar

There are many options to sleep in Gibraltar. But, on this occasion, we want to highlight a unique experience and that is why we highlight sleeping on a hotel ship, Sunborn Gibraltar. It is in an enviable area, Ocean Village, and two steps from the center, is moored this ship converted into a 5 star hotel.

Your stay will be a real luxury. The rooms are comfortable and overlooking the harbor. Customer service of 10. Infinity pool on the terrace. Proposals for leisure and relaxation, including free sauna.

Breakfasts like princes on the deck. And a wide gastronomic offer in its restaurants: Sky Bar and La Sala. The latter, La Sala, along with a wide and varied menu, also has an exquisite lunch menu for 15 pounds. Unquestionable value for money.

 

What to see and do in Gibraltar

The newly opened Skywalk

To get an idea of how beautiful Gibraltar is, the first thing you can do is to climb to the Top of the Rock, the top of the rock. One of the ways to do this is by cable car, which goes up to 412 meters (ticket 15.50 pounds). From there, you will be very close to the new tourist attraction that is hitting hard: the Skywalk (5 pounds or included in the full ticket of the Nature Reserve). From this glass walkway inaugurated by Luke Skywalker himself, the character of the science fiction saga Star Wars, you can get real photos.

Rock Nature Reserve: caves, tunnels and other gems of Gibraltar

In the upper part of Gibraltar, there is also its environmental jewel: the Rock Nature Reserve. Yes, these are the places that are usually visited in the excursions to Gibraltar that can be hired to take advantage of the day.

To visit there are two types of tickets, one that allows you to walk through the natural area (5 pounds), the area where the monkeys are, and another that also includes tickets to tourist attractions (12 pounds).

This last entrance gives access to St. Michael’s Cave, the Monkey’s Lair, the Great Siege Tunnels, the Moorish Castle, the Military Heritage Center, O’Hara’s Battery, the 100 Ton Cannon or, for the bravest, the Windsor Suspension Bridge. All these places can be visited on your own or in a taxi-guide that will take you to every corner and tell you the stories.

Another way to see the monkeys of Gibraltar

 Who has never seen the monkeys of Gibraltar? Many will answer yes. But who has seen them in their habitat, respecting them and with a specialist explaining their behavior?

For animal and nature lovers, there is a must experience that you can hire with us here, an educational encounter with monkeys.  It is a spectacular two-hour tour, you will be close to the monkeys but without disturbing them. It will be like watching a live animal documentary.

You will learn many interesting facts about the seven groups of monkeys in which the population of more than 200 monkeys in Gibraltar is divided. Afterwards, you will go into the forest to get a close-up look at the only free-ranging monkeys that currently exist in all of Europe. You will arrive criticizing the monkeys and leave appreciating them.

A good way to see the caves

Gibraltar has more than 52 kilometers of tunnels and 200 caves. A real treasure full of history. With the ticket to see the monuments and museums that are for the Nature Reserve you can get an idea.

But there is another more fun and adventurous way to do it: to visit the Lower St. Michael’s Cave.

 This will be pure adventure and adrenaline from the first minute you put on your helmet.

Through a natural path, without footbridges or ladders, you will have to negotiate the stalactites, stalagmites and steep slopes of the cave with the help of ropes. At the end, after more than an hour, you will reach the lake, a spectacular reward after the effort!

To do it you have to contact with us advance through here. The price is very cheap for the great experience. Of course, you must have a minimum of physical preparation.

 

Another way to discover nature

More and more in our travels we bet on unique experiences. In Gibraltar there is one that will captivate you: watching the sunrise on a paddleboard in the Strait of Gibraltar. Get in touch with us here if you are interested.

At about 6 am you will be picked up from your hotel and set off for Sandy Bay, one of Gibraltar’s sandy beaches. Before the sun rises, you will be on your paddle surf boards. The silence at that hour, broken only by the seagulls, the calm sea and the first rays of sunshine of the new day, will thrill you. It won’t matter if you paddle more or less, but how memorable the moment will be.

This is not the only sporting activity you can do in nature. Gibraltar also has a wide network of trails. As a recommendation the Mediterranean Steps is well known. This trail located in the Nature Reserve and in the buffer zone of the World Heritage Site (Gorham’s Cave Complex), is a blast. From the points you pass you can see two continents, three different countries and two seas.

