If you’re planning a vacation in the Tarifa or Marbella area, we recommend visiting Gibraltar, a very unique place in the southern Iberian Peninsula that belongs to the United Kingdom.
Despite its small size, this territory has much to offer. Prepare to discover a unique blend of cultures and enjoy this place.
Best Time to Visit Gibraltar
Many travelers consider spring and autumn to be the ideal seasons to explore Gibraltar. During these seasons, the weather is more pleasant and comfortable, and there are fewer tourists compared to the summer months.
How to Get to Gibraltar?
Driving in Gibraltar is similar to driving in the rest of Europe, as they drive on the same side of the road. However, it is not recommended to bring your car to Gibraltar due to its small size and limited parking. You can leave your car in the parking lot just before the border and cross on foot.
When crossing from Spain to Gibraltar, you insert your ID card like a metro card, then the gate opens, and you are officially in the United Kingdom, where they will ask for your ID card again to allow you to pass.
The only way to reach Gibraltar is by crossing the airport runway, which makes the experience incredible and unique. When a plane lands or takes off, traffic stops and then resumes. Watching this maneuver from the rock is a fascinating experience.
What to See and Do in Gibraltar
Discover Grand Casemates Square
Certainly, when you start exploring the center of Gibraltar, the first thing you’ll do is visit Grand Casemates Square, a giant square filled with terraces. In the past, it used to be the gathering place for troops defending the area during the military siege. The name comes from the walls that surround it.
Shopping on Main Street
From Grand Casemates Square, you can reach Main Street, which is Gibraltar’s main avenue. It’s a picturesque pedestrian street that stretches for 1 kilometer and is filled with shops and banks. All the shops accept both euros and pounds, and the shops serve customers in English and Spanish.
During your stroll on Main Street, you’ll pass by places like John McIntosh Plaza with the Town Hall and the statue honoring Sergeant Major Ince. You’ll also see Cathedral Square with the cathedral, Convent Place with King’s Chapel and the Courts, where John Lennon and Yoko Ono got married on March 20, 1969.
Enjoy a Coffee in Irish Town
Irish Town is the second most important street in Gibraltar after Main Street and runs parallel to it. It features beautiful buildings and highlights like Sacarello’s Coffeeshop, a restaurant and café that opened in 1925 in a former coffee warehouse. It’s highly recommended for enjoying food, coffee, and delicious desserts.
Try Fusion Cuisine
Gibraltar’s cuisine is a delicious mix of different cultural influences. You can try dishes of Genoese origin like “La Calentita,” a kind of chickpea cake, or “Rosto,” a traditional stew. There are also Andalusian dishes like “El Hornazo.” Local restaurants offer authentic Gibraltarian food that will leave you licking your fingers. Countries like Spain, Portugal, England, and Italy have had a significant influence on Gibraltar’s modern cuisine.
Ascend the Rock of Gibraltar
The iconic Rock of Gibraltar is the most prominent landmark. If you climb to the top, you’ll have breathtaking views of two continents. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss, and you can ascend to the top by cable car, which takes about 6 minutes.
In addition to the stunning views, you’ll come face to face with the famous Gibraltar macaques, the only ones in the wild in Europe. They are a species of macaque that inhabits the mountains of North Africa and arrived by boat hundreds of years ago; their presence is documented by the English since 1704. Remember to keep your distance and not feed them.
Explore the Gibraltar Nature Reserve
Located about 420 meters above sea level, the Gibraltar Nature Reserve is a natural treasure that houses an incredible variety of flora and fauna. If you love nature, this is your paradise. Hiking trails will take you through stunning landscapes, where you can observe over 300 species of birds and enjoy the splendor of Mediterranean flora.
Skywalk Observation Point
This observation point is situated 340 meters above sea level. It offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Rock, allowing you to see both continents and the strait. From there, you can also observe the beaches of “Los Catalanes” and “Playa de Levante,” as well as merchant ships in the bay of Algeciras. You can also enjoy the beautiful Sandy Beach bay, accessible via Sir Herbert Miles Road. As a curiosity, the observation point was inaugurated by Mark Hamill, the actor who plays Luke Skywalker in Star Wars.
San Miguel Cave
It is a rocky limestone cave located about 300 meters above sea level in the Gibraltar Nature Reserve. It was used by the Berbers and Spanish troops in 1704. During World War II, it was prepared as a military hospital but was never used. It is a large cave that can be visited along a marked path with railings. It has spectacular sections and ends in an auditorium for concerts and shows with light and sound effects every eight minutes. They also offer guided tours to the lower part of the cave in its natural state. This visit is limited to 10 people, and although it does not require great physical preparation, there are some sections where you need to climb using your hands and perform small climbs with ropes.
Spotting Dolphins
If you want to observe dolphins responsibly and contribute to a more sustainable trip, you can engage in this activity with Dolphin Adventure company.
During this activity, you’ll have the opportunity to spot herds of 200 or more individuals from a spacious and comfortable boat. You’ll be close enough to hear their whistles and capture great photos.
In summary, Gibraltar is a surprising and diverse destination that offers a unique blend of history, nature, and culture. We invite you to discover all the treasures that this small British territory in southern Spain has to offer. Enjoy an adventure in Gibraltar!