The sloping trail, which begins at the Pillars of Hercules, is 1.8 kilometers long and takes a little over an hour to complete. The entrance fee is included in the Nature Reserve ticket. In addition to getting fit and seeing spectacular scenery, you will learn with your guides words in llanito (a mixture of English, Spanish and some Italian words with a Cadiz accent).

If you feel like it, you can also get an electric bike to ride up the steep and winding slopes of the Rock, ask us about it here. 

 

Gibraltar Beaches

Gibraltar is a peninsula and, as such, is surrounded by water. For those who like to enjoy the beach we leave the list, from east to west (some are rocky and others sandy): Eastern beach, Catalan Bay, Sandy Bay, Little Bay and Camp Bay. The most popular are Sandy Bay and Catalan Bay.

But if you want to know Gibraltar from the sea, it is also possible. The richness of this territory is not only on land. The Strait of Gibraltar is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. You can take advantage of one of the afternoons to go on a boat trip, just get in touch with us here for the service.

You can also go dolphin watching, killer whales, sperm whales, whales … and a different view of the Rock with some of the boat companies that are in the port area -always in a responsible manner-. Or practice scuba diving in Gibraltar with In2adventures and get to know The Rock underwater.

 

Gibraltar, World Heritage Site and more

In Gibraltar there is a lot to do, as you have been able to read, but also a lot to see. Among other things, its Gorham Cave Complex, a World Heritage Site since 2016, stands out. This amazing group of caves near the sea contains archaeological remains from the Neanderthal era. To visit them can be done from the sea, with some of the tour companies like Neptune Marine for example or by making a request to the Gibraltar Museum. Another option is to go to the Interpretation Center overlooking the cave.

Apart from this place of unparalleled historical importance, Gibraltar has other places to visit. The intramural area, especially the lively and famous Main Street, is a must. In addition to the curious prints of the English booths and mailboxes, you will see the mixture of architectural styles and cultures that have passed through this land. If you have time you can make the route through the defenses of Gibraltar that will open soon (remember, 52 km of tunnels, but quiet only visit a part that starts from the main square).

Another very interesting place that you will love will be Europa Point, south of Gibraltar. There you will find the lighthouse that illuminates the ships, the closest point to the African continent, one of the two mosques of Gibraltar and the University. In addition, this area in 2019, hosted the “International Games between islands”, the Natwest International Island Games.

Gibraltar by air

So far we have shown you Gibraltar from land, from the sea, from the top and from the seabed… now comes the turn from the air… It is possible to see the Rock from another point of view and admire the panoramic view that you have of it and the privileged environment from a helicopter for 15 minutes. You can  ask here for more info. Don’t forget your passport or you won’t be able to fly!

 

Calentita Festival

Gibraltar is alive all year round. On weekends, especially on Fridays, of course. But the rest of the 365 days also include special events and activities. We must highlight the Calentita Festival, a gastronomic festival in which it is possible to taste dishes from half the world, including the typical of Gibraltarian gastronomy, the calentita. A homemade cake made with chickpea flour.

But not only that. It is also worth mentioning the Gibraltar World Music Festival, a world music festival held in St. Michael’s Cave. You can imagine the unique setting for a concert of international music (African artists, Israeli…) that you could experience and that you will not forget so easily. If you can go around June, it would be great. Anyway, we leave you the calendar of events throughout the year.

 

Where to eat in Gibraltar the rock

Beyond what everyone thinks of eating in the Anglo-Saxon world, the gastronomic offer is varied and for all tastes. It is worth mentioning The Lounge Gastro Bar, a restaurant with a terrace on the Queensway Quay Marina promenade. The traditional Cottage Pie is delicious. For those looking for a restaurant with a breathtaking view, on a cliff overlooking the sea, a perfect option is the Bistro Point. One of the specialties is the hamburger. You won’t go hungry.

Downtown, in addition to the legendary Roy’s Fish and Chips, there are many dining options. There is a very lively place, My Wines. They have rations with Mediterranean products and a good wine list. The best place to toast to all that you will have experienced. 

Now that you know everything you need to know in order to organize your next trip to Gibraltar the rock, make sure you visit our post about 7 places to visit in Andalucía for more information, experiences , or tailor made trips that will make you fall in love with Andalucía even more. And please for more info and insights, get in touch with us here or write us at info@alsherry.com and we’d be delighted to arrange / make plans with you or for you!